Design/methodology/approach The isothermal average Reynolds equation, considering isotropic random roughness, a critical shear-stress-based constant slip length model and with micro-pocket, has been solved. The variation of performance characteristics such as lubricant pressure, lubricant minimum film thickness and lubricant-bearing friction force with change in geometrical parameters of rough-slippery coating and micro-pocket is observed. Findings It has been observed that hydrodynamic bearing with a newly suggested shape of rough-slippery coating shows a significant increment in the minimum film thickness and a reduction in the lubricant-bearing friction forces. This optimized coating zone shape combined with deeper micro-pockets, further enhances the tribological performance of the hydrodynamic bearing. Practical implications The optimized geometrical parameters (shape, size and location) of the rough-slippery coating and micro-pocket in the present investigation promote the use of liquid-lubricated hydrodynamic inclined plate slider bearings for high-speed and lightly loaded tribological applications. Originality/value The proposed optimized combination of rough-slippery coatings and micro-pocket increases the probability of achieving hydrodynamic thick-film lubrication with minimal frictional losses in the bearing. This novel approach offers a promising solution for improving bearing performance characteristics under steady operating conditions. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2024-0400/