Review: Plymouth Mini Burgers

Not too big and not too small, sliders are the perfect nosh for game day, a casual night out on the town or perhaps even an alternative to the kids’ meal. And these days, the bite-size sandwiches run the gamut when it comes to ingredients and flavors. From your classic little burger to meatloaf minis, we’ve found some mouth-watering sliders to try, courtesy of local eateries. KOBE SLIDERS Lucky’s 13 Pub Known for flavor and tenderness, the Kobe beef sliders are a true fan-favorite among the bar-goers at Lucky’s 13 Pub, according to manager Angela Truesdell. “We dress the Kobe with homemade truffle ketchup, fresh field greens, tomatoes and raw onions,” she says, and it’s served on a fresh toasted bun. ($10.99).  Find these sliders on the happy hour menu from 3 –6 p.m. and 9 p.m.–midnight Monday–Friday, and all day Sunday. 3000 Harbor Lane N.; 763.746.007; luckys13pub.com   MEATLOAF SLIDERS Cowboy Jack’s The folks at Cowboy Jack’s were really on to something when they decided to turn a classic from Grandma’s kitchen into a bite-size sandwich. The meatloaf sliders are a modern twist on a Midwestern staple, and are topped with Cowboy Jack’s Cowboy Ketchup and seasoned tobacco onion strings ($9). If meatloaf doesn’t hit the spot, then try one of Cowboy Jack’s other mini-inspired entrees, like the sloppy Jack sliders ($9). This version of a sloppy Joe packs a kick. Or consider the braised barbecue chicken sliders, with tender meat swimming in Cowboy Jack’s barbecue sauce ($9). Stop by during happy hour and get an order of sliders for just $4.50 (3–6 p.m. and 10 p.m.–midnight daily). 4120 Berkshire Ln. N.; 763.559.0257;cowboyjackssaloon.com   BUFFALO CHICKEN MINIS Ruby Tuesday Order any of Ruby Tuesday’s minis and get a trip to the salad bar—or a cup of soup—and fries. We love the buffalo chicken minis with their fried-chicken goodness, tossed in a spicy Buffalo sauce, and topped with lettuce, tomato, pickle and mayo ($9.99). Ruby’s also boasts a classic mini burger topped with American cheese or a turkey version of the mini ($9.99). For the vegetarians among us—who often get left out of the mini-burger club—there’s the zucchini cake minis, which are made in-house with red peppers and feta cheese, and topped with lettuce, tomato, pickle and mayo ($10.99). 3405 Vicksburg Ln. N.; 763.551.9009; rubytuesday.com   SUNSETS SLIDERS Sunsets It’s hard to beat the patio at Sunsets on a warm summer day overlooking the activity on Lake Minnetonka, just a couple of miles from Plymouth. While you’re watching the boats go by, order up a plate of the Sunsets sliders—the perfect snack for two. You’ll get two mini Angus beef burgers, smothered with American cheese. For something a bit healthier, opt for two turkey burgers topped with chipotle aioli ($7.95). Both are served with firecracker onions. Take $3 off during happy hour 3–6 p.m. daily, 9 p.m.–close Monday–Saturday, or 9 p.m.–midnight Sunday. 700 E. Lake St., Wayzata; 952.473.5253; sunsetsrestaurant.com   MINI REUBENS Kip’s Irish Pub Serving up a menu of traditional favorites like chicken boxty (made with Irish potato pancakes), corned beef and cabbage, and fish and chips, Kip’s Irish Pub might as well have been shipped straight from Ireland. But Kip’s also boasts a trio of mini-Reubens that will rival a plate of bangers and mash. These cocktail-size sandwiches are served on rye bread, piled with corned beef and topped with Swiss cheese ($7). Don’t forget the sauerkraut! If you’re looking for a classic slider, Kip’s has those, too—three Angus beef patties topped with Tillamook cheddar ($8). During happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. daily, these bites are just $6. 9970 Wayzata Blvd., St. Louis Park; 952.367.5070; kipspub.com   MINI SANDWICH COMBO Lucky’s 13 Pub Ever had a problem deciding between a few different—and equally mouth-watering—items on the menu? Well, this might just be the perfect option for those less-decisive sandwich lovers. The mini sandwich combo serves up three slider-size sandwiches, and you can choose between three options—honey roasted turkey, cherry wood smoked ham or garlic roast beef ($10.99). Lucky’s cooks all of its meats over a churrasco grill, similar to a wood-fire rotisserie. 3000 Harbor Lane N.; 763.746.007; luckys13pub.com WEE BURGERS Cooper Irish Pub These burgers might be smaller than your average quarter-pounder, but they aren’t lacking in flavor. The wee burgers come smothered in aged yellow cheddar cheese, topped with lettuce and a delicious balsamic onion marmalade on sourdough buns ($8.99 for three, add a burger for $2). Take the flavor to the next level by adding bacon for $1. Also find a pair of the wee burgers on the happy hour menu for just $4.99 from 2–6:30 p.m. Monday–Friday and 10 p.m.–close daily. “Our happy hour menu has tiered pricing, so it’s easy to share or have a portion that is a great size just for one,” says executive chef Nick Hess. 1607 Park Place Blvd., St. Louis Park; 952.698.2000; cooperpub.com