Looking for a deliciously tart, curiously crunchy, and simultaneously sweet summertime snack? Look no further than the deep-fried pickle. This dish has southern roots, with the first known fried pickle recipe dating to the early 1960s. Since then, variations of the dill-ightful and (often) vegetarian treat have made their way around the world and found a home on the menus of many of Omaha’s local restaurants and bars. Sliced, speared, or whole pickles are battered and fried golden brown. They are usually served with ranch dressing or another creamy dipping sauce. Check out the list below for some of the metro’s most palatable and peculiar fried pickle recipes.

Dundee Dell (Image featured above.) 5007 Underwood Ave. 402.553.9501 dundeedell.com

Whether you’re looking for a midday snack or a late-night bite, Dundee Dell’s fried pickles well-known in Omaha. The spicy batter is made with a hint of paprika in the recipe, and this hot-sour treat is sure to satiate your hunger. Stop in during happy hour (2-6 p.m.) any day of the week for half off an order of this appetizer, which is served as crispy spears with a side of ranch dressing.

Dudley’s Pizza & Tavern 2110 S. 67th St. 402.933.7511 dudleysomaha.com

Located north of Stinson Park, Dudley’s offers a full fried-pickle experience. Start with a helping of hand-battered spears served with a side of their homemade chipotle dipping sauce. Want fried pickles with your dinner? The Dudley pizza features blue cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and diced tomatoes, and is finished with crispy fried pickles. If a burger is more your style, the Freightliner Angus steak burger features two fried pickles along with blue cheese, grilled onion, provolone cheese, steak sauce, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and fresh onion.

Mama's Pizza 715 Saddle Creek Road (402.553.9270) 8146 S. 96th St. (402.614.5545) 15615 Pacific St. (402.933.5090) mamaspizzaomaha.com

Grab your grub at any of Mama’s Pizza’s multiple metro locations. You can satisfy your hunger with a pre-dinner dish of delicious fried pickles, which are hand-battered and served with house-made creamy garlic ranch dressing on the side.

Twisted Fork Grill & Bar 1014 Howard St. 402.932.9600 twistedforksaloon.com

Located in Omaha’s historic Old Market district, the Twisted Fork Grill & Bar offers scrumptious spears of Bucks’ Fried Pickles. Dip these crispy creations in the included black pepper horseradish sauce for a flavorsome addition to this traditional treat.

Crescent Moon Ale House 578 Farnam St. 402.345.1708 beercornerusa.com/crescentmoon

Stop by the popular Crescent Moon tavern for a taste of thick-sliced fried dill pickles chips, served with a side of house-made dill ranch dipping sauce. If you’re looking for a little more variety in your appetizer, order the Sampler Platter, which includes the fried pickle chips along with onion rings, cheese curds, and tortilla chips served with queso and salsa.

Omaha Tap House 1401 Farnam St. (402.932.5131) 579 N. 155th Plaza (402.932.0621) omahataphouse.com

This brewpub offers crispy fried pickles on their list of starters. Their crunchy pickle chips are served with a jalapeño-ranch dipping sauce. Stop by during happy hour (3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, and all day Sunday) for a discount on this dish.

Charred Burger + Bar 1150 Sterling Ridge Dr., No. 107 402.779.8430 charredburgers.com

Travel further west in Omaha to Charred Burger + Bar, where you’ll find industrial-chic ambiance and a tasty, fried treat. These tart and crispy pickle spears are served with your choice of ranch dressing or jalapeño aioli. Hungry but in a hurry? No big dill. Order this appetizer for pickup and take the fried flavor home. 

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This article was printed in the June 2019 edition of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.