Few vacant tables remain as we enter Pickle's Neighborhood Grille at lunchtime. The business crowd and families have descended on the eatery, which is at one end of the shopping center at Ga. 141 and Spalding Drive in Norcross.
We find a table, though, and soon discover that this eatery is worthy of its reputation as a spot for burgers and shakes.
Pucker up
It's a fitting venture for owner Kazi Rahman, whose mother's nickname for him was "pickles." Here, pickles make their appearance not only as part of the wall décor (and on the T-shirts for sale), but in a side that serves as a fun starter. The spicy pub pickles don't pack much heat, but the pickle spears have a seasoned breading that stands out from typical fried fare. They join basic crinkle-cut fries and onion rings as the sides, known as "side dills," along with breaded mushrooms, cole slaw, mini mozzarella sticks and cheddar-stuffed jalapeños. The sole salad option, labeled "pickle greens," includes cucumber, carrots and green peppers, and grilled chicken strips can be added. But we weren't there to eat light, instead enticed by the smell of burgers and more sizzling on the grill behind the counter.Meaty meal
At the top of the menu is Pickle's spotlight cheeseburger, which comes on Texas toast that is buttered and grilled to perfection. These 5-ounce burger patties are manageable and a good break from those overstuffed burgers that sometimes seem too daunting to eat. One of the best things about the Philly cheesesteak is the bread, which doesn't end up soggy on the bottom like you might find at other restaurants. The meat is thinly sliced, the onions and peppers are lightly grilled, and the white American cheese creates the gooey consistency. Sandwich toppings include tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise and onions, but, to our surprise, pickles aren't noted on the menu (Rahman says they come on the side). The beefy hotdog and soft bun are grilled just right. For an extra $2.29, any sandwich can become a combo, with fries and a 16-ounce drink.Washing it down
Sipping on a shake, especially the black and white (you guessed it — chocolate and vanilla mixed together) is the way to accompany this meal. They're thick and rich, and also available in just chocolate, just vanilla and strawberry. Soft drinks and bottled water also are on the list of "pickle sippers."Serving it up
The packed crowd made it difficult at times to catch our waitress, but we were prepared to wait. Signs and the menu read, "We don't specialize in fast food, we specialize in fresh food. We prepare it as quickly as possible, without compromising any quality." For those who want to see the meal in the making, there's seating at the counter.• Hours: 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays
• Reservations: Call-ahead seating
• Recommended dishes: Pickle's spotlight cheeseburger, jumbo all-beef hotdog, spicy pub pickles, black and white milkshake
• Price range: $2.69-$6.99 sandwiches; $3.89-$4.99 salads, $1.29-$2.99 sides, $3.19 shakes
• Payment: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover; no checks
• Verdict: Burgers and shakes at their best.
