In A Pickle brings big, playful brunches to Waltham

The public verdict

In A Pickle Restaurant carries a 4.6 Google rating from more than 3,700 reviews, a substantial show of approval for a busy brunch restaurant. Public feedback consistently emphasizes three strengths: large portions, an unusually broad breakfast menu and service that keeps the dining room moving. Several diners describe the food as arriving remarkably quickly, even when the restaurant is busy.

The overall impression is not of a quiet, leisurely café. This is a popular local spot built around energetic service, substantial American breakfasts and attention-grabbing combinations. One Boston-area visitor specifically arrived after seeing the restaurant featured on *Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives* and reported that the experience met expectations.

What diners order

Chicken and waffles is the clearest recurring recommendation. Reviews mention cinnamon cereal and hot honey variations, while another diner calls the dish an absolute must-try. That pattern suggests the appeal goes beyond a standard sweet-and-savory pairing. The restaurant’s more elaborate versions appear to be part of its identity.

French toast also receives repeated praise. Mixed berry French toast appears in multiple accounts, including a stuffed version that one diner found satisfying enough to take home as leftovers. Coconut banana French toast was well received in the same group order. A loaded fruit waffle earned another favorable mention, reinforcing the restaurant’s strength in fruit-topped, dessert-like breakfast plates.

Savory breakfast staples still have a place. One Sunday brunch customer ordered both steak and eggs and a breakfast burrito, with both reaching the table in under ten minutes. Other family diners report choosing conventional breakfast plates, so the menu seems capable of accommodating guests who are less interested in the sweeter signature dishes.

Portions, value and pace

Portion size is one of the most consistent themes in the available reviews. Diners repeatedly characterize the servings as big or sizable, and the mixed berry French toast was substantial enough to produce leftovers. Pricing is described as decent or reasonable, which aligns with the restaurant’s moderate price classification. The combination makes In A Pickle particularly attractive for diners prioritizing quantity and variety.

Fast, friendly service is another recurring advantage. Customers mention prompt greetings, quick drink orders and food arriving faster than expected. That efficiency appears especially useful during peak brunch periods, though it can create a brisk atmosphere. One reviewer felt the restaurant was prioritizing turnover after the check arrived while the meal was still in progress.

Planning a visit

Crowds are the main practical concern. A Wednesday visit at 5:30 reportedly involved no wait and an almost empty dining room, but Sunday brunch was busy, and another customer described a wait to be seated as understandable given the restaurant’s popularity. Timing is likely to shape the experience.

In A Pickle looks best suited to groups willing to share, families seeking generous breakfasts and brunch diners who prefer playful combinations over restraint. The extensive menu may make ordering difficult, but public feedback repeatedly points toward chicken and waffles or mixed berry French toast as sensible starting points.