The Fried Pickles At This Hidden Ohio Bar Will Blow Your Mind

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar in Upper Arlington, just outside downtown Columbus, has built a reputation for turning simple Southern staples into unforgettable comfort food. While the menu features shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and scratch-made sides, it’s the crispy fried pickles that win over both locals and travelers. Light, crunchy, and full of flavor, these golden bites have become a signature starter that keeps guests coming back for more.

1. Southern Roots in Ohio

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar brings authentic Appalachian-inspired cooking to Columbus. Originally founded in Asheville, North Carolina, the restaurant has expanded across the country while keeping its focus on scratch-made comfort food.

The Ohio location, tucked along West Lane Avenue, maintains the same commitment to hospitality and home-style cooking that defines its Southern roots. Diners find that the menu highlights both tradition and creativity – classic fried chicken, hand-cut biscuits, and hearty sides made with seasonal ingredients.

Despite being part of a small national chain, each location feels locally grounded. The Columbus team sources ingredients from regional suppliers whenever possible, supporting Ohio farms while celebrating Southern flavors.

2. A Menu Built for Comfort

While fried pickles may steal the spotlight, Tupelo Honey’s full menu reflects the same balance of indulgence and craft. Favorites include buttermilk fried chicken, sweet potato pancakes, and house-made pimento cheese.

Every dish is prepared from scratch daily, following recipes rooted in Southern tradition. The restaurant’s open kitchen allows diners to see the cooking process firsthand, adding transparency and connection to the experience. Vegetarian and gluten-sensitive options are also available, ensuring broad appeal without sacrificing flavor.

Even familiar side dishes like mac and cheese or collard greens carry subtle twists that make them uniquely Tupelo. The attention to texture, seasoning, and presentation gives guests a meal that feels both comforting and refined.

3. The Fried Pickle Legacy

Fried pickles have long been a Southern favorite, but Tupelo Honey has turned them into a standout dish. Served thin and crispy, each pickle slice is lightly breaded in seasoned cornmeal and flour before being fried to a perfect crunch. The result is a tangy, savory bite that balances salt, spice, and texture.

Guests often start their meals with a basket of these golden rounds, paired with the restaurant’s signature dipping sauce – a creamy, slightly smoky blend with a hint of heat. It’s simple yet addictive, and many customers order extra sauce to take home.

Reviews consistently rank Tupelo Honey’s fried pickles among the best in the region, a testament to both preparation and attention to detail. They embody the brand’s philosophy: elevate comfort food through technique without losing authenticity.

4. The Atmosphere

The Columbus location blends rustic charm with modern warmth. Inside, wood accents, soft lighting, and welcoming booths create an inviting environment that feels like a Southern kitchen with urban polish. Large windows brighten the dining room during the day, while evenings bring a relaxed, cozy mood ideal for friends or families.

The staff contribute greatly to the atmosphere – known for attentive, friendly service that mirrors the restaurant’s down-home origins. Tupelo Honey manages to feel intimate without being formal, appealing to guests seeking quality food in a laid-back space.

Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, the mood invites you to slow down and savor the moment, much like the South itself.

5. Why Locals Love It

Columbus diners have embraced Tupelo Honey as more than just another chain restaurant. Many regulars cite consistency as a major draw – meals taste fresh and balanced on every visit. The restaurant’s ability to deliver reliable quality in both food and service has built a loyal customer base.

The fried pickles, in particular, have become a local talking point, often recommended by word of mouth. The location also benefits from its position near The Ohio State University, attracting students, families, and visitors who appreciate Southern comfort with a contemporary twist.

Tupelo Honey’s community involvement, including charity events and local partnerships, reinforces its presence as part of the city’s growing culinary landscape.

6. The Secret Behind the Crunch

The secret to Tupelo Honey’s irresistible fried pickles lies in its technique. Instead of heavy batter, the kitchen uses a light, dry coating that allows the pickles to fry quickly and evenly. This keeps them crisp on the outside and tender inside without excess oil.

Each batch is cooked to order, ensuring they arrive hot and fresh at the table. The pickle slices themselves are carefully selected for thickness and flavor balance – thin enough for crunch, thick enough to hold their bite. The seasoning blend features paprika, garlic, and a hint of cayenne, enhancing the tangy pickle brine without overwhelming it.

Paired with the creamy dipping sauce, the combination creates an addictive contrast that defines the dish’s success.

7. A Must-Try in Columbus

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar has become a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Columbus’s expanding food scene. The fried pickles alone are worth the trip, serving as the perfect introduction to the restaurant’s Southern-inspired comfort cooking.

Guests often come for the pickles and stay for the fried chicken or shrimp and grits, finding every dish crafted with care. For travelers seeking authentic flavor, friendly service, and a taste of the South in the heart of Ohio, Tupelo Honey delivers.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, those crispy, golden pickles remind you why simple ingredients – when made with skill and heart – can truly blow your mind.