Pickle Barrel

Burger Ratings:

Burger: 3

A rating of 3 may be somewhat low, but I seriously questioned several times the origin of the ‘beef’ included in this patty. I ordered the double cheeseburger, and was surprised by how small it was, yet after tasting it was not so much disappointed because I was not interested in eating more. I briefly thought that perhaps they used sausage patties by accident and remarked to my dining companion “this taste is indescribable”. As I finished my burger I realized that, I was wrong again, I could describe it, the way a pet flea collar smells. A++. The bun was a size that afforded an ok ratio, but it along with all of the cheese and condiments in the world could not help normalize the taste of this burger.

Side: 5

I ordered the fries, because honestly I normally do, and frankly I am not comfortable eating a salad from somewhere called the Pickle Barrel. They were pretty shoestringy, which is fine because I honestly don’t have a favorite type of fry, and also am sort of ambivalent towards them all together. I ate them happily as they were better than the burger (contributing factor to numerical 5 rating) but please note the enclosed photo. The fry closest to my burger looks somewhat discolored, and rest assured that it was primarily black. I set it aside and got back to dining. Half way through the server/cook remarked to her co-worker “I think the fries taste better when the oil is dirty.” If there is truth in this or not, I am not sure why she would exclaim that in front of customers. Nearly immediately I lost interest in eating these.

Environment: 3

The Pickle Barrel is filthy. I am not going to tip toe around this fact. Its booths are made primarily of wooden garden trellis, and I feel as if the environment is like a terrible dive bar brought into the day light, which is terrifying. There are electronic betting machines in a corner, Steelers decor a-go-go (no surprise and not a detraction), and some weird old lunch boxes on a very high shelf which does not add charm or appeal. The cook/server seem flustered that she would have to pause her smoke break to serve us and I think I found a tobacco crumble on the inside lid of my cup. I wouldn’t go as far as to say I felt unsafe eating here, just uncomfortable.

Value: 4

The double cheeseburger, french fry, and 20 oz. drink combo weighs in at $4.99, which seems like an absurd deal until you walk into the Pickle Barrel and take your first bite. I feel almost bad saying that because it is not a large business or chain, but I would realistically choose to eat a fast food value meal over this if faced with a choice. I guess for what the Pickle Barrel is it average, but I mostly saying this because a small amount of guilt. In short I will never eat this again, regardless of how hungry or poor I am.

OVERALL BURGER REVIEW: