Salty, spicy, briny, refreshing, bitter, and tart. What’s not to love?
Seriously. You've never tried a pickleback shot?
Though the idea of drinking straight from the pickle jar may seem offensive at first, we urge you to get past the tiny floaty seeds bobbing around and give it a go down the hatch.
The salty chaser makes you forget the quick, fast burn of the whiskey; sort of like those Sour Patch Kids commercials: first, they’re sour, then they’re sweet.
Since Williamsburg was supposedly where the term ‘pickleback’ was coined, it’s only proper we pay homage to the unique shot combo here, with 9 salty spots to down the popular pairing. And if you haven’t yet? We’ll let it slide until you’ve finished reading this article.
1. Bushwick Country Club (618 Grand Street - Brooklyn)
It wouldn’t be right unless we included the alleged birthplace of the pickleback shot, right here in our backyard. With your shot you’ll get a side of irony.
Despite it’s posh name, the club is actually a true dive bar. Play the miniest mini-golf that ever was, and turn it into a drinking game. Because isn’t that what it’s there for? Tip: Celebrate your win with free cheesy poofs.
2. The Whiskey Tavern (79 Baxter Street)
thecocktailbrothers Buying the rest of the @michterswhiskey toasted barrel finish in house for me and the boys behind the bar here at #TheWhiskeyTavern in China Town #NYC. @michterswhiskey thanks for helping us celebrate one he'll of a night. #livelikeabrother #bartender #mixologist #whiskey
The name implies correctly: it’s full of Whiskey. Whiskey that’s perfect for picklebacking. Yes, we turned it into a verb. But that’s not all.
This Chinatown spot has a spicy twist, otherwise known as the Pickeback’s alter ego: the spicyback. So if the whiskey heat isn’t enough, double up with round two... and toss back their signature spicyback shot.
3. Rusty Knot (425 West Street)
gerardcanonico This guy filmed his first Co-Star spot today! ❤️ @maxcherns #ProudRoomie #Dreams #MozartInTheJungle #RustyKnot
Because having pickle back shots in a dive bar just seems right.
So, if you’re feeling a bit nautical, head over to the west side. Or even if you’re knot, the pickleback action is worth the stop. See what we did there?
4. Anchored Inn (57 Waterbury Street - Brooklyn)
They make their own pickles. That is all.
Gaze at the velvet paintings whilst downing the house made pickle juice; after the whiskey, of course.
5. Sweet Afton (30-09 34th Street - Astoria)
willie_robinson This mornings job! Wipe chalk off and Second coat in a few hours .. #sign #signwriter #signpainter #alwayshandpaint #sweetafton
Double up on pickle goodness by ordering fried pickles with your pickleback shot. One-for-one in honor of the pickle, which is, in fact, both a fruit and a vegetable.
Don't believe us? Ask the Supreme Court, who ruled the pickle as a "fruit of the vine" because of their seeds, despite their cucumber origins. So in celebration of the hybrid... pickles for days.
,6. The Penrose (1590 Second Avenue)
Pickleback shot not enough? Try the dirty pickled martini for a longer lasting pickle experience.
Makers of their own spicy pickle juice makes this a top pick. Tip: Pickle to live music on Sundays.
7. Rudy’s Bar & Grill (627 9th Avenue)
You had us at $5 picklebacks. Oh, and free hot dogs. FREE.
So head over to Midtown West and chase down your pickleback shot with a hotdog and thank us later. Pro tip: Cash only.
8. The Belfry (222 East 14th Street)
mapstr_app What do you think of the latest trendy place on Mapstr: The Belfry? Tag your friends on the photo if you think they'd like this place! #mapstr #yourPlacesYourWorld #Musiquelive #NewYork #ÉtatsUnis #TheBelfry http://get.mapstr.com
This might be the mother of all pickleback joints given you have a choice of pickle juice for your shot.
This old timey, cozy joint knows what’s up in the world of pickles, their menu boasting side by side sections for pickles “to eat” and “to drink”. Don’t pretend you’re not impressed.
Our Fav: “the tickleback” just for the name.
9. Boulton & Watt (5 Avenue A)
boultonandwatt #NationalSandwichDay, where we sandwich this beer between two #picklebacks. (Photo: @misskait24)
Flavor your whiskey if you fancy, or just take a plain ol' pickle back at this Lower East Side haunt.
Picklebacks dominate their own real estate on the menu, so it’s obviously legit. Tip: finish your night with the cast iron cookie... because why wouldn’t you?
Check out 7 Gorgeous Bars That'll Take Your Breath Away in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Thrillist]