Mike L.
Yelp
Okay, let me just start by saying that, like so many other folks, I wouldn't be writing this if not for the original Harold and Kumar movie. That's not to say I never would've made my way to one, as I'm always curious about chains that we don't have in the Bay Area, but it definitely added some motivation. After watching it, the one thing I was always curious about was whether White Castle was actually good or if it was just a thing you eat after you've partaken in the same activities as they did. The result from my inexact experiment? Well, from my completely sober experience, there might be a reason as to why they weren't...
Now, despite how this was my first time visiting a White Castle, it, technically, wasn't my first time eating their signature sliders. Years ago, I tried the frozen ones they sell at supermarkets, but it's hard to count those since I never knew how close they were to the real thing. Inside, this place looks largely like what you'd expect - like any other fast food, albeit a bit dated and worn (they used to be open 24/7). It was also messier than I would've expected, as several tables were uncleaned, but it could've been bad timing, as a bunch of folks walked out as we walked in. As for the menu, it's pretty classic - seven different types of sliders, combos/family packs, a half dozen sides, and a handful of sweet treats (being Vegas, they also offer beers at a decent price).
Even though their Original Slider is the thing they're known for, I opted to get the CHEESE SLIDER instead (I already had to resist adding bacon). Thankfully, we stopped in just to try their slider rather than to eat a real meal because the wait for our order was surprisingly long. Compared to the frozen one I had, this one definitely looked far better, but it was more cute than tantalizing. It's not just that the slider itself was small; the patty was so thin! Plus, the slice of cheese wasn't melted either, which was disappointing. That said, at least it wasn't oily and the bun was soft.
While I'm glad to have finally checked them out in person, it's hard to say White Castle is worth visiting when there are so many alternatives up and down The Strip. The fact that they're one of the more budget friendly options around is appealing, but they'd be better for late night/post-drinking eats, if they still stayed open late. Or if you're reliving the Harold and Kumar experience.