Oakland, a city brimming with culinary delights, boasts a surprisingly diverse and delicious tater tot scene. Forget your childhood memories of bland, freezer-aisle tots; Oakland's chefs are elevating this humble spud to new heights. From classic comfort food to gourmet creations, this guide explores the 14 best places to indulge in the crispy, golden goodness of tater tots in the heart of Oakland. We’ve scoured the city, tasted the tots, and compiled this definitive list for your tot-ally satisfying experience.
Classic Comfort: Tots Done Right
These spots offer the quintessential tater tot experience – perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and often served with a satisfying dipping sauce.
1. Drake's Dealership: The Tot-ally Awesome Bar Snack
Drake's Dealership isn't just a brewery; it's a tater tot haven. Their tots are perfectly crisp, served hot and generously portioned. Pair them with their craft beer selection for the ultimate pub experience. Their tots often feature unique seasonings, changing with the season.
2. The Trappist: Belgian Comfort Meets Crispy Tots
The Trappist, known for its Belgian beers, also offers a surprisingly excellent tater tot dish. Their tots are often served with a rich, flavorful dipping sauce, complementing the Belgian beer theme. It's the perfect pairing for a relaxed evening.
3. The Starry Plough: A Dive Bar Delight
This historic Oakland dive bar serves up a classic plate of tater tots, simple yet satisfying. The tots are a perfect companion to their extensive beer list and casual atmosphere. They're a crowd-pleaser, providing a comforting element to the bar experience.
Gourmet Tots: Elevated Spud Sensations
These establishments take the humble tater tot and transform it into a gourmet masterpiece, using unique ingredients and preparations.
4. Commis: Fine Dining with a Tot Twist
Commis, a Michelin-starred restaurant, occasionally features tater tots on their tasting menu. Expect innovative preparations, often incorporating high-end ingredients and sophisticated techniques. This is tater tot dining elevated to an art form.
5. Hopscotch: Creative Toppings, Unexpected Flavors
Hopscotch offers a creative take on tater tots. Expect unique toppings and flavor combinations that surprise and delight. Think truffle oil, gourmet cheeses, and unexpected spice blends.
6. Calavera: Mexican Flair Meets Crispy Goodness
Calavera, a Mexican restaurant, incorporates tater tots into their menu, often featuring Mexican-inspired toppings and sauces. This is a fun twist on a classic, combining the comfort of tots with the vibrancy of Mexican cuisine.
Unique Tot Experiences: Beyond the Ordinary
These spots offer tater tots with a unique twist, setting them apart from the typical pub fare.
7. Souvla: Greek-Inspired Tots
Souvla, a popular Greek restaurant, sometimes features tater tots with a Greek-inspired twist. Imagine crispy tots with flavorful sauces and toppings reflective of Greek cuisine. It’s a unique and delicious experience.
8. Ramen Shop: A Surprising Side Dish
While primarily known for ramen, Ramen Shop sometimes features tater tots as a side dish. Their tots provide a textural counterpoint to the rich broth and noodles, adding a unique element to the meal.
Tater Tot Powerhouses: Quantity and Quality
These establishments offer large portions of tater tots, perfect for sharing (or not!).
9. Fentons Creamery: A Classic Oakland Treat
Fentons Creamery, an Oakland institution, offers a generous portion of tater tots alongside their famous ice cream. It’s the perfect sweet and savory combination.
10. Rosamunde Sausage Grill: A Sausage and Tot Pairing
Rosamunde Sausage Grill complements their delicious sausages with generous portions of perfectly cooked tater tots. The combination is a hearty and satisfying meal.
Hidden Gems: Discover Your New Favorite
These lesser-known spots offer surprisingly excellent tater tots, waiting to be discovered.
11. The Oakland Metro: Under-the-Radar Tot Delight
The Oakland Metro, a bar known for its unique atmosphere, also offers a fantastic tater tot dish. Their tots are often a local favorite, offering a comfortable side to the bar’s unique atmosphere.
12. Kingston 11: Caribbean Flavors, Crispy Tots
Kingston 11, a Caribbean restaurant, occasionally incorporates tater tots into their menu. Expect a Caribbean-inspired twist, adding a unique cultural element to the humble tot.
Beyond the Restaurant: Tots at Home
For those who prefer to enjoy their tater tots at home, consider these options:
13. Local Grocery Stores: Convenient and Ready-Made
Many local grocery stores in Oakland offer a variety of frozen tater tots, ready to be cooked at home. This provides a convenient and budget-friendly option.
14. DIY Tots: Homemade Happiness
Making tater tots at home offers an opportunity to customize the flavors and textures to your liking. Numerous recipes are readily available online, allowing for complete creative control.
Conclusion: Your Oakland Tater Tot Adventure Awaits!
Oakland’s tater tot landscape is diverse and exciting, offering a variety of options for every palate. From classic comfort food to gourmet creations, there's a perfect tater tot experience waiting for you. So grab your friends, explore Oakland's culinary scene, and embark on your own tater tot adventure! Remember to check menus and availability, as options and specials can change. Happy tot-ing!
