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.
Review Source: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.
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.
The Pickle Barrel offers high quality alcoholic beverages. Â I like to stop by the pickle barrel before picking my children up from Signal Mountain High School. Â 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.
Review Source: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.
If you eat inside you have to smoke. Â Its the rule. Â It seems. Â Go up the tight staircase and upstairs if the weather is good. Â Fresh air makes food taste good. Â They need more air here. Â Reuben was very good. Â They make their own sauerkraut for a reason. Â The cheese steak was forgettable. Â Service was good.
Bar food in a bar where you can smoke.
I ordered a reuben and onion rings along with a white and black russian (that's how I promote diversity) Â 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? Â 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. Â 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. Â 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. Â There's also parking right across the street so no need to hunt around for a spot and walk for an hour.
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.
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!
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. Â Those two guys were cool enough to adopt me and introduce to their favorite bar in Chattanooga. Â
If this is your favorite bar, I don't blame you. Â The upstairs patio alone is worth coming back for again and again. Â And sitting under it at night while storm clouds move in is pretty cool. Â
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. Â 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. Â
Our server was super cool and didn't mind going up and down the stairs to serve us. Â (We asked him and he said he'd gotten used to it so it was cool.) Â These stairs are metal, spiral and narrow. Â It's not easy to walk up or down them empty handed. Â I don't know how he did it with drinks and food. Â Dumbwaiter maybe?
I have to say, I was surprised that the bathroom didn't make me want to scream when I opened the door. Â 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. Â Totally doable.
I am definitely coming back to hang on this patio on a summer night. Â And have more of those tasty $6 lemon drops.
Crazy how polarizing this place is. Â I've been there many times and I must admit that it is always different. Â 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. Â
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. Â
The good... It is a very unique place and you will not find anything about it that reminds you of a chain restaurant. Â The sandwiches and burgers are great straight forward American bar food. Â I really enjoy the Reuben. Â 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. Â
The fried pickles are also delicious. Â
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. Â 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. Â I dig it because really at the end of it all it takes all kinds to make the world go round.
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.
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.
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.
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! Â It's a true institution in downtown Chattanooga, away from the tourist traps and chain restaurants. Â 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. Â The Pickle Barrel usually offers a good selection of beer on draught, and it's cheap to boot. Â The food is surprisingly good for bar food, too - may I recommend the fried pickle spears and hamburgers? Â
Oh, and if you can find a seat on the rooftop patio, sit back and take in the beautiful view of Chattanooga!
This place was the only one we visited twice during our weekend jaunt in Chatty.
After walking around downtown most of the morning we were looking for a place that wasn't a chain joint where we could chill and watch the Titans game and smoke and drink beer.
As soon as we walked I already liked the vibe of the place as I've got a soft spot in my heart for dive bars. There is graffitti everywhere and the place looks like it's held together with woodscrews and bubblegum but I dig that.
The waitress greeted us and we mentioned that we wanted to watch the game and asked if we should go to the bar. Instead she turned on the TV in the main room and gave us a table right in front of it.
We were the only ones in there besides a few regulars at the bar but we saw all sorts of people walking in for lunch. It was a good diverse crowd of regular folk, hipsters, older couples sports fans and everything in between.
The lunch staff was very friendly and even got to chatting with my wife  about their fantasy football leagues (free Wi-Fi too if you want to check your stats). We also got some good recommendations on where to go later in the evening (We never made it to Sluggo's but we'll definitely give it a shot next time), but we just ended up coming back there.
The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars and not 5 is that we didn't try the food.
However, both times we were there we got some of the local IPA based on the staff's recommendation and it was quite tasty.
When we went back later that evening it was a bit more crowded. The bartender was a tad gruff, but he did have a full bar and I wasn't aware that the server had to check our IDs. Our server was attentive and kept the cold beer flowing all night. When we were ready to head back to the hotel (see my review on the Choo Choo, bleah) he even gave us directions to the closest store to grab a six pack.
