If you’ve ever driven on Manchester in Ellisville and noticed that little restaurant called Smalls Sliders, you’ve probably wondered what it’s like. I finally decided to stop in and see for myself, and I’m glad I did.

Unlike some burger places that go over the top with massive patties, Smalls takes the opposite approach. The focus here isn’t size, it’s flavor. And in that smaller package, they pack a big punch.

Smalls Sliders was launched in 2019 by restaurateur Brandon Landry, the creator of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. Inspired by his love for bite-sized cheeseburgers, Landry built the brand around sliders that deliver big flavor in a small package. The first location opened in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, operating out of a bright orange modular shipping container, known as a “can.” Since then, the concept has attracted major support from investors, including 10 Point Capital and former NFL quarterback Drew Brees.

The sliders are the highlight of the menu. Each one comes hot off the grill, with juicy patties that are seasoned just right. They’re simple, but in a way that feels intentional. No gimmicks, just good food. The fries, though, don’t quite reach the same level. They’re thin, lightly crunchy, and fine for snacking, but honestly pretty average overall.

That’s where the sauce changes everything. It’s the hidden gem on the menu and works like a cheat code, tying the whole meal together. The sliders taste even better with it, and the fries, while plain on their own, become something worth finishing once you dip them.

The sauce has the look of the infamous Cane’s sauce, but it was not the same. There were little chunks in it, adding to the flavor. The sauce has a lot of well-known condiments mixed inside of it, like ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and hot sauce, to name a few. This sauce does wonders, and I wouldn’t be surprised if people go to the restaurant just for the sauce itself. With a new restaurant opening up across from Cane’s and Freddy’s, they would need to match the standard set for sauce, and I believe they didn’t just match it but exceeded it.

When I think of a slider, my mind goes straight to Whitle Castle; it’s one of their most popular items, and there are numerous commercials displaying the slider. Smalls Sliders still takes on the slider name, but these sliders are not small. The sliders aren’t traditional in the sense that they still have the limited customizations you can really only add an extra patty and bacon or take off cheese, pickles, or sauce, but with the size, they are actually big for a slider. Take the size of a White Castle slider and a McDonald’s burger and average them out, and that’s the rough estimate of a small slider.

Smalls is pretty cost-friendly with $13.99 for 4 sliders, large fries, and a drink. 3 sliders will set you back $10.99, 2 will cost $8.99, and 1 is $6.49. Smalls has this deal called the Biggie Smalls, where for $1.10 you can double the meat and cheese on the slider, and for 99 cents you can add bacon. If you want some dipping sauces for your fries, queso is 1.49$, and a small sauce is 49 cents.

The atmosphere at Smalls also makes the visit worthwhile. Sports is always on the TVs, the tables are spotless, and the turf-style flooring gives it a patio-feel even indoors. Overhead string lights add a laid-back, casual vibe, and you can tell the space probably looks even better at night when the lights really glow. It’s the kind of spot that feels built for hanging out with friends, whether you’re stopping in after a game or just killing time on a weekend.

The service keeps pace with the rest of the experience. Staff are friendly, quick on their feet, and the food comes out fast. Everything feels organized, but without losing that relaxed mood that makes the place welcoming.

Despite not having a huge menu or flashy items, this tiny restaurant built inside of construction containers is giving these big corporations a run for their money.

Smalls Sliders                                                                                                                                                                                             15751 Manchester Road, Ellisville MO 63011                                                                                                                                     Open M-TH 10 a.m.-10 p.m., F-S 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.