There are just certain foods that somehow feel incomplete without a frosty cold beer, right? Of course, beer is great on its own, but food tastes better with a cold one in hand. There’s something about how beer’s rich, crips flavors and versatility work perfectly with many dishes.
With so many beers to choose from bitter IPAs to light pilsners and all those seasonal options, finding the perfect pairing can feel like a challenge—whether at a bar or at home.
But no worries! We’ve gathered some of the most popular food and beer combos from a recent message board discussion. What would you add to the list?
Pizza
In Italy, pairing beer with pizza is practically a tradition! Locals believe the fizz in drinks like beer or soda helps digestion, but for Americans, it’s all about the taste—and who can argue with that? A cold beer and a hot slice hit differently whether you’re at home or out with friends.
Not sure which beer to try? Go classic with a Margherita pizza and a Pilsner, or spice things up with Pepperoni and an Amber Ale. Feeling bold? BBQ chicken pizza loves a rich Porter.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings and beer—it’s a classic American combo, especially when you’re catching a football game from the couch. Salty, crispy wings practically beg for a cold, refreshing beer, whatever the time and place. A light lager always hits the spot!
Why stop at basics, though? The pairing options are endless, with so many wing flavors, sauces, and beer styles. If you’re eating buffalo wings, grab a pale ale. A Belgian dubbel goes great with honey garlic wings. Keep experimenting—it’s half the fun!
Burgers
Burgers and beer are an even better duo than we give them credit for! The rich, malty notes of a good brew balance the savory, juicy goodness of a burger while the carbonation refreshes your palate after every bite. Nothing beats sinking your teeth into a classic cheeseburger while sipping a cold beer.
To get the best combo, match your beer to your burger’s toppings. A light lager works well with a simpler burger, while an IPA complements bold, spicy flavors. For rich, hearty burgers, a stout or porter is the way to go.
Hot Dogs
Nothing compares to a juicy hot dog and an ice-cold beer, whether at a ballgame or a backyard cookout. The salty, savory flavors of a hot dog pair perfectly with beer’s bitterness and fizz. Spicy hot dogs go great with a hoppy beer that cuts through the heat. For milder hot dogs, a lighter beer keeps the flavors balanced.
There are tons of combos to explore, but you’re seriously missing out if you haven’t tried a chili dog with an Amber Ale or a Cincinnati coney with Märzen.
Bratwurst Sausage
Wisconsin has a well-earned rep as the nation’s “drunkest” state, with 25.2% of residents reportedly drinking excessively. It’s not an exaggeration to say beer and Bratwurst sausages are practically a religion there! Fun fact: Brats are sometimes cooked or marinated in beer before hitting the grill.
When pairing, a Pale Lager is the traditional choice, but most beer styles work great with these juicy sausages. If you’re headed to Wisconsin this summer, grab Smithfield Yuengling Bratwursts and Yuengling Lager for a flavor-packed combo!
Mexican Food
A great beer can elevate your Mexican meal, just like the perfect salsa completes a dish. With bold seasonings like cumin, oregano, and cilantro, Mexican food bursts with flavor, so choosing the right beer makes all the difference.
For those juicy steak tacos, a crisp and refreshing Modelo Negra or Pacifico is a classic choice. A citrusy American Pale Ale can cut through the richness if you’re digging into cheesy burritos or creamy enchiladas. And for a hearty, slow-cooked meat dish, a Belgian ale offers a warm, malty balance.
Salty Bar Food
The best beer pairings are usually the food right in front of you at your local dive. No overthinking, just pure, spur-of-the-moment enjoyment. The fun part is discovering combos you didn’t even plan for.
Salty bar food like chips, nachos, fries, or onion rings make beer taste even better, balancing its flavors perfectly. So, next time you’re out, don’t stress about pairing. Grab your beer, dig into whatever’s on the table, and enjoy. Sometimes, the best matches happen by accident!
Pretzels
Beer and pretzels are a classic combo– perfect for Oktoberfest in Germany. Most bars serve up this pairing with a light lager and stale pretzels, but if you want to elevate the experience, try something better!
A crisp Pilsner balances the saltiness of fresh, doughy pretzels. Wheat beers add a fruity touch that contrasts nicely. Craft lagers offer unique flavors like caramel or floral notes for a more adventurous pairing. Don’t be afraid to experiment—sometimes, opposites make the best combos!
Nachos
Game days aren’t complete without nachos and a cold beer. The crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and your favorite brew are the perfect combo. Whether you go for classic cheese and salsa or a fully loaded plate, nachos always deliver.
Lighter beers like Pale Lagers, Blonde Ales, and Kolsch are great for cutting through the rich cheese. If you’re into bold flavors, an IPA’s citrus and pine notes pair well with the spices in nachos. And if you’re a Texan, you’ve probably enjoyed a Mexican-style lager with your nachos, too!
Tacos
If there is one thing that is better than a taco, it’s a taco with beer. The bold, spicy flavors of tacos pair with the crisp, invigorating taste of a cold beer.
For carne asada, try a citrusy IPA, or go for a Farmhouse Ale with vegetarian tacos. Have you tried fish tacos with American Lager? A bubbly lager like Buenaveza helps cut through the fish’s oil. Many swear by pairing chicken tacos with Bell’s Amber. Pro tip: Match the intensity of the food and beer so neither overpowers the other!
Nuts
It’s a match made in snack heaven, isn’t it? While some think bars offer peanuts just to get you to drink more, they actually enhance the flavor of your beer. The salty crunch of nuts pairs perfectly with your cold brew, whether it’s peanuts, almonds, or cashews.
Not sure what to pair? Try raw nuts with pilsners or blonde ales, roasted ones with Irish stouts, and salted peanuts with ales. Sweet hazelnuts go great with imperial porters or stouts.
BBQ
If you’re planning a backyard cookout with friends or dining at a local BBQ joint, there’s no wrong way to pair beer with barbecue. The cold, crisp beer enhances the smoky, savory flavors of BBQ chicken, prime ribs, or maybe even BBQ burgers for a solid match.
Instead of reaching for a heavy stout or smoky beer, go for a clean lager or a smooth blonde ale. These simple beers won’t overpower the bold BBQ flavors but will still complement them nicely.
Source: Reddit
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