Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
12 Spots to Nosh on Sliders on Game Day

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.

Thumbs Up GIF by Troy Wagner - Find & Share on GIPHY

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.

Patrick Star GIF by Cheezburger - Find & Share on GIPHY

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.

Tina Belcher Summer GIF by Bob's Burgers - Find & Share on GIPHY

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.

Stay in the Tucson Foodie Loop

Weekly digest of new openings, events, and guides. No spam.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

Get the Tucson Foodie app

Explore everything, build your foodie profile — and unlock the Insiders Club with perks at 100+ local spots.

Follow @TucsonFoodie on Instagram

Follow along for daily food inspiration, event updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at Tucson's culinary scene.

4.5K

posts

133.2K

followers

See More On Instagram
IT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝

THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia 
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival

Let’s support local this summer💞

@anello_pizzeria 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@charredpie 
@ciaodownpizza 
@embersmobilewoodfiredpizza 
@empirepizzatucson 
@falorapizza 
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
@frescotucson 
@tucsonjaimes 
@localetucson 
@penelope.woodfired 
@reillypizza 
@reneestucson 
@roccoslittlechicago 
@serial_grillers_az 
@timemarket 
@uglybuthonestpizzeria 
@veroamoretucson 
@wholeslvcepizza 
@zio_peppe_az 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝 THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉 • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival Let’s support local this summer💞 @anello_pizzeria @brooklynpizzaco @charredpie @ciaodownpizza @embersmobilewoodfiredpizza @empirepizzatucson @falorapizza @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @frescotucson @tucsonjaimes @localetucson @penelope.woodfired @reillypizza @reneestucson @roccoslittlechicago @serial_grillers_az @timemarket @uglybuthonestpizzeria @veroamoretucson @wholeslvcepizza @zio_peppe_az #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌

Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 

11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌 Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! 

Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂

Want in on more foodie experiences? 
Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get:

• $6,000+ in gift cards & perks
• Free monthly Foodie Hours
• Exclusive R&D dinners
• Festival discounts
• Help keep Tucson Foodie free

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂 Want in on more foodie experiences? Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get: • $6,000+ in gift cards & perks • Free monthly Foodie Hours • Exclusive R&D dinners • Festival discounts • Help keep Tucson Foodie free #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieItalian Week runs now through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝🍕 

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bioItalian Week runs now through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝🍕 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18!

Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. 

The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event. 

More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18! Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event. More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnews

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!