Good times! Stopped here before heading to Coolidge Park for fireworks this 4th of July. I'm from the burbs of Chicago, IL and my best friend is from Crossville, TN.. I was staying with family in Stevenson, AL that weekend My girlfriend and I met in Chattanooga. We started at Warehouse Row but almost everything was closed except one fancy over-priced restaurant and one clothing store. So that was a flop.... Ended up down the road at Pickle Barrel; very impressed! Such good hospitality.. Friendly, helpful, knowledgable staff. Decent food & decent drinks. Fried pickles - delish!! Everything was reasonably priced. Unique building shape, on the corner.. Open til 3am! 21+ sign on the door; so no kids, not really a 'family' restaurant Delightful dive-y environment. The bathrooms were a bit rough.. And there's smoking indoors, which got heavy in the bar area for us non-smokers. But I will gladly return if visiting Chattanooga again.
(4)
Lissa E.
My friend and I went here to grab a drink before going to a street concert. The good- the service was good, it had a nice roof top patio, the place had a unique divey feel to it, had a large beer menu, and it looked like it had a large food menu although we didn't eat the food The not so good- smoking in and outside, only one sketchy girls bathroom, limited mixed drink menu, and it was an interesting crowd Extra info- must be 21 and older, housed inside a cool corner building
(3)
Trevor D.
Great Chattanooga dive bar. If your coming through town looking for non presumptuous place to simultaneous eat drink and smoke, then this is your place. Decent craft beer selection, nothing special in terms of cocktails, but food is very satisfying bar food. Get a sandwich, a beer and a few bourbon shots. Ask for Julian, great service. Only wish they had a bit more local beers for the booze tourist like myself.
(4)
Leah C.
A great dive bar! Loses 1 star for allowing smoking inside. Very cool spiral staircase leads to an awesome rooftop deck. If you want to throw some grease on it, this is the place to do it in DT Chattanooga -- fried pickle spears, tater tots, and huge curled potato fries are just the trick. Would appreciate a bigger selection of beers on tap though. Fun place to go with a group of friends!
(4)
Carrie Neal W.
The smokey, divey, cool kinda things still apply. But the new person in the kitchen is disappointing - or just trying to get the hang of things perhaps. Those fried cheese triangles are still guilty goodness. But lunch yesterday when we tried to order "real" food was just. . . meh. My burger was a little overcooked (bartender told me med rare was no problem, came out almost well) and the mayo came on it (ick) when I asked to leave if off. The tots are good (pretty sure they are Sysco or US Foods, but like OreIda, basic and perfectly crispiness work here). My friend got the chicken fingers and reported they were overcooked. He eats here for lunch on a semi-regular basis and says all of this was a little unusual for PB. Not enough to dock a star, but I've made a mental note to skip lunch and play late night. Unless I get that cheese...
(3)
Clint C.
Great dive bar. I had an awesome Sammich called the immigrant which I added onion to. Only downfall is the smoking which they are very upfront with so shame on me. Smallish place so the heaters might ruin it but if not solid place.
(4)
Kimberly S.
Good times to be had by all. Grab a beer & grab a sandwhich...yum! I enjoyed a french dip & would come back again. Cool looking spot with a deck on top. Chill & laid back. My only problem was the smoke. TN has laid back rules on smoking like most of the south. I never thought I'd be one of those people...Anyways, the food, atmosphere & staff were great!
(4)
Steven L.
Chili on a cold day. I call in an order for chili and pick it up when it's get cold outside. It comes with crackers too. A cup is about $3 and a bowl of chili is about $5. I sometimes will sit at the bar to the left next to a few regulars that hang out at this place. The building is of a pointed rectangular shaped and is unique in its own respect. This is one reason to why I wanted to check this restaurant out is because of its irregular and unusual shape. I will come back this winter and more than likely get chili with crackers.
(4)
Julia G.
the food is always amazing. such great and simple dishes done right. the burgers and chicken sandwiches are great but the best thing on the menu are there half moon cheese sticks. we live in dalton and come up here as often as we can just to eat. we love sitting on the top deck outside enjoying the weather and yummy food. the only complaint i would have is sometimes the service is a little slow, but that's just that they are a little understaffed.
(4)
Jay K.
One of my sister's favorite places! The bloody marys are top notch and the hot wings get all my thumbs up. We also had the Warm Brie and the Downtowner sandwich, so any remaining thumbs I can come with are up for those as well. Our waiter was great, excellent service and a good sense of humor. Definitely a good start to a great night out.
(4)
D. A.
This is a dive bar but the food is actually pretty good. Good sandwiches/burgers, fries and rings.
(4)
Jeremy F.
Awesome food. They take common things and put their own spin on it. Brie app was really good. Fries and tots also great.
(5)
Ben E.
This is a great dive, and too few of them are left. The inside is worn down, the tables are covered in ancient grafitti, and the clientele is highly diverse, to say the least. Some tables seat families who are going to the Pickle Barrel for really great food. Other people are there to get a beer (or a lot of beers). Smoking is allowed here, so just be aware of that. The people right beside you might be going through packs of Marlboros...or they might be as clean and innocent as those lovely humans who go house to house asking if they can talk to you about Jesus for "just a few minutes." I'd say their bar is just much like any bar. It certainly looks like it's been beaten up a few times, but I suppose that's the point. The Pickle Barrel was open until 3 am on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I honestly wished I could've been there that late just to see the chaos. Otherwise, the food is really great. The menu is pretty much a decent selection of deli options, hamburgers, and a few things for the kids. What makes all of this stand out is the exceptional quality of their ingredients, the quality of service, and the wonderful atmospere of the place. Next time I go I'd really like to eat on the upstairs patio, but late December was just not the time, I love this place and would recommend it to anyone who lives in Chattanooga or is just visiting. It's a true part of the city's pase and a great place to grab a good lunch or dinner. P.S. Almost all of the Pickle Barrel's bread is locally sourced. The rye bread on my Reuben was exceptional, as was the whole sandwich. If you want a 5-star Reuben then definitely go here.
(5)
Belinda S.
What a quaint, boho-ish joint. Sit upstairs on the lovely patio. I highly recommend the Big Cheese with a side of Abita Purple Hazez
(4)
The Food L.
Four of us stopped by on our way to Nashville - it's looks, really cool from outside and awesome inside as well. The restroom is very special - I don't think I will forget this or anyone of us will. Good was superb - fries, tater tart, sandwich, club etc. The host very nice and friendly, superb ambience and it appeared to be a popular spot. I highly recommend it this place.
(5)
Sam W.
I wish I could have tried the food because the menu looked pretty good. I was in town for a conference and I was with a party of 5 or 6. The downstairs of the restaurant wasn't full but we were told to sit upstairs. After about 20 minutes I went to the upstairs bar to get myself a glass of water, because we hadn't seen a waiter. 10 minutes after that we decided leave because we still hadn't seen anyone to even ask us if we wanted drinks, much less take our food order. Completely disappointed.
(1)
Becca G.
They recently revamped the restaurant inside, outside, and the menu. I really like this place. In my opinion, it is a good place to pop in and get a burger or a good sandwich. I don't know that I could spend a few hours in there drinking in the bar as it is a pretty small space downstairs.
(4)
Matt R.
Came here just because my folks owned a pickle barrel when I was a kid. This place is much better. Great service and I can't tell you how good the Reuben is, you have to try it for yourself. It is great and all homemade.
(5)
Ashley B.
Went there Sunday night. Sat at the end by the bathroom. Don't know if the bartender thinks it's annoying to have guests sit there. But wasn't asked if we needed anything else. Had to tell him. I feel rude when doing that, being a bartender myself. I know how to treat customers. He was cutting up with other patrons, not busy at all. Mind you, I'm in the industry...so I tip well. I left him 5 on 28 when I should have not left him anything. No, that's not a good tip. He would have gotten 10. Seems like he picks and chooses who to accommodate. Being right by the register you would think "hmmm, this is easy. You want another one? " I'm not a picky patron regarding drinks, the time it takes, or if you're a dick or not. If you've got time and ignore me, then I'm not happy. He wasn't slammed, thus I tipped the minimum and never would i do that. Next day-worked 12 hours....came to the establishment to eat, hadn't eaten all day. Ordered a much needed bourbon shot from the server, when it came it was a half pour. Server said something to bartender, much to his chagrin. Avery gave him maybe an extra 1/4 oz shot to bring to the table, then in front of everyone complained and became angry. I am very turned off by this behavior. He walked out for a minute shouting. If i behaved this way then I would want to be disciplined. I strive to always do my best, and that was not his best. It seemed that he was pissed off about a 5 dollar tip on a 28 dollar tab. I'm a patron. Do your job. Be cordial. Shut your mouth if your upset, because you are the face of the company. Disclaimer:I feel that it is bad karma to complain, put another being in jeopardy. I work for my money and would never treat a guest like that. I would never want someone to lose their job, but if it happened to me, I bet you that it's happened to others.
(1)
Allie E.
Fried Pickles are great. I get a french dip with turkey, fair prices, super cool and casual spot in Chattanooga. Also good for takeout.
(5)
Kimberly K.
This was my first of many to come experiences at the Pickle Barrel- LOVED IT !! Good/Bad (#10) #1. Open on Sundays (when the entire towns selection seems to be shut down until after church) #2. Friendly, knowledgeable, inviting, funny, conversational staff #3. Reasonably priced and great flavored bloody marys #4. Reasonably priced and great food #5. Fun and friendly atmosphere #6. Spiral staircase that leads to an amazing outdoor patio #7. Outdoor roof top patio with great view #8. Smoking allowed (seriously!!!) #9. TVs throughout with a variety of sports #10. Bathrooms - need some help - relocate the female bathroom I loved the experience !!
(4)
Carolyn M.
We went to a handful of bars in Chattanooga and every single one was out of something we wanted (or several things we wanted). In the case of Pickle Barrel, it was every high gravity beer and most of the imports. Otherwise, our experience here was good. We had an attentive, eccentric server who raced up and down the precarious steps to serve his rooftop guests. Also, don't attempt the rooftop if you are afraid of someone looking up your skirt or if you are already soused. The spiral staircase up poses some hazards.
(3)
Shree D.
This place is a spectacular find....if you like something less ordinary. The food is great and they have a variety of beers you won't find everywhere else. Only thing is they permit smoking so NO KIDS ALLOWED
(4)
Marsha W.
This was my first experience in the Pickle Barrel. Because I was told so many great things about it, I was excited. But, I will have to say the cigarette smell was overwhelming as you walk in the door. I was told the Black and Bleu burger was amazing. I ordered it. It had a good flavor, I will say that but the burger itself did not fill the bun. The bread was good. It has a Niedlov's flavor. I'm assuming it came from there as some of the burger places in town order them. Overall it was disappointing. For what was paid for this burger $8.50 plus tax, it was not a good enough for me to go back there. I would much rather go to Cheeburger Cheeburger for a better quality meal for the money. I can give credit to our server. She was attentive and not overly so.
