Your Go-To Father’s Day Guide for Pairing Beer with Steak

Photo by @guarbarcooks

This Father’s Day, skip the gift cards and novelty mugs. If your dad is a meat-loving, beer-drinking kind of guy, there’sno better way to celebrate him than with a juicy steak, grilled to perfection, and paired with a cold beer that actually complements it.

The key to an unforgettable Father’s Day cookout isn’t just the cut of meat or the bottle you crack open—it’s about pairing them right. From the marbling of a ribeye to the bold flavor of a dark beer, each steak-and-beer combo brings a boost of flavor that makes every bite and sip better.

And to make sure your favorite steak hits Dad’s ideal doneness every time? That’s where The MeatStick comes in. Our smart wireless meat thermometer gives you real-time updates, alerts, and foolproof results—whether you’re cooking a thick tomahawk or a slow-smoked beef brisket.

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Let’s break down how to build the perfect Father’s Day steak and beer pairing experience.

Why Steak and Beer Just Work

Steak and beer aren’t just tasty on their own—they’re a perfect pairing when you match them by fat, flavor, and texture.

The richness of a juicy steak needs contrast. That’s where beer steps in—with carbonation to cut through fat, hops to add edge, and malt to echo the grill’s crust. Whether you’re searing a ribeye or slow-smoking a brisket, each craft beer brings its own character to the table.

The doneness plays a role too. A rare or medium-rare steak offers more moisture and tenderness, pairing best with crisp, clean flavor beers like wheat ales or light lagers. A charred or well-seasoned steak benefits from a richer depth of flavor—something you’ll find in stouts, porters, or Belgian dubbels.

Understanding Beer Styles: What Are You Drinking, Really?

There are a lot of beers out there, but most fall into two major categories: ales and lagers.

• Ales ferment warm and fast. They tend to have bold hops, fruit-forward notes, or a spiced finish. Most craft beers—IPAs, stouts, ambers, and wheat beers—fall into this group.
• Lagers ferment slowly at colder temperatures, resulting in a crisp, clean flavor that’s easy to sip. Think pilsners, bocks, and light lagers.

Here are a few styles worth knowing before you build your plate:

• Pale Ale & IPA – Hoppy, citrusy, crisp bitterness
• Amber Ale – Malty, smooth, slightly sweet
• Brown Ale – Nutty, roasted, mild bitterness
• Stout & Porter – Deepdark beers with coffee and cocoa notes
• Wheat Beer – Soft body, citrus or spice
• Light Lagers – Crisp, cold, andeasy-drinking beers
• Belgian Styles – High carbonation, fruity yeast, addeddepth of flavor

Every steak has a beer match. Knowing what kind of beer pairs with what kind of flavor helps you make the most of your grill.

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Tips for a Legendary Father’s Day Cookout

Grill steaks with confidence

Use The MeatStick to track internal temps from your phone. Whether you're smoking brisket or flipping skirt steak, you'll know exactly when to serve.

Cool the beer properly

Every beer style has a sweet spot for taste:

• IPAs and pale ales: 45–50°F
• Light lagers and pilsners: 38–42°F
• Stouts and dark beers: 50–55°F
• Wheat beer: Around 45°F

Smart sides to round it out

• Grilled corn or charred asparagus
• Crispy garlic potatoes
• Lemon-dressed arugula salad
• Baked beans
• Fried foods like onion rings or fries—especially with a lager or pale ale

Build flavor in stages

Start light, finish bold. Try sirloin with a clean flavor lager, then end strong with ribeye and a hoppy IPA or flank with a rich stout. Every bite feels fresh and purposeful.

Make the Meal a Gift

This isn’t about a flashy present. It’s about giving Dad something he’ll remember—and maybe crave again next weekend.

With a little prep, a few smart beer pairs, and a trusty tool like The MeatStick, you can pull off an unforgettable cookout. No stress. No guesswork. Just great steak, good beer, and Dad smiling at his plate.

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There’s no better way to celebrate Dad than with good food, cold beer, and time well spent. Whether you’re serving up a ribeye with bold hops or a filet with something smooth and malty, it’s the thought—and the flavor—that counts.

Cook with care, pair with purpose, and enjoy the moment 🧡