Top 7 Bar Party Ideas: How to Pair Your Favorite Craft Beers with the Perfect Party Menu
Hosting a party at a bar is a fantastic way to bring friends, colleagues, or family together for a fun, laid-back event.
Are you looking for bar parties near me to celebrate a birthday, a corporate event, or just a casual night out?
Then, the right combination of delicious food and craft beers can elevate the experience. You can craft beers, with their rich flavors and diverse styles, which are perfect for pairing with a variety of bar menu items. From handmade pizzas to juicy steaks and fresh seafood, there’s a craft beer that compliments every dish.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top seven bar party ideas and how to perfectly pair your favorite craft beers with a mouthwatering menu.
1. Classic Burger and IPA Party
What’s better than a well-crafted burger paired with a crisp, flavorful beer? Hosting a burger and beer party is a surefire way to please your guests. A half-pound Angus beef burger loaded with toppings like cheese, bacon, and fresh vegetables pairs wonderfully with a bold, hoppy IPA (India Pale Ale).
- Beer Pairing: IPAs, with their strong hop flavors and slight bitterness, cut through the richness of a juicy burger. In this way, it balances out the fat while enhancing the overall flavor. The bitter notes of an IPA like Stone IPA or Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA make for a perfect match with a loaded burger.
- Menu Suggestion: Offer a variety of burgers such as classic beef, chicken, or veggie, along with sides like fries or onion rings to round out the meal.
2. Pizza and Pale Ale Party
Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser, and when you add craft beer into the mix, you have a party hit. Handmade pizzas with a crispy crust, fresh tomato sauce, and gourmet toppings pair beautifully with a balanced pale ale.
- Beer Pairing: Pale ales like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or Brooklyn Pale Ale offer a perfect balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness. Their medium body complements the variety of flavors in pizza, from tangy tomato sauce to salty cheese and pepperoni.
- Menu Suggestion: Serve a variety of pizza styles such as margherita, pepperoni, and BBQ chicken. You can add a build-your-own-pizza station for extra fun, allowing guests to customize their own creations.
If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, check out local bar parties near me for an enjoyable experience.
3. Steak and Stout Night
For a more upscale bar party, consider pairing thick, juicy steaks with a rich, dark stout. The depth of flavor in both the steak and stout makes for an indulgent dining experience that your guests will remember.
- Beer Pairing: Stouts like Guinness or Founders Breakfast Stout are known for their dark. Their roasted malt flavors bring out the smoky, savory taste of a perfectly grilled steak. Besides, the beer’s rich, creamy texture pairs well with the steak’s tenderness, making it a luxurious combination.
- Menu Suggestion: Offer different cuts of steak such as ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon, paired with sides like mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables.
4. Seafood and Wheat Beer Pairing
If your party has a seafood focus, such as shrimp, oysters, or fresh fish, consider pairing these dishes with a refreshing wheat beer. The light, citrusy flavors of wheat beer perfectly complement the briny, fresh taste of seafood.
- Beer Pairing: Wheat beers like Blue Moon Belgian White or Hoegaarden have a smooth, refreshing quality with hints of orange peel or coriander. These flavors enhance the natural sweetness and freshness of seafood dishes without overpowering them.
- Menu Suggestion: Serve a seafood platter featuring grilled shrimp, oysters, and fish tacos. Add a squeeze of lemon and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
5. BBQ and Amber Ale Feast
If you’re planning a BBQ-themed party and looking for bar parties near me, pair your smoky, flavorful meats with a malty amber ale. BBQ dishes like ribs, pulled pork, and brisket are rich and savory, requiring a beer that complements their depth of flavor.
- Beer Pairing: Amber ales like New Belgium Fat Tire or Samuel Adams Boston Lager have a malty sweetness that pairs beautifully with smoky BBQ dishes. The caramel notes in the beer enhance the sweetness of BBQ sauce, while the beer’s slight bitterness balances out the richness of the meat.
- Menu Suggestion: Create a BBQ spread with pulled pork sliders, beef brisket, and ribs. Offer sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread.
6. Taco and Lager Fiesta
For a fun and casual bar party, consider a taco and lager pairing. Tacos are versatile and can be filled with a variety of proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. Light, crisp lagers are the perfect complement to the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine.
- Beer Pairing: Lagers like Corona Extra or Dos Equis are light, refreshing, and mildly sweet, making them a great match for spicy or citrusy tacos. Their clean finish balances out the spices in salsa and guacamole.
- Menu Suggestion: Offer a taco bar with options like grilled chicken, carne asada, and fish tacos. Serve with a variety of toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream.
If you’re searching for vibrant atmospheres, explore local bar parties near me’ for a lively experience.
7. Cheese and Belgian Ale Pairing
For a sophisticated bar party, host a cheese and Belgian ale pairing event. Belgian ales are known for their fruity, spicy notes, making them a great match for a range of artisanal cheeses.
- Beer Pairing: Belgian ales like Duvel or Chimay Blue have complex flavors that pair well with both soft and hard cheeses. The fruity undertones of the beer enhance the creaminess of cheeses like brie, while the beer’s spices complement aged cheddar or gouda.
- Menu Suggestion: Create a cheese platter with a variety of soft and hard cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers for your guests to enjoy.
Final thoughts
Hosting a bar party that pairs craft beers with delicious food is a recipe for success. Whether you’re serving up burgers and IPAs, steaks and stouts, or tacos and lagers, the right beer and food combination can enhance the flavors and make your event unforgettable. Choose a theme that suits your crowd, and let the fun begin with great food and even better craft beers. Cheers to a night of good company, amazing food, and perfectly paired beers!
Do you want to host the ultimate bar party? Shakers Bar & Grill is your go-to destination for delicious food and an extensive selection of craft beers! Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or a special celebration, we have the perfect menu and atmosphere to make your event unforgettable.
Book your party today and let us help you create an amazing experience filled with great food, refreshing beers, and wonderful company. Cheers to good times at Shakers Bar & Grill with live music and food!
