For many of us, tater tots evoke a sense of nostalgia. These crispy potato-based balls of goodness have become a staple at many Westchester restaurants and, like fries, they are pretty versatile, too. From “tot-chos” (see what we did there?) topped with cheese and pork to bacon- and cheddar-stuffed tater kegs, here are a handful of fabulously fried nuggets of comfort food joy in the county. Why not celebrate the start of the summer season with our favorite version of the humble potato by gobbling up some of these tatertastic tots?
Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
444 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford; 914.741.BEER (2337)
Searching for beer to pair with your tots? Look no further than Captain Lawrence Brewing Company’s tater kegs with beer cheese. These jumbo tater tots stuffed with cheese and bacon are a crispy bite that pairs perfectly with the Elmsford brewery’s hoppy lineup.
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Demeter’s Tavern & Sports Bar
51 Old White Plains Rd, Tarrytown; 914.631.9679
Donald’s nachos aren’t your typical bar nacho — unless, of course, your standard nacho is built on crispy tater tots. This starter is topped with nacho cheese, lettuce, chopped bacon, and tomatoes, then served with a cooling side of sour cream.
Grass Roots Kitchen
124 Wildey Ave, Tarrytown; 914.909.5588
Tater tots are often a guilty pleasure, but they don’t always have to be. Try the Roots tater tots for a vegetarian/vegan twist on the crunchy snack that’s made with celery, beet, carrot, celeriac, and white potato. Dip your nutritious tots in a side of homemade beet ketchup for an extra boost of flavor.
Kelly’s Sea Level
413 Midland Ave, Rye; 914.967.0868
Like a blank canvas, these tots are served plain, but regular potato artists love to create their own delicious masterpiece. Customers can request various toppings like chili or cheese and gravy to take them to the next level, elevating the standard tater tot to a dream bite of crispy potato goodness.
Lucy’s
446 Bedford Rd, Pleasantville; 914.747.4740
What’s a better way to kick off an awesome summer season than with “awesome” tater tots? Customers can top Lucy’s fries or tater tots with options ranging from classics like plain or chili and cheese to smash burger tots piled high with hamburger fixings. Your tots can also be made “awesome” with Lucy’s chucking awesome sauce and spicy seasoning. No matter which version entices you, consider these a fun appetizer that goes perfectly with Lucy’s live music.
Ron Blacks Beer Hall
181 Mamroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.358.5811
Kick off summer with the bacon tatchos at Ron Black’s, which take a decadent bar food to the next level with big flavors like tomato, jalapeño, two-cheese blend, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. And, of course, don’t forget the bacon; it’s a tater tot’s perfect match.
Smokehouse Tailgate Grill
320 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck; 914.341.1655
587 North Ave, New Rochelle; 914.813.8686
Level up from your sad McDonald’s hash brown and experience the spuds of your dreams with Smokehouse’s brunch phenomenon: totchos. Pulled pork, aioli, mozzarella, and pico de gallo are a tot’s best friend in this iteration, offering a welcome twist on standard barbecue and brunch fare.
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Spectators Sports Pub
227 North Ave, New Rochelle; 914.636.9522
While this sports pub’s menu boasts loaded tater tots topped with bacon and melted cheddar, insiders know to ask for them with any preferred toppings, such as a heaping scoop of chili. They’re served with a side of sour cream.
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The Whitlock
17 Katonah Ave, Katonah; 914.232.8030
You can really lose yourself in a whole bowl of posh tots from this farm-to-table Katonah restaurant. Red onion, caviar, and crème fraiche bring taters to a whole new level. But don’t take our word for it — head over there yourself to really understand what pure potato perfection really tastes like.
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The Wooden Spoon
1282 North Ave, New Rochelle; 914.278.9432
Just when you thought nachos couldn’t possibly get any better, this comfort food favorite has jumped on the totchos trend, much to the delight of…everyone. These totchos come highly customizable with options like Philly crab, which features Old Bay cheese sauce and grilled shrimp, or loaded tots with pork, onions, pickles, and cheese. Toppings range from bacon to truffle parm, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
Yonkers Brewing Co.
92 Main St, Yonkers; 914.226.8327
Sometimes all you need is a cheesy, bacon-filled bite of tater tots. The loaded tater tots at Yonkers Brewing Co. bring these classic flavors together with YB cheese sauce and crumbled bacon on top of crispy tots. You can take this bite to the next level by adding one of the meaty toppings, from buffalo bits to short ribs.
Related: How to Spend a Saturday on the Riverfront in Croton-on-Hudson
