What are the most popular foods to order at a bar?

Published in Food and Wine on Monday, July 28th 2025 at 16:27 GMT by List Wire
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What is your favorite food to order while at the bar or pub?

The Ultimate Guide to the Most Popular Foods to Order at a Bar

In the bustling world of nightlife and casual hangouts, bars have long been more than just places to grab a drink. They're social hubs where friends gather, dates unfold, and strangers become acquaintances over shared plates of comforting, indulgent eats. But what makes certain foods perennial favorites in these settings? It's a mix of convenience, shareability, and that perfect synergy with a cold beer or a craft cocktail. Drawing from industry insights, customer preferences, and the timeless appeal of greasy, flavorful bites, we've compiled an extensive look at the most popular foods ordered at bars across the country. Whether you're a regular at your local dive or exploring upscale gastropubs, these staples are sure to enhance your experience. Let's dive into the crowd-pleasers that keep patrons coming back for more.

Starting with the undisputed king of bar menus: chicken wings. These finger-licking delights have earned their spot as the top-ordered item in countless establishments. Why? For starters, they're incredibly versatile. You can get them buffalo-style, drenched in tangy hot sauce and served with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks, or opt for milder flavors like honey barbecue, garlic parmesan, or even Asian-inspired sesame ginger. The appeal lies in their messiness—perfect for a laid-back bar atmosphere where napkins are plentiful and inhibitions are low. According to bar owners and servers, wings pair impeccably with beer, cutting through the richness with a crisp lager or hoppy IPA. Historically, buffalo wings trace back to 1964 in Buffalo, New York, at the Anchor Bar, where Teressa Bellissimo is credited with inventing them as a late-night snack. Today, they're a staple at sports bars during game nights, with patrons ordering dozens at a time. Variations include boneless wings for those who prefer less hassle, or vegan alternatives made from cauliflower for health-conscious crowds. No matter the twist, wings embody the communal spirit of bar dining, encouraging groups to share and debate their favorite sauces.

Hot on the heels of wings are burgers, the hearty handheld that satisfies even the hungriest of bar-goers. A classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on a toasted bun is a go-to, but bars often elevate them with gourmet touches like bacon jam, fried eggs, or truffle aioli. The popularity stems from their customizability—vegetarian patties, turkey burgers, or plant-based options cater to diverse diets. In a bar setting, the burger's portability is key; you can eat it one-handed while nursing a drink or chatting with friends. Pair it with a stout or a whiskey sour, and you've got a match made in heaven. Data from food delivery apps and bar surveys consistently rank burgers high, especially late at night when cravings for something substantial kick in. Think about the iconic pub burger: juicy, medium-rare beef topped with sharp cheddar, served alongside a pile of fries. It's comfort food at its finest, evoking nostalgia for backyard barbecues while fitting seamlessly into the bar's vibrant energy.

No bar food roundup would be complete without nachos, the ultimate shareable platter that's as visually appealing as it is delicious. Layers of tortilla chips piled high with melted cheese, jalapeños, black beans, sour cream, guacamole, and your choice of protein like ground beef, pulled pork, or shredded chicken make this dish a crowd magnet. The beauty of nachos is their scalability—you can order a small plate for solo snacking or a massive tray for the whole table. They're especially popular during happy hours or trivia nights, where the interactive element of building your own bite adds to the fun. Flavor profiles range from traditional Tex-Mex to creative fusions, such as Korean-inspired nachos with bulgogi beef and kimchi. Washing them down with a margarita or a light pilsner enhances the experience, as the saltiness complements the drinks' acidity. Nachos have roots in 1940s Mexico, invented by Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, and have since evolved into a bar staple that's both affordable and endlessly customizable.

Fries, in all their golden, crispy glory, are another bar essential that never goes out of style. Whether straight-cut, curly, waffle, or shoestring, these potato wonders are ordered by the basketful. Loaded versions amp up the excitement: think chili cheese fries smothered in hearty chili, melted cheddar, and green onions, or poutine-style with gravy and cheese curds for a Canadian twist. Sweet potato fries offer a healthier alternative, often dusted with cinnamon sugar or paired with aioli dips. The simplicity of fries makes them a safe bet for picky eaters, while their dip-ability encourages experimentation with sauces like ranch, ketchup, or spicy sriracha mayo. In bars, they're frequently paired with craft beers, where the starchiness balances hoppy bitterness. Their popularity surges during colder months, providing warm, comforting bites amid chilly evenings.

Pizza slices or personal pies hold a special place in the bar food hierarchy, particularly in venues with a casual, neighborhood vibe. A pepperoni pizza with gooey mozzarella and tangy marinara is a timeless choice, but bars often innovate with toppings like prosciutto, arugula, or even barbecue chicken. Flatbreads serve as a lighter option, topped with fresh veggies and herbs. The shareable nature of pizza makes it ideal for groups, and its oven-fresh aroma wafting through the bar can tempt even the most resolute dieter. Historically tied to Italian immigrants in the U.S., pizza became a bar favorite in the mid-20th century, especially in urban areas. Pair it with a red wine or an amber ale, and you've got a satisfying meal that doesn't require utensils.

Sliders—mini burgers or sandwiches—have surged in popularity for their bite-sized appeal. Often served in trios or quartets, they might feature pulled pork with coleslaw, buffalo chicken with blue cheese, or classic beef with caramelized onions. Their small size encourages sampling multiple flavors without overcommitting, making them perfect for indecisive patrons or tapas-style dining. In trendy bars, sliders get upscale treatments with ingredients like foie gras or artisanal cheeses. They're a hit during events like Super Bowl parties, where portability is prized.

Pretzels, whether soft and oversized or in bite-sized twists, offer a salty, chewy contrast to bar drinks. Dipped in mustard or cheese sauce, they're a low-key option that's easy on the wallet. Giant soft pretzels, often served warm with beer cheese, evoke German beer halls and pair naturally with lagers.

Quesadillas, grilled tortillas stuffed with cheese, meats, and veggies, provide a melty, satisfying bite. Customizable with additions like mushrooms or spinach, they're quick to prepare and shareable.

Onion rings, battered and fried to perfection, add crunch and sweetness. Dipped in ranch or barbecue sauce, they're a step up from fries and complement cocktails well.

Finally, mozzarella sticks round out the list with their gooey cheese centers encased in crispy breading. Served with marinara, they're a nostalgic favorite that pairs with almost any drink.

What ties these foods together is their ability to enhance the bar experience—fostering conversation, complementing beverages, and providing that indulgent escape. Next time you're at a bar, consider these classics, but don't hesitate to ask about specials or dietary adaptations. Bar food isn't just sustenance; it's the glue that makes evenings memorable. Whether you're celebrating a win, unwinding after work, or simply enjoying the ambiance, these popular picks ensure your night is flavorful and fun. (Word count: 1,048)

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What are the most popular foods to order at a bar?

The Ultimate Guide to the Most Popular Foods to Order at a Bar