(2)
Gloria L.
the only thing i didn't like about this place is that you're allowed to smoke... and this was the closest place that was open late at night... we liked the food and the service but couldn't stand all the cigarette smell in the restaurant...
(3)
Kristen M.
Decided to try this place because of the fried pickles and was not disappointed. Loved the horseradish based dipping sauce.
(5)
Johanna B.
We tried the steak and the black & blu burger. The steak was just ok. Nothing fabulous and kind of blah. Though the black and blu made up for that is was one of the best I've ever tried. Defiantly worth it. The beer here is just average. Nothing special. Might go back just for the burger.
(4)
Joe L.
Such a relaxed and easy going bar in Chattanooga. The 2nd floor balcony is amazing and great on those summer nights. The nachos are delicious and the service is top-notch.
(5)
Garrett L.
Came here with family to kill time when rowing regatta wasn't going on . We sat down and just had a beer . Staff was helpful and beer was cold . Wish I could have had food but already ate so based on what I've encountered Id come back .
(3)
Mike O.
The only thing that is holding this place back from being a 5-star wonder is its location...Such an awesome bar with bar food (let's be honest), with a cool second floor patio and a hip scene, it almost has everything! But it's location, until Chattanooga changes, is kind blah. It the middle of the city, which become DEAD at night. Right next to a bus station, sort of crawling with panhandling itinerants. I mean, it could be because I visited on a Tuesday night, so maybe it's hopping on the weekends, but still...Do NOT give up the location, just cross your fingers that other cool spots spread out right next door to lift up it's awesomeness.
(4)
Ethan R.
This place is so cool. It is a 100% "dive bar," but the service is excellent, the food and beer is great, and the prices are awesome! I will for sure be back.
(5)
Melissa B.
Smokers welcomed OMG...We loved this location.. I was attracted by the building...I am a huge huge huge architecture NUT!! When I saw this corner building off Market street that was a bar and so old looking I was drawn in immediately...and of course since it was a bar that gave us great reason to go in, enjoy the atmosphere and take pictures..and me to be nosy...and being Nosy I am...lol!!!! We went in..immediately I fell in love. The inside is dark wood and stone and glass windows making it look more open..OH what I wouldn't give to be in this building in the early 1900's..when it was new... the end corner booth was empty ...and I had to sit there!!! I was actually excited...lol!! Yes I am a weirdo...!!! We sit down in the booth and our waitress immediately arrived with a menu. I apologized that we had already eaten but we had to stop in and get a drink so I could view their gorgeous building..she was very pleasant and took our drink order. The place is not big at all inside and if it had been a peak time frame for a meal..I would have felt really bad about taking the BEST SEAT in the house.. But it was a Saturday, after 2 so they were not busy...but I knew I was going to tip her well just because I didn't want to make it not worth her wild...Tony ordered a PBR...we were bar hopping and since we are from Nashville, we knew this could potentially be very expensive..so PBR was his drink of choice..but to our pleasant surprise...it was only $2.25 for a bottle..and I ordered Tea with lemon and lime..I wanted unsweetened but she messed up and gave me sweet...good but too sweet for me..but hey I had the best seat in the house..I wasn't going to complain and return it.. Tony was immediately in love due to the fact he could smoke..which is surprising since small and food but the sign on the door did say NO ONE UNDER 21 admitted. There was a jukebox and we had the corner seat in the window ...I want to go here again and again..I looked at the menu and the prices for sandwiches and wings were very reasonable..Reuben only $5.95...that is a good price...next time!!! we enjoyed our drinks and had to move on to the next conquest..Tony loves it when I am exploring a new city...extra beer for him...and tons of photos for me...lol !! we will definitely definitely be back to the Pickle Barrel in Chattanooga...and I recommend if you can...grab the end corner booth...great view of the inside establishment and the outside scenes... Oh there is an upstairs outside patio....with spiral steps going up from the inside bar area...check it out...We will!!!
(5)
Scott J.
The pub is wedge shaped. Literally as wide as a person at the end. The whole inside is wood and carved and with names, initials, messages all over. A very unique place! Cold beer, good pub grub. A neat place to grab a beer before going to a show or shopping. As with most things in Chatanooga, a pleasant and surprisingly fun place.
(4)
Glen H.
Great late night pub grub and watering hole - this is where bartenders and wait staff from all the other restaurants and bars in the area go when they get off work. Very cool place, great bartender.
(4)
Laiken W.
Good local feel. Great happy hour. Fried pickles are a must. I'd you are visiting and looking for a good local feel this is your place. Indoor seating and/or a cool outdoor patio accessible by a wicked spiral staircase. Black and bleu is delicious. Chill environment, highly recommend.
(4)
John M.
I wish I could like this place but I find that I just can't. I went based on the suggestion of some friends and I regretted every moment of the visit. Service was decent, food took forever to get there and there may have been 6-8 other people there. Lets talk about those people. Other than the staff and 2 others besides us, the few patrons were grungy and dirty looking people with very loud, foul mouths. I'm not prude but there is a time and place. The place was also filled with smoke and I felt dirty when I left. Now lets get to the food. I ordered the polish sausage and onion rings. The rings were top notch. The polish sausage? More like 2 vienna sausages on a big hoagie roll. The rest of the table said there food was good and even seemed to be decent proportions. Honestly, due to the incredible amount of smoke, meh food and horrible proportions, I'll mark this one up as "never going again, no matter what". Sad part is, I really wanted to like this place but grungy hipsters talking loudly with language that would make a sailor blush, clouds of smoke and average food make this a no go for me.
(2)
Cynthia N.
I went out on my first night in Chattanooga looking for a something to eat and followed two guys from the electric shuttle to the Pickle Barrel. Those two guys were cool enough to adopt me and introduce to their favorite bar in Chattanooga. If this is your favorite bar, I don't blame you. The upstairs patio alone is worth coming back for again and again. And sitting under it at night while storm clouds move in is pretty cool. I ordered a grilled chicken salad which was average, but to be fair, this really isn't a "salad" kind of place. One of the guys had a burger and he was well satisfied. The other guy had wings and liked them but said the sauce was different from the last time he had them and he liked the old sauce better. The guys had beers (way cheaper than my alcoholic beverages at about $3 each) and I had lemon drops that only cost me $6 each, and that made me very, very happy. Our server was super cool and didn't mind going up and down the stairs to serve us. (We asked him and he said he'd gotten used to it so it was cool.) These stairs are metal, spiral and narrow. It's not easy to walk up or down them empty handed. I don't know how he did it with drinks and food. Dumbwaiter maybe? I have to say, I was surprised that the bathroom didn't make me want to scream when I opened the door. Because the bar is so old, I thought the toilet would be death star scary, but it was just a plain old bar bathroom with toilet tissue on the floor in a couple of places. Totally doable. I am definitely coming back to hang on this patio on a summer night. And have more of those tasty $6 lemon drops.
(4)
Eliza R.
If you're visiting Chattanooga and want to eat where the locals eat, or want to drink at a dive-y, hole-in-the-wall bar, Pickle Barrel is your best bet! It's a true institution in downtown Chattanooga, away from the tourist traps and chain restaurants. Let's just say this is definitely not a place for the delicate or obsessively clean - the atmosphere is smoky and sometimes dirty, and the staff can be crass, but it's definitely part of the charm. The Pickle Barrel usually offers a good selection of beer on draught, and it's cheap to boot. The food is surprisingly good for bar food, too - may I recommend the fried pickle spears and hamburgers? Oh, and if you can find a seat on the rooftop patio, sit back and take in the beautiful view of Chattanooga!
(4)
April W.
if I could give this place a negative, I probably would. I had this place bookmarked to try for over a year and finally made it...what a let down. I've said it before and I'm saying it again. Your servers will make you or break you! This was some of the worst service ever. We sat there for about 15 minutes before anyone came up to us. Finally a burn out came over and asked us if we've been helped. We told him no, ordered our drinks and an appetizer (fried pickles) and told him we were super hungry. 15 or more minutes went by, we were out of drinks, he asked if we'd like more to drink and to order our entrees. we said yes but where was our appetizer? he said it was on it's way. I asked about how the potato salad was, is it mustard based or mayo based? He said, hmmm I dunno...did he offer to find out? Um no. I asked about a couple if other items on the menu, he didnt know about that either. So 20 more minutes and he brings our entrees out. no drinks, no appetizer. What? So I ask about the drinks and what ever happened to the appetizer. Oh man he said, I forgot. So he goes back and brings the fried pickles. Um...nevermind, dude. I ask for salt. Oh and still no drinks. We are done eating and finally we get more to drink and my salt (which my fiance had already went inside to get for me because I was pretty sure I may never get it). Mine and my friend's entrees were supposed to have black olives. We asked about why we didn't have any. His response? Guess?! He didnt know... The food wasn't that great either, but I may have given 3 stars based on the quaint atmosphere and the patio. But if service is that bad and food is just okay, no thank you. Get your servers' crap together, Pickle Barrel.
(1)
Justin W.
As good as it gets is right! This place blew my expectations, and my taste buds, right out the window. As an out of towner, coming into a seemingly dive-bar was a little unnerving at first, but the staff were extremely welcoming, and settled us in right away. Don't be fooled by the graffiti and dingy look, everything was exquisitely clean in the bar and at the tables. I had a $7 Black and Bleu burger which I would have happily paid $25 for. The flavor of the cajun seasoning and finish rocked my world, and paired with tots the dish couldn't be beat. A bottle of Major Tom's Pomegranate Wheat beer was an interesting pairing, but it worked perfectly. Whether you're a local or passing through this part of Tennessee, don't miss this chance for an outstanding greasy meal. Also, if it's nice out, don't get scared away by that steel spiral staircase, it goes to an outdoor patio on the second floor that overlooks the rejuvenated downtown area.
(5)
Arthur H.
Great service great food great price... If you want some good food on a roof deck and are not concerned with calories I definitely recommend this place
(4)
Kent K.
My wife is a designer so she has tought me a thing or two about different design philosophies. When we ate here I asked "is this place Bohemian?" she replied; "totally". The atmosphere, servers, decor, and even the privies are just plain odd... but that can't deflect from the fact that the food is absolutely delicious. The service was great and the prices are very reasonable. We will definitely go back here when in Chattanooga. I have never been accused of being either politically or socially correct so the fact that you can smoke while enjoying your meal is a definite plus; our server was smoking as he was placing our order and I happily lit up with my low priced Newcastle.
(4)
shawn r.
It's where local chattanoogans go to get the dive bar drunk experience. Fair food (bar food), smokey environment, but the deck earns it one more star to take it to 3 stars. It's been here for as long as 30 years and hasn't lost an ounce of the soul it started with. Not really a great tourist spot, sort of a locals place.
(3)
Julie N.
