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12 Spots to Nosh on Sliders on Game Day

Buffalo Chicken Sliders at Rusty’s Family Restaurant & Grille (Photo by Chelsey Wade)

12 Spots to Nosh on Sliders on Game Day

Jan 25, 20195 min read

Parties, game days, and celebrations are perfect opportunities to grab hold of a couple of mini filled buns. The tiny hamburgers are surprisingly filling and packed with flavor.

Sliders have made an appearance as house-party and game-day classics for years because they’re simple, tasty, and easy to make — just combine quality meat and sauce on a tiny bun. Viola, irresistible party food.

Although sliders are technically mini hamburgers, they’ve transitioned to hot sandwiches with a variety of meats, cheeses, and toppings.

Around town, we found some stellar prime rib-, buffalo chicken-, vegetarian-, and even soft-shell crab sliders. Here are 12 local places to get your fill.

Union Public House

4340 N. Campbell Ave.
Union Sliders at Union Public House (Credit: Chelsey Wade)
Union Sliders at Union Public House (Credit: Chelsey Wade)

The Union Sliders are smoky, juicy mini patties wedged between lightly toasted bread. A thick cut of bacon and crunchy pickled jalapeno top each one.

Want something tangy and crisp to finish? Chew on that extra house-brined dill pickle.

For more information, visit uniontucson.com.

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Trident Grill

2033 E. Speedway Blvd. • 2910 N. Swan Rd. • 250 S. Craycroft Rd.

https://www.facebook.com/TridentGrill/photos/a.413547631069/10156286641561070/?type=3&theater

Trident Grill offers a few types, such as the Soft Shell Crab Sliders and Grass Fed Sliders.

Soft Shell Crab Sliders feature lightly fried soft-shell crab bathed in remoulade sauce, topped with red onion on a tomato brioche. The Cajun-style sauce adds a depth of flavor to the seafood slider.

For more information, visit tridentgrill.com.

Dante’s Fire

2526 E. Grant Rd.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVFmUORBRmk/

Take a house-made Cajun butter roll and top it with gouda, chipotle aioli, chorizo, and red jalapeno jam and you’ve got Dante’s Chorizo Sliders. The restaurant’s philosophy of using whole foods for their dishes shows up in these spicy, shareable burgers.

For more information, visit dantesfireaz.com.

Elliott’s On Congress

135 E. Congress St.
Duck Sliders at Elliott's on Congress (Credit: Chelsey Wade)
Duck Sliders at Elliott’s on Congress (Credit: Chelsey Wade)

Elliott’s Duck Sliders feature pulled duck tossed in an orange-chili sauce with onion crisps on mini brioche buns. The savory, slightly smoky duck swims in the silky sauce and lingers in your mouth, even after the last bite.

For more information, visit elliottsoncongress.com.

Rusty’s Family Restaurant & Sports Grille

2075 W. Grant Rd.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders at Rusty's Family Restaurant & Grille (Credit: Chelsey Wade)
Buffalo Chicken Sliders at Rusty’s Family Restaurant & Grille (Credit: Chelsey Wade)

House-made American dishes, like the tender Buffalo Chicken Sliders, can be found at Rusty’s Family Restaurant & Sports Grille. You have a choice between Buffalo Chicken and ground sirloin Sliders. Opt for the chicken topped with blue cheese crumbles, served with french fries or tater tots.

For more information, visit rustystucson.com.

The Bite in American Eat Co.

1439 S. Fourth Ave.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkQyU8AjSzQ/

At The Bite, in American Eat Co.’s food court, take your pick of five different types of sliders.

The vegetarian Stuffed Poblano Bite — a slider stuffed with mushrooms, sautéed onions, and cheddar — is worth checking out. If you want something a little meaty, the Bacon Swiss Slider with a side of garlic parmesan fries will make you drool.

For more information, visit americaneatco.com.

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The Living Room

2905 E. Skyline Dr. Ste. 168
Sliders at The Living Room (Credit: The Living Room)
Sliders at The Living Room (Credit: The Living Room)

La Encantada’s wine bar, The Living Room, provides a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a glass of wine and some sliders.

Their Grilled Chicken Sliders are topped with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and a rich demi-glace. The Prime Rib Sliders feature gorgonzola crumbles, creamy horseradish, and are served with a side of jus.

For more information, visit livingroomwinebar.com.

Sentinel Peak Brewing

4746 E. Grant Rd.
Sliders (Photo Courtesy of Sentinel Peak Brewing Company)
Sliders (Photo Courtesy of Sentinel Peak Brewing Company)

This microbrewery, serving award-winning craft beer, was founded by a group of local firefighters. In addition to a great beer selection, they have three different types of scrumptious sliders to choose from — all served on brioche.

