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We Tried Dozens of Pickles at Hoboken’s Pickle Joy: Here’s How it Went

Taylor Dennis
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Hi, my name is Taylor Dennis, and I am a pickle-obsessed, loves-anything-in-a-brine girl. You know how there’s always that one friend who will eat the pickle that comes with your sandwich? It’s me, I am that girl. My love for pickles runs deep; in fact, I can’t think of a time when I didn’t love pickles. I go to multiple pickle festivals, make a bomb pickle martini, have multiple pickle-themed articles of clothing, and try new pickled foods every chance I get. So when I heard that there was a store entirely dedicated to pickles located steps from my apartment, I knew I had to check it out.

Pickle Joy, located at 55 1st Street in Hoboken, is a place you’re going to want to see for yourself. This storefront may be small, but it’s jam-packed with flavor. After opening its doors in early August of this year, Pickle Joy has been booming with business. Upon entering, you’re met with a deliciously salty aroma, adorable pickle magnets, and wonderful, friendly staff. Wooden barrels filled with pickles line the back wall, a large metal counter gives customers the chance to see all the olives, relish, and smaller pickle options, and there’s even a fridge filled with hummus and tapenades. There truly is something for everyone, whether you’re into hot and spicy, sweet and savory, sour and citrusy, or garlic—you’ll find something you love. Read on for the lowdown on Pickle Joy and personal favorites from the menu. 

Pickled Picks

With over 40 different pickle and olive options and a need to try them all, here are my top picks in no particular order (that would be too difficult).

  • A new pickle will always and forever be a top favorite of mine. The crunchiness and snap of the pickle, the hint of cucumber with the slight punch of a sour tang, is everything.
  • The sweet horseradish pickle: This pickle absolutely took me by surprise. You’re immediately hit with a sweet and savory, fiery heat, and as someone who isn’t into sweet pickles, this one had me going back for seconds. You get the horseradish flavor without any of the heat.
  • The wasabi pickle: This vinegar-based pickle packs a punch with a lingering smoky wasabi flavor. It’s tangy, spicy, and hearty.
  • Krelish, a mix of relish and kraut: This beautifully colored topping was not only tangy but had the perfect amount of sweetness to it. I would’ve loved to try this on a hot dog and can’t wait for this summer because a tub of krelish is the first thing I’m bringing to a barbecue. In fact, while I was in the store a man walked in and purchased a large container of krelish. It was delicious.
  • The spicy kimchi: First, let me begin by stating what an absolute addiction I have to kimchi. I have at least three containers of kimchi in my fridge at all times. I even make my own. So I was extremely excited to try this – I’m pretty sure I gasped when I saw they had some. This was some of the best kimchi I’ve had in a long time. The spice level was perfect and learned more on the spicy side, the crunch and fermentation on it was, not to be dramatic, immaculate.
  • Roasted garlic: This one speaks for itself, but I could’ve eaten the entire tub.
  • Pickled pineapple: This was bright, tangy, tasted like summer, and jam-packed with flavor.

The most popular flavors include new, full sour, kosher dill, sweet horseradish, firecracker, and cucumber salad pickles. After trying them all, I can see why they’re so popular. Sadly, as a lactose-intolerant queen, the only items on the menu I did not try were the feta-stuffed olives and the blue cheese-stuffed olives. I was told they’re both super popular and work great in a dirty martini, salad, or just to snack on.

Read more: The History + Evolution of New Jersey’s Hudson River Walkway

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Some other items available include full and half sour pickles, spicy kimchi, krelish, pickled mushrooms, garlic stuffed olives, gardenia salad, mustard dill pickle chips, and hot and spicy sour green tomatoes; just to name a few.

Visiting Pickle Joy

JK Therapy

The best way to experience Pickle Joy is to step out of your comfort zone. You never know what new flavors you might fall in love with. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations based on your taste. I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with team member Christopher, who not only tried pickles along with me, but was extremely knowledgeable about everything in the store. He even recommended trying the sweet horseradish pickle chips on a slice of pizza or with an empanada. It’s great to see that the staff loves pickles as much as the customers.

See more: The NOVA Neighbor Revolutionizing How You Plan a Night Out 

Pickle Joy is open From 9AM to 5PM Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; 9AM to 6PM on Thursday and Friday; 9AM to 5PM on Saturday, and 11AM to 6PM on Sunday. 

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Originally from New York, Taylor Dennis recently moved across the river to call New Jersey home. She studied Creative Writing and Psychology at SUNY New Paltz and is working as a full-time editor in Manhattan. When she’s not working, you can find Taylor hiking all across NJ, sharing the best mountain vistas, exploring her new town, and spending time with her two cats, Edgar Allan Purr and Merlin the Wizard. You can find her dining out at Belo Bar + Kitchen, brunching at The Madison Bar + Grill, taking a stroll through one of Union City’s many parks, grabbing coffee from Roast + C.R.E.A.M, or picnicking along Hoboken’s waterfront.

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