Pickle Jar

I’ve been to the Pickle Jar about four times in the last 6 months — partially based on convenience but also because they have a nice, sassy southern BBQ sauce that I like (as a departure from my usual preference for sweet BBQ).
I’ve had their brisket twice and their chicken twice and on my most recent trip I decided to try to beans… these are the items I’ll review but they also have a few more menu options in case you want to check on those, too.
Brisket: The first time I had the brisket it was somewhat dry. I chalked this up to a bad day and the second time I obtained it I was proven correct. That being said… I wasn’t crazy about it. It was alright but it just didn’t scratch that brisket itch. I didn’t feel like the pickle worked with the brisket very well, either. All in all it’s a 2.5 — 3 star brisket and that’s not too bad for a food cart.
Chicken: This is where itches for BBQ get scratched. Both times I had the chicken and it has been tender and delicious. The sauce really shines with it, too. Couple this with the Pickle Jar’s signature pickles which did heighten the flavor of an already good sandwich… yeah. It’s definitely a 4 star chicken sandwich which — for something as pedestrian as that — well, yeah. There’s a reason that’s probably what I’ll be getting any time I visit them.
Beans: Oof. I did not care for these at all. Mine were a little soupy and some of the beans still a little hard. This was the reason I didn’t go a full on four for these folks despite their great BBQ chicken. If it was like the brisket and they had an off day — the day was really off. Off to the extent that I’d rather not try these again to find out…
All told — they’re a reasonably priced food cart, their sauce reminded me a little of trips to Austin, and while they stumble on a couple of things they definitely have their chicken nailed.

Wow… Pickle Jar BBQ is the real deal.
Authentic Texas BBQ right here in Madison, who knew? I tried the pulled pork which was excellent. Perfect texture and moisture level. The bun didn’t get soggy between the time I got my food and scored an outdoor table at Union South next door. Blueberry pie was also tops. Next time I need to try the beef brisket. Word is they sell out of that fast so get there early.
Both the sandwich and pie came in clam shell containers, I got plasticware, a napkin and my very own Pickle Bar BBQ sticker making the whole experience easy to grab-​and-​go. Great operation, guys, I’ll be back!