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 streets this year from July 18-21 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. 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
Bumbleberry Farms
Mini pickles from Bumbleberry Farms come in two iconic flavors: Sweet and Sour, and Sweet and Sassy with a spicy kick. Each flavor is made with the farm’s specialty honey plus you can take home one of their award-winning honey cream spreads as well.
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 summer heat with a pickled aperol spritz, negroni, or limoncello spritz.
fl.2 Fairmont
A little taste of up North gets the pickle treatment with fl.2’s short rib poutine. It’s loaded with pickle fries, pearl onions, short rib, and a decadent veal jus. But, if you’re looking for something a little less filling, order their fried pickles with zesty pickled chipotle aioli. Don’t forget to wash it down with a pickled mojito cocktail.
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 fruity, Kool Aid-soaked pickle spears.
Hyeholde Restaurant
Hyeholde is known for its innovative, locally-sourced fine dining so it’s no doubt that their Picklesburgh selections come straight from the farm. Dig into a BBQ pulled pork or beef sandwich alongside a bread & butter pickle potato salad. Pair it with a Smoke on the Watermelon cocktail made with Mezcal and pickled watermelon or the Peach Treaty cocktail with gin and pickled peach puree.
Iron Born Pizza
You’ve probably heard of pickle pizza and Iron Born Pizza holds your ticket to trying this trendy recipe. Besides their Pickle Pie Slices, you can also crunch into fried chips paired with their tangy Pickle Dip. Or, you can take a break from the pickling with a slice of classic Pepperoni Pizza.
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 and their new 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 dish features Silver Star cheesy Bratwurst and pickled cabbage all wrapped in an Iron City Beer roll.
Over Eden
Even if you haven’t been to Over Eden’s beautiful rooftop terrace in a while, at Picklesburgh you’ll experience their expert flavors. Enjoy Pickle Hummus with house-made pickles and crudité, Pickled Jalapeno Poppers with cream cheese and bacon, Pickle Focaccia with fermented dough and bacon jam, and Pickle Birria Tacos with short rib and pickled onions.
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 split Pickled edamame, Szechuan Spicy wontons with pickled chilis, Kimchi nachos with pickled veggies, or a pickled sampler to try it all.
Prep for Picklesburgh by making our Pickle Spritz and enjoy a refreshing, summer cocktail.
Story by Kylie Thomas / Photo Courtesy of Picklesburgh
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