If you enjoy the sweet, tangy, and sometimes spicy crunch of a pickle and haven’t heard of the famous Picklesburgh festival in Pittsburgh, then you’re doing something wrong! Each year, thousands of pickle lovers join together in downtown to delight in their biggest passion… pickles! Pickle foods, pickle drinks, pickle merchandise, and even pickle themed contests fill the 6th & 7th Street Bridges this year from July 11-13 and we have your inside scoop on must-try pickle exclusives.
When you arrive at Picklesburgh, it can be overwhelming to see so many stands with long lines you are not sure you want to stand in. Plus, there are other booths selling pickle merchandise that you’ll want to make sure you have time to hit up. But, if you do your research and make a plan for the top bites you want to try, you’ll find your time to be relaxing rather than overwhelming. Most of the vendors you’ll see are local restaurants and artists customizing their craft for pickle fans across the country.
To make sure you do Picklesburgh right, here are your must-try food vendors for a pickled weekend.
Must-Try Vendors at Picklesburgh
DiAnoia’s Eatery
This beloved local Italian restaurant is pickle-izing their menu for an unforgettable Picklesburgh. Try pickled pepperoni rolls, meatballs, and cannolis. Then, cool off from the draining Pittsburgh heat with a pickled aperol spritz, negroni, or limoncello spritz.
Gosia’s Pierogies
Pickles and pierogies? Sounds like a Yinzer’s dream come true! Gosia’s hand-makes their pierogies every single day. A specialty just for Picklesburgh is their pickle and potato pierogies. But, you can still grab traditional potato pierogies if you prefer.
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
Those with a sweet tooth will want to visit Pittsburgh’s go-to candy shop, Grandpa Joe’s. You’ll be in awe at pickle cotton candy, pickle saltwater taffy, pickle craft soda, pickle flavored gummies and even some pickle-themed novelties for purchase.
Jenny Lee Swirl Bread
Generations of this baking family have been producing swirl breads for over 100 years. To get into the Picklesburgh spirit, they are serving up a savory Gherkin Grilled Cheese Sandwich. It gets made with two slices of their Garlic and Herb swirl bread along with Swiss cheese as well as pickles from Flippin’ Pickles in Erie.
Le’s Oriental
No need to choose between pickles and Asian food, Le’s Oriental has you covered. You’ll drool over a crispy shell that holds a pickle stuffed eggroll inside. It’s perfectly crunchy and juicy. Don’t forget to try their homemade kimchi and chicken on a stick in case you’re craving more.
Little Athens
This Greek catering company provides takeout food at various farmers markets in the city, which always have a long line for their variety of hot dishes and desserts. Plus, this Picklesburgh they’re bringing the classic gyro with a special pickle tzatziki as well as their potato chip and dill chocolate confections.
Local Provisions
Whether you’re looking for a simple pickle or something new, Local Provisions is a stand you won’t want to miss. Their handheld menu includes a kimchi hot dog, fried pickles with Heinz ranch dressing, and Weiss Meats deli pickles. Plus, you can grab a craft Tickle My Pickle or refreshing Pickle-rita cocktail in the process.
Mancini’s
This local bakery is a must for lovers of fresh bread and Italian baking. Mancini’s is serving up The PGH Roll 2.0, a take on their pepperoni roll from previous years. This recipe features Silver Star cheesy Bratwurst and pickled cabbage all wrapped in an Iron City Beer roll.
Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream
Do you even live in Pittsburgh if you don’t crave Millie’s every warm summer evening? Get your fix of their creamy smooth ice cream at Picklesburgh. Two of their featured flavors will be Pickle Gelato and Pickled Fruit Ice Cream. But, they’ll have their classics available too so we imagine you’ll find Chad’s Vanilla and Best Chocolate.
The Brinery @ Two Acre Farm
While there are plenty of exquisite and complex creations to try at Picklesburgh, sometimes all you want is just a good ole pickle. Two Acre Farm’s Brinery is bringing a collection of their specialty pickles for you to try. Choose from Steel City Habanero, Nashville Hot, and Peach Maple Bourbon Smash. If you’re feeling something different and on the sweeter side, order the Chocolate-Covered Pickles or Mexican Street Corn Pickles.
The Warren
Downtown’s bar and burrow, The Warren is mixing up not one, not two, but three pickle cocktails. Split the trio with your friends to sip on the Sweet & Sour Pickled Watermelon Margarita, the Cool Pickled Cucumber Refresher, and the Pickled Fruit Sangria. You can even pick up one of their Cuban Eggrolls while you’re at it that have ham, pork, pickles, and cheese.
Wigle Whiskey
This popular Pittsburgh distillery is known for their various whiskies and relaxing atmosphere. They’ll have bottles of Eau de Pickle and City of Champions Bourbon to take home and keep the party going.
Yuzu Kitchen
The delicious asian cuisine at Yuzu Kitchen is getting the pickle upgrade. Sit down with a friend and start by ordering their Margarita Pickle Moscow Mule. Then, split Pickle Crab Rangoon, Fried Pickles with Yum Yum Sauce, and Chicken on a Stick Pickle.
Things To Do At Picklesburgh Besides Eating
At first look, it may seem like Picklesburgh is all about dining and drinking only. But, it actually has expanded over the years to include more entertainment and activities besides the food vendors. This year’s music schedule includes three full days of live performances from the time the festival opens to close. You’ll hear from talented local musicians from all around the region. You can also choose to watch the Dill-Cathlon Games or test your skill at Pickle Riding (bull riding). And, if you want to start the party early before Picklesburgh even begins, they’re having a Taste of Picklesburgh week from July 7-13 where 23 businesses throughout Pittsburgh will be offering their own pickle specialties to try.
Prep for Picklesburgh by making our 8 Recipes for Pickle Lovers including refreshing, summer cocktails and small bites.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Picklesburgh
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