Oakland, a city brimming with culinary diversity, boasts a surprising number of restaurants elevating the humble tater tot to gourmet status. Forget the frozen, bland squares of your childhood; Oakland's chefs are transforming this classic snack into innovative and delicious dishes. This comprehensive guide dives into 14 of the best tater tot experiences Oakland has to offer, categorized for your convenience.
Classic Comfort: Tater Tots Done Right
These spots offer expertly prepared tater tots, showcasing the simple pleasures of a well-executed classic.
1. The Starlite Diner: Nostalgic Tots
The Starlite Diner provides a retro-chic setting for enjoying their perfectly crisp tater tots. Their tots are consistently cooked to golden perfection, served hot, and are the ideal accompaniment to any of their classic diner fare. They are a testament to the power of simplicity. Served with a variety of dipping sauces, they offer a comforting, familiar taste.
2. Drake's Dealership: Elevated Pub Fare
Drake's Dealership, a popular Oakland brewery, serves up elevated pub fare, including a fantastic tater tot dish. Their tots are often enhanced with unique seasonings or toppings, complementing their craft beers. Expect consistently high quality and a fun atmosphere.
3. The Trappist: Belgian-Style Comfort
This Belgian-inspired restaurant offers a different take on the classic tater tot. Their tots might be incorporated into a heartier dish or served with a unique dipping sauce reflecting their Belgian heritage. Expect unique flavors that make this a stand-out spot.
Gourmet Tots: Elevated Snacking
These restaurants take the humble tater tot to the next level, incorporating gourmet ingredients and innovative preparations.
4. Commis: Michelin-Starred Magic (Tots are seasonal)
While not always on the menu, Commis, an acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant, has been known to feature tater tots as part of their tasting menus. When they do appear, expect a sophisticated, refined take on this classic, possibly incorporating unexpected ingredients and techniques. This is a special occasion, splurge-worthy option.
5. Hopscotch American Eatery: Creative Combinations
Hopscotch offers creative tater tot dishes, often featuring unusual combinations of flavors and textures. Their menus change seasonally, so there is always something new to explore. Look for intriguing additions and innovative presentations.
6. Calavera: Mexican-Inspired Tots
Calavera, a Mexican restaurant, might feature tater tots in their menu as a playful twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. Expect their tots to be infused with Mexican flavors – spices, sauces and perhaps even regional variations.
Loaded Tots: Decadent Delights
These eateries go all out, loading their tater tots with a variety of delicious toppings.
7. Mutt Lynch's: The Classic Loaded Experience
Mutt Lynch's is a go-to for a classic loaded tot experience. Think generous portions of cheese, bacon, sour cream, and other crave-worthy toppings. It's comfort food at its finest.
8. The Kebabery: Mediterranean Twist
The Kebabery might surprise you with their take on loaded tater tots. Expect Mediterranean-inspired toppings, like feta cheese, olives, or hummus, showcasing a delicious fusion of flavors. This spot provides a unique cultural twist on the tater tot.
9. Souvla: Greek-Inspired Loaded Tots
Souvla, known for its delicious Greek wraps and salads, may offer a similarly inspired take on loaded tater tots. Expect options featuring elements of Greek cuisine.
Unique Tater Tot Creations: Beyond the Expected
These restaurants offer truly unique and unexpected tater tot creations.
10. Nido's Backyard: Unexpected Flavor Profiles
Nido's Backyard often features creative and unexpected flavor profiles in their dishes. Their tater tots likely reflect this adventurous spirit with surprising additions and combinations. Expect the unexpected.
11. Ramen Shop: Asian-Inspired Tots (Check for specials)
While primarily known for ramen, Ramen Shop may occasionally feature tater tots on their menu as a special or side dish. If available, look for Asian-inspired flavor profiles.
Sweet Tots: A Dessert Delight
Even dessert gets a tater tot makeover in Oakland.
12. Sweet Adeline Bakeshop: Cinnamon Sugar Tots
Sweet Adeline Bakeshop may offer a sweet twist on the classic. Imagine cinnamon-sugar coated tots – a delightful treat for those with a sweet tooth.
13. Smitten Ice Cream: Unexpected Sweet Treat Combinations (Check seasonally)
Smitten Ice Cream might feature unique seasonal ice cream combinations with tater tots – a truly adventurous dessert choice.
Beyond the Restaurant: Oakland's Tater Tot Scene
14. Farmers Markets and Food Trucks: Discovering Hidden Gems
Don't forget to explore Oakland's vibrant farmers markets and food trucks. You might discover hidden gems, unique tater tot creations from local vendors and entrepreneurs.
This list offers a starting point for your tater tot adventure in Oakland. Remember that menus change, so it's always a good idea to check restaurant websites or call ahead to confirm availability. Enjoy your spud-tacular culinary journey!
