Spring Guide to Food & Beer Pairings in Concord
THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN DIVING INTO A JUICY CHEESEBURGER OR CHEESY SLICE OF PIZZA AND WASHING IT DOWN WITH AN ICE-COLD BEER. Pairing food and beer can be tricky, but don’t worry we did the work for you. Check out some of our favorite beer and food pairings throughout Concord!
EUREKA!
With a tap list that constantly changes, it can be hard to find the perfect beer for your meal. Look for these key styles to complement your delicious bites.
Food Item: Jalapeno Egg Burger- fries egg, cheddar, bacon, chipotle sauce and pickled jalapenos
Beer Pairings: Pilsners and lagers will cool the heat, while hoppy IPAs pair well with spicy flavors to complement the heat.
Food Item: Chicken Tacos- chipotle sauce, firecracker, cabbage, radish, crema, sliced jalapeños, cilantro with chips and salsa
Beer Pairings: American Pale Ales pair perfectly with tortillas as they have a malty backbone. The hop bitterness with also complement the spiciness of the jalapenos, chipotle sauce and firecracker!
CANASTA KITCHEN
Canasta Kitchen has a small tap list but does feature selections from local brewery Epidemic Ales.
Food Item: Flautas- rolled flour tortilla filled with poblano chicken and melted Oaxaca/jack cheese, then fried to perfection and topped with chipotle sauce, shredded lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo and cotija cheese
Beer Pairing: Lager at World’s End- It pairs well with crispy or braised meats, fried tortillas or fish, and tomato-based sauces and salsas. It's bold enough to keep some of the flavor of big and rich dishes, but light enough that it won’t overrun more delicate items.
EPIDEMIC ALES
Throughout the week, Epidemic Ales partners with local food trucks to provide the perfect food pairings. Whether its Pizza, Quesabirria Tacos or Greek goodness, there is always something tasty to eat along with your brew of choice.
Food Item: Quesabirria Tacos from OG Tacos features crispy corn tortillas and fabulous birria stewed meat and a consume dipping sauce.
Beer Pairing: Limelight, an American Lager. Gold medal award winning Lager at World's End with lime and salt added!
Check out Epidemic Ale's Website here to find their weekly food truck schedule.
CONCORD TAP HOUSE
With 24 rotating taps, Concord Tap House will always have different beer. Not to worry, the style is all the matters.
Food Item: Catfish Sliders- flash-fried, battered on flame-toasted buns, pepper jack, greens and a pickle. Comes with a side of fries
Beer Pairing: Try a cream ale. They are nicely balanced between malt sweetness and just enough bitterness.
THE HOP GRENADE
The Hop Grenade also features a huge rotating tap list!
Food Item: THG Reubenesque- corned beef* on a ciabatta w/horseradish cheddar cheese, sauerkraut and specialty beer mustard Beer
Pairing: Something with a light body that won’t interrupt for the strong flavors of the sauerkraut or corned beef. Something like a Whitbeir or Lager will do the trick!
Looking for more regional beer fun?
Check out the Contra Costa County Beer Map - your guide to breweries and tap houses around the region.
For the printable PDF click here.