I can easily say that this will probably by my regular stop whenever I'm in Chatty. Great dive-y atmosphere, good beer and a killer balcony.
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.
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.
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. Â 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. Â The flavor of the cajun seasoning and finish rocked my world, and paired with tots the dish couldn't be beat. Â 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. Â 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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Review Source: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.
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!!
The Pickle Barrel was exactly what we were looking for on Friday night: an unpretentious bar with a great beer list and fried pickles. Â 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. Â A lot of those are too big, too polished, too chain-feeling. Â The Pickle Barrel feels local and real. Â Go there.
The Pickle Barrel. Â It's on drugs. Â Or our waiter was, at least. Â High out of his gourd. Â Which is fine, he's not operating on my heart. Â 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. Â Seriously, it sags. Â Which is nice, because that helps the street lights get a better angle on the deck. Â Which is nice, because there aren't any lights other than those. Â Which isn't nice.
Abita beer abound. Â Which is nice.
1.5 Cucumbers dipped in brine, fried and dipped in ranch. Â 6 bucks? Â Really? Â They are good though. Â Which is nice...
But not great.
My favorite hangout in Chattanooga. Â Anytime I go back it's as if I'd never left. Â 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. Â
One thing to bear in mind... late at night it does get smoky, so that could potentially bother people. Â It's not really an issue during the day. Â The outdair area upstairs is completely rad on a beautiful night.
I had the best burger ever at the Pickle Barrel. Â If you are a burger fan: GET THE BLACK AND BLEU BURGER. Â It was one of the juiciest burgers I've ever had in my life. Â It was spiced perfectly. Â It had bleu cheese, chipotle mustard, some kind of a spicy cheese, raw onion, and the juiciest/tastiest patty I've ever had. Â The fries were hot and amazing. Â It's in a modest setting; kinda rustic. Â You have to commend a place that stays open till 3 AM. Â Sometimes you just need good food in the late hours. Â This is the perfect place to do that in Chattanooga. Â Also: try the fried pickles!
Review Source:To answer Vanessa G.'s question, I go to the Pickle Barrel to eat!
Driving from Austin to Boston, I stopped in Chattanooga, TN for the night. Â This place was open, dingy, and in a flatiron building. Â Yes yes yes. Â Our waiter (aforementioned guy with dreads) let us pick from the wooden booths covered with scratched tags, carded us (for a restuarant? Â wtf) and then brought us tasty fried pickles and an awesome mushroom quesadilla. Â plus they have a pretty good beer selection. Â a great place to find on a road trip, and i'm sure a great place to frequent.
Five reviews?! Man I thought we had discovered a gem no one on Yelp would know about. En route to Nashville, stuck in some major traffic, we decided to pull off and grab a bite to eat. Driving through downtown is fairly barren, but this cool triangle shaped building appeared and the bar beckoned with a Yuengling sign. If they have that beer how bad could it be??
Inside a guy with dreads greeted us and we sat at an old wooden table that had to have been there since the building was built. Everywhere you look there is writing on all the walls, tables, and ceiling. The place is definitely not "clean" but it's a dive, what do you expect?
I ordered the black and blue burger, but it wasn't typical. It had Cajun seasoning, chipotle mayo, and blue cheese. Mmm!
Definitely a cool place if you find yourself in Chattanooga for a day.
This is a cozy little bar. Â 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. Â
Despite the size, they have a decent selection of sandwich creations or you can make your own. Â They stay open pretty late and serve food until 3am. Â I spent $16 including tip on two Heinekens and a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with tater tots. Â So you get a good value here. Â
From what I could see this particular night the place was, Â from the front of the house to the kitchen, fully staffed and operated by women. Â My server was very attentive to my needs. Â
The 3 stars was mainly due to size o f this joint and level of cleanliness. Â 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). Â But it seems like this is a popular local hangout and it seems to be enjoyed by most patrons.
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