Cuisine Scene: Pickles

From tangy cocktails to briny bar snacks and pickle-packed sandwiches, Long Beach has no shortage of creative ways to celebrate all things pickled. Whether you love a classic dill, crave something tangy and crunchy, or enjoy pickled flavors tucked into unexpected places, these local bars, eateries and shops showcase how pickles add bite, balance and fun to everything. Here’s a roundup of standout pickle-forward dishes and drinks worth seeking out around the city.

BEACHWOOD BREWING/DISTILLING

Beachwood Brewing’s (3630 Atlantic Ave) Bixby Knolls distillery and taproom offers a Pickle Tini, mixing gin or vodka with housemade pickle brine and dry vermouth. The result is savory and tangy without being overwhelming, demonstrating how pickled flavors can add depth and balance when paired with classic botanicals. It’s the kind of drink that feels right in Beachwood's relaxed setting and anything-goes approach to flavor.

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JOE JOST'S TAVERN

Pickled eggs make up every bit as much of Joe Jost’s (2803 E Anaheim St) identity as its very cold beer. The oldest tavern west of the Mississippi serves its pickled eggs–one of the city’s best known dishes–straight from the jar at the bar. They’re firm, deeply brined and pleasantly pungent, with a vinegary snap that hits first and lingers. The whites soak up the tang while the yolks stay rich, making each bite salty, sharp, and satisfying. Simple and served on a bed of pretzel sticks, they are best eaten slowly between sips of that cold beer.

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HAMBURGER MARY'S

Known for its high energy atmosphere and entertainment, Hamburger Mary’s (330 Pine Ave) injects the same fun into its fried pickles appetizer. Thick-cut spears are battered and fried until crisp, maintaining a juicy, tangy bite inside that cuts through the richness. Served hot and made for sharing, they’re the kind of snack you keep reaching for between laughs, cocktails and nonstop entertainment.

POP’N FLAVORS

How about pickle-flavored popcorn? Pop’N Flavors (3916 Atlantic Ave) is an artisanal popcorn shop that puts a fun twist on snack time with creative seasonal flavors. Their sweet-savory options include pickle-inspired popcorn, with flavors like Dill Pickle and Dirty Dill, kicked up with cheddar and black pepper seasonings. Well-known for quirky, handcrafted batches, as well as a friendly vibe, Pop’N Flavors is a must-visit for anyone curious about unexpected flavor pairings or nostalgic kettle corn with an extra tang.

DILLY'S SANDWICHES

Dilly’s Sandwiches (4144 North Viking Way) is quirky in the best possible way, celebrating so much that is briny and pairing made-from-scratch sandwiches with an impressive lineup of indie craft beers, boutique wines and specialty drinks. Pickles shine here, from classic spears to the nostalgic peanut butter and pickle sandwich, combining creamy and crunchy in each bite. Inspired by family recipes, Dilly’s layers flavorful meats, slaws, and beautifully pickled sides, making it a favorite for adventurous sandwich lovers.

PICKLE BANH MI

Pickle Banh Mi (1171 Anaheim St) is a beloved Vietnamese sandwich shop where crisp baguettes are packed with savory meats, fresh herbs and house-pickled carrots and daikon radish. Opened in 2018, the shop leans into balance and comfort with the pickled veggies—bright, tangy and lightly sweet–adding crunch and acidity that cut through rich fillings and contrast perfectly with soft bread, keeping each bite both lively and satisfying.

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About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.