Sneaky Pickle & Bar Brine

"Visit Sneaky Pickle for lunch or Bar Brine for dinner to try playful dishes that convey a deep understanding of technique, flavor, and texture. At Bar Brine, products like hakurei turnips, tilefish, king trumpet mushrooms, and confit goose get special treatment; fresh, delicate pasta dishes combine gnocchi with walnuts and blue cheese; rice cakes pair with smoked squash and mapo tofu; and layered cocktails satisfy cravings for something light and fresh or savory and deep. The cozy, dreamy neighborhood spot, known by some as “the veggie place,” is admired by omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans." - Clair Lorell

"Expect the unexpected at this dual Bywater restaurant, and that goes for its surprising expertise when it comes to pasta. There might be a creamy vegan mac and cheese made with cashew cream and cashew chorizo; gnocchi with blue cheese sauce, beet puree, and candied walnuts; a squid ink pappardelle with spicy Gulf shrimp; or a dish of rice cakes with smoked squash and mapo tofu. However outlandish the combination might read on the menu, it comes together beautifully every time." - Beth D'Addono, Clair Lorell

"Bar Brine is the romantic, nighttime version of Sneaky Pickle, a longtime favorite for vegetarian and vegan-friendly, picnic-style items. Visit for dinner Thursday through Monday for dishes highlighting Hakurei turnips, tilefish, king trumpet mushrooms, or confit goose; pasta like gnocchi with walnuts and blue cheese, squid ink with crab and daikon, or rice cakes paired with smoked squash and mapo tofu. A wine list with natural and orange varieties, intricate cocktails both fruity and savory, and excellent non-alcoholic cocktails help make this spot a hot destination, even on Mondays." - Beth D'Addono, Clair Lorell

"For such a hip place, Sneaky Pickle is surprisingly kid-friendly — it fits in with the welcoming Bywater restaurant’s general “come as you are” vibe. It’s also a great spot to introduce a love of vegetables early, given that chef Ben Tabor and the talented team of kitchen professionals turn all manner of produce into some of the tastiest dishes in town. As such, there’s really no need for a separate kids menu here, though the vegan mac and cheese is a clear winner." - Clair Lorell, Eater Staff

"Yes, Sneaky Pickle is known for its vegetable-forward cuisine. But it’s also known for its carnivore options, and the Raines wagyu beef burger is the bomb: locally raised beef topped with cheddar, lettuce, pickled onion, and aioli on a poppyseed bun (at night, Bar Brine swaps the cheddar for smoked gouda and adds a special sauce). While we’re at it, the hand-cut fries are some of the best in town, seasoned to perfection, topped with green onions, and served with a killer vegan ranch dipping sauce." - Beth D'Addono, Clair Lorell