Jacksonville, Florida, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and while it might not be the first place that springs to mind for tater tot enthusiasts, the city surprisingly offers a diverse range of restaurants serving up creative and delicious tater tot dishes. This guide dives into the best 15 spots in Jacksonville to satisfy your tater tot cravings, from classic comfort food to gourmet creations. We'll explore various styles, price points, and atmospheres, ensuring there's a perfect tater tot experience waiting for you, no matter your preference.
Jacksonville's Top Tater Tot Destinations: A Diverse Lineup
This list isn't ranked, as the "best" tater tots are subjective and depend on individual preferences. Instead, we categorize the options to help you find your perfect match.
Casual Comfort Food Classics:
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The Elbow Room: This iconic Jacksonville establishment offers hearty portions and a classic pub atmosphere. Their tater tots are perfectly crispy, a timeless complement to their selection of beers and burgers.
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Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails: Known for elevated comfort food, Moxie's tater tots often feature unique additions and flavorful dips, taking the humble tater tot to a higher plane. Expect a lively atmosphere and creative cocktails to accompany your meal.
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The Bold Bean Coffee Roasters: While primarily a coffee shop, several Bold Bean locations offer delicious tater tot dishes, often incorporated into breakfast or brunch options. It's a fantastic spot for a casual and comforting tater tot experience.
Elevated Tater Tot Experiences:
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Biscottis: This upscale Italian restaurant surprises with its surprisingly delicious tater tot side dish, often featuring gourmet additions like truffle oil or parmesan cheese, creating a sophisticated take on a classic.
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The Floridian: With its focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, The Floridian occasionally features creative tater tot specials that showcase the restaurant's culinary expertise. Check their menu for seasonal offerings!
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Orsay: This French-inspired bistro might not be the first place you'd expect to find outstanding tater tots, but they manage to elevate the simple dish with carefully selected accompaniments and sauces.
Unique & Creative Tater Tot Interpretations:
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O'Leary's: This Irish pub frequently offers tater tot-based appetizers and dishes with a distinctive Irish twist. Think loaded tater tots with traditional Irish ingredients for a fun and unique experience.
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Burro Bar: This vibrant Mexican restaurant brings a South-of-the-border flair to tater tots, incorporating them into creative tacos or nachos. It’s a playful way to enjoy this classic comfort food.
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Taverna: This Mediterranean restaurant might surprise you with its unique take on tater tots, often incorporating them into dishes with a Mediterranean twist. Check the menu for their current offerings.
Quick Bites & Casual Spots:
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JJ's: This classic diner is a local favorite for its straightforward, delicious fare, including satisfyingly crispy tater tots. It's the quintessential, no-frills tater tot experience.
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Beachcomber Restaurant: Located near the beach, the Beachcomber offers a relaxed, casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying their simple yet satisfying tater tots after a day at the ocean.
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Brew Five Two: A brewery with tasty food to match, Brew Five Two offers tater tot options that pair perfectly with their craft beers.
Unexpected Tater Tot Havens:
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Local breweries and gastropubs: Many smaller breweries and gastropubs in Jacksonville feature unexpected and delicious tater tot creations. Explore different neighborhoods and discover hidden gems.
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Food trucks: Keep an eye out for food trucks that might feature tater tots as part of their menu, offering a unique mobile tater tot experience.
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Your Favorite Neighborhood Spot: Sometimes the best tater tots are found in unexpected places. Don't be afraid to explore your neighborhood and discover hidden gems.
Finding Your Perfect Jacksonville Tater Tot
This comprehensive list offers a variety of options to satisfy your tater tot cravings. Remember to check menus online or call ahead to confirm availability, especially for specials and seasonal items. Happy tot-ing!
Note: This guide is intended to highlight a selection of Jacksonville restaurants known for their tater tots. Restaurant menus and offerings are subject to change. Always check directly with the establishment before visiting.