If I know anything, it’s good tater tots. And while they’re never bad, some go above and beyond, transforming the humble potato into a truly god-tier snack. Here are the best tots that the DMV has to offer.
Tonic at Quigley’s (Foggy Bottom):
The tots at Quigley’s have saved many GW students from their darkest hour. While the tots themselves are nothing special, they come loaded with your choice of meats, cheeses, guac, and jalapeños.
Blue Jacket (Navy Yard):
If I had to choose one tot to eat for the rest of my life, it would be these. Less like tots, and more like golden fried cubes of mashed potatoes, these are perfect paired with a light beer and lots of friends fighting over the last one.
Any Day Now (Navy Yard):
The tots at Any Day Now are made from yuca instead of potatoes, and are infused with garlic and spices, giving them a starchier texture and great flavor. They are the perfect accompaniment to their scallion pancake breakfast sammies 😋
Cracked Eggery (Cleveland Park/Shaw/Crystal City):
Here you can choose from tot flavors like honey BBQ, garlic parm truffle, ranch, and even cinnamon sugar (don’t knock it till you try it).
Golden tots from Lili’s at UPSIDE On Moore. (Priyanka Tilve/City Cast DC)
The Coupe (Columbia Heights):
So, technically, The Coupe serves a hashbrown square. It’s like a mega hashbrown with ridiculously crispy sides and flaky salt on top. It comes as a side with all their breakfast options and is easily the best part of the meal.
Silver Lyan (Downtown):
All of Silver Lyan’s drinking snacks are great, but the tots are the best. They are small and coin-shaped, meaning more salt and crunch per bite. Plus, they come with a side of dill buttermilk ranch that I wish I could swim in.
Lili’s at UPSIDE on Moore (Rosslyn):
Exceptionally crunchy without being overly oily, Lili’s tots come plain or loaded with bacon and cheese that I could easily make my entire lunch.
