What’s The Deal With Sliders?
What’s the deal with sliders? Have you noticed how many restaurants are putting “sliders” or miniature sandwiches on their menus? It seems that all of a sudden they are everywhere. Not that I’m complaining about them, I’m just seeing them all over the place. White Castle has always had them and down south Crystal has them as well. But now, even sit-down restaurants are serving them. Burger sliders, steak sliders, chicken sliders, tenderloin sliders, meatball sliders….it is an ever developing list of possibilities.
It occurred to me…..I need to try some sliders. I need to get out there and find some good ones! So, I did, and here is my opinion on the sliders I have sampled. Let me remind you that there is nothing scientific about this…I’m just ordering them when I have the chance. Here are some places where I have found some real winners. They are in no particular order and I will include a rating at the end of each one. You will see that my ratings system is based on thumbs. The more thumbs you see going up, the better the sliders.
One of my first ventures into sliders was at Ruby Tuesday. These were very good and you have the option of ordering them in ground beef or ground turkey. They are topped with a crispy onion (almost like an onion ring) and make for a really nice meal. They even have an option to combine these with the salad bar, which my wife really likes.
Next, I tried the sliders or mini-burgers at Cheeseburger In Paradise. These are decent and I will probably order them again. But, after some of the other places on this list, they would not be my favorite sliders.
My third experience happened in St. Louis, MO at a wonderful place called Culpepper’s. This place rocks! Excellent sliders with your choice of cheese and toppings. Obviously this is quite a drive from Indianapolis but if you are ever in the area, I would highly recommend this place. Also, tried the toasted ravioli. It will change your life!
Next came the Cheesecake Factory and their Southern Fried Chicken Sliders. These are very, very good. I have had them many times and each time they are crunchy and not greasy at all. They come with a sauce that is something like Thousand Island dressing. Excellent. These make a great meal!
Hands down, the very best sliders I have ever had are served at Harry & Izzy’s here in Indianapolis. They have taken the slider to an entirely new level. They serve 3 kinds of sliders, all on garlic rolls: steakburger, breaded pork tenderloin and filet mignon. That’s right…..filet mignon!!!!! This place is incredible. The steakburger will melt in your mouth. You may say, “How can a burger be that great?” Just try it. The pork tenderloin is amazing and comes topped with slaw. I have saved the absolute best for last….the Filet Mignon slider. This is quite an experience, especially if you are a steak lover. This thing is amazing and an absolute must! It’s $4 for a cooked-to-order mini filet served on a garlic roll. The first time I tried these I was begging for more!
Happy Sliding!
Worship Leader Probs 
A little history on the term “slider”. It seems to stem from the fact that White Castle burgers have been referred to as “sliders” for years. Some people feel the term can be attributed to the manner in which White Castle burgers seem to “slide” right through you. It seems to have been a St. Louis term for years.
BT,
You have almost inspired me to start a blog dominated by my food experiences. I dont know if you get the Star but this I think todays had a diner section in the food section or something and the Lemon Drop was in there. Thought I would let you know in case you missed it.
Brian,
I just found your blog today. I really enjoyed reading your postings. I appreciate the education on the sliders, I didn’t know there was so much to know about sliders. I am heading out to St. Louis tonight on a little mission and may just have to locate Culpeppers and have me some.
You never addressed what the deal is with sliders? Their existence don’t make sense and needs ‘splained.