Zagat: Best French Fries at McDonald's

Zagat released results of its 2011 Fast Food survey based on responses from 6,064 Zagat.com diners who ate at chain outlets at least once a month. The survey covered 103 major fast-food chains, and survey respondents weighed in on everything from breakfast to burgers and fries to frozen yogurt, separately rating each chain on the quality of its food, facilities and service using Zagat's signature 30-point scale.

The survey results divided the chains into four categories—large (up to 5,000 U.S. outlets), mega (more than 5,000) and quick-refreshment (focusing on beverages, ice cream and the like).

In terms of the top overall ratings, Wendy’s posted the No. 1 spot in the mega chains category, followed by Subway, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and KFC, respectively, In the large chains category, Chick-fil-A toppled In-N-Out Burger for bragging rights to the No.1 spot, followed by Papa Murphy’s, Panera Bread and Chipotle Mexican Grill, respectively. Garnering the No. 1 spot in the quick refreshment category was Pinkberry, followed by Red Mango, Peet’s Coffee &Tea, Culver’s and Coffee Bean &Tea Leaf, respectively.

In terms of the popular favorites, Subway took the No. 1 spot in the mega chains category, followed by McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King and Taco Bell, respectively. In the large chains category, Five Guys was the most popular, followed by Panera Bread, Chipolte, Chik-fil-A and In-N-Out Burger, respectively. Starbuck’s brewed up the No. 1 spot in the quick refreshment category, followed by Dunkin’ Donuts, Culver’s, Ben &Jerry’s and Cold Stone Creamery, respectively.

With a commitment to health-conscious menu items, the winners for Top Healthy Options include Subway in the mega-chain category;Jason's Deli in the large chains category;and Red Mango in the quick refreshment category.

Five Guys earned bragging rights in the ever-tasty Best Burger category, while McDonald's won the Best French Fries category. Dairy Queen tasted sweet victory in the Best Milkshakes category, while Ben &Jerry’s claimed top honors in the Ice Cream/Custard category.

Taking home the prize for Best Value among fast-food establishments is McDonald's, which also celebrated top honors for its Breakfasts, Value Menu, Child Friendliness and Drive-Thrus.

Buffalo Wild Wings grabbed the top spot in the inaugural Best Wings category, followed by Wingstop and KFC, respectively.

Starbucks hit the trifecta for taking home top honors in the Best Coffee category three years in a row, followed by Dunkin' Donuts, McDonald's, Peet's Coffee &Tea and Caribou Coffee.

A complete list of winners in a variety of categories.