The desert hwy west out of IF was a nice drive , like a clip of dirt and shrubs on repeat…read more
Normally being greeted by a giant pickle smiling at you, well, that's the stuff of nightmares.
In this case, a welcome sight.
Cruising into Arco to visit Pickle's Place, you can see right away that it's going to be nifty. A giant green rocking chair stands in front like sitting in a pickle's lap to pose for pics at the iconic place.
Some unapologetically crass joke signs can be seen through the windows. It's the kind we've thought of, but no one says lol.
A casual yet swaggering young gent greeted us upon entering. With entrepreneur written all over him I immediately knew he was the owner or their son, or both, and I would end up calling him by Pickle.
With beer and industry logos thrown all about, along with jokes, street signs and license plates from across the nation, Pickle's supplies that treasured woodsy, folk-like atmosphere that revitalizes 'one man's trash' into a 'you're in the right spot' vibe.
A center wall separates two dining areas with tables lining the walls all around on both sides, and some center tables.
Though small, they really could accommodate big parties, but to scoot the tables together would cause congestion and trouble for the server/s. So if you come in a group, be prepared to sit at slightly separated tables.
Lots of seating in this little place, and rightly so. Arco's a town of about 900, not to mention the flow of travelers, tourists and truckers that come through here and stop at this gem in the Gem State desert, finding something to love about Pickle's.
The Pickle's family has their own spice brand named John's, and I think I've seen it in IF, along with Tyler and Zane versions--maybe John's sons. We visited other establishments there, and they also had the spices available for sale.
Once we got comfortable, and the people in my party got me to focus on the menu rather than the decor, that's when the true Pickle's treasures became obvious.
This menu has taken comfort food and made it gourmet.
Man, they have everything, from omelets to steak & eggs, fries, shakes, beer, sandwiches, burgers, browns, sausage gravy, and pancakes--it all, right down to the gotta try "Pickle Popsicle"! I mean OMGosh! I'm 10 again and have to try it all!
Okay, so there's a board with "specials" written on it. This day's special was the "Redneck Steak Sandwich." It comes with a side like fries, but I changed that out for hash browns smothered in sausage gravy. That right there was plenty of food--but nooo, I had to ask if they made shakes.
I crave shakes when I'm hungry.
Of course, Mr. Pickle triumphantly called off a list--how rude!
So I got a Banana Shake. Now I'm done?, but my other half points at the beer board, "They have Mac & Jack's."
Oh boy.. Pickle (I asked him "are you Pickle?", he shrugged "My Parents and I own the place, so yeah"), informs me that it is not draft but in a can.
A Can!! I had never seen Mac and Jack's in a can, so I had to try that as well.
I mean, I'm only 146 lb, or was before I went to Pickle's lol.
I tell you what; I was bloated, huffin & puffin as I rolled out of there. It was so worth it.
That Steak Sandwich was a sirloin STEAK ON A HOAGIE! It was perfectly seasoned, with I imagine their spice brand, and it was fileted in half. So it bit off perfectly without a fight.
The Banana Shake was lusciously creamy and smooth, and the sausage gravy is delicious.
Honestly, I'm not a huge potato fan (why I smothered them).
My other half got scrambled eggs with ham & cheese, and a HUGE cinnamon roll She loved it.
The 3rd of us got Steak and Eggs--"Perfectly cooked," and some fancy fruity beverage.
Ok, we all pigged-out on a lot! for only 90 bucks.
Pickle was informative and just a cool guy.
The kitchen is quick.
The other staff--she made telling us they don't deliver seem friendly lol.
There are other places in Arco, but Pickle's is a blessing for this town.
I highly recommend Mac & Jack's.
Oh, and Pickle's Place.
