Potatoes are delicious in every form: mashed, baked, fried, you name it. One often underappreciated potato preparation is the humble tater tot. Tater tots are a great happy hour snack, an inventive side at dinner, and can be dolled up with sauces and toppings for a nacho-style dish. Here are a few of the best must-try tater tots in Northern Virginia — some classic and some with a twist!
Ellie Bird’s Yuca Tots
Here, the tater tots are shaped into long rectangular cuboids with crisp edges. Although they may look different than the classic little nugget, these tots taste just as wonderful as the original version. They’re paired with toum and a house hot sauce for ultimate dipping. 125 Founder’s Ave., Falls Church
Galaxy Hut’s Totooine
This is poutine like you’ve never had it. A heap of tater tots with meaty mushroom gravy, topped with cashew cheese curds, and sprinkled with chopped, fresh green onions. It’s a rich and savory treat with both crispy and creamy elements — and it’s entirely vegan to boot. Pair it with a cold beer for a memorable bar snack. 2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Gourmeltz’s Sweet Potato Tater Tots
Mix up your tots with the sweet potato version at Gourmeltz. These are sweet and crunchy, and, as an added bonus. sweet potatoes have lots of vitamin A and C. If sweet potato tots aren’t your thing, Gourmeltz also has your trusty regular tots and old bay tots.10013 Patriot Hwy., Fredericksburg
Haute Dogs’ Loaded Tots
Got a craving for tater tots? At Haute Dogs, you can get the crispy potatoes with an assortment of toppings. There are classic “totchos,” cheesesteak tots, loaded baked potato tots, kimchi tots, buffalo tots, and even kimchi tots — we won’t blame you if you try them all. 2910 N. Sycamore St.
Spacebar’s Totchos
Nachos are out and totchos are in. Just picture a pile of crunchy tater tots, smothered in melted cheddar-jack cheese, topped with crispy bacon or tempeh, sprinkled with jalapenos, and finished with your choice of additional toppings. Those toppings can be as simple raw onions and dill pickles or as fancy as marsala-glazed mushrooms, candied pecans, and horseradish aioli. 709 W Broad St., Falls Church
Feature image by Tania Hauyon, courtesy Haute Dogs