Choose between a turkey breast, bacon, tomato, and avocado slider with ranch; a mesquite-smoked pulled-pork slider with house-made creamy slaw and Rusty Truck BBQ sauce; or a Mesquite-smoked beef tri-tip slider with horseradish aioli and caramelized onions. What a mouthful – of goodness, that is.

For more information, visit sentinelpeakbrewing.com.

Pastiche Modern Eatery

3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Prime Rib Sliders with Truffle Fries (Photo Courtesy of Pastiche Modern Eatery)
Prime Rib Sliders with Truffle Fries (Photo Courtesy of Pastiche Modern Eatery)

The Prime Rib Sliders at Pastiche feature thin-sliced prime rib topped with manchego cheese, caramelized onion cream, and horseradish. Served on locally sourced brioche buns, with a side of jus, the soft and buttery buns are perfect for dunking (or eating as is). If that hasn’t got your attention, these bad boys are served with a pile of well-seasoned shoestring fries.

Keep up with Pastiche Modern Eatery on Facebook.

The Canyon’s Crown

6958 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Angus Beef Sliders at the Canyon's Crown Restaurant & Pub (Credit: Chelsey Wade)
Angus Beef Sliders at the Canyon’s Crown Restaurant & Pub (Credit: Chelsey Wade)

This British-style restaurant and pub serves a variety of bar eats. The Canyon’s Crown Angus Sliders feature three smokey Angus steak sliders that pair particularly with any microbrew from their impressive rotating selection. Swap out the French fries for sweet onions fried in a light beer batter.

For more information, visit canyonscrown.com.

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Ghini’s French Caffe

1803 E. Prince Rd.
French Onion Beef Sliders at Ghini's French Caffe (Photo courtesy of Ghini's French Caffe)
French Onion Beef Sliders at Ghini’s French Caffe (Photo courtesy of Ghini’s French Caffe)

Ghini’s expands their menu on Friday and Saturday nights — this includes a selection of appetizers and entrées inspired by the South of France.

The dinner menu features the French Onion Beef Sliders topped with wine-glazed grilled onions, Gruyere cheese, and black pepper aioli on freshly baked brioche buns.

For more information, visit ghiniscafe.com.

Zona 78

7301 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Meatball Sliders and Prickly Pear Picnic cocktail at Zona 78 (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Meatball Sliders and Prickly Pear Picnic cocktail at Zona 78 (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Zona 78’s Italian and Mediterranean-style appetizers include their saucy, savory Meatball Sliders. The perfectly seasoned meatballs, smothered in ricotta, are the ultimate satisfaction. Mini brioche buns top the scratch-made bites.

For more information, visit zona78.com.

Article written by:

Chelsey Wade

Chelsey Wade

More about Chelsey
Chelsey Wade has traveled to 22 countries in search of the perfect fish & chips. She spends her time hiking the trails of Tucson and taking care of her five-pound Chihuahua.

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@Tucsondoobie’s infused dinner series returns Sunday, Sept. 20, with chefs @chefmattlove and @chefroselena!🌿

The five-course dinner features playful takes on familiar favorites, including carne asada frites, a Sonoran hot dog-inspired tarte tatin, and a Gansito-inspired chocolate dessert.

The dinner runs from 6–9 pm near downtown Tucson. Tickets include the five-course meal, mocktails, sponsor experiences, a gift bag, and @tucsonprimeleaf product samples.

🎟️ Doobie members: $110
🎟️ Non-members: $150

The exact location will be emailed to ticket holders before the event. Membership is available during checkout.

🔗 in bio

MENU

COURSE 1 / AMUSE-BOUCHE 
*“Yu-Tang Crab Ain’t Nuthin To F*** Wit!*
-Goat/C.R.E.A.M. Cheese Crab Rangoons
-Taki Powder
-“Yu-Tang” Sauce (Yuzu Sweet & Sour)
-Orange Ash
-Green Onion Curls

COURSE 2 / APPETIZER 
*Purple Haze Carne Asada Frites*
-Smoked Coffee Guallijo Tri-Tip
-Melted Oaxaca
-Savory Avocado Mousse
-Purple Potato Shoestring Frites
-Heirloom Tomatoes
-Pickled Onion Powder

COURSE 3 / PALATE CLEANSER
*Agua-CHILL-e Slushie”* 
-Cucumber Serrano Granita
-Caramelized Chamoy Bowl
-Tajin
-Infused Mint/Basil Oil

COURSE 4 / MAIN ENTREE 
*Sonoran Dog(ish) Tarte Tatin*
-Beef Franks
-Mexican Coke Glazed Bacon
-Carmelized Shallots
-Refried Beans
-“Bolilo Style” Tarte Crust
-Jalapeño Mustard Crema
-Cherry Tomatoes
-Smoked Chile Guero

COURSE 5 / DESSERT
*Gansito à la Mode*
-Chocolate-glazed gâteau,
-Strawberry confit,
-Toasted marshmallow mousse,
-Mexican vanilla semifreddo
-Chocolate crisp.

