Tater tots: the oft-forgotten cousin to our favorite infamous side dish, french fries. Originally conceived by Ore-Ida in 1953 -- the folktale presented by UC Berkeley tour guides about tater tots being invented on their campus is only partially true: the technology eventually used to create tater tots was invented by UC Berkeley scientists -- and traditionally only served in middle school cafeterias, the humble tater tot is making a comeback. Let's get to eating.
SAN FRANCISCO
(683 Geary St)
Don't try to run from the self-proclaimed best breakfast sandwich in the city. Freshly baked brioche buns, cage-free eggs, thick-cut bacon, and saucy bandit aioli and jalapeno relish make for one heck of a breakfast. Take a break from each rich bite with perfectly crunchy tater tots and lavender lemonade
(1600 Powell St)
Boardroom is on our list for two reasons: they have some incredible tater tots, but they also put a spin on the dish with their Bac-O-Tots, which are exactly what they sound like bacon-wrapped tater tots. And yes, they’re exactly as good as you think they’ll be.
(2323 Mission St)
Offering three different variations of classic tots, Teeth has something for everyone to sink their teeth into. Their menu offers classic tots, sweet potato tots, or “Tachos,” short for Tot nachos, with melted cheese, pico de gallo, olives, jalapenos, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
(1600 17th St)
If you're a fan of carne asada fries, wait until you try Thee Parkside's loaded carne asada tots! There's something out poppin' some potatoes into your mouth that just hits different. Whatever it is, we aren't mad about it.
(5203 Geary Blvd)
Similar to Grubbin', Chomp N' Swig's got solid sandwiches and tots except for when you're on the other side of Golden Gate Park and have a beer thirst at the same time. Need some variety? Go for a breakfast bowl with tots, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, and house salsa.
(858 Folsom St)
Parmesan and Rosemary Mashed Tater Tots with bacon jam or cranberry-walnut jam. Need we say more?
(2499 San Bruno Avenue)
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not start the day off with Tiff's tater tot skillets and omelets? You'll thank yourself later.
(2240 Mission St)
From Queso Tots to Deluxe Tots smothered in a weekly rotating menu of toppings, Wes Rowe's hot and crispy tots are some of the best in town.
(3224 1/2 22d St // Mission)
This little shop packs a lot of flavor. From Not Your Mom's PB&J with mango to Ham and Cheese French Toast to, of course, the tots. Get them in your breakfast burrito, get them in a loaded brekkie bowl, or go sweet with Baby Bear Tots with honey and cinnamon. Might sound odd but don't knock it til you try it.
(1404 Taraval St)
We all know chips and fries are the perfect accompaniment to your burgers, hot dogs, and classic dutch crunch Grubbin' sandwiches. However, tater tots are the real winner here because they combine the crunchiness of a chip with the fluffy, creamy insides on a french fry. Now dip that in some grub sauce and you're in for a treat.
EAST BAY
(3629 Martin Luther King Jr Way // Oakland)
Eli's dubs themselves as a "garbage bar for losers" and well, with nacho tots (or Totchos!) so bomb that keep us coming back for more, just call us a bunch of losers.
(1933 Davis St BLDG 177 // San Leandro)
Come for the 24 brews on tap and tots for days with five flavor twists. Try their Patot-as Bravas for a spicy kick, get em plain and simple with salt & pepper, or commit to Drake's Style with garlic and bacon fat because we're here for a good time not a long time baby!
(100 Grand Ave #111 // Oakland)
The only seafood restaurant on our list, alaMar offers an ever-changing menu based on local and seasonal ingredients. The one thing we hope they never change is their Cajun Tater Tots with garlic butter and a citrus aioli.
(984 University Ave // Berkeley)
Doc's Refresher offers totchos with a twist: tater tots topped with homemade macaroni and cheese, with the option to add bacon, jalapeños, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and fried eggs. It's kind of a big deal.
NORTH BAY
(1122 1st St // Napa)
If you're looking for old school diner fare, Jax is the place for you. However, if you're looking for classic tater tots, Jax won't be able to help you (this is untrue, they also offer regular tater tots). Their menu boasts an item called "Bottle Rock Tots," which is tater tots with bacon, avocado, cheddar cheese and a house made chipotle aioli.
(1501 4th St // Santa Rosa)
Finally, a place that gives the people what they want: simple tater tots, piping hot and crispy. Totchos are life-changing, but sometimes we just crave that good old-fashioned taste.
SOUTH BAY
(925 Blossom Hill Rd // San Jose)
With more seasonings than you could ever possibly try, Potato Corner is the only chain restaurant on our list. But chains can be good too! They offer the ability to customize your order as well. Make sure to try the spicy barbecue seasoning!
(1010 S Wolfe Rd // Sunnyvale)
Gold Rush has a permanent location at Sunken Gardens Golf Course, but they also have a food truck-- and both of them serve tater tots. The restaurant offers two varieties: regular and "loaded," which nacho cheese, bacon bits, ranch dressing, and chopped green onions.
(2260 Bridgepointe Pkwy // Foster City)
The perfect place to go when you're craving Texan cuisine, Armadillo Willy's also has some of the finest tots this side of the Mason-Dixon line. They're tater-rific!
Written by Matthew Gilbert
Did we miss your favorite tots? Let us know at [email protected]!
*Last Updated 1/31/2020*
