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Home » Kitchen Tips

The Best Pub Food

Published: Jun 8, 2023 by Kate

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Collage of pub food recipes.
Food on a table and text: 40 Pub Food Recipes.

Create the ultimate pub experience at home with these sensational pub food recipes! From timeless bar bites such as chicken wings and onion rings to iconic dishes like steak and ale pie or mouthwatering pub burgers, these recipes will transport you to your favorite pub.

Breaded chicken tenders, pickles and beer on a table to show pub food.
Pub food.

Whether you're drawn to the pub for its lively atmosphere, drinks, or simply the perfect spot to unwind with friends, one thing is certain: pub food is an essential part of the experience.

Pubs have long been cherished as gathering places where people come together to enjoy drink and perhaps some food.

In this blog post, we'll embark on a culinary adventure to explore the best pub food from around the world. Ranging from traditional Irish and British classics to German, American, and Australian favorites.

So scroll down to learn all about pub food, and get all the BEST pub food recipes.

From steak and ale pie or fish and chips to pub burgers and Irish stew, you'll find plenty of pub foods to recreate that atmosphere at home!

Jump to:
  • What is a Pub?
  • Pub Food Around The World
  • Fun Facts About Pubs
  • The Best Pub Food Recipes
  • 💬 Comments

What is a Pub?

A pub, short for "public house," is an establishment deeply rooted in the social fabric of various cultures.

Typically, a pub is a casual and cozy place where people gather to relax, converse, and enjoy food and drinks.

Pubs are known for their welcoming ambience, often characterized by wooden interiors, dim lighting, and a convivial atmosphere.

These establishments are found in many countries, each with its own unique interpretation of what makes a pub special.

Fun fact: The earliest precursors to the modern pub can be found in ancient Rome. Here, taverns were known as tabernae and catered to travellers and locals. These establishments offered food, drink, and lodging, providing a space for people to gather and socialize.

Pub Food Around The World

When you're travelling around the world, in many countries you can find a pub for a drink and a meal. Here are some differences in pub food around the world.

Ireland: When it comes to Irish pub food, you're in for a treat. Try classics like Irish stew, fish and chips, and colcannon - mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage. And of course, who could resist a hearty serving of traditional Irish soda bread?

Britain: British pub food is known for its hearty and comforting dishes. Classics like fish and chips, bangers and mash, toad in the hole, and steak and kidney pie are popular choices. Sunday roast lunches, featuring roasted meats with all the trimmings, are a beloved tradition in many British pubs. You can also get a pork pie or Cornish pasty.

Germany: German pub food, often found in beer gardens, includes Bratwurst, a grilled sausage often served with sauerkraut and mustard.

Another German classic is pretzels, best enjoyed with a side of mustard or beer cheese dip. And let's not forget about schnitzel, a breaded and fried meat cutlet.

America: Burgers, chicken wings, nachos, onion rings, and sliders are staples on American pub menus. In addition, American pubs often incorporate international influences, such as Tex-Mex dishes, sandwiches, and a variety of finger foods.

Australia: Australian pub cuisine is a delightful fusion of British and local flavors. One popular dish you'll find is the iconic Aussie meat pie. It's filled with minced meat, gravy, and sometimes cheese, all encased in a pastry crust.

For seafood enthusiasts, try the Aussie favorite of fisherman's basket. It's full of battered fish, prawns, calamari, and chips.

Chicken wings on a plate.

Fun Facts About Pubs

  1. Oldest Pub: The oldest pub in the world is disputed, but one contender is the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks. Located in St. Albans, England, it dates back to the 8th century (793AD).
  2. Toasting Traditions: The tradition of toasting in pubs has its roots in medieval times when people clinked their glasses together to make a sound. They did this to ensure their drinks weren't poisoned.
  3. British Origins of "Pub Grub": People use the term "pub grub" to refer to traditional and hearty pub food. It originated in Britain, where pubs have long been associated with serving satisfying meals alongside drinks. From fish and chips to shepherd's pie, these classic British dishes have become synonymous with pub food.
  4. Gastropubs and Culinary Excellence: The emergence of gastropubs has elevated the quality and creativity of pub food. Gastropubs combine the relaxed atmosphere of a pub with a focus on high-quality, restaurant-style cuisine.

The Best Pub Food Recipes

Now that you know all about pub grub and bar snacks, here are plenty of recipes so you can make some at home!

Pub Food

From timeless bar bites such as crispy wings and onion rings to iconic dishes like steak and ale pie or mouthwatering pub burgers, these recipes will transport you to the cozy ambiance of your favorite pub.

Crispy Battered Fried Wings

A great pub food, these crispy battered deep fried wings are out of this world good! Add your favorite dipping sauces.

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich

Make up a big batch of these BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches and serve a crowd with this classic Amercian pub food.

Instant Pot Beef Stew

This Irish beef stew is made in the instant pot, so you can have homemade Irish pub food in no time!

Homemade Corn Dogs

Make your own corndogs right at home! They're surprisingly easy and taste incredible.

Buffalo Chicken Bites

Instead of wings, use boneless chicken and make these tasty, spicy, Buffalo Chicken Bites.

Buttermilk Old Bay Chicken Legs

Buttermilk Old Bay chicken legs are tender, crispy and full of rich mild flavor.

Garlic Parmesan Wings

Garlic and parmesan is a classic mild chicken wing seasoning. A perfect pub food that everyone will love.

