Sliders Oyster Bar — Restaurant in Neptune Beach

Hate to leave a poor review. This place has all the potential in the world to be fantastic, but it falls short. We felt immediately drawn in by the fun atmosphere, cool video show on the wall, mini golf and giant Jenga for the kids. We were told we could sit immediately, but then the hostess sat one couple at the table meant for us (a six top not a four top). When my husband asked her why she would choose to sit two adults with no kids at a table for six next to the lawn games and have us continue to wait for a table, she looked at us like we were crazy (again, minutes earlier she told my husband our table was ready immediately). The next table to clear minutes later was for four people so we waited for the next six seater which wasn’t long, but set further away from the kids’ games.

When we sat down, we were immediately greeted by a sweet, young waitress. She took our appetizer order and drink order. After twenty minutes, our apps came out (clam sticks, calamari, and crab fries - all big hits with our table!), but our drinks were still nowhere to be seen. I asked about them and the waitress said our ticket was up at the bar but they were very backed up and it could take some more time. Another eight minutes and one drink came and another eight and the next drink came. Bizarre.

We ordered dinner and waited quite awhile. I disclosed allergy information right when we sat down. She took her time taking our order just like the kitchen took its time making our dinner. When we saw another table being served tacos with lettuce and tomatoes, we quickly grabbed our waitress and asked that our kids’ tacos have just chicken and nothing else. She said they were already made and in the window. We asked that the kitchen then just take it off so our kids wouldn’t see the veggies and she said they wouldn’t do it. Then she proceeded to tell us that the restaurant was out of the chips that came with their dinner. After she said that our order was in the window, we watched her go to another table to take their order and then get them waters. Now we know that our food is sitting in the kitchen ready but not being served. My husband asked that since our kids’ food was sitting in the window for so long that the kitchen take off the veggies. She said okay and then left returning with my oldest son’s burger. When she handed me my rice bowl, I immediately handed it back to her because it wasn’t how I ordered it. Instead of taking note of my allergies, the kitchen prepared the bowl as listed on the menu - not acceptable (I only asked to remove onions and sesame seeds). She returned five minutes later with my husband’s shrimp scampi. He liked it a lot but wasn’t thrilled to be eating alone as my oldest already finished half his burger (mediocre) and my other two kids and myself were still waiting for our food.

We waited and waited but no food came. We flagged down our waitress again. She repeatedly told us that she was new (only worked there a week) and that the restaurant was short staffed because they just opened again six weeks ago and everyone wasn’t trained yet. She said she misunderstood about my kids’ tacos and instead of removing the lettuce and tomatoes, she removed our order thinking we no longer wanted our kids to eat (huh?!). She offered it to us again from the window, which we said okay too and then said the kitchen threw them out. We asked to simply order a grilled cheese for one of our kids because he was so hungry and the other one said he didn’t want food anymore (late!). We continued to wait for my food and then the waitress admitted she thought I didn’t want my food bc the kitchen messed up the first bowl. We asked to see a manager, but we were told he was gone for the day. The waitress removed everything that never arrived from our bill, but the restaurant should’ve bought us our drinks at the very least. Really disappointing as we went to dinner on our vacation and left with 2 out of 5 not eating and another 1 eating something he never wanted in the first place. Poor service, slow kitchen, staff not...

Hmmmmm...one and done with this one. Our food was just Meh. This establishment was not our first choice for dinner. We arrived around 530 p.m. to the area. We didn't want to wait up to 90 minutes for North Beach Fish Camp, which never disappoints. We opted for Sliders. It wasn't too crowded and we were seated immediately.

Our server, Phil, did a good job. The timing with our utensils and appetizer plates was a little out of sequence...but nothing earth shattering.

I question the cooking staff and their ability to deliver tasty food.

Let's get into it...and now the review begins.

We ordered the crabby fries as our appetizer. The fries needed a bit more color to them (fried harder), as the queso, which was probably poured onto the bottom of the small sheet pan they were served on, was a bit thin and bland. Even McDonald's salts their fries, I'm just saying.

My daughter ordered the shrimp scampi. How would I describe it...? Well...the scampi (sauce) wasn't scampi-ing....kind of watery.

I ordered the fried oyster platter and a and cucumber and tomato salad. As for the oysters..I didn't ask about the dredge (and I should have) and if they could fry my oysters hard...if you know, you know. My guess is they used some kind of of a wet batter.....uhhhhh....no. What little crisp there was, was no more 10 minutes into my meal. The oysters lacked true flavor. Please consider a different dredge method. A dry seasoned flour and corn meal dredge will allow the oysters to remain crispy. One last thing....Tabasco is not everyone's choice for that dash of "fire" Just a suggestion.

I fry oysters at home and the one thing I always know to do is check for oyster shells that may still be attached to the oyster. Good thing I have strong teeth.

And now....about that salad. Thinly sliced oversized cucumber slices. These are cucumbers...not avocado slices. Diced tomatoes (I suspect canned) were dotted on top of this extremely difficult to navigate side dish. I used the ugliest piece of lemon wedge on my plate to brighten this pickled monstrosity. I seriously suggest refining the sliced cucumbers and using a larger serving vessel and nix the canned tomatoes. Better yet provide a knife to those who order this.

This concludes my experience with Sliders. Good luck to...

Back in the day, I never had a good experience at Sliders. Under current management, yes, much better. However, a few things: Be sure if you want steamed shrimp you advise plain - otherwise, it doused in unnecessary stuff. In fact, seems like everything has to have "stuff" on it. If you want raw oysters it topped with seaweed, etc. My husband didn't catch it on the menu but now we know to say plain. Went there for brunch today. Got crab cakes as starter....they are deep fried??? The filling seemed pretty good but sure would have enjoyed them if a simple pan sear - but I suppose they're trying to differentiate themselves...I wouldn't order again because I don't want the unnecessary heavy greasy effect. I'm simple, I opted for the two-egg breakfast that comes with a few choices. I don't need the meat but got the sausage. I asked for grits but without cheese - can't do it 'cause it's cooked that way (DARN). So, "home fries." Only, these aren't home fries, it's the small square potatoes that come out of a bag (it's brunch as sliders...I'm thinking FRESH!). Last time I saw that was in high-school. I also ordered grainy wheat toast - need that to sop up my over-easy eggs. But guess what, can't just bring out some nice thick toast with a dab of butter. It's doused in that melted butter next to the grill and cooked on the grill. All you taste is butter - like an un-dusted donut. But I politely asked if I could have a new order just toasted on the grill with butter on the side.

All-in-all, we'll go back because my hubby enjoyed the steamed shrimp and the oysters - plain - are good. But you have to learn the hard way sometimes.

Oh, by the way. As someone mentioned, it is pet friendly. Folks, can you please, please, please (did I say please) leave Fido at home so the rest of us can enjoy without the extra hair? I have two and have never felt like I had to take my freakin' dog with me. Our outing last week? Big dog at next table did two great shakes and Golden Retriever hair went everywhere. Second time I literally fell on the food to protect it - it was a hoot. My husband bout peed in his pants. But seriously, leave...