9 Spots to Devour Tater Tots Around Detroit

Where to eat totchos, Thai-chili topped spud cylinders, and more

by Brenna Houck Oct 21, 2016, 10:50am EDT

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Loaded sweet potato tots at The Morrie

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by Brenna Houck Oct 21, 2016, 10:50am EDT

So often the second best accompaniment to a classic American meal, tater tots are finally having their moment in the spotlight. Perhaps it's the loaded spud crazy that's elevated these fried cylinders of shredded potato. Their wide surface area does mean they're almost tailormade for delivering massive amounts of sauce and toppings from plate to mouth. Or perhaps the lowly tot is experiencing the final manifestation of a latent spike in popularity thanks to one Idaho-based film about an awkward tot-hoarding teen.

Whatever the reason, tots are a special star on Detroit restaurant menus worthy of partaking in. With some restaurants embracing their breakfast hashbrown-like qualities and others their poppable bar food accessibility, here are nine spots around town to indulge in buffalo, Thai-spiced, and poutine-ized tater tots.

Did we miss your favorite tot destination? Make your case for why we should add it in the comments or reach us at the tipline. We'll update the map as necessary for any spots we may have missed.

Note: Restaurants are listed geographically. The numbers are not rankings. Eater Detroit's radius includes the Metro Detroit area and occasionally stretches into Southeast Michigan although our main focus is Detroit proper.

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Mercury Burger & Bar

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Tots as Mercury in Corktown come in all manner of combinations. Ride the gravy train with tater tot poutine or shake things up with the queso-topped "tachos." The restaurant also offers a brunch hangover iteration slathered in chorizo gravy and cheddar cheese. Make sure to put an egg on it.

2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

(313) 924-5000

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Bobcat Bonnie's

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Corktown gastropub Bobcat Bonnie's has rolled out a number of takes on the humble tater tot from fried potatoes drizzled in truffle oil to Thai-style tots dressed in sweet chili sauce with scallions and cilantro. For something a bit spicier try the buffalo tots that come tossed with cooling blue cheese crumbles, carrots, and celery.

1800 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

(313) 962-1383

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Laika Dog

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Cylindrical hash browns are a popular starch found in hot dish, the beloved Upper Midwest casserole. Laika Dog in the UFO Factory pays tribute to this tradition with a vegetarian recipe that features soy sausage, cream of mushroom soup, corn, carrots, green onion, and cheese. Of course, one can always build their own loaded tater tot dish, too.

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2110 Trumbull Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

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Selden Standard

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An unsung hero of Selden Standard's brunch are the tater tots — housemade, crispy fried balls of salted potato goodness. Order them on the side of a main entree or share them with a friend.

3921 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

(313) 438-5055

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Campau Tower

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Campau Tower has pretty much cornered the market on Hamtramck's after hours crowds. The late-night hours mean you can get a tater tot fix post-bar. Scale up your regular tot order with cheese or chili and cheese.

10337 Joseph Campau St, Hamtramck, MI 48212

(313) 758-9579

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Jim Brady's Detroit

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This throwback restaurant in Royal Oak offers three types of tots — naked, tachos, and buffalo chicken — but really sets itself apart from the crowd with a selection of house sauces. Try your tots dipped in McClure's bloody mary mix-infused ranch or coated with Rockin' Rye barbecue sauce.

1214 S Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067

(248) 306-1954

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The Morrie

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Take your pick between classic and sweet potato tots at The Morrie. Diners can munch on them plain or choose one of the loaded options. The classic dish is beefed up with smoked brisket, burnt onion, cheese sauce, and the always necessary sunnyside up egg.

511 S Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067

(248) 216-1112

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Breakfast Club

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This Madison Heights brunch favorite offers "sweet potato puffs" to help curb hangovers and appetites. The shareable dish is piled with melty cheddar cheese, crunchy bacon, sour cream and green onion.

30600 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071

(248) 307-9090

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Brome Burgers & Shakes

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Order classic tots at this Dearborn grass-fed burger outpost or load them up with loose chili, sour cream, cheese sauce, and scallions for a more robust side dish.

22062 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48124

(313) 996-5050

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