I always believe a restaurant could be less than amazing and still be worthy of a terrific review if a customer has a great experience. That's what it's all about anyway - and this was a GREAT experience. Stopped in Chattanooga on the way through Tennessee, and found this place for lunch. It's a bar (have to be 21+ to enter), so it's got a real pub-like feel when you walk in, and a crazy spiral staircase that takes you up to the outdoor seating on the roof (perfect on a beautiful day, but be careful going back down after a few beers...). We ate at the outdoor seating, ordered their fried pickles and a pitcher of beer, and took in the relaxed and pretty atmosphere. The fried pickles were okay, but they were in spear form rather than sliced - more pickle, which isn't my personal fave, but good anyway. I had the southwest wrap and it was delicious. The perfect amount of food for lunch and with the beer. The whole lunch was SO affordable and charming, with very friendly and quick service, and it was easy to spend almost a little too much time there. Definitely stop in if you're in that area!
(4)
Thomas T.
If you eat inside you have to smoke. Its the rule. It seems. Go up the tight staircase and upstairs if the weather is good. Fresh air makes food taste good. They need more air here. Reuben was very good. They make their own sauerkraut for a reason. The cheese steak was forgettable. Service was good. Bar food in a bar where you can smoke.
(2)
Stephen H.
Crazy how polarizing this place is. I've been there many times and I must admit that it is always different. I've seen other reviews complaining about the server being high but good lord if they weren't high I 'd send them back and ask for a server that was. I will also admit I have a soft spot for the barrel as it was one of the first places my wife and I went when I was courting her. The good... It is a very unique place and you will not find anything about it that reminds you of a chain restaurant. The sandwiches and burgers are great straight forward American bar food. I really enjoy the Reuben. It isn't anything that hasn't been done before but the pastrami is cooked on the flat top and the combination of kraut, dressing and rye bread is about perfect. The fried pickles are also delicious. So if you want a good sandwich and a take on the bar and grill experience not honed by some marketing executive then try this place out. And, yes it is smoky as hell, but enjoy the deck in the spring or fall if that bothers you and you can dine peeking out from the tops of trees. Oh and lastly, it is next to patten towers which houses many variously disabled people and I am not making fun, but there are always interesting people in the streets while you dine. I dig it because really at the end of it all it takes all kinds to make the world go round.
(4)
Darren L.
Ok..just to be clear.This place is straight up 110% proof bizarre. It's a hole of epic proportions...that being said it has AWESOME burgers and truly terrible service. It's not even pretending to be concerned about it though...Food is great and it's definitely worth checking out...However I'd be aware that it's pretty sketchy neighborhood at night. Homeless folks abound...Again I've probably been 5 times now as I pass through Chattanooga.It's not remotely convenient to get to ,to park or to order...and yet I continue to go and dine. If for nothing else you gotta see the place as I think Bilbo Baggins was the designing architect.
(3)
WebGuy D.
The Pickle Barrel offers high quality alcoholic beverages. I like to stop by the pickle barrel before picking my children up from Signal Mountain High School. Their drinks give me enough of a "buzz" to deal with my spoiled, backtalkin' children after a day of them getting in fights and smoking cigarettes at school.
(5)
Scott M.
Our favorite place in Chattanooga. Good beer selection. Food is good, but nothing special. Best atmosphere to hang out on a chill night.
(4)
C Y.
Unless you're a local don't bother entering this smoke-filled, dingy establishment. It took 10 mins. for the rude as hell bartender to even acknowledge our existence and once he did he gruffly demanded our I.D.s which we happily presented. As we sat there holding our I.D.s out to be checked we watched him serve everyone else at the bar. So we said "screw this" , and walked out.
(1)
Brian S.
Do not let the "atmosphere" cause you to walk out. Although I did not feel like a fit in at all, I would be considered a yuppie from the 60/70's and most would be "against the man" the waitress was very nice and a joy to have serve us. I would cone back here in a heartbeat if I am ever around here again (I'm from the Chicago suburbs). Their burgers are amazing. You need to try this place out. ******** This review was from the summer that I guess never got posted.
(5)
Tom W.
Went in for a quick lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Not very busy. Got a menu after 10 minutes on the roof. Never saw or talked to a waitress again for another 20 minutes. Worst service I have ever seen. Left without taking order after half hour.
(1)
Adam F.
Great dive bar. If you come looking for something high scale you're going to be disappointed, if you're looking for good beer, good food, and a great atmosphere you're in luck.
(4)
Justin D.
Coolest place in Chattanooga for a craft beer... but only if you can get a seat on the patio. The inside is, well... cramped, to say the least. Definitely one of my favorite places to go, though.
(4)
Matt V.
I ate here for lunch a while ago. It was good, but the bar smelled horribly of smoke. If you are a smoker, then its not a problem. It has a dirty decor, but if you can get past the smell and decor the food was decent. I am glad I tried it, but can't say I will go out of my way to go there again. A must try at least once.
(3)
Clarence E.
Stopped in for lunch. Sure feels like a well-worn bar/pub. Wood tables, chairs and walls speak history. Except for sitting against a wall and tight fitting chair at a 2-top in the middle that would do well holding you up after a few too many, this place is a great comfortable joint. Hot sammies with a pint would do you well. Had the NY with salad (yeah, trying to eat healthy). Feta dressing was good. Will be back.
(4)
Lola D.
Bldg was interesting but the smoking on the first floor was bad. We went upstairs. Not much better but we were in hurry so we stayed. Ordered soup and salad and the soup was good. Won't come back because of the smoking.
(3)
Aubrey D.
I have a sentimental attachment to this place. I've been coming here since high school, and it doesn't change! It gets a little seedier each time I visit but I appreciate that they haven't tried to trend it up. Pickle Barrel is the real deal. It's a funky hole-in-the wall bursting with character. There are wooden tables built at wierd angles in a cramped, dark room. The best one gives you an odd view into the downtown streets. I actually met "Prince Be" (from PM Dawn) at that table years ago after a concert! They also have a spiral staircase that leads to another dining room and a patio. The patio is your best bet on a warm day. My favorite is the "Big Cheese" sandwich that has 5 different cheeses, sprouts, and a tomato. It's served with chips and, of course, a pickle. Tasty! Cheap! This is a great place to kick back with a couple of beers among friends. I hope it stays strong for years to come.
(4)
Cristina C.
I would love a place like The Pickle Barrel if I were a local, but as a touron I felt a little bit out of place. When we asked the bartender/potential owner if they had drink specials or local micro-brews, he got snippy and said, "Yeah, we have beer!" No shit, Sherlock. Thanks for making my world a better place. We ordered a pitcher of the cheapest beer on the menu (Miller Light) and sat in the corner booth which faces oncoming traffic as the cool building forms a triangle. The place had a hip vibe, but nobody was friendly and we didn't stick around long enough to get drunk. As I said, this place would be perfect for me under different circumstances. It's an old space, the music was 80s/90s vinyl, and the bartenders could potentially treat you well if they've established that you're one of them. If you don't have the time to get to know it, leave it to the locals.
(2)
Joey K.
I ordered a reuben and onion rings along with a white and black russian (that's how I promote diversity) The food was delicious I loved the cheese on the reuben and makes it stand out. The atmosphere of the place though is what really makes it stand out, it's a real intimate woodsy place rather than a cold and sterile hospital-like environment. The waitress was really attentive even noticing when I was finished with my white russian. I gave her a good tip for that. Now why 4 stars not 5 stars? The atmosphere is a little over the top with the edgy and grungy look, my dining table looked more like driftwood rather than a solid piece of furniture. And the bathroom uses wooden locks and the mirror was covered in random paint splashes. While I get the message in creating an edgy atmosphere it's too much in my opinion when you can't even check the mirror for any teeth stains. I also wondered if the dining table was gonna collapse if I put my elbows on it. Despite that I'm really happy I got to check this place out. There's also parking right across the street so no need to hunt around for a spot and walk for an hour.
(4)
Katrina W.
Okay, I get it that this is a tradition here in Chattanooga. The building is cool. But that's as far as I get. I ate a sandwich here, not that great. Came one evening to meet friends for drinks and our waiter was stoned out of his mind and took 20 minutes to bring us our drink orders. The smoke was awful in the small place too, I could not breathe. Needless to say, I haven't been back.
(1)
Matt M.
Cheap outdoor awesome Not being from TN and visiting Chattanooga for work, I had no idea where to go or what to eat. A friend and I stumbled upon this place while walking from our hotel to the river. The downstairs has a cool atmosphere with the wood, rock, and is seemingly furnished from handmade/garbage furniture (in a good way). Walking up a rickety spiral staircase brings you to a small rooftop deck which is a great way to enjoy the weather, get some sun, and watch people down below. Food was pretty good for a dive bar, prices decent, and it is definitely a place I would go back to next time I'm in the area. Oh, and the name is hilarious! Didn't ask how they came up with it, but I'm assuming there's a good story behind it.
(4)
Teresa S.
Building reminds me of some I visited in Boston. Bar maid was friendly and displayed a great sense of humor. Drinking on the balcony is the best thought process for this establishment.
(3)
A B.
We stopped here randomly on our way back down to atlanta from nashville. I dig the atmosphere, the waiter was charming in that drugged out kind of way and the food was AMAZING. i had the portobello sandwich which i could not get enough of and my friend had the burger which was in fact, possibly the best in chattanooga. i will for sure stop there the next time i'm in town. loved it.
(5)
Katie S.
Loved this place! In town just visiting and stumbled upon the restaurant. They have an upstairs where smoking isn't allowed and you get there by a spiral staircase which is cool!! We however ate downstairs around 12:30 and it was not smokey. The atmosphere is awesome, reminds me of an old pirate ship, a few local men sitting at the bar and two ladies having lunch in the window seat. It was so cozy and I loved the music playing, lots of old country, a little CCR, rockin Robbin, lots of oldies variety. I had been craving a sandwich and got EXACTLY what I wanted, the club sandwich was HUGE and only $7. Ham, turkey, real fresh cooked bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on some good ole toasted white bread. My friend got a Reuben which looked great, he enjoyed it but wished he had gotten my club only because the portion of my sandwich was a LOT! Would love to come back to this place it is so neat and yummy!
(5)
Lisa K.
The food is not so bad. If you are looking for good hangover food, this may be the place. Be forewarned: it's very greasy. I went with a small group of friends, and it was one of the worst dining experiences we have had to date. Not only was our server extremely rude--but proceeded to get all of our orders mixed up--and did not even care to apologize for the slow and disorganized service he provided. Needless to say, he missed out on a potential big tip from all of us. We all tipped him $0 ( a first for me)! I think the Pickle Barrel has great potential as a hipster hangout, but they need to consider restaffing lest they lose all of their customers!
(2)
Darren B.
While I'm not from Chattanooga, it's easy to see that this place is a tradition and great staff. Drink specials are good, Food is fair, bar food. But the energy in the place makes up for it and occassionally they have live music. This is my favorite dive place in Chattanooga.
