This place will surprise you: Despite its name, it’s not a chain and it’s not fast-casual. Opened by a couple of locals, it serves freshly made and originally conceived mini-sandwiches that are satisfying, even delicious. And they do it in an atmosphere that is lively and welcoming. The place is both family-friendly and pub-like, with dark woods and high-top tables. The big, open, outdoor patio is a hive of activity with children’s games, picnic tables and music on weekends (although it overlooks Manchester Road).
The Fried Green Tomatoes starter ($8) had a few meaty tomato rounds with a pleasant cornmeal crust. These came with jalapeño aioli and smoked tomato remoulade. A couple of side salads were lackluster, but that’s where the ho-hum ends
The sliders shine. They come on a few different types of bun, depending on what you order. Do not miss Bay of Pigs ($4.75), which comes on a pretzel bun and is dominated by country ham, pickles and a light, mustardy Dijon sauce—very satisfying. The menu lists smoked pork tenderloin in there, but I didn’t find it (the sandwiches are little). The other pork slider, BLFGT (bacon, lettuce and fried green tomatoes, $4.75) is another winner, with its meaty bacon and cornmeal-crusted tomatoes. Roasted garlic aioli on the bun doesn’t hurt, either.
In the chicken category, Southern Comfort ($4) was moist, meaty and delicious. A big chunk of fried breast came on a white bun with honey sriracha glaze, which added sweet undertones to the crisp meat. The lettuce and small rounds of Roma tomato offered a layer of raw veggies that worked well. Another chicken sandwich, the Nashville Hot Chicken ($4), is really hot, so watch out. Additionally, this white chicken meat was a little dry.
The Lobster slider ($7.75) has a nice-sized chunk of grilled tail with smoky mayo, arugula, red onion and a little Roma tomato. It’s tasty and a great way to get a satisfying serving of the premium seafood for a very good price. The Skinny Jean ($4), basically a black bean burger, was also very tasty, with distinctly Mexican flavors. It comes piled up with avocado, jalapeño aioli, red onion, beer cheese and Roma tomato. Even better is the Keen Wah ($4), a quinoa patty on a wheat bun with arugula and goat cheese. It has earthy flavors and the burger’s flavor is really good.
The sides selection here is rather bleak—basically fries, chips and slaw. The slaw ($3) is excellent, your basic creamy slaw done very well in the classic mayo-filled dish. Slider Plates, two sandwiches and a side for $15, are probably the best option for most diners. Unless you’re a big eater, two of these sandwiches (plus a starter) will be plenty filling.
amuse bouche
the scene | Bustling, welcoming sports bar/restaurant
the prices | $7-$12 starters, $10-$15 slider plates (2 sandwiches and a side or two)
the favorites | Bay of Pigs slider, Lobster slider, Southern Comfort slider, BLFGT slider, Keen Wah slider
