well, if you know me at all you know i simply love a tater tot, my favorite potato preparation! my love for tater tots comes from a bar called Nite Owl in Omaha, Nebraska. they did the moooost perfect totchos (tater tot nachos!!!) they were crispy tots topped with queso, red onion, sour cream, avocado, cilantro — and it was truly my favorite food. 😭

sadly, Nite Owl does not ship across the country (rude!) so I have embarked on a quest to find the best tots in D.C. it started with a tater tot tour (complete with a google doc itinerary) and it has grown into an ongoing mission to find the best in the city. here are my reviews of all the tots i’ve tried!

ratings below are an aggregate of three factors 1) crisp 2) sauce/toppings and 3) overall experience. enjoy!!!

sticky rice – 9/10

a literal bucket of tots! a cute steel bucket! i want this bucket!! these are actually the best tots in the city (so far!) – the crisp is fantastic, and it comes with a great sriracha aioli sauce. they even do a happy hour deal! sticky rice is really known as a sushi restaurant but these tots are a hidden gem.

bluejacket – 8/10

a novel concept tot! these are a crispy square tot that’s fluffy inside. these aren’t my ideal tots, the classic shape is the best i think, but these are quite fun! they do have a good color to them, and if you’re into mashed potatoes or the creamy/floofy texture you might like these.

red derby – 7/10

some of my favorites 🙂 i have no clue if they make them from scratch but i hoooonestly don’t care! they also have a deal (on wednesdays i believe?) for totchos (!!!) which are topped with cheese, salsa, sour cream and more!

wonderland – 7/10

also a classic! it’s probably the exact same as derby but still comforting and crispy! plus point for the ranch on the side.

tonic – 8/10

TOTCHOS! (tater tot nachos!) here they’re called loaded tots, and dang these are LOADED! i’ve only been here once but we had the buffalo chicken tots and the cheese tots. i liked the cheesy ones better! there’s even more options on the menu we didn’t try so i’ll definitely be back for more.

calico – 7/10

I liked these – I think the coin shape is quite fun and they’re served in a cute little bamboo tray. nothing stellar but reliable salty snack in the Blagden alley area!

yellow – 8.5/10

probably the prettiest tots i’ve ever had! these are made so artfully, the slices of potatoes are layered, then cut into cubes, then fried – so they’re crispy in the outside but soft on the inside! the aioli they’re served with too….. man they’re fantastic every time! they are more filling than you’d think – and more dense due to the layers (unlike traditional tots which are more airy) but the crisp on all the edges is *chef’s kiss!*

the commodore – 7.5/10

another loaded tot! these are fun, i liked the lettuce and other toppings- pretty good, but didn’t wow me. i’ll acknowledge they come with meat (that i don’t eat) so perhaps the OG recipe would be better than my modifications!

anju – 7.5/10

the coin shape is just so good – with a little spice ✨had these at a very humid summer brunch so, i really think that i need to try these again to get a full review. similar to calico’s coin tots but better seasoning – but i’m down to give these another shot!

need2try

chiko – I have heard great things about these loaded tots!

Tiki TNT – I have had these once, but so many years ago I simply do not remember!

pearl street – this concert venue has a variety of tots during show nights!!

astro donuts – I looooove their donuts and need to try the tots!

cracked eggery – a new spot with coin tots! can’t wait to try!

union pub – apparently they have totchos! I must try!

ted’s bulletin – i’ve shockingly never been here but apparently they have tots!

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while I believe my research is extensive – please let me know if there are any I need to add to the list! happy tot exploring 🙂