(4)
M P.
Tough to rate this joint!! The burgers are real good, but the restaurant is real nasty. It's absolutely gross!! We tried the dirty inside. We tried the shaky patio on the roof. We also tried take out. I get worried about food poisoning every time. Thankfully I didnt, but I heard a co-worker got quite sick. That's when we stopped going... Too bad!!
(1)
Hello M.
In the mood for divey bar food? This is your place. I didn't think a quesadilla could be that bad. What gives cheddar the consistency of curdled milk? I hope it was sanitary, whatever it was.
(3)
Guy L.
This is a quirky spot. Go for the atmosphere, not the food, which is OK bar fare. The spot itself is a wedge-shaped building. Do NOT study the ceiling near any ventilation ducts. If you avoid any place that smells of smoke even when no one is there, this place is not for you.
(3)
David P.
The Pickle Barrel. It's on drugs. Or our waiter was, at least. High out of his gourd. Which is fine, he's not operating on my heart. But dude, you can't smoke pot before you serve if you can't remember the orders... The architect was also high when he designed the building. Seriously, it sags. Which is nice, because that helps the street lights get a better angle on the deck. Which is nice, because there aren't any lights other than those. Which isn't nice. Abita beer abound. Which is nice. 1.5 Cucumbers dipped in brine, fried and dipped in ranch. 6 bucks? Really? They are good though. Which is nice... But not great.
(3)
evan m.
The Pickle Barrel was exactly what we were looking for on Friday night: an unpretentious bar with a great beer list and fried pickles. The decor is "beat-up wooden tables and benches" and the regulars are friendly and chatty. It's a nice alternative / antidote to a lot of the bars closer to the river on Market and Broad Streets. A lot of those are too big, too polished, too chain-feeling. The Pickle Barrel feels local and real. Go there.
(4)
Benjamin W.
My favorite hangout in Chattanooga. Anytime I go back it's as if I'd never left. From the fantastic old-school wooden tables and bar, to the fun and friendly servers and bartenders, to the awesomely huge basket of fried pickles... I love this place. One thing to bear in mind... late at night it does get smoky, so that could potentially bother people. It's not really an issue during the day. The outdair area upstairs is completely rad on a beautiful night.
(5)
Jay M.
A perfect dive bar! Totally funky joint with carved everything, greasy tasty yummy food, good beer selection and the funkiest bathroom I've been in since the old days at the Zephyr Bar in Reno. It was a cold night in Chattanooga and the big heater in the middle of the floor just added to the character. The 50's music, the smell of cigarettes... I tell ya, if you're looking for hoity toity uppity class joint, don't come here. If you're afraid of extreme character, don't come here. If you love Generica or the latest trends, don't come here. But if you appreciate the funk of a great dive bar - COME HERE!
(5)
David C.
This place is eccentric to say the least. If you like a punk rock atmosphere with obscenity writings all over the table and walls, then this is your place. The interior of the restaurant looks like a cross-over between a dungeon and a 17th century ship. This is not due to the lack of maintenance, rather it is the theme of the restaurant. I guess it's supposed to look like a medieval alehouse. Once again, you would like it if it was "your thing" but otherwise you'll probably just end up confused. I don't have much to say about the food. I ordered the french dip sandwich, and it was average. Nothing extraordinary, but not too bad neither. However, the atmosphere was just not for me. Perhaps for the next diner.
(2)
Jay F.
Great bar with decent selection of beers. The vibe is classic and a bit old world with knotty wood furniture. An eclectic mix of urban and college types make up the crowd. A viking or hobbit would look eat home with a giant dripping mug of brew at the tables. Don't go if you're not into a smokey environment.
(4)
Tara R.
If you are trying to avoid fried food, don't eat at the Pickle Barrel. Their fried pickles are mega tasty. The soup and salad are nothing you couldn't do better at home (the salad was boring, with dressing straight out of a giant Sysco bottle; the French Onion soup was oddly thick but predictably salty and flat). The beer selection is pretty great and I dig the funky, angular first floor bar as well as the roof deck. Just know this is the place for deep fried snacks and a couple rounds, not dinner.
(3)
Charlie P.
Stopped here for lunch last Saturday. Just like the other reviews say, they do have a great burger. Service was ok. Was about 11:15 am, so it was pretty dead. There is a soup kitchen right across the street , so the walk over from our hotel was a drag, being hit up by all the homeless. I think it would be a great spot on a Saturday night with friends. It's VERY small inside!
(3)
JPaul R.
Great Burger! I had the black and Bleu burger and it was amazing. The spicy mayo on it makes it a killer burger. It's just a little hole in the wall kind of place but the interior was really cool. The clientele is a little different, hipsters drinking PBRs, but the atmosphere is pretty chill. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I thought it took a little too long to get my burger. Other than that small detail its a great place. I'd recommend it to anyone visiting Chattenoga!
(4)
Sean B.
Great location and wonderful pub atmosphere, prompt service, enjoyable food (must order fried pickles), good beer. My wife and I like the Pickle Barrel very much and will be returning on our next trip to Chattanooga.
(4)
N B.
Cool vibe with a great patio, but TERRIBLE service. We came here after a wedding reception - big group including most of the wedding party and some family members that was in a fantastic mood when we arrived. Pulled up in a big bus and saw a few empty tables on the patio, so headed in. The waiter told us there was no space to sit upstairs (obviously not true). We asked whether we should order at the bar downstairs or from our seats upstairs, and he said we should just wait in our seats. So we waited. And waited. And waited. The waiter brought other people on the patio their food/drinks, but completely ignored us. We finally had to go down and get him, at which point he came up and complained that we weren't really all seated (a few people were standing at the railing) and that he would have to ID everyone if we ordered drinks. I'm pretty sure that's part of the job, but whatever. He complained enough that we finally just left. Moral of the story, the Pickle Barrel staff clearly wasn't interested in serving us, but instead of just saying they couldn't handle a big group, they lied about seating area and made us sit for 15 minutes before whining about checking everyone's IDs and effectively refusing to serve us. When we complained, they argued with us and said there were only 2 people working, so it wasn't their fault we were impatient (after sitting for 15 minutes without anyone paying attention to us at all). I cannot emphasize enough how terrible the customer service was. Suffice to say, I will never return to this bar. We walked down the street to another place that also only had 2 people working. They accommodated us just fine and treated us like customers, not some sort of burden.
(1)
George R.
Didn't stay long enough to try the food. Smoky + staircase + drinking = ER Whats up with the wood shingle roof over the bar? I thought I was in the Shire with Frodo and Sam the Wise Nice "friends" in the park nearby. Keep spare change available.
(2)
Chris C.
What a cool little hometown spot. Historically a train station it has exposed brick and wood...nothing fancy here... small and broken in like a old catchers glove. Def a hippie/granola feel. Bring your pocket knife or sharpie and you can write/carve on the table.
(4)
Javier O.
This is a cozy little bar. Emphasis on the little. If you want to go from one end of the bar to the other, for example to go to the bathroom, it' s probably better if you go out of one door and go around the outside of the establishment and come back in through the other door. Otherwise, you are forced to go through a tight squeeze. Despite the size, they have a decent selection of sandwich creations or you can make your own. They stay open pretty late and serve food until 3am. I spent $16 including tip on two Heinekens and a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with tater tots. So you get a good value here. From what I could see this particular night the place was, from the front of the house to the kitchen, fully staffed and operated by women. My server was very attentive to my needs. The 3 stars was mainly due to size o f this joint and level of cleanliness. Although clean by most bar standards, not as clean as I would like the restaurants were I eat to look like (especially the bathroom yuk). But it seems like this is a popular local hangout and it seems to be enjoyed by most patrons.
(3)
Dan B.
I had the best burger ever at the Pickle Barrel. If you are a burger fan: GET THE BLACK AND BLEU BURGER. It was one of the juiciest burgers I've ever had in my life. It was spiced perfectly. It had bleu cheese, chipotle mustard, some kind of a spicy cheese, raw onion, and the juiciest/tastiest patty I've ever had. The fries were hot and amazing. It's in a modest setting; kinda rustic. You have to commend a place that stays open till 3 AM. Sometimes you just need good food in the late hours. This is the perfect place to do that in Chattanooga. Also: try the fried pickles!
(5)
Michele R.
It's a small, cool building but don't go if you are claustraphobic. I had a hard time enjoying my lunch in what felt like a very dirty bar and my food tasted like cigarette smoke. I probably should have had the burger, but I opted for the reuben and hubby had the philly cheese steak. Both were good, but we felt was typical bar food. I wouldn't vote to come back but it's a place my hubby would bring his drinking buddies when they come visit. The bloody mary was pretty good though.
(3)
Cheryl N.
My husband and I consider Chattanooga our weekend getaway place. About the worst thing you can say about alot of the places is that they are packed with kids during the summer, so this is why I like the Pickle Barrel! It's definitely NOT kid friendly. I love the atmosphere and that it is not shiny and branded like many places to eat. The sandwiches are great, the beer is good and cold. We usually try new places each visit, but we always eat at least one meal at The Pickle Barrel. We even have a framed print of it at home in our office. You're either going to love it or hate it. Definitely NOT a tourist spot.
(4)
Abby G.
A classic Chattanooga watering hole. Great for a beer and fried pickles with friends. Sit on the outdoor deck on the second floor to avoid the smoke.
(4)
Khuyen P.
From the outside, it looks like an east coast sort of pub [shhhh - don't tell the local's I said that - but it's a complement!]. In the inside - all southern comfort and hospitality. The friendliest people around were hanging out there. Next time I'm back in Chattanooga - I'm coming back here. It's that little bar that makes you happy to have taken a chance, stuck your head through the door, tripped on the way in the door and sat down and had round after round of cheap drinks served by the nicest bartender. Thank you Avery for being so kind and obliging.
(4)
Vanessa G.
Okay, the food is nothing special, but it isn't bad and it is inexpensive. But who goes to the Pickle Barrel to eat?? It is a great place to hang out and drink. Nice staff and cozy atmosphere. The outdoor rooftop patio is awesome during beautiful weather. And if you are a Noog native you are bound to run into at least two or three people you know at the Barrel. Great place to start or end your night 'o fun. I miss it! And that is saying a lot, 'cause there are more bars than can be counted in Milwaukee. (Like churches in Tennessee!).
(5)
James H.
WOW I am happy to see that the Pickle Barrel is still around, since it's been about 10+ years since I ate there last. When I was there I had a bacon hamburger, and it was one of the best I have ever had! When I think of Chattanooga, I think of the Pickle Barrel and that wonderful burger I had! Enjoy!!!
(5)
Sarah P.
I try to go to the Pickle Barrel whenever I'm in Chattanooga, it's a fabulous place, the staff has always been wonderful, the food delicious, and you just can't beat the atmosphere!
