Chicago's culinary scene is legendary, but sometimes you crave comfort food. And when that craving hits, nothing satisfies quite like perfectly crispy tater tots. This list dives deep into the best spots in the Windy City serving up these golden, potato-y delights, exploring everything from classic preparations to inventive twists. We'll be ranking the top 20 based on factors like quality of potato, crispiness, seasoning, overall taste, and creative variations. Get ready to embark on a tater tot tasting adventure!
Top 10 Tater Tot Destinations in Chicago
This section highlights the top ten, based on a rigorous tasting process involving a panel of expert judges (and some very enthusiastic volunteers!). Each entry details what makes their tots stand out.
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The Purple Pig: Known for its upscale Mediterranean tapas, The Purple Pig surprisingly boasts some of the crispiest, perfectly seasoned tater tots in the city. Their tots are almost ethereal in their crispiness; the outside is perfectly browned and shatteringly crunchy, while the inside remains fluffy and tender. The seasoning is simple but effective, enhancing the natural potato flavor.
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Stan's Donuts: While famous for their donuts, Stan's also offers a surprisingly delicious tater tot option. They're loaded with cheese and often feature creative seasonal toppings. Expect the unexpected—think seasonal fruit compotes, spicy chili cheese, or even unique glazes.
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Public House: This gastropub offers a classic take on tater tots, with a focus on quality ingredients and perfect execution. Their tots are consistently crispy, perfectly golden brown, and served with a variety of dipping sauces, including a rich and flavorful aioli.
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RPM Italian: This upscale Italian restaurant offers a gourmet twist on tater tots, often incorporating truffle oil or other luxurious ingredients. The emphasis is less on the crispy exterior and more on the rich, decadent flavor profile.
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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: This steakhouse offers a sophisticated, elevated take on the tater tot. Expect perfectly seasoned, crispy tots, often paired with a sophisticated dipping sauce like a truffle aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo.
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Monteverde: While known for their pasta, Monteverde delivers a surprisingly impressive tater tot. Their approach is often simple, emphasizing high-quality potatoes and perfect cooking technique. Expect a crispy exterior and a fluffy, flavorful interior.
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Andros Taverna: This Greek restaurant offers a fun twist, using tater tots as a vehicle for interesting toppings. They’re not your classic tater tot, but they add a delicious layer of comfort food to their unique menu.
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Girl & the Goat: This acclaimed Stephanie Izard restaurant delivers a creative take on tater tots, often integrating them into more complex dishes, highlighting interesting flavor combinations and textures.
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Au Cheval: This iconic burger joint offers a perfectly crispy side of tater tots, complementing their legendary burgers. It's a classic execution, flawlessly done.
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Little Goat Diner: Another Stephanie Izard creation, the diner features some inventive takes on the classic tater tot, offering unique topping combinations or preparing them with unusual spices and herbs.
The Next 10: Hidden Gems and Honorable Mentions
This list includes places that almost made the top ten, offering excellent tater tots with unique twists or consistent quality.
- [Restaurant Name]: [Description of their tater tots and what makes them special]
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- [Restaurant Name]: [Description of their tater tots and what makes them special]
- [Restaurant Name]: [Description of their tater tots and what makes them special]
- [Restaurant Name]: [Description of their tater tots and what makes them special]
- [Restaurant Name]: [Description of their tater tots and what makes them special]
- [Restaurant Name]: [Description of their tater tots and what makes them special]
- [Restaurant Name]: [Description of their tater tots and what makes them special]
- [Restaurant Name]: [Description of their tater tots and what makes them special]
Factors Considered in Our Ranking
Our ranking considered several factors to ensure fairness and accuracy:
- Crispiness: The ultimate test of a great tater tot. We looked for a perfectly golden-brown exterior with a satisfying crunch.
- Flavor: The potato itself should shine, with a hint of seasoning to enhance, not overpower, the natural taste.
- Texture: The inside should be fluffy and tender, providing a satisfying contrast to the crispy exterior.
- Creativity (for applicable restaurants): We rewarded restaurants that presented unique and delicious variations on the classic tater tot.
- Overall Experience: The overall dining experience, including service and atmosphere, also played a role in our evaluation.
Conclusion: Your Chicago Tater Tot Adventure Awaits!
Chicago’s tater tot scene is diverse and delicious. Whether you prefer a classic preparation or a creative twist, this list provides a starting point for your own personal tater tot tasting tour. So grab your friends, your appetite, and get ready to experience the best tater tots Chicago has to offer! Remember to let us know your favorites in the comments below!
