6 North Carolina Spots Serving Irresistible Tater Tots (And One Reigns Supreme)
Who can resist a good tater tot? These crispy, golden bites have come a long way since their school lunch days, now popping up as crave-worthy sides at restaurants all over North Carolina.
Whether you like them classic or loaded with all the fixings, tots have become the ultimate comfort food with a creative edge.
Here’s my roundup of a few spots across the state serving up irresistible tots, plus one place that stands above the rest.
1. Town Hall Burger & Beer (Chapel Hill)
Potato perfection awaits at this Chapel Hill hotspot, where tots are more than just a side dish but a main event! Choose between classic crispy tots or go wild with their famous loaded versions.
The chili-cheese tots arrive smothered in homemade beef chili and melty cheddar, while truffle tots offer a sophisticated twist with truffle oil and parmesan.
One regular customer swears they’re “the best tots in the Triangle!”
2. Barley & Burger (Rocky Mount, Smithfield, Charlotte)
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, Barley & Burger elevates the humble tot to artisanal status. Their golden nuggets provide the perfect canvas for creative toppings that change seasonally.
Pair your tots with one of their inventive burgers like the “Truffle Shuffle” for a match made in comfort food heaven.
The Rocky Mount flagship’s industrial-chic atmosphere makes those piping hot tots taste even better as you wash them down with craft beer.
3. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar (Raleigh area)
These aren’t your cafeteria lady’s tater tots! Bad Daddy’s has mastered the art of the perfect tot, crispy shells protecting pillowy potato centers that practically melt in your mouth.
Last summer, I brought my picky nephew here, convinced nothing would impress him. One bite of these tots and his eyes widened with approval!
Their secret? Flash-frying twice for maximum crunch factor. Yelp reviewers consistently rank them among Raleigh’s finest potato creations.
4. Midwood Smokehouse (Charlotte)
Barbecue joints aren’t typically tot territory, but Midwood Smokehouse breaks the mold with spectacular spuds that complement their smoky meats perfectly. These tots strike the ideal balance – sturdy enough to hold up to dipping yet tender inside.
Charlotte Yelpers can’t stop raving about these golden beauties. The smokehouse serves them piping hot with a side of their house-made ranch that adds a tangy counterpoint to the savory potatoes and smoky BBQ.
5. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium (Raleigh)
“Rocket Tots” blast ordinary potato expectations into outer space! These bite-sized cheese-pepper tots deliver a flavor explosion that’s truly astronomical. Each golden morsel contains bits of jalapeño and cheese mixed right into the potato mixture.
The accompanying habanero sour cream provides the perfect cooling-yet-spicy dipping companion. Beer aficionados flock here for the extensive draft selection, but those in the know realize the tots are equally worthy of the journey.
A perfect bar snack for sharing!
6. Carolina Ale House (Raleigh) – Supreme
The undisputed tot champions of North Carolina have arrived! Carolina Ale House’s Loaded Tots deserve every bit of their royal status. These golden potato gems come smothered in a perfect storm of melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and spicy jalapeños.
The sports bar atmosphere enhances the experience – nothing beats watching the game while diving into these crispy-meets-gooey masterpieces.
Since debuting on their Spring menu, these tots have created a cult following that keeps fans coming back specifically for potato perfection.