Vegan Favorite Sneaky Pickle Is Closed After a Fire

A fire that destroyed the back of Upper Ninth Ward restaurant Sneaky Pickle earlier this week has forced its closure for at least a month of cleanup and rebuilding.

Owner and chef of Sneaky Pickle, Ben Tabor, along with his sister Alexis Tabor, who runs a three-day-a-week wine bar in the restaurant’s back courtyard, say that so far they don’t know the cause of the fire. They’re also still unsure of the true extent of the damage, as they say the fire marshal has not yet been out to visit. And while they believe they will need at least a month to rebuild, that month “begins when we can actually begin cleaning up,” which can’t start until assessments by the city and their insurance company.

Sneaky Pickle opened five years ago at 4017 St. Claude Avenue as one of few menus in town to do satisfying, creative vegan and vegetarian well, while also providing solid options for meat-eaters.

Alexis Tabor and co-owner Uznea Bauer started the part-time wine bar in the back, Mouthfeel, six months ago and quickly gained a loyal Bywater following. Tabor says they are going to try to keep operating as normal, Thursday through Friday, while Sneaky Pickle is closed.

Tabor says customers should follow Sneaky Pickle’s instagram @youseankypickle for updates and pop-ups, and can contribute to the restaurant’s rebuilding via gofundme.com/sneakypickle.

Do you have a hot restaurant tip? Noticed a spot in your neighborhood opening or closing? Send an email.

Looking for restaurant recs or a place to chat about favorite restaurants? Join Eater NOLA’s Facebook group.