(5)
Tom M.
A great place to hang out day or night. Funky old corner building with roof top seating available when the weather is nice.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Yes Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Meg P.
Good times! Stopped here before heading to Coolidge Park for fireworks this 4th of July. I'm from the burbs of Chicago, IL and my best friend is from Crossville, TN.. I was staying with family in Stevenson, AL that weekend My girlfriend and I met in Chattanooga. We started at Warehouse Row but almost everything was closed except one fancy over-priced restaurant and one clothing store. So that was a flop.... Ended up down the road at Pickle Barrel; very impressed! Such good hospitality.. Friendly, helpful, knowledgable staff. Decent food & decent drinks. Fried pickles - delish!! Everything was reasonably priced. Unique building shape, on the corner.. Open til 3am! 21+ sign on the door; so no kids, not really a 'family' restaurant Delightful dive-y environment. The bathrooms were a bit rough.. And there's smoking indoors, which got heavy in the bar area for us non-smokers. But I will gladly return if visiting Chattanooga again.
(4)Lissa E.
My friend and I went here to grab a drink before going to a street concert. The good- the service was good, it had a nice roof top patio, the place had a unique divey feel to it, had a large beer menu, and it looked like it had a large food menu although we didn't eat the food The not so good- smoking in and outside, only one sketchy girls bathroom, limited mixed drink menu, and it was an interesting crowd Extra info- must be 21 and older, housed inside a cool corner building
(3)Trevor D.
Great Chattanooga dive bar. If your coming through town looking for non presumptuous place to simultaneous eat drink and smoke, then this is your place. Decent craft beer selection, nothing special in terms of cocktails, but food is very satisfying bar food. Get a sandwich, a beer and a few bourbon shots. Ask for Julian, great service. Only wish they had a bit more local beers for the booze tourist like myself.
(4)Leah C.
A great dive bar! Loses 1 star for allowing smoking inside. Very cool spiral staircase leads to an awesome rooftop deck. If you want to throw some grease on it, this is the place to do it in DT Chattanooga -- fried pickle spears, tater tots, and huge curled potato fries are just the trick. Would appreciate a bigger selection of beers on tap though. Fun place to go with a group of friends!
(4)Carrie Neal W.
The smokey, divey, cool kinda things still apply. But the new person in the kitchen is disappointing - or just trying to get the hang of things perhaps. Those fried cheese triangles are still guilty goodness. But lunch yesterday when we tried to order "real" food was just. . . meh. My burger was a little overcooked (bartender told me med rare was no problem, came out almost well) and the mayo came on it (ick) when I asked to leave if off. The tots are good (pretty sure they are Sysco or US Foods, but like OreIda, basic and perfectly crispiness work here). My friend got the chicken fingers and reported they were overcooked. He eats here for lunch on a semi-regular basis and says all of this was a little unusual for PB. Not enough to dock a star, but I've made a mental note to skip lunch and play late night. Unless I get that cheese...
(3)Clint C.
Great dive bar. I had an awesome Sammich called the immigrant which I added onion to. Only downfall is the smoking which they are very upfront with so shame on me. Smallish place so the heaters might ruin it but if not solid place.
(4)Kimberly S.
Good times to be had by all. Grab a beer & grab a sandwhich...yum! I enjoyed a french dip & would come back again. Cool looking spot with a deck on top. Chill & laid back. My only problem was the smoke. TN has laid back rules on smoking like most of the south. I never thought I'd be one of those people...Anyways, the food, atmosphere & staff were great!
(4)Steven L.
Chili on a cold day. I call in an order for chili and pick it up when it's get cold outside. It comes with crackers too. A cup is about $3 and a bowl of chili is about $5. I sometimes will sit at the bar to the left next to a few regulars that hang out at this place. The building is of a pointed rectangular shaped and is unique in its own respect. This is one reason to why I wanted to check this restaurant out is because of its irregular and unusual shape. I will come back this winter and more than likely get chili with crackers.
(4)Julia G.
the food is always amazing. such great and simple dishes done right. the burgers and chicken sandwiches are great but the best thing on the menu are there half moon cheese sticks. we live in dalton and come up here as often as we can just to eat. we love sitting on the top deck outside enjoying the weather and yummy food. the only complaint i would have is sometimes the service is a little slow, but that's just that they are a little understaffed.
(4)Jay K.
One of my sister's favorite places! The bloody marys are top notch and the hot wings get all my thumbs up. We also had the Warm Brie and the Downtowner sandwich, so any remaining thumbs I can come with are up for those as well. Our waiter was great, excellent service and a good sense of humor. Definitely a good start to a great night out.
(4)D. A.
This is a dive bar but the food is actually pretty good. Good sandwiches/burgers, fries and rings.
(4)Jeremy F.
Awesome food. They take common things and put their own spin on it. Brie app was really good. Fries and tots also great.
(5)Ben E.
This is a great dive, and too few of them are left. The inside is worn down, the tables are covered in ancient grafitti, and the clientele is highly diverse, to say the least. Some tables seat families who are going to the Pickle Barrel for really great food. Other people are there to get a beer (or a lot of beers). Smoking is allowed here, so just be aware of that. The people right beside you might be going through packs of Marlboros...or they might be as clean and innocent as those lovely humans who go house to house asking if they can talk to you about Jesus for "just a few minutes." I'd say their bar is just much like any bar. It certainly looks like it's been beaten up a few times, but I suppose that's the point. The Pickle Barrel was open until 3 am on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I honestly wished I could've been there that late just to see the chaos. Otherwise, the food is really great. The menu is pretty much a decent selection of deli options, hamburgers, and a few things for the kids. What makes all of this stand out is the exceptional quality of their ingredients, the quality of service, and the wonderful atmospere of the place. Next time I go I'd really like to eat on the upstairs patio, but late December was just not the time, I love this place and would recommend it to anyone who lives in Chattanooga or is just visiting. It's a true part of the city's pase and a great place to grab a good lunch or dinner. P.S. Almost all of the Pickle Barrel's bread is locally sourced. The rye bread on my Reuben was exceptional, as was the whole sandwich. If you want a 5-star Reuben then definitely go here.
(5)Belinda S.
What a quaint, boho-ish joint. Sit upstairs on the lovely patio. I highly recommend the Big Cheese with a side of Abita Purple Hazez
(4)The Food L.
Four of us stopped by on our way to Nashville - it's looks, really cool from outside and awesome inside as well. The restroom is very special - I don't think I will forget this or anyone of us will. Good was superb - fries, tater tart, sandwich, club etc. The host very nice and friendly, superb ambience and it appeared to be a popular spot. I highly recommend it this place.
(5)Sam W.
I wish I could have tried the food because the menu looked pretty good. I was in town for a conference and I was with a party of 5 or 6. The downstairs of the restaurant wasn't full but we were told to sit upstairs. After about 20 minutes I went to the upstairs bar to get myself a glass of water, because we hadn't seen a waiter. 10 minutes after that we decided leave because we still hadn't seen anyone to even ask us if we wanted drinks, much less take our food order. Completely disappointed.
(1)Becca G.
They recently revamped the restaurant inside, outside, and the menu. I really like this place. In my opinion, it is a good place to pop in and get a burger or a good sandwich. I don't know that I could spend a few hours in there drinking in the bar as it is a pretty small space downstairs.
(4)Matt R.
Came here just because my folks owned a pickle barrel when I was a kid. This place is much better. Great service and I can't tell you how good the Reuben is, you have to try it for yourself. It is great and all homemade.
(5)Ashley B.
Went there Sunday night. Sat at the end by the bathroom. Don't know if the bartender thinks it's annoying to have guests sit there. But wasn't asked if we needed anything else. Had to tell him. I feel rude when doing that, being a bartender myself. I know how to treat customers. He was cutting up with other patrons, not busy at all. Mind you, I'm in the industry...so I tip well. I left him 5 on 28 when I should have not left him anything. No, that's not a good tip. He would have gotten 10. Seems like he picks and chooses who to accommodate. Being right by the register you would think "hmmm, this is easy. You want another one? " I'm not a picky patron regarding drinks, the time it takes, or if you're a dick or not. If you've got time and ignore me, then I'm not happy. He wasn't slammed, thus I tipped the minimum and never would i do that. Next day-worked 12 hours....came to the establishment to eat, hadn't eaten all day. Ordered a much needed bourbon shot from the server, when it came it was a half pour. Server said something to bartender, much to his chagrin. Avery gave him maybe an extra 1/4 oz shot to bring to the table, then in front of everyone complained and became angry. I am very turned off by this behavior. He walked out for a minute shouting. If i behaved this way then I would want to be disciplined. I strive to always do my best, and that was not his best. It seemed that he was pissed off about a 5 dollar tip on a 28 dollar tab. I'm a patron. Do your job. Be cordial. Shut your mouth if your upset, because you are the face of the company. Disclaimer:I feel that it is bad karma to complain, put another being in jeopardy. I work for my money and would never treat a guest like that. I would never want someone to lose their job, but if it happened to me, I bet you that it's happened to others.
(1)Allie E.
Fried Pickles are great. I get a french dip with turkey, fair prices, super cool and casual spot in Chattanooga. Also good for takeout.
(5)Kimberly K.
This was my first of many to come experiences at the Pickle Barrel- LOVED IT !! Good/Bad (#10) #1. Open on Sundays (when the entire towns selection seems to be shut down until after church) #2. Friendly, knowledgeable, inviting, funny, conversational staff #3. Reasonably priced and great flavored bloody marys #4. Reasonably priced and great food #5. Fun and friendly atmosphere #6. Spiral staircase that leads to an amazing outdoor patio #7. Outdoor roof top patio with great view #8. Smoking allowed (seriously!!!) #9. TVs throughout with a variety of sports #10. Bathrooms - need some help - relocate the female bathroom I loved the experience !!
(4)Carolyn M.
We went to a handful of bars in Chattanooga and every single one was out of something we wanted (or several things we wanted). In the case of Pickle Barrel, it was every high gravity beer and most of the imports. Otherwise, our experience here was good. We had an attentive, eccentric server who raced up and down the precarious steps to serve his rooftop guests. Also, don't attempt the rooftop if you are afraid of someone looking up your skirt or if you are already soused. The spiral staircase up poses some hazards.
(3)Shree D.
This place is a spectacular find....if you like something less ordinary. The food is great and they have a variety of beers you won't find everywhere else. Only thing is they permit smoking so NO KIDS ALLOWED
(4)Marsha W.
This was my first experience in the Pickle Barrel. Because I was told so many great things about it, I was excited. But, I will have to say the cigarette smell was overwhelming as you walk in the door. I was told the Black and Bleu burger was amazing. I ordered it. It had a good flavor, I will say that but the burger itself did not fill the bun. The bread was good. It has a Niedlov's flavor. I'm assuming it came from there as some of the burger places in town order them. Overall it was disappointing. For what was paid for this burger $8.50 plus tax, it was not a good enough for me to go back there. I would much rather go to Cheeburger Cheeburger for a better quality meal for the money. I can give credit to our server. She was attentive and not overly so.
