Many people order wine with their steak without a second thought, but a well-chosen beer can elevate the meal just as much. Pairing beer with food isn’t complicated — you just need to keep a few basics in mind: how fatty the meat is, how bold the seasoning is, and what you’re going for, contrast or harmony. Once you understand these, you’ll be able to choose more confidently from our beers next time you dine with us.
Why does beer and food pairing matter?
Beer’s carbonation and bitterness do a great job of cutting through richer, fattier dishes, while the softness of a wheat beer can balance out spicier, more intense flavours. The goal isn’t for the beer to overpower the meat, but to complement it. A beer that’s too bold and hoppy can easily overwhelm a delicate cut like tenderloin, while a beer that’s too light can get lost next to a well-charred, smoky tomahawk.
A few basic rules worth keeping in mind:
- the fattier the cut, the bolder the beer it can handle,
- the more delicate and clean the dish, the lighter the beer should be,
- spicy, grilled flavours pair well with fruity or slightly sour beers.
Light, clean beers for the more delicate cuts
If you go for sirloin or tenderloin, it’s worth choosing a more restrained, clean beer that won’t overpower the meat’s natural flavour. A classic, well-tempered lager or a wheat beer – like our Primátor Weizen – works beautifully with these cuts. The softness and subtly fruity character of a wheat beer doesn’t compete with the meat, it complements it.
Bolder beers for fattier, more intense cuts
Rib eye, rump steak, or tomahawk, with their fattier, more pronounced flavour, can handle a bolder beer. A hoppier, fuller-bodied beer nicely balances the richness of the fat, and the carbonation helps “reset” your palate between bites. Since our craft beer selection changes frequently – including our weekly rotating tap – it’s always worth asking our staff which one pairs best with the steak you’ve chosen.
Fruity and tart beers – if you’re after contrast
If you’re not looking for harmony but rather a refreshing contrast, try one of our fruity beers. The tart, fruity character of our Hübris Meggy (sour cherry beer) or Sümegi Sárgabarackos Búza (apricot wheat beer) pairs wonderfully with the smokier, fattier notes of a grilled steak, and works just as well alongside dessert.
If you’re after something lighter
If you’re driving, or simply in the mood for a lighter dinner, Primátor Alkoholmentes Lager (alcohol-free lager) is a great choice. Its character is close to a classic lager, so it pairs well with the cleaner steak dishes too, without the alcohol.
There’s no single right answer
When it comes to pairing beer with food, there are no hard rules, just guidelines worth following. The best approach is to try what works for your own taste. If you’re unsure, our staff are happy to help you find the beer from today’s selection that pairs best with the steak you’ve chosen.
Frequently asked questions
What beer should I drink with a fattier steak, like rib eye?
A bolder, fuller-bodied beer nicely balances the more intense flavour of fattier cuts. Since our selection changes often, it’s worth asking our staff for a recommendation from the day’s offering.
What beer pairs well with tenderloin?
A lighter lager or wheat beer, such as Primátor Weizen, pairs well with the more delicate, clean flavour of tenderloin, since it won’t overpower the meat.
Do you have an alcohol-free option to go with steak?
Yes, Primátor Alkoholmentes Lager is close in character to a classic lager, making it a good choice alongside the cleaner steak dishes too.
Is the beer selection at Beerstro14 always the same?
No, our beer selection changes regularly, so it’s always worth asking our staff on-site for the current recommendation.
