Staff Picks: The Most Sublime Soft Pretzels
In honor of National Pretzel Day (yes, that's a thing), we name a few of our chewy faves
By Lauren Mang April 26, 2016
All hail the soft pretzel! The salty, twisty snack (or for some of us: dinner) has long been a staple in my diet since I discovered these in the freezer section as a kid.
Whenever I see a soft pretzel offering on a menu, I’m obliged to order it, so I’ve had my fair share of the remarkable right down to the duds and disappointments. (I’m even a fan of making them at home. It’s not as hard as you’d think. I suggest using this fab recipe from local entertaining expert and foodie Heather Christo.)
Since today is National Pretzel Day, I decided to poll the rest of the staff–who also happen to enjoy a soft pretzel feast with wild abandon–for their picks on where to chow down on the best. Read on for our faves, then tell us yours on social media.
Brick Oven Pretzels at Brave Horse Tavern
Who picked it: Rachel Hart, editorial director
Why: “OMG Brave Horse Tavern! The dips: An incredible pimento-cheese dip, sour cream and crispy onion, and a smoked peanut butter and bacon dip that are absolutely amazing!”
Bavarian Soft Pretzel at Queen Anne Beer Hall and the House Made Brewing Grain Pretzel at Beardslee Public House in Bothell
Who picked them: Jessica Yadegaran, food and dining editor
Why: “They’re both HUGE. Beardslee’s comes with the most amazing [smoked gouda] cheese sauce.”
Ball Park Pretzels at Rock Bottom
Who picked it: Lauren Mang, senior digital editor
Why: “I know it’s a chain and I don’t care what you think: Rock Bottom Brewery makes a damn good soft pretzel. You get two giant pretzels the size of your head that are perfectly salted (not too much, not too little) and perfectly soft (nothing worse than stale pretzel) and it all comes with a jalapeno spinach cheese sauce for dipping. I’ve long looked for others to unseat these doughy beauties, but so far, no dice.”
Artisan Baked Soft Pretzel at 192 Brewing‘s Taproom in Kenmore
Who picked it: Tony Kim, digital marketing ad-ops
Why: This yummy appetizer is served piping hot and comes with two dipping sauces: a mustard that’s house made from the brewery’s Shticky blonde Kolsh-style brew and a creamy honey sriracha. Yass.
Ball Park Pretzels at Rock Bottom
Who picked it: Lauren Mang, senior digital editor
Why: “I know it’s a chain and I don’t care what you think: Rock Bottom Brewery makes a damn good soft pretzel. You get two giant pretzels the size of your head that are perfectly salted (not too much, not too little) and perfectly soft (nothing worse than stale pretzel) and it all comes with a jalapeno spinach cheese sauce for dipping. I’ve long looked for others to unseat these doughy beauties, but so far, no dice.”
Artisan Baked Soft Pretzel at 192 Brewing‘s Taproom in Kenmore
Who picked it: Tony Kim, digital marketing ad-ops
Why: This yummy appetizer is served piping hot and comes with two dipping sauces: a mustard that’s house made from the brewery’s Shticky blonde Kolsh-style brew and a creamy honey sriracha. Yass.