Upstream Brewing Company has coupled comfort food and beer for the ultimate dining delight. Explore expert recommendations that make the most out of this perfect pairing.

According to YouGov, 30% of people who drink alcohol say beer is their spirit of choice. For many folks, nothing beats an ice-cold beer paired with the perfect hearty meal.

The rich, familiar flavors of comfort food bring nostalgia and satisfaction, and the right beer elevates every bite.

In Omaha, we know good food and great brews, and when you put them together, the result is nothing short of magic. Read on to discover what makes local comfort food special and how you can pair it with the perfect beer from one of the top local Omaha breweries.

What Makes Omaha Comfort Food So Special?

Omaha food has been making national headlines for a little over a decade, and locals know that Omaha dining experiences hit different. Here, you can find the kind of food that fills your belly and your heart. Some factors that set our local comfort food apart include:

A perfect mix of classic recipes
Fresh local ingredients
World Class chefs
Exceptional, Nebraska-Nice service
A strong farm-to-table culture

According to the Nebraska Beef Council, the state is home to the top three beef counties in the US. When you order a burger or steak in Omaha, you’ll get top-tier, locally raised beef.

You’ll also discover that local chefs take traditional comfort food and give it just the right twist. With their creativity and world class style they enhance the experience utilizing bold flavors and exceptional, local ingredients.

Culinary Pairings Guide

Pairing your food with the right beer will significantly enhance your dining experience. So how do you find that perfect match? Here are a few beer pairing tips to try out:

Match intensity- Rich food goes well with bold beer, while lighter meals go great with crisp lagers
Complement or contrast- Pair hops with greasy food, and use malt to cool down spicy dishes
Cleanse your palate- Choose bubbly, bitter beers to reset your taste buds between bites

Applying these tips will help you strike a balance and bring out the best taste in your food and beer.

Perfect Pairings from the Upstream Brewing Company Menu

At Upstream Brewing Company, our menu ensures that our exquisite craft beers find their equal in unique menu items. When craving something bold, crispy, or savory, there’s a perfect beer pairing waiting for you.

Chicken Wings (Buffalo/BBQ/Thai chili) Flagship IPA cuts through spice and balances heat with hops. For BBQ sauce, Firehouse Red works better with smoky sweetness.
Pub Burger (bacon jam, fried onions, havarti) Dundee Scotch Ale’s caramel, dark fruit, and malt richness play well with bacon jam.
Salmon Burger (Calabrian chili aioli) Tequila Berliner’s zesty tartness contrasts rich salmon and chili spice.
Mac & Cheese Firehouse Red’s malty backbone balances creamy cheese.
Pork Schnitzel → O! Gold lager’s crispness cuts through fried breading and compliments the German style.

Build Your Own Beer and Food Pairing

You don’t have to be a beer expert to enjoy the fun of pairing your meal with the perfect brew. Order a beer flight to explore a range of flavors. Then pair each beer style with small bites of dishes like the smoked gouda beer and cheese soup, the BBQ pulled pork pizza, or the house pretzels with mustard.

Flights will give you a chance to experiment without committing to one style.They let you explore how different beer profiles interact with food textures and flavors.

When trying out the comfort food recipes at Upstream Brewing Company, think about balance and contrast. A crisp lager will brighten up a light salad or seafood dish. A bold IPA, on the other hand, pairs well with rich, fatty foods like grilled meats or spicy entrees.

Still, you shouldn’t get caught up in the rules because everyone experiences flavor differently. Trust your taste buds and preferences. If you like how a certain beer tastes with your meal, then it’s the right choice for you.

At Upstream Brewing Company, we have a helpful team of servers who can help you make the perfect pairing.

Our staff understands the menu inside and out and loves helping guests find the perfect match. With their guidance, you can explore a wide range of Omaha dining experiences one bite and sip at a time.

Raise Your Glass to the Ultimate Omaha Pairing Experience

Upstream Brewing Company has been making visitors feel like locals with perfectly crafted comfort foods and beers. We have won the Best of Omaha Awards (2017-2020) for the number one:

Microbrewery
Brew Pub
Bowl of Soup

Pairing comfort food with craft beer is a fun way to experience local flavor. Enjoy Omaha-style dishes with crafted brews using a culinary pairing guide. Make every sip and bite unforgettable by ordering a dish that feels like home and the perfect drink to go with it.