Pickles can be the silent hero (or villain) of a fast food burger or sandwich. I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit chowing down on different chains’ offerings, just to figure out which pickles deserve the spotlight.
In the fast food pickle showdown, it’s clear some chains either phone it in or simply don’t care enough about that crucial burger garnish.
Below is my honest take—20 fast food pickles from mediocre to mind-blowing.
20. Burger King
These pickles have left me scratching my head: they’re thin, limp, and bland—like an afterthought garnishing your Whopper. I’d swear their only purpose is to remind you something tangy once existed on your burger.
Every time I bite in, I think, “Where’s the zing? Where’s the crunch?” It’s like they forgot to brine them properly. The rest of the burger may hold up, but BK’s pickles get a royal thumbs down in my book.
19. Popeyes
Popeyes excels at juicy fried chicken, but their pickles are the wallflowers of the sandwich scene. They’re so subtle, you might miss them entirely if you’re not paying attention.
Crispness is lacking, and the flavor is too faint to complement that spicy chicken. If you’re big on tangy pickles, Popeyes might not be your jam—save your enthusiasm for their crunchy coating instead.
18. Shake Shack
This is where the contradiction sets in: some folks rave about their pickles, but personally, I’ve found them underwhelming. In my experience, they just fade in the background behind Shake Shack’s stellar meat and potato buns.
Don’t get me wrong, I love almost everything else about Shake Shack. But if you’re looking for a bold pickle punch, you won’t find it here. They’re passable, just not the rock stars you might hope for.
17. In-N-Out
You have to specifically ask for pickles here—like they’re some secret item In-N-Out can’t decide to fully embrace. While the pickles themselves are okay, they don’t stand out enough to transform your burger.
They add a mild tang, sure, but in a place famed for its sauces and fresh produce, the pickle plays a very subtle role. If you’re a die-hard pickle fan, you might walk away wishing they packed more oomph.
16. Wawa
Wawa’s more about convenience than pickle prowess. Their pickles do the basic job: you get a bit of tang, a bit of crunch, but it’s all average.
Don’t expect a flavor explosion—these pickles are placeholders more than anything else. In a pinch, they add a slight acid pop to your sub, but that’s about it.
15. Cook Out
Cook Out’s long-cut pickles definitely stand out in size, but the taste? Meh. They’re neither super tangy nor super crisp—just existing somewhere in the middle.
If you like a subtle pickle presence that doesn’t steal the spotlight, you’ll be fine. But if you crave a sour, snappy pickle, Cook Out might leave you wanting more.
14. White Castle
Those mini sliders rely heavily on steamed onions for flavor, so the pickles could be seen as a lost cause. They’re present but overshadowed by the onion-to-meat ratio.
When you bite into a White Castle slider, you might get a fleeting tang, but it’s gone before you can fully appreciate it. Still, they’re not offensive—just subdued.
13. Sonic Drive-In
Sonic’s known for their fun variety of drinks and sides, and they also dabble in fried pickle chips. They’re a novelty, sure, but the briny punch is less potent than you’d expect.
Don’t get me wrong—they’re decent bar-food style snacks. But if you’re seeking that authentic pickle twang, you might find them more about the breading than the actual pickle center.
12. O’Charley’s
These crispy pickle chips are fine as far as fried pickles go, but they don’t elevate the overall meal much. They taste good, sure—just not game-changing.
I enjoy them with a side of ranch for the tangy interplay of flavors. They get the job done, though I wouldn’t drive across town just to munch on these guys.
11. Hooters
Hooters offers waffle-cut fried pickles, which is a fun shape and a decent crunch. Flavorwise, they can be a bit inconsistent—one batch might be zippy, the next batch less so.
Still, they pair well with a basket of wings and some cold beverage. If they nailed the seasoning every time, they’d rank higher, but the variability keeps them in the middle zone.
10. Buffalo Wild Wings
Pickle chips here are tangy, crisp, and fried to a solid golden brown. They pair really well with a plate of spicy wings, cutting through the heat.
They’re not exactly revolutionary, but they’re a reliable side if you’re already indulging in wings. Think of them as a tangy palate cleanser between buffalo sauce-laden bites.
9. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
You might not expect a movie theater to have noteworthy pickles, but Alamo’s thick-cut fried spears are surprisingly satisfying. Crunchy breading meets a juicy interior, perfect for chomping mid-movie.
No, they’re not going to dethrone your favorite fried pickles, but hey, for a cinematic snack, they’re pretty darn good. Plus, they beat the usual popcorn routine when you’re craving something more savory.
8. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s pickles do a decent job of balancing out the spiciness of their famed chicken. They’re crisp and tangy, though not top-tier, but they play a crucial supporting role.
In a place that focuses on big, bold heat, these pickles are the mild, cooling sidekick. If you’re looking for a synergy that tames the burn, Dave’s has you covered.
7. Smashburger
Fried pickles here add that tangy crunch that complements their smash-styled burgers. They’re not the biggest or the boldest, but they get the job done in a savory, crisp way.
I appreciate that Smashburger didn’t just toss out bland slices—these fried pickles feel carefully seasoned. They’re a welcome textural contrast if you’re already going in on a smash’d patty and tots.
6. Kewpee
Kewpee’s an old-school chain, and their pickles reflect that nostalgic vibe. The brine is balanced—enough sourness to jolt your taste buds but not overshadow the burger’s flavors.
Taking a bite of a Kewpee burger with those pickles can feel like stepping back in time. They’re proof that sometimes simple, classic pickles are all you need to enhance a burger.
5. Five Guys
When you unwrap a Five Guys burger and see those thick pickle slices, you know you’re in for something crunchy and zesty. They’re fresh, bright, and add a certain pep to every bite.
What I love most is how they can hold their own against Five Guys’ generously sauced burgers. Each slice stays crisp, never too limp, and that briney tang perks up the meaty heft brilliantly.
4. Subway
Yes, Subway’s “new” pickles have improved drastically. Gone are the days of soggy, flavorless slices. Now you get a satisfying crunch and a tang that actually registers on your taste radar.
They also pair nicely with whatever sub you concoct—turkey, steak, or even veggie. If you skip the pickles at Subway, you might want to give them another shot. They’ve definitely leveled up their game.
3. Jersey Mike’s
So many fans rave about their pickles that some wish they could buy jars to take home. The flavor is bracingly tangy, and they hold a firm crunch that doesn’t wilt, even under deli meats and condiments.
It’s the kind of pickle that stands out in a sub heavy with meats, cheeses, and dressings. If you’re picky about your pickles, a trip to Jersey Mike’s might restore your faith in the tangy arts.
2. Chick-fil-A
Those iconic chicken sandwiches owe a chunk of their fame to the crisp, vinegary pickles layered on top. They’re not monstrous or thick, but that subtle briney punch is precisely what sets Chick-fil-A’s chicken off.
It’s a prime example of synergy: salty, crispy, sour meets the buttery bun and tender chicken. Whenever I think of pickles that define a sandwich, Chick-fil-A’s are near the top.
1. McDonald’s Pickles
McDonald’s PicklesMcDonald’s pickles are often overlooked as a minor part of the burger assembly. However, their tangy flavor and crisp texture add a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory elements of a Big Mac or Quarter Pounder.
The pickles are thinly sliced with a wavy cut, which helps them stay on the bun and distribute their flavor evenly without overpowering the other ingredients. Despite their simplicity, McDonald’s pickles have gained a dedicated following, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more when it comes to enhancing the overall burger experience.