Monday, November 14, also known as National Pickle Day, recognizes the tart, often sweet, and even spicy pickle. This is truly a day for pickle lovers of all kinds and here in Tucson, there are quite a few options for those with a hefty appetite.
Did you know the term “pickle” comes from the Dutch word pekel, meaning brine? You can pickle just about any fruit or vegetable, too, but today we’re talking about pickled cucumbers.
Here are a few options to enjoy on National Pickle Day (spots that are open on Monday).
Divine Bovine Burgers
1021 N. Wilmot Rd.
Sure, they’ve got burgers up the wazoo, but there are so many other delicious options to order on the menu as well (the milkshakes being one of them). We’re talkin’ pickles here. The Fried Pickles are super crispy, bite-size, and served with Divine Bovine’s signature buttermilk ranch. I like to eat them by the handful like popcorn.
The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily.
For more information, visit divinebovineburgers.com.
Good Oak Bar
316 E. Congress St.
As you can see, these pickles are cut into spears, making it quite the experience when dipped into the accompanying hot sauce aioli. These pickles are packin’ heat (like out of the fryer hot) so be sure to let them cool off a little bit before biting into them.
The restaurant and bar is open from 4 p.m. – midnight daily.
For more information, visit goodoakbar.com.
Pita Jungle
7090 N. Oracle Rd. #128
Pita Jungle is celebrating National Pickle Day by bringing back a fan favorite — Pickle Hummus.
The local Mediterranean restaurant group teased Pickle Hummus as a joke on April Fool’s Day a couple of years back and was amazed at the response of guests wanting to try it. So, they did what any other restaurant would do and ended up making it a real thing.
The restaurant is open 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Monday – Saturday and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, visit pitajungle.com.
Red Light Lounge
485 S. Stone Ave.
The bar and restaurant found in the lobby of the Downtown Clifton Hotel is always thinking of new drinks and dishes to serve its guests — those staying in a room or the ones just stopping by for a few hours. Right now, they’ve got a “pickle rim dip” option for their margaritas. If pickles aren’t your cup of tea, you’re reading the wrong article. However, Red Light Lounge is also offering a tamarindo rim dip.
Red Light Lounge is open from 4 – 10 p.m. daily.
For more information, visit downtowntucsonhotel.com.
Read our October 2022 article “The Red Light Lounge unveils its new menu at the Downtown Clifton Hotel.“
Substance Diner
1015 S. Park Ave.
If you’ve ever been down to MotoSonora Brewing Company for a cold beer and scenic views outside on the patio, it’s likely you’ve sunken your teeth into the yummy bites from Substance Diner. Be sure to order the Fried Pickles with your order — or by themselves — because they are some of the crispiest little pickle chips in town.
The food truck is open 5 – 9 p.m. on Monday – Thursday, noon – 9 p.m. on Friday – Saturday, and noon – 8 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, visit substancediner.com.
Read our October 2022 article “A conversation with Karl Poechlauer of Substance Diner.“
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
