The Pickled Owl brings a clatter of plates and glasses to Hurleyville's Main Street. Light, laughter, and regulars fill the bar, while the back deck catches the last bit of sun from the park next door.
What to Expect:
🍔 Well-seasoned burgers, fries, mac and cheese, lamb specials, and deviled eggs
🍻 Regional beers, NY ciders, and a rotating tap list
🎤 Occasional live music, trivia, and karaoke nights
🌿 Deck seating with playground access for families
🥗 Vegetarian options and seasonal comfort plates
Important Information:
✔ Table service; reservations recommended, especially on weekends
✔ Wheelchair accessible entry, deck, and restrooms
✔ Family friendly with kids’ menu and high chairs
✔ Brunch, lunch, and dinner service; seasonal closures and event bookings may affect hours
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
Local Insights
🍳 Brunch Scene: Brunch is laid-back and a local’s favorite—try the deviled eggs or a bloody Mary on sunny weekends.
🎶 Event Nights: Live music and trivia fill the room on select Fridays—bring earplugs if you want quiet.
🦉 Back Deck: The deck is best at dusk when the playground empties and you’ve got a view of the sunset through the trees.
🍂 Call Ahead: Confirm hours or make a last-minute reservation—closings for events or weather are common in the off-season.
What folks are saying
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Guests praise Pickled Owl for standout burgers, lamb specials, and an easygoing tap list. Staff are mostly described as friendly, though several mention slow service or unavailable items on crowded nights. Group wait times and occasional kitchen lags crop up, especially during events, but the overall mood is positive. Families appreciate the deck and playground access, while regulars return for strong drinks, reliable food, and a genuine local gathering spot.
Last updated on
October 9th, 2025