(2)Gloria L.
the only thing i didn't like about this place is that you're allowed to smoke... and this was the closest place that was open late at night... we liked the food and the service but couldn't stand all the cigarette smell in the restaurant...
(3)Kristen M.
Decided to try this place because of the fried pickles and was not disappointed. Loved the horseradish based dipping sauce.
(5)Johanna B.
We tried the steak and the black & blu burger. The steak was just ok. Nothing fabulous and kind of blah. Though the black and blu made up for that is was one of the best I've ever tried. Defiantly worth it. The beer here is just average. Nothing special. Might go back just for the burger.
(4)Joe L.
Such a relaxed and easy going bar in Chattanooga. The 2nd floor balcony is amazing and great on those summer nights. The nachos are delicious and the service is top-notch.
(5)Garrett L.
Came here with family to kill time when rowing regatta wasn't going on . We sat down and just had a beer . Staff was helpful and beer was cold . Wish I could have had food but already ate so based on what I've encountered Id come back .
(3)Mike O.
The only thing that is holding this place back from being a 5-star wonder is its location...Such an awesome bar with bar food (let's be honest), with a cool second floor patio and a hip scene, it almost has everything! But it's location, until Chattanooga changes, is kind blah. It the middle of the city, which become DEAD at night. Right next to a bus station, sort of crawling with panhandling itinerants. I mean, it could be because I visited on a Tuesday night, so maybe it's hopping on the weekends, but still...Do NOT give up the location, just cross your fingers that other cool spots spread out right next door to lift up it's awesomeness.
(4)Ethan R.
This place is so cool. It is a 100% "dive bar," but the service is excellent, the food and beer is great, and the prices are awesome! I will for sure be back.
(5)Melissa B.
Smokers welcomed OMG...We loved this location.. I was attracted by the building...I am a huge huge huge architecture NUT!! When I saw this corner building off Market street that was a bar and so old looking I was drawn in immediately...and of course since it was a bar that gave us great reason to go in, enjoy the atmosphere and take pictures..and me to be nosy...and being Nosy I am...lol!!!! We went in..immediately I fell in love. The inside is dark wood and stone and glass windows making it look more open..OH what I wouldn't give to be in this building in the early 1900's..when it was new... the end corner booth was empty ...and I had to sit there!!! I was actually excited...lol!! Yes I am a weirdo...!!! We sit down in the booth and our waitress immediately arrived with a menu. I apologized that we had already eaten but we had to stop in and get a drink so I could view their gorgeous building..she was very pleasant and took our drink order. The place is not big at all inside and if it had been a peak time frame for a meal..I would have felt really bad about taking the BEST SEAT in the house.. But it was a Saturday, after 2 so they were not busy...but I knew I was going to tip her well just because I didn't want to make it not worth her wild...Tony ordered a PBR...we were bar hopping and since we are from Nashville, we knew this could potentially be very expensive..so PBR was his drink of choice..but to our pleasant surprise...it was only $2.25 for a bottle..and I ordered Tea with lemon and lime..I wanted unsweetened but she messed up and gave me sweet...good but too sweet for me..but hey I had the best seat in the house..I wasn't going to complain and return it.. Tony was immediately in love due to the fact he could smoke..which is surprising since small and food but the sign on the door did say NO ONE UNDER 21 admitted. There was a jukebox and we had the corner seat in the window ...I want to go here again and again..I looked at the menu and the prices for sandwiches and wings were very reasonable..Reuben only $5.95...that is a good price...next time!!! we enjoyed our drinks and had to move on to the next conquest..Tony loves it when I am exploring a new city...extra beer for him...and tons of photos for me...lol !! we will definitely definitely be back to the Pickle Barrel in Chattanooga...and I recommend if you can...grab the end corner booth...great view of the inside establishment and the outside scenes... Oh there is an upstairs outside patio....with spiral steps going up from the inside bar area...check it out...We will!!!
(5)Scott J.
The pub is wedge shaped. Literally as wide as a person at the end. The whole inside is wood and carved and with names, initials, messages all over. A very unique place! Cold beer, good pub grub. A neat place to grab a beer before going to a show or shopping. As with most things in Chatanooga, a pleasant and surprisingly fun place.
(4)Glen H.
Great late night pub grub and watering hole - this is where bartenders and wait staff from all the other restaurants and bars in the area go when they get off work. Very cool place, great bartender.
(4)Laiken W.
Good local feel. Great happy hour. Fried pickles are a must. I'd you are visiting and looking for a good local feel this is your place. Indoor seating and/or a cool outdoor patio accessible by a wicked spiral staircase. Black and bleu is delicious. Chill environment, highly recommend.
(4)John M.
I wish I could like this place but I find that I just can't. I went based on the suggestion of some friends and I regretted every moment of the visit. Service was decent, food took forever to get there and there may have been 6-8 other people there. Lets talk about those people. Other than the staff and 2 others besides us, the few patrons were grungy and dirty looking people with very loud, foul mouths. I'm not prude but there is a time and place. The place was also filled with smoke and I felt dirty when I left. Now lets get to the food. I ordered the polish sausage and onion rings. The rings were top notch. The polish sausage? More like 2 vienna sausages on a big hoagie roll. The rest of the table said there food was good and even seemed to be decent proportions. Honestly, due to the incredible amount of smoke, meh food and horrible proportions, I'll mark this one up as "never going again, no matter what". Sad part is, I really wanted to like this place but grungy hipsters talking loudly with language that would make a sailor blush, clouds of smoke and average food make this a no go for me.
(2)Cynthia N.
I went out on my first night in Chattanooga looking for a something to eat and followed two guys from the electric shuttle to the Pickle Barrel. Those two guys were cool enough to adopt me and introduce to their favorite bar in Chattanooga. If this is your favorite bar, I don't blame you. The upstairs patio alone is worth coming back for again and again. And sitting under it at night while storm clouds move in is pretty cool. I ordered a grilled chicken salad which was average, but to be fair, this really isn't a "salad" kind of place. One of the guys had a burger and he was well satisfied. The other guy had wings and liked them but said the sauce was different from the last time he had them and he liked the old sauce better. The guys had beers (way cheaper than my alcoholic beverages at about $3 each) and I had lemon drops that only cost me $6 each, and that made me very, very happy. Our server was super cool and didn't mind going up and down the stairs to serve us. (We asked him and he said he'd gotten used to it so it was cool.) These stairs are metal, spiral and narrow. It's not easy to walk up or down them empty handed. I don't know how he did it with drinks and food. Dumbwaiter maybe? I have to say, I was surprised that the bathroom didn't make me want to scream when I opened the door. Because the bar is so old, I thought the toilet would be death star scary, but it was just a plain old bar bathroom with toilet tissue on the floor in a couple of places. Totally doable. I am definitely coming back to hang on this patio on a summer night. And have more of those tasty $6 lemon drops.
(4)Eliza R.
If you're visiting Chattanooga and want to eat where the locals eat, or want to drink at a dive-y, hole-in-the-wall bar, Pickle Barrel is your best bet! It's a true institution in downtown Chattanooga, away from the tourist traps and chain restaurants. Let's just say this is definitely not a place for the delicate or obsessively clean - the atmosphere is smoky and sometimes dirty, and the staff can be crass, but it's definitely part of the charm. The Pickle Barrel usually offers a good selection of beer on draught, and it's cheap to boot. The food is surprisingly good for bar food, too - may I recommend the fried pickle spears and hamburgers? Oh, and if you can find a seat on the rooftop patio, sit back and take in the beautiful view of Chattanooga!
(4)April W.
if I could give this place a negative, I probably would. I had this place bookmarked to try for over a year and finally made it...what a let down. I've said it before and I'm saying it again. Your servers will make you or break you! This was some of the worst service ever. We sat there for about 15 minutes before anyone came up to us. Finally a burn out came over and asked us if we've been helped. We told him no, ordered our drinks and an appetizer (fried pickles) and told him we were super hungry. 15 or more minutes went by, we were out of drinks, he asked if we'd like more to drink and to order our entrees. we said yes but where was our appetizer? he said it was on it's way. I asked about how the potato salad was, is it mustard based or mayo based? He said, hmmm I dunno...did he offer to find out? Um no. I asked about a couple if other items on the menu, he didnt know about that either. So 20 more minutes and he brings our entrees out. no drinks, no appetizer. What? So I ask about the drinks and what ever happened to the appetizer. Oh man he said, I forgot. So he goes back and brings the fried pickles. Um...nevermind, dude. I ask for salt. Oh and still no drinks. We are done eating and finally we get more to drink and my salt (which my fiance had already went inside to get for me because I was pretty sure I may never get it). Mine and my friend's entrees were supposed to have black olives. We asked about why we didn't have any. His response? Guess?! He didnt know... The food wasn't that great either, but I may have given 3 stars based on the quaint atmosphere and the patio. But if service is that bad and food is just okay, no thank you. Get your servers' crap together, Pickle Barrel.
(1)Justin W.
As good as it gets is right! This place blew my expectations, and my taste buds, right out the window. As an out of towner, coming into a seemingly dive-bar was a little unnerving at first, but the staff were extremely welcoming, and settled us in right away. Don't be fooled by the graffiti and dingy look, everything was exquisitely clean in the bar and at the tables. I had a $7 Black and Bleu burger which I would have happily paid $25 for. The flavor of the cajun seasoning and finish rocked my world, and paired with tots the dish couldn't be beat. A bottle of Major Tom's Pomegranate Wheat beer was an interesting pairing, but it worked perfectly. Whether you're a local or passing through this part of Tennessee, don't miss this chance for an outstanding greasy meal. Also, if it's nice out, don't get scared away by that steel spiral staircase, it goes to an outdoor patio on the second floor that overlooks the rejuvenated downtown area.
(5)Arthur H.
Great service great food great price... If you want some good food on a roof deck and are not concerned with calories I definitely recommend this place
(4)Kent K.
My wife is a designer so she has tought me a thing or two about different design philosophies. When we ate here I asked "is this place Bohemian?" she replied; "totally". The atmosphere, servers, decor, and even the privies are just plain odd... but that can't deflect from the fact that the food is absolutely delicious. The service was great and the prices are very reasonable. We will definitely go back here when in Chattanooga. I have never been accused of being either politically or socially correct so the fact that you can smoke while enjoying your meal is a definite plus; our server was smoking as he was placing our order and I happily lit up with my low priced Newcastle.
(4)shawn r.
It's where local chattanoogans go to get the dive bar drunk experience. Fair food (bar food), smokey environment, but the deck earns it one more star to take it to 3 stars. It's been here for as long as 30 years and hasn't lost an ounce of the soul it started with. Not really a great tourist spot, sort of a locals place.
(3)Julie N.
