Slider’s Oyster Bar Celebrates Community and History Through Design

Slider’s Oyster Bar has been a Neptune Beach staple for decades, serving Florida seafood just a short walk away from the ocean. An evening at Slider’s gives you a delicious taste of relaxed beach town living with a delightful cocktail list, fresh oysters delivered daily by Safe Harbor Seafood, and a fun family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike can pull up their beach cruisers and enjoy a bite and a drink with friends. 

When Chris and Deanna Wooten bought the business in 2017, the beloved restaurant already had the recipe for success, but the space would soon be due for a remodel. To help bring their vision for an updated Slider’s to life, the Wootens brought on Julie and Greg Schwartzenberger of Edge and Lines Design. The design duo is local to Neptune Beach and own The Hotel Palms, a stylish boutique hotel just a seven-minute walk from Slider’s.  

Sadie II Outdoor Barstools

Before Edge and Lines could begin work on the interior design, P23 Design Studios, Gamel Construction, Sabru Construction, and Main Made Studios came together to imagine and complete structural updates to the building. These updates included everything from kitchen expansion and wiring to the installation of turf out front for more seating and a putt-putt space. They also added fabulous functional garage doors, creating an indoor/outdoor experience and nodding to the building’s previous life as an auto repair shop. Local carpenter and artist Jerome Morris was able to relocate and preserve the old stained glass windows from the shop front to the dining room and kitchen so the garage doors could be installed.

When it came to the aesthetic of the space, Matt Wilson, the Managing Director of Slider’s and Safe Harbour Seafood, had a vibrant mood board ready to share, full of bright yellows and pinks, beachy imagery, and vintage inspired branding. “It was great color direction,” said Design Principal Julia Schwartzenberger. “We brought in all the colors of the sunset. You can see them in places like the wallpapers, barstools, and art.”  

Reece Barstools

Edge and Lines found ways to echo the colors, shapes, and textures found in oyster shells. They sourced pendant lights that look like they have glowing pearls for lightbulbs and countertops that resemble crushed oysters. This organic motif subtly and elegantly celebrates the fresh seafood Slider’s serves. 

Another key piece of the vibe at Slider’s is the art. In a restaurant with such a long history, the wall art Slider's has collected over time is essential to its character. Schwartzenberger was thrilled to be able to incorporate some of these sentimental pieces and give them new life. “This project involved a lot of mixing the old with the new; putting art collected over the years back on the walls with a modern twist,” Schwartzenberger said. Surfboards, posters, and black and white photos tell a rich history of both Slider’s and Neptune Beach. One black and white photo is of co-owner Deanna Wooten’s mother in the 60s. Even with the big remodel complete, the history and community feel remain. 

Much of the talent and products were sourced locally or within the United States, from the barstools and chairs to the big florescent Slider’s sign by Florida-based Taylor Signs. Other local partners included wallpaper and upholstery by Creative Designs, electric work by Limbaugh Electrics, plumbing by Sunshine State Plumbing, and A/C by Reliable Ducts. From the cool outdoor space where young visitors can play putt-putt and run around to the local collaboration involved in this remodel, Slider’s is all about bringing the community together for great food and beach-town fun. 

If you love restaurants with vacation vibes and vintage touches, check out this blog on Tin Lizzy’s Cantina in Atlanta.  

Photography by Jessie Preza.