Restaurant review: Neptune Beach favorite Sliders Oyster Bar is back with a new look
Neptune Beach’s storied oyster bar, Sliders, recently underwent an extensive remodel effort after being closed late last year.
The glowing transformation includes a putting green, outdoor bar, new furniture, an updated color scheme and modernized logo, plus televisions in the inside dining area.
The former Willoughby’s Auto Garage turned restaurant is a longstanding gathering spot for cold beers, freshly shucked oysters and a variety of seafood items. From seasonal seafood ceviche to savory bacon-wrapped scallops to steamed clams and sharable shrimp dip, Sliders caters to seafood fans. There are a few agreeable choices for non-seafood eaters too — a Caesar salad, chicken po’boy, quesadillas, chicken-and-jasmine rice bowl, and mixed greens salad.
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We popped in on a warm Sunday afternoon, so it seemed appropriate to throw down a spicy strawberry margarita ($9) and a half dozen of Slider’s storied, specialty "Godzilla" oysters. These raw bivalves are topped with tangy seaweed salad, a dollop of cucumber wasabi and spicy sriracha-like "pirate" sauce. The adjacent table had the shrimp nachos drizzled with queso and crema and this massive, piled-high platter instantly commanded our gaze. Will try these next!
The fresh catch happened to be one of my favorites: triggerfish, so I landed on the pick-two combo platter (market price) with grilled trigger and fried clams. Platters are served with hush puppies and fries, but I subbed the latter for cheese grits. Most of the sides ($3) are right up my alley, so it’s hard to succumb to just one when there’s cucumber tomato salad, fried pickles, fried okra, collard greens and garlic mashed potatoes on the lineup.
My mom devoured her messy-but-delicious surf ‘n turf burger ($16) and fries. This angus hamburger is met with shrimp, melted cheddar, lettuce, tomato and onion. And my seafood-obsessed better half enjoyed a blackened trigger platter (market price).
The newly revamped, dog-friendly outside patio and bar was bustling, but we quickly scored a shaded seat despite Sliders no-reservations policy. The vibe is laid back, and we took in the sounds of the upbeat live reggae music that wafted through the air. For late-night guests, Slider’s offers items until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Sliders Oyster Bar
218 First St., Neptune Beach
(904) 246-0881, slidersoysterbar.com
Full bar. Hours: Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-12 a.m.
Prices: appetizers, $8-$15; soup, $8; Safe Harbor platters, $12-$26; bowls, $8-$10; entrees, $16-20; handhelds, $12-$16; sides, $3.
Caron Streibich is an avid food-lover who reviews restaurants in the Life section. Follow her dining adventures at facebook.com/caroneats and #caroneats on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Remodeled Neptune Beach favorite Sliders returns with familiar menu
