Duckfat at 43 Middle Street, Portland, builds a meal around a familiar idea: hot fries with something good alongside.

The menu’s Belgian frites are hand-cut and fried in duck fat, with dipping sauces offered in combinations.

Other choices include poutine, sandwiches and cream of tomato-fennel soup with grilled-cheese croutons.

For planning purposes, seating is first-come, first-served, and complete parties are seated together.

When the dining room fills, the restaurant uses a text-based wait list.

Published hours are Sunday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m., and Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Takeout is offered in person or online Monday through Thursday, with availability sometimes limited during busy periods.

The separate Frites Shack is at 43 Washington Avenue; it is not the Middle Street dining room.

Choose the location before arranging a meeting or pickup, and use the current menu for prices and dietary questions.