Photo by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonlocal #tucsonevents@Tucsondoobie’s infused dinner series returns Sunday, Sept. 20, with chefs @chefmattlove and @chefroselena!🌿 The five-course dinner features playful takes on familiar favorites, including carne asada frites, a Sonoran hot dog-inspired tarte tatin, and a Gansito-inspired chocolate dessert. The dinner runs from 6–9 pm near downtown Tucson. Tickets include the five-course meal, mocktails, sponsor experiences, a gift bag, and @tucsonprimeleaf product samples. 🎟️ Doobie members: $110 🎟️ Non-members: $150 The exact location will be emailed to ticket holders before the event. Membership is available during checkout. 🔗 in bio MENU COURSE 1 / AMUSE-BOUCHE *“Yu-Tang Crab Ain’t Nuthin To F*** Wit!* -Goat/C.R.E.A.M. Cheese Crab Rangoons -Taki Powder -“Yu-Tang” Sauce (Yuzu Sweet & Sour) -Orange Ash -Green Onion Curls COURSE 2 / APPETIZER *Purple Haze Carne Asada Frites* -Smoked Coffee Guallijo Tri-Tip -Melted Oaxaca -Savory Avocado Mousse -Purple Potato Shoestring Frites -Heirloom Tomatoes -Pickled Onion Powder COURSE 3 / PALATE CLEANSER *Agua-CHILL-e Slushie”* -Cucumber Serrano Granita -Caramelized Chamoy Bowl -Tajin -Infused Mint/Basil Oil COURSE 4 / MAIN ENTREE *Sonoran Dog(ish) Tarte Tatin* -Beef Franks -Mexican Coke Glazed Bacon -Carmelized Shallots -Refried Beans -“Bolilo Style” Tarte Crust -Jalapeño Mustard Crema -Cherry Tomatoes -Smoked Chile Guero COURSE 5 / DESSERT *Gansito à la Mode* -Chocolate-glazed gâteau, -Strawberry confit, -Toasted marshmallow mousse, -Mexican vanilla semifreddo -Chocolate crisp. Photo by @dalton.voss #tucsonlocal #tucsonevents
@Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy after 4 pm, bringing cocktails, tapas, disco lights, and a lively bar atmosphere to the same space. The dual concept comes from the team behind Talega Coffee Co., with coffee and scratch-made breakfast and lunch served during the day, followed by happy hour and bar service at night.

Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩 

“Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo 

Photos courtesy of @_velvetcowboy 
Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonnews@Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy after 4 pm, bringing cocktails, tapas, disco lights, and a lively bar atmosphere to the same space. The dual concept comes from the team behind Talega Coffee Co., with coffee and scratch-made breakfast and lunch served during the day, followed by happy hour and bar service at night. Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩 “Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo Photos courtesy of @_velvetcowboy Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonnews
@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs through September 13, 2026, offering a variety of prix fixe menus across Tucson.🍝🍕

Where to get pizza & Italian durning Sonoran Restaurant Week:

@anello_pizzeria 
@dominicksrealitalian 
@doscabezas
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
@reillypizza 
@frescotucson 
@zio_peppe_az 

For more details, visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw

#tucsonfoodie #sonoranrestaurantweek@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs through September 13, 2026, offering a variety of prix fixe menus across Tucson.🍝🍕 Where to get pizza & Italian durning Sonoran Restaurant Week: @anello_pizzeria @dominicksrealitalian @doscabezas @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @reillypizza @frescotucson @zio_peppe_az For more details, visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw #tucsonfoodie #sonoranrestaurantweek
@Asaditoszulmyta started with a tent and a grill on Tucson’s south side. Now, a year later, the Salvadoran food stand has grown into a food truck, a Central American market, and a gathering place for Tucson’s Latin American community.

Stop by Asaditos Zulmyta for their grand opening and Central American Independence Day celebration on Sept 12th from 7-10pm! Enjoy free aguas frescas, specials, a DJ, and more. 

Don’t forget to walk over and grab a coffee at @Redcaptaincoffee! 

4004 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 

Thanks for having us, @Asaditoszulmyta!@Asaditoszulmyta started with a tent and a grill on Tucson’s south side. Now, a year later, the Salvadoran food stand has grown into a food truck, a Central American market, and a gathering place for Tucson’s Latin American community. Stop by Asaditos Zulmyta for their grand opening and Central American Independence Day celebration on Sept 12th from 7-10pm! Enjoy free aguas frescas, specials, a DJ, and more. Don’t forget to walk over and grab a coffee at @Redcaptaincoffee! 4004 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ Thanks for having us, @Asaditoszulmyta!