Roasted Tajin Nuts

Adding Tajin - a Mexican chili-lime seasoning turns these roasted mixed nuts into something special! Ready in just 15 minutes with 3 simple ingredients.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Wings

Bacon-wrapped chicken wings are full of incredible flavor. They're made with a homemade maple bbq sauce so they're super irresistible.

Soy Garlic Chicken Wings

Add some Asian flair to your homemade pub food feast with these super easy, but super flavorful, soy garlic chicken wings.

Honey Sriracha Wings

Honey sriracha wings have a delicious balance of spicy and sweet. You'll love these sticky wings.

Chili's Skillet Queso

Make up a bowl of queso and serve it up with some tortilla chips for a tasty Tex Mex American style pub food.

Cajun Chicken Wings

These Wingstop copycat wings are a tasty baked appetizer with bold cajun flavors.

Brats in Air Fryer

Serve up this German pub food by making Bratwurst in the air fryer. Serve them with peppers and a scoop of sauerkraut.

Photo Credit: veggiedesserts.com

Traditional Irish Colcannon Potatoes

Colcannon is classic Irish pub food, made of mashed potato with cabbage or kale.

Photo Credit: inthekitch.net

Pickled Eggs (Easy No Canning Method)

Pickled eggs are a classic British pub food snack. They're easy to make too!

Photo Credit: veggiedesserts.com

Mac and Cheese Balls

Deep fried balls of mac and cheese are a tasty American style pub food!

Photo Credit: woweasyrecipes.com

Dutch Oven Chiili

A hearty bowl of chili is a tasty meal at your favorite pub!

Photo Credit: woweasyrecipes.com

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Salisbury Steak is a retro classic dish that can often be found on bar food menus.

Photo Credit: woweasyrecipes.com

Lemon Pepper Wings

For those that don't like spicy, make a batch of these flavorful Lemon Pepper Wings.

Photo Credit: woweasyrecipes.com

Stovetop Beef Stew

Beef stew is a classic Irish and British hearty pub meal. Make a batch easily at home!

Photo Credit: burrataandbubbles.com

Soft Beer Pretzels With Oktoberfest Cheese Dip

Serve up your homemade soft pretzels with a cheese dip for a real German pub experience.

Photo Credit: www.lifeasastrawberry.com

Loaded Bacon Burgers with Whiskey Caramelized Onions

Pub burgers are classic pub food. This version is full of bacon, cheese and an egg!

Photo Credit: www.awayfromthebox.com

Dumpster Fire Nachos

These loaded nachos are covered in cheese, guacamole, beef and a green fire sauce!

Photo Credit: www.joyousapron.com

Chili Cheese Dog

Grab a beer and a chili cheese dog. It's topped with a chunky chili and lots of cheese.

Photo Credit: thesuburbansoapbox.com

Fried Pickles

When you want a snack and not a meal at the pub, go for fried pickles.

Photo Credit: thesuburbansoapbox.com

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Another popular bar snack is homemade mozzarella sticks. So goody and crunchy.

Photo Credit: thesageapron.com

Crispy German Schnitzel with Fondue Schnitzel Sauce

Fried schnitzel is a quintessential German dish. It can be made with pork, veal, turkey or chicken and is made even better with a cheesy fondue schnitzel sauce!

Photo Credit: www.recipetineats.com

Aussie Meat Pie

This Aussie meat pie has chunky pieces of beef in a rich gravy topped with puff pastry. An Australian pub classic.

Photo Credit: whatagirleats.com

Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Found on many British pub menus, Shepherd's Pie has a layer of mashed potato on a ground beef or lamb and vegetable base.

Photo Credit: www.krumpli.co.uk

Gammon Egg and Chips with Pineapple and Tomato

Gammon (ham steaks), egg and chips are a classic British pub grub.

Photo Credit: www.krumpli.co.uk

Steak and Ale Pie with Hot Crust Pastry

Mushrooms, steak and ale all combine in this rich pastry pie.

Photo Credit: www.kitchensanctuary.com

Hunters Chicken

Hunter's chicken is classic pub grub. It's made of chicken breast wrapped in bacon and served in a tangy barbecue sauce, then covered in cheese and baked.

Photo Credit: xoxobella.com

Canadian Poutine

Canadian poutine is made of fries covered in cheese curds, bacon and gravy.

Photo Credit: www.onionringsandthings.com

Scotch Eggs

A classic in Britsh pubs, Scotch eggs are made of eggs covered in sausage meat, then breaded and deep fried.

Photo Credit: atastykitchen.com

Beer Battered Fish And Chips

Cod is wrapped in a crispy and light beer batter in this classic British fish n chips recipe.

Photo Credit: groundbeefrecipes.com

Ground Beef Nachos

Loaded with cheese and fresh toppings, beefy nachos are everyone's favorite fast and easy dinner.

Photo Credit: cloveandcumin.com

Baked Bratwurst Recipe - THE BEST

Baked bratwurst are a tasty German pub food. Serve them on a bed of sauerkraut.

Photo Credit: veggiedesserts.com

Air Fryer Potato Skins

A North American classic, these easy baked potato skins are covered in cheese and sour cream.

Photo Credit: greatchickenrecipes.com

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

These crispy chicken tenders are smothered in a Nashville hot sauce.

Photo Credit: thebellyrulesthemind.net

Patatas Bravas

Patatas Bravas are a classic Spanish tapas that you'll find in bars in Spain. Potatoes are covered in tasty sauces.

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Hi, I'm Kate! You Say Potatoes, I say, well, potatoes. I'm a cookbook author and journalist from the Pacific Northwest. Here you'll find easy, budget-friendly recipes made from scratch.

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