I always believe a restaurant could be less than amazing and still be worthy of a terrific review if a customer has a great experience. That's what it's all about anyway - and this was a GREAT experience. Stopped in Chattanooga on the way through Tennessee, and found this place for lunch. It's a bar (have to be 21+ to enter), so it's got a real pub-like feel when you walk in, and a crazy spiral staircase that takes you up to the outdoor seating on the roof (perfect on a beautiful day, but be careful going back down after a few beers...). We ate at the outdoor seating, ordered their fried pickles and a pitcher of beer, and took in the relaxed and pretty atmosphere. The fried pickles were okay, but they were in spear form rather than sliced - more pickle, which isn't my personal fave, but good anyway. I had the southwest wrap and it was delicious. The perfect amount of food for lunch and with the beer. The whole lunch was SO affordable and charming, with very friendly and quick service, and it was easy to spend almost a little too much time there. Definitely stop in if you're in that area!
(4)Thomas T.
If you eat inside you have to smoke. Its the rule. It seems. Go up the tight staircase and upstairs if the weather is good. Fresh air makes food taste good. They need more air here. Reuben was very good. They make their own sauerkraut for a reason. The cheese steak was forgettable. Service was good. Bar food in a bar where you can smoke.
(2)Stephen H.
Crazy how polarizing this place is. I've been there many times and I must admit that it is always different. I've seen other reviews complaining about the server being high but good lord if they weren't high I 'd send them back and ask for a server that was. I will also admit I have a soft spot for the barrel as it was one of the first places my wife and I went when I was courting her. The good... It is a very unique place and you will not find anything about it that reminds you of a chain restaurant. The sandwiches and burgers are great straight forward American bar food. I really enjoy the Reuben. It isn't anything that hasn't been done before but the pastrami is cooked on the flat top and the combination of kraut, dressing and rye bread is about perfect. The fried pickles are also delicious. So if you want a good sandwich and a take on the bar and grill experience not honed by some marketing executive then try this place out. And, yes it is smoky as hell, but enjoy the deck in the spring or fall if that bothers you and you can dine peeking out from the tops of trees. Oh and lastly, it is next to patten towers which houses many variously disabled people and I am not making fun, but there are always interesting people in the streets while you dine. I dig it because really at the end of it all it takes all kinds to make the world go round.
(4)Darren L.
Ok..just to be clear.This place is straight up 110% proof bizarre. It's a hole of epic proportions...that being said it has AWESOME burgers and truly terrible service. It's not even pretending to be concerned about it though...Food is great and it's definitely worth checking out...However I'd be aware that it's pretty sketchy neighborhood at night. Homeless folks abound...Again I've probably been 5 times now as I pass through Chattanooga.It's not remotely convenient to get to ,to park or to order...and yet I continue to go and dine. If for nothing else you gotta see the place as I think Bilbo Baggins was the designing architect.
(3)WebGuy D.
The Pickle Barrel offers high quality alcoholic beverages. I like to stop by the pickle barrel before picking my children up from Signal Mountain High School. Their drinks give me enough of a "buzz" to deal with my spoiled, backtalkin' children after a day of them getting in fights and smoking cigarettes at school.
(5)Scott M.
Our favorite place in Chattanooga. Good beer selection. Food is good, but nothing special. Best atmosphere to hang out on a chill night.
(4)C Y.
Unless you're a local don't bother entering this smoke-filled, dingy establishment. It took 10 mins. for the rude as hell bartender to even acknowledge our existence and once he did he gruffly demanded our I.D.s which we happily presented. As we sat there holding our I.D.s out to be checked we watched him serve everyone else at the bar. So we said "screw this" , and walked out.
(1)Brian S.
Do not let the "atmosphere" cause you to walk out. Although I did not feel like a fit in at all, I would be considered a yuppie from the 60/70's and most would be "against the man" the waitress was very nice and a joy to have serve us. I would cone back here in a heartbeat if I am ever around here again (I'm from the Chicago suburbs). Their burgers are amazing. You need to try this place out. ******** This review was from the summer that I guess never got posted.
(5)Tom W.
Went in for a quick lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Not very busy. Got a menu after 10 minutes on the roof. Never saw or talked to a waitress again for another 20 minutes. Worst service I have ever seen. Left without taking order after half hour.
(1)Adam F.
Great dive bar. If you come looking for something high scale you're going to be disappointed, if you're looking for good beer, good food, and a great atmosphere you're in luck.
(4)Justin D.
Coolest place in Chattanooga for a craft beer... but only if you can get a seat on the patio. The inside is, well... cramped, to say the least. Definitely one of my favorite places to go, though.
(4)Matt V.
I ate here for lunch a while ago. It was good, but the bar smelled horribly of smoke. If you are a smoker, then its not a problem. It has a dirty decor, but if you can get past the smell and decor the food was decent. I am glad I tried it, but can't say I will go out of my way to go there again. A must try at least once.
(3)Clarence E.
Stopped in for lunch. Sure feels like a well-worn bar/pub. Wood tables, chairs and walls speak history. Except for sitting against a wall and tight fitting chair at a 2-top in the middle that would do well holding you up after a few too many, this place is a great comfortable joint. Hot sammies with a pint would do you well. Had the NY with salad (yeah, trying to eat healthy). Feta dressing was good. Will be back.
(4)Lola D.
Bldg was interesting but the smoking on the first floor was bad. We went upstairs. Not much better but we were in hurry so we stayed. Ordered soup and salad and the soup was good. Won't come back because of the smoking.
(3)Aubrey D.
I have a sentimental attachment to this place. I've been coming here since high school, and it doesn't change! It gets a little seedier each time I visit but I appreciate that they haven't tried to trend it up. Pickle Barrel is the real deal. It's a funky hole-in-the wall bursting with character. There are wooden tables built at wierd angles in a cramped, dark room. The best one gives you an odd view into the downtown streets. I actually met "Prince Be" (from PM Dawn) at that table years ago after a concert! They also have a spiral staircase that leads to another dining room and a patio. The patio is your best bet on a warm day. My favorite is the "Big Cheese" sandwich that has 5 different cheeses, sprouts, and a tomato. It's served with chips and, of course, a pickle. Tasty! Cheap! This is a great place to kick back with a couple of beers among friends. I hope it stays strong for years to come.
(4)Cristina C.
I would love a place like The Pickle Barrel if I were a local, but as a touron I felt a little bit out of place. When we asked the bartender/potential owner if they had drink specials or local micro-brews, he got snippy and said, "Yeah, we have beer!" No shit, Sherlock. Thanks for making my world a better place. We ordered a pitcher of the cheapest beer on the menu (Miller Light) and sat in the corner booth which faces oncoming traffic as the cool building forms a triangle. The place had a hip vibe, but nobody was friendly and we didn't stick around long enough to get drunk. As I said, this place would be perfect for me under different circumstances. It's an old space, the music was 80s/90s vinyl, and the bartenders could potentially treat you well if they've established that you're one of them. If you don't have the time to get to know it, leave it to the locals.
(2)Joey K.
I ordered a reuben and onion rings along with a white and black russian (that's how I promote diversity) The food was delicious I loved the cheese on the reuben and makes it stand out. The atmosphere of the place though is what really makes it stand out, it's a real intimate woodsy place rather than a cold and sterile hospital-like environment. The waitress was really attentive even noticing when I was finished with my white russian. I gave her a good tip for that. Now why 4 stars not 5 stars? The atmosphere is a little over the top with the edgy and grungy look, my dining table looked more like driftwood rather than a solid piece of furniture. And the bathroom uses wooden locks and the mirror was covered in random paint splashes. While I get the message in creating an edgy atmosphere it's too much in my opinion when you can't even check the mirror for any teeth stains. I also wondered if the dining table was gonna collapse if I put my elbows on it. Despite that I'm really happy I got to check this place out. There's also parking right across the street so no need to hunt around for a spot and walk for an hour.
(4)Katrina W.
Okay, I get it that this is a tradition here in Chattanooga. The building is cool. But that's as far as I get. I ate a sandwich here, not that great. Came one evening to meet friends for drinks and our waiter was stoned out of his mind and took 20 minutes to bring us our drink orders. The smoke was awful in the small place too, I could not breathe. Needless to say, I haven't been back.
(1)Matt M.
Cheap outdoor awesome Not being from TN and visiting Chattanooga for work, I had no idea where to go or what to eat. A friend and I stumbled upon this place while walking from our hotel to the river. The downstairs has a cool atmosphere with the wood, rock, and is seemingly furnished from handmade/garbage furniture (in a good way). Walking up a rickety spiral staircase brings you to a small rooftop deck which is a great way to enjoy the weather, get some sun, and watch people down below. Food was pretty good for a dive bar, prices decent, and it is definitely a place I would go back to next time I'm in the area. Oh, and the name is hilarious! Didn't ask how they came up with it, but I'm assuming there's a good story behind it.
(4)Teresa S.
Building reminds me of some I visited in Boston. Bar maid was friendly and displayed a great sense of humor. Drinking on the balcony is the best thought process for this establishment.
(3)A B.
We stopped here randomly on our way back down to atlanta from nashville. I dig the atmosphere, the waiter was charming in that drugged out kind of way and the food was AMAZING. i had the portobello sandwich which i could not get enough of and my friend had the burger which was in fact, possibly the best in chattanooga. i will for sure stop there the next time i'm in town. loved it.
(5)Katie S.
Loved this place! In town just visiting and stumbled upon the restaurant. They have an upstairs where smoking isn't allowed and you get there by a spiral staircase which is cool!! We however ate downstairs around 12:30 and it was not smokey. The atmosphere is awesome, reminds me of an old pirate ship, a few local men sitting at the bar and two ladies having lunch in the window seat. It was so cozy and I loved the music playing, lots of old country, a little CCR, rockin Robbin, lots of oldies variety. I had been craving a sandwich and got EXACTLY what I wanted, the club sandwich was HUGE and only $7. Ham, turkey, real fresh cooked bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on some good ole toasted white bread. My friend got a Reuben which looked great, he enjoyed it but wished he had gotten my club only because the portion of my sandwich was a LOT! Would love to come back to this place it is so neat and yummy!
(5)Lisa K.
The food is not so bad. If you are looking for good hangover food, this may be the place. Be forewarned: it's very greasy. I went with a small group of friends, and it was one of the worst dining experiences we have had to date. Not only was our server extremely rude--but proceeded to get all of our orders mixed up--and did not even care to apologize for the slow and disorganized service he provided. Needless to say, he missed out on a potential big tip from all of us. We all tipped him $0 ( a first for me)! I think the Pickle Barrel has great potential as a hipster hangout, but they need to consider restaffing lest they lose all of their customers!
(2)Darren B.
While I'm not from Chattanooga, it's easy to see that this place is a tradition and great staff. Drink specials are good, Food is fair, bar food. But the energy in the place makes up for it and occassionally they have live music. This is my favorite dive place in Chattanooga.
