The Pickled Deli - Visalia — Restaurant in Visalia

SHORT VERSION: Pricey, but tasty.

LONGER VERSION: I love pickles. So how could I not stop at a place called The Pickled Deli?

Sadly, pickles are not their specialty, but happily, sandwiches are.

First, some negatives. It's a small storefront restaurant in a strip mall. Almost, but not quite completely unlike an actual deli. There were maybe a half-dozen small tables and the lighting and decor are more dive than divine. That shouldn't deter you! But you may want to do take out.

Ordering was not ideal, at least not today. The counter person was friendly, but the menu is huge and complicated, with lots of add on options. I don't mind the options, but would have liked a handout menu to sit and work out my sandwich rather than spend ten minutes trying to figure out my order while at the register. Also making my order more challenging, they seemed to be out of a lot of things, and parts of my order couldn't happen or needed to be substituted with other stuff.

Once we overcame the lack of bacon, French fries, and small or regular size drink cups, I was able to order a turkey sandwich with cheese, tomatoes, the hoped-for pickles, and sprouts. They accommodated my request for extra mayo, but could only sprinkle salt on the sandwich (pepper was available in little paper packets near the soda fountain).

This is a Pepsi place (I'm a Coke guy), but they did have Diet Dr Pepper, so that was okay. I was handed a Styrofoam drink cup the size of a bucket (think super big gulp), so I was happy to have a good choice.

I got a medium sized sandwich and was surprised to be handed a basket with what appeared to be a platter of fresh ingredients! This thing was overstuffed and FANTASTIC! The turkey was sliced a little thicker and tasted moist and fresh, not slimey like some places deli meat. The vegetables were crisp and bright. I am always happy to get sprouts, and these were also top notch (no wilt, no limpness, very much perfect). I didn't like that I paid extra for sprouts, but it was less than a dollar, so that's fine, just odd.

The roll was toasted just right, the condiments were as I requested, and my biggest problem was trying to eat a sandwich so big. It was very good!

Instead of fries, I ended up with a prepacked bag of chips, but they had Miss Vickie's Salt and Vinegar, and as I've mentioned before, me and Vickie kind of have a thing, so that was okay.

Things were laid out a little weird. Napkins were near the chip rack, which was around the corner from the register, but the soda fountain was the other direction, towards the storefront. And when you're done (if you eat in-house like I did), the trash and basket drop are hidden at the back of the shop beside the restroom. There was a handwritten sign taped behind the soda machine which said "trash at back" so I guess the observant might see it before they need it.

It wasn't cheap. Sandwich, chips, drink, and tip came to $21. I hate paying more than about $10-12 for a simple sandwich, but I suppose it was good and had a lot of meat and all, so I'm not too stressed about it.

BOTTOM LINE: Great sandwich! The rest... well, it's okay. I'll give The Pickled Deli a...

I have always admired owners who actually go into their businesses, work and connect with their customers. My husband and I popped in for a quick lunch and immediately felt the love as the owner (we did not get his name and I wish I had) and his staff welcomed us. While ordering Mr. owner let us know that he brought back the original French fries Deli D used to serve, which in my opinion were some of the best beer battered fries I’ve ever had. On top of that, while waiting for our meals, he offered us a sample of his fried pickles, which were so delicious that they did not even need any sauce on the side and of course, we went back later to get an order for mom to try. For lunch I had the #5 vegetarian sandwich on wheat. The bread was nicely toasted and the veggies had a nice fresh taste to them, it paired well with the cream cheese and sprouts. My husband had the #1 Turkey sandwich and he says he loved the fact that it was not only tasty but the presentation was nice as well. When we returned later that day, the staff recognized us (even with our masks) and offered us a sample of their soup. I had the tomato basil soup and my husband had the chicken enchilada soup. The tomato basil was so creamy and full of flavor, i cannot wait to go back and eat a bowl with a sandwich! My husband said the chicken enchilada soup was creamy as well and didn’t taste like any he’s had before, both soups are perfect for a cold rainy day in Visalia! Overall, we really appreciate the team there and the food and will definitely be returning. I hope this review is helpful to those curious about Pickled Deli (used to be known as Deli D) on Mooney Blvd. and I truly hope you stop by for some fried pickles! They are the yummiest! We wish all the best to Pickled Deli & will...

Decided to take my 2 year old out on a lunch date, and SO GLAD I ended up at the Pickled Deli!!! AMAZING customer service- from special order requests to accommodate my little one, to very warm, happy, personable attitudes from every employee in the shop, I immediately felt so comfortable here. The sandwiches were fantastic- fresh, quality ingredients, and our food was ready SUPER quick. Also noticed that every food delivery person that walked in to pick up an order was immediately acknowledged, offered water while they wait and treated with kindness and respect. Makes you happy to see people just being GOOD PEOPLE! On top of it all, they sell Dana’s cookies which I used to LOVE when I lived in Tulare. Love that this owner supports other local businesses!! Without any hesitation, HIGHLY recommend the Pickled Deli!!! Thank you for an...