Top 5 Must-Haves at Picklesburgh

Picklesburgh is a phenomenon that has taken the Burgh by storm. Each summer, people from all over the states visit to try a variety of pickles and pickle-flavored foods. This year, the event is being relocated to Boulevard of the Allies, from Stanwix St. to Smithfield St. For more information and logistics on this event, click here.

For their 8th year, Picklesburgh will be hosting 63 vendors — which is quite overwhelming! How can anyone choose? With its increasingly exponential popularity, pickle lovers will need to divide and conquer to sample everything they want to try. I suggest reading this article to get a head start on what to try!

After speculation and word-of-mouth, here are the five must-haves at Picklesburgh that will be in the city from July 21–23:

1.) Gosia’s Pierogies

Gosia’s Pierogies are always a crowd favorite at any outdoor event. Since 2001, Jan and Terry (a Polish husband-and-wife duo) have been making pierogies for various farmer’s markets and Picklesburgh, of course! Be sure to try out Gosia’s pickle and potato pierogies. If you are from Pittsburgh, I’m sure you won’t need any more convincing than that.

2.) Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop

Candy that’s fun for all ages! Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop is a locally-owned candy store in Pittsburgh, PA. These shops are home to any candy you can imagine, along with glass bottle soda pops and novelty gift items. At Picklesburgh, Grandpa Joe’s will have pickle cotton candy, pickle saltwater taffy, pickle craft soda, and pickle-flavored lollipops and gummies. This is a must-stop on the list if you have a sweet tooth!

3.) Pickle Me Pete

While Pickle Me Pete is not originally from Pittsburgh, this business ensures they make their annual stop at Picklesburgh. This company serves pickles straight from the Big Apple. From their Famous Fried Pickle Stickle to their Corny Pickle, there’s certainly enough pickles to go around. No? In that case, they also will have their sampler pickle flight — perfect for sharing!

4.) Bridge City Brinery

The Brinery is a local Pittsburgh food truck that serves a variety of sandwiches and sides. In recent years, the pickle tots were a hit at Picklesburgh. This year, The Brinery plans on also serving their new fried pickle fritters with homemade pickle ranch. If you want something to drink, I advise trying their Pickle Palmer.

5.) Excise Distillery LLC

Excise Distillery was founded by four friends who all had a passion to develop a small business that would impact the local community. They are bringing this drive to Picklesburgh and will be serving (to those that are 21+) a variety of pickle liqueur, pickle vodka, and adult pickle slushies and cocktails during the happy hours. After a hot day of pickle-tasting, this is a great refreshing stop on your list.

With so many options to choose from, no one will be leaving hungry. If you love pickles, I highly suggest stopping by these spots. All five of these locations not only have a passion for food (pickles specifically), but they also have a love for Pittsburgh, which is what makes this event so special each year. Support small businesses and purchase some pickles!