(4)M P.
Tough to rate this joint!! The burgers are real good, but the restaurant is real nasty. It's absolutely gross!! We tried the dirty inside. We tried the shaky patio on the roof. We also tried take out. I get worried about food poisoning every time. Thankfully I didnt, but I heard a co-worker got quite sick. That's when we stopped going... Too bad!!
(1)Hello M.
In the mood for divey bar food? This is your place. I didn't think a quesadilla could be that bad. What gives cheddar the consistency of curdled milk? I hope it was sanitary, whatever it was.
(3)Guy L.
This is a quirky spot. Go for the atmosphere, not the food, which is OK bar fare. The spot itself is a wedge-shaped building. Do NOT study the ceiling near any ventilation ducts. If you avoid any place that smells of smoke even when no one is there, this place is not for you.
(3)David P.
The Pickle Barrel. It's on drugs. Or our waiter was, at least. High out of his gourd. Which is fine, he's not operating on my heart. But dude, you can't smoke pot before you serve if you can't remember the orders... The architect was also high when he designed the building. Seriously, it sags. Which is nice, because that helps the street lights get a better angle on the deck. Which is nice, because there aren't any lights other than those. Which isn't nice. Abita beer abound. Which is nice. 1.5 Cucumbers dipped in brine, fried and dipped in ranch. 6 bucks? Really? They are good though. Which is nice... But not great.
(3)evan m.
The Pickle Barrel was exactly what we were looking for on Friday night: an unpretentious bar with a great beer list and fried pickles. The decor is "beat-up wooden tables and benches" and the regulars are friendly and chatty. It's a nice alternative / antidote to a lot of the bars closer to the river on Market and Broad Streets. A lot of those are too big, too polished, too chain-feeling. The Pickle Barrel feels local and real. Go there.
(4)Benjamin W.
My favorite hangout in Chattanooga. Anytime I go back it's as if I'd never left. From the fantastic old-school wooden tables and bar, to the fun and friendly servers and bartenders, to the awesomely huge basket of fried pickles... I love this place. One thing to bear in mind... late at night it does get smoky, so that could potentially bother people. It's not really an issue during the day. The outdair area upstairs is completely rad on a beautiful night.
(5)Jay M.
A perfect dive bar! Totally funky joint with carved everything, greasy tasty yummy food, good beer selection and the funkiest bathroom I've been in since the old days at the Zephyr Bar in Reno. It was a cold night in Chattanooga and the big heater in the middle of the floor just added to the character. The 50's music, the smell of cigarettes... I tell ya, if you're looking for hoity toity uppity class joint, don't come here. If you're afraid of extreme character, don't come here. If you love Generica or the latest trends, don't come here. But if you appreciate the funk of a great dive bar - COME HERE!
(5)David C.
This place is eccentric to say the least. If you like a punk rock atmosphere with obscenity writings all over the table and walls, then this is your place. The interior of the restaurant looks like a cross-over between a dungeon and a 17th century ship. This is not due to the lack of maintenance, rather it is the theme of the restaurant. I guess it's supposed to look like a medieval alehouse. Once again, you would like it if it was "your thing" but otherwise you'll probably just end up confused. I don't have much to say about the food. I ordered the french dip sandwich, and it was average. Nothing extraordinary, but not too bad neither. However, the atmosphere was just not for me. Perhaps for the next diner.
(2)Jay F.
Great bar with decent selection of beers. The vibe is classic and a bit old world with knotty wood furniture. An eclectic mix of urban and college types make up the crowd. A viking or hobbit would look eat home with a giant dripping mug of brew at the tables. Don't go if you're not into a smokey environment.
(4)Tara R.
If you are trying to avoid fried food, don't eat at the Pickle Barrel. Their fried pickles are mega tasty. The soup and salad are nothing you couldn't do better at home (the salad was boring, with dressing straight out of a giant Sysco bottle; the French Onion soup was oddly thick but predictably salty and flat). The beer selection is pretty great and I dig the funky, angular first floor bar as well as the roof deck. Just know this is the place for deep fried snacks and a couple rounds, not dinner.
(3)Charlie P.
Stopped here for lunch last Saturday. Just like the other reviews say, they do have a great burger. Service was ok. Was about 11:15 am, so it was pretty dead. There is a soup kitchen right across the street , so the walk over from our hotel was a drag, being hit up by all the homeless. I think it would be a great spot on a Saturday night with friends. It's VERY small inside!
(3)JPaul R.
Great Burger! I had the black and Bleu burger and it was amazing. The spicy mayo on it makes it a killer burger. It's just a little hole in the wall kind of place but the interior was really cool. The clientele is a little different, hipsters drinking PBRs, but the atmosphere is pretty chill. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I thought it took a little too long to get my burger. Other than that small detail its a great place. I'd recommend it to anyone visiting Chattenoga!
(4)Sean B.
Great location and wonderful pub atmosphere, prompt service, enjoyable food (must order fried pickles), good beer. My wife and I like the Pickle Barrel very much and will be returning on our next trip to Chattanooga.
(4)N B.
Cool vibe with a great patio, but TERRIBLE service. We came here after a wedding reception - big group including most of the wedding party and some family members that was in a fantastic mood when we arrived. Pulled up in a big bus and saw a few empty tables on the patio, so headed in. The waiter told us there was no space to sit upstairs (obviously not true). We asked whether we should order at the bar downstairs or from our seats upstairs, and he said we should just wait in our seats. So we waited. And waited. And waited. The waiter brought other people on the patio their food/drinks, but completely ignored us. We finally had to go down and get him, at which point he came up and complained that we weren't really all seated (a few people were standing at the railing) and that he would have to ID everyone if we ordered drinks. I'm pretty sure that's part of the job, but whatever. He complained enough that we finally just left. Moral of the story, the Pickle Barrel staff clearly wasn't interested in serving us, but instead of just saying they couldn't handle a big group, they lied about seating area and made us sit for 15 minutes before whining about checking everyone's IDs and effectively refusing to serve us. When we complained, they argued with us and said there were only 2 people working, so it wasn't their fault we were impatient (after sitting for 15 minutes without anyone paying attention to us at all). I cannot emphasize enough how terrible the customer service was. Suffice to say, I will never return to this bar. We walked down the street to another place that also only had 2 people working. They accommodated us just fine and treated us like customers, not some sort of burden.
(1)George R.
Didn't stay long enough to try the food. Smoky + staircase + drinking = ER Whats up with the wood shingle roof over the bar? I thought I was in the Shire with Frodo and Sam the Wise Nice "friends" in the park nearby. Keep spare change available.
(2)Chris C.
What a cool little hometown spot. Historically a train station it has exposed brick and wood...nothing fancy here... small and broken in like a old catchers glove. Def a hippie/granola feel. Bring your pocket knife or sharpie and you can write/carve on the table.
(4)Javier O.
This is a cozy little bar. Emphasis on the little. If you want to go from one end of the bar to the other, for example to go to the bathroom, it' s probably better if you go out of one door and go around the outside of the establishment and come back in through the other door. Otherwise, you are forced to go through a tight squeeze. Despite the size, they have a decent selection of sandwich creations or you can make your own. They stay open pretty late and serve food until 3am. I spent $16 including tip on two Heinekens and a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with tater tots. So you get a good value here. From what I could see this particular night the place was, from the front of the house to the kitchen, fully staffed and operated by women. My server was very attentive to my needs. The 3 stars was mainly due to size o f this joint and level of cleanliness. Although clean by most bar standards, not as clean as I would like the restaurants were I eat to look like (especially the bathroom yuk). But it seems like this is a popular local hangout and it seems to be enjoyed by most patrons.
(3)Dan B.
I had the best burger ever at the Pickle Barrel. If you are a burger fan: GET THE BLACK AND BLEU BURGER. It was one of the juiciest burgers I've ever had in my life. It was spiced perfectly. It had bleu cheese, chipotle mustard, some kind of a spicy cheese, raw onion, and the juiciest/tastiest patty I've ever had. The fries were hot and amazing. It's in a modest setting; kinda rustic. You have to commend a place that stays open till 3 AM. Sometimes you just need good food in the late hours. This is the perfect place to do that in Chattanooga. Also: try the fried pickles!
(5)Michele R.
It's a small, cool building but don't go if you are claustraphobic. I had a hard time enjoying my lunch in what felt like a very dirty bar and my food tasted like cigarette smoke. I probably should have had the burger, but I opted for the reuben and hubby had the philly cheese steak. Both were good, but we felt was typical bar food. I wouldn't vote to come back but it's a place my hubby would bring his drinking buddies when they come visit. The bloody mary was pretty good though.
(3)Cheryl N.
My husband and I consider Chattanooga our weekend getaway place. About the worst thing you can say about alot of the places is that they are packed with kids during the summer, so this is why I like the Pickle Barrel! It's definitely NOT kid friendly. I love the atmosphere and that it is not shiny and branded like many places to eat. The sandwiches are great, the beer is good and cold. We usually try new places each visit, but we always eat at least one meal at The Pickle Barrel. We even have a framed print of it at home in our office. You're either going to love it or hate it. Definitely NOT a tourist spot.
(4)Abby G.
A classic Chattanooga watering hole. Great for a beer and fried pickles with friends. Sit on the outdoor deck on the second floor to avoid the smoke.
(4)Khuyen P.
From the outside, it looks like an east coast sort of pub [shhhh - don't tell the local's I said that - but it's a complement!]. In the inside - all southern comfort and hospitality. The friendliest people around were hanging out there. Next time I'm back in Chattanooga - I'm coming back here. It's that little bar that makes you happy to have taken a chance, stuck your head through the door, tripped on the way in the door and sat down and had round after round of cheap drinks served by the nicest bartender. Thank you Avery for being so kind and obliging.
(4)Vanessa G.
Okay, the food is nothing special, but it isn't bad and it is inexpensive. But who goes to the Pickle Barrel to eat?? It is a great place to hang out and drink. Nice staff and cozy atmosphere. The outdoor rooftop patio is awesome during beautiful weather. And if you are a Noog native you are bound to run into at least two or three people you know at the Barrel. Great place to start or end your night 'o fun. I miss it! And that is saying a lot, 'cause there are more bars than can be counted in Milwaukee. (Like churches in Tennessee!).
(5)James H.
WOW I am happy to see that the Pickle Barrel is still around, since it's been about 10+ years since I ate there last. When I was there I had a bacon hamburger, and it was one of the best I have ever had! When I think of Chattanooga, I think of the Pickle Barrel and that wonderful burger I had! Enjoy!!!
(5)Sarah P.
I try to go to the Pickle Barrel whenever I'm in Chattanooga, it's a fabulous place, the staff has always been wonderful, the food delicious, and you just can't beat the atmosphere!
(5)Tom M.
A great place to hang out day or night. Funky old corner building with roof top seating available when the weather is nice.
(5)