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Some Metro Detroiters take their pickles very seriously (including myself) and seek out different pickle dishes to try. From dill to bread and butter, to the various brands available, favorites always emerge. Beyond spears casually plated along with a sandwich or burger, there are some must-try pickle dishes created by Metro Detroit hotspots. Let’s dive into the dill craze and satisfy some cravings…
ALE MARY’S
316 South Main Street, Royal Oak
Ale Mary’s is known for its extensive beer selection and innovative pub fare. One of their standout appetizers is their Fried McClure’s Pickles, which offer a perfect blend of crunch with beer batter and tanginess of the pickles while served up with chipotle aioli. On the vegan menu, these are also available with vegan ranch, along with McClure’s dill pickle soup, which is a must-try, especially on cooler days. Made with spicy pickles, potatoes, and onions, it is simple but delicious. Many of the sandwiches available here feature sweet and spicy pickle chips too.
LUISA’S ARTISANAL STREET FOOD
22851 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale
Luisa’s excels in bringing Italian street food with Latin inspirations to Metro Detroit. As for its pickle options, check out their dumplings. Similar to gnocchi, these South American-inspired gluten-free corn dumplings are oh-so delicious. The Kofta Dumplings are made with lamb and beef kofta (think of meatballs) with pickles, pickled onions, beets, marinated tomatoes, turmeric butter, and a garlic herb sauce with a slight kick. The Mediterranean chicken wrap is also a must-try, with house-made pickle spears, house salad, diced tomato, marinated feta, pickled red onion, and yogurt sauce.
VIVIO’S
3601 12 Mile Road, Warren
2460 Market Street, Detroit
Would it really be a pickle lovers article without mentioning Bloody Marys? I think not. Vivio’s is famous for its Bloody Marys, which come garnished with a variety of pickled vegetables, including crisp pickle spears. These Bloody Marys are a perfect way to enjoy the tangy taste of pickles while sipping on a classic cocktail, making them a popular choice for brunch-goers. Variations include bloodies with pierogi, bacon, chips, shrimp, and more to choose from if you want to go beyond the classic mix.
PICKLES & RYE DELI
6724 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield
Pickles & Rye Deli in West Bloomfield is a great deli option with a wide range of sandwiches, soups, salads, and more. The salad platters and many salads feature pickles, but the appetizers are where it’s at. Beyond the fried pickle spears with chipotle ranch, the deli nachos need to be focused on. The corn chips are piled high with corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese sauce, Russian dressing, pickles, pickled onions, and lettuce. This delightful combination of flavors is unexpected but a must. It’s a perfect appetizer or snack for pickle lovers.
COMO’S RESTAURANT
22812 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale
Como’s Restaurant is all about innovative Italian dishes, and its pizzas are no exception. Detroit-style squares, the pizzas have crispy edges and the Dill Pickle Pizza takes things to new heights for pickle fans. Topped with Boursin cheese, a mozzarella blend, dill pickles, and dill, the result is a savory yet tangy pizza pie that is a favorite for good reason. While the pizza is the main attraction, the burgers with pickles shouldn’t be forgotten about either.
LILY’S SEAFOOD GRILL & BREWERY
410 South Washington Avenue, Royal Oak
Located in Royal Oak, Lily’s Seafood Grill & Brewery offers a delicious take on fried pickles with their Fried Spears. These dill pickle spears are breaded and flash-fried to crispy perfection, and served with a creamy horseradish dipping sauce, making them a perfect accompaniment to their house-made brews. It’s a classic pub snack with a satisfying crunch and tang. With a creative menu, craft beers, and a family-friendly vibe, Lily’s Seafood is a great spot to check out.
WHAT’S THE DILL
4088 West McNichols Road, Detroit
Ever had a sandwich stuffed inside of a giant pickle? Now you can! Leona Milton, the owner of What’s The Dill, turned her pickle passion into a thriving business in Detroit. What’s The Dill offers a variety of innovative pickle-based sandwiches, including gluten-free options, as well as Egg Sammiches, Cucumber Rolls, and their unique Smickles. “What’s a smickle? Come find out,” Leona encourages. This is the spot to be for pickle lovers, as the pickle sandwiches are full of deli meats, fresh veggies, innovative sauces, and more. Looking to pick up seasoned pickles, jars of hot options, or even Kool-Aid-soaked pickles? What’s The Dill is your answer.
SHERWOOD BREWING COMPANY
45689 Hayes Road, Shelby Township
Sherwood Brewing Company in Shelby Township is a family-owned brewery known for its ‘obnoxiously unpretentious beers’ and ‘elevated pub grub,’ according to the owners. “We’re a bit pickle-obsessed here at the Wood! We premiered our version of dill pickle pizza back in 2018 and it’s been a top seller ever since. We start with a crust we make daily, sprinkle a little garlic, and top it with a signature 3 cheese blend, a pesto garlic drizzle, and Maceri pickle chips. In addition to pickle pizza, we offer dill pickle pizza rolls, deep-fried pickles, and occasionally dill pickle soup,” shares owners Ray & Lisa Sherwood. This welcoming neighborhood pub is where great beer and stellar food come together.
SUPERGEIL
2442 Michigan Avenue, Detroit
Supergeil incorporates pickles into its diverse menu. Known for their creative German and Turkish-inspired cuisine, Supergeil’s dishes incorporate pickles as they see fit, adding a delightful tang and crunch. One standout is the Sevillano fish and chips dish, with flavors of cumin, sumac, lemon, and a pickle aioli. The Kreuz-burger and Piri chicken sandwiches are topped with pickles too. Available on the lunch and dinner menus (minus the chicken sandwich), these are great options with subtle dill flavors.
