There's nothing quite like settling in at a sports bar to watch the big game with friends. And what makes that experience complete? The perfect food to complement your beverage of choice. At The Outback Sports Bar, we take our game day cuisine seriously. Here's our definitive ranking of the top five bar foods that enhance any sports viewing experience.
1. Buffalo Wings: The Undisputed Champion
It's no coincidence that chicken wings have become synonymous with sports viewing. They're the perfect handheld food that allows you to keep your eyes on the screen while satisfying your hunger. Our Buffalo wings have earned their spot at the top of the list for several compelling reasons:
- Versatility: From mild to wild, our range of sauces ensures there's a wing flavor for every palate. Our house specialties include classic Buffalo, honey-sriracha, smoky BBQ, and garlic parmesan.
- Shareability: Wings are the ultimate communal food, perfect for groups of friends watching the game together.
- Finger Food Perfection: No utensils required, allowing you to keep your attention focused on that crucial play.
- Beer Compatibility: The savory, spicy profiles of wings make them the perfect companion to cold beer, enhancing both the food and drink experience.
To elevate the experience, our wings are served with house-made blue cheese or ranch dressing and fresh celery and carrot sticks to cleanse the palate between bites.
2. Loaded Nachos: The Crowd-Pleaser
Coming in a close second are our legendary loaded nachos. This mountain of crispy corn chips layered with melted cheese, pulled pork, black beans, jalapeños, guacamole, and sour cream is designed for sharing and satisfying serious hunger. Here's why nachos deserve their high ranking:
- Interactive Eating: The hunt for the perfect chip with the ideal ratio of toppings adds an element of fun to your dining experience.
- Customizability: At The Outback, you can build your nachos to suit your group's preferences, adding extra jalapeños for heat lovers or keeping them mild for more sensitive palates.
- Longevity: A proper plate of nachos can last through an entire quarter or period, providing sustained satisfaction during longer games.
- Visual Appeal: The colorful presentation adds to the festive game day atmosphere.
Pro tip: Order our nachos with the cheese sauce on the side to prevent soggy chips during those marathon viewing sessions.
3. The Gourmet Burger: The Substantial Option
When you need a proper meal while watching the game, nothing beats a well-crafted burger. Our signature Outback Burger has earned its place in the top three for good reason:
- Satisfying Substance: A quality burger provides the perfect combination of protein, carbs, and fats to keep you energized throughout the game.
- One-Handed Eating: A well-constructed burger can be managed with one hand, keeping your other hand free for your beverage or high-fiving fellow fans.
- Craftsmanship: Our burgers feature premium Angus beef patties, locally baked brioche buns, and thoughtfully selected toppings that elevate them above standard pub fare.
- Variety: From our classic Outback Burger with bacon and special sauce to our spicy Jalapeño Burger or meat-free Veggie Option, there's a burger for every preference.
Every burger comes with seasoned fries or, for a small upcharge, our famous loaded fries topped with cheese sauce, bacon bits, and green onions.
4. Pizza: The Traditional Favorite
Few foods are as intrinsically linked to social gatherings as pizza, making it an essential offering for any sports bar. Our wood-fired pizzas bring a touch of gourmet to this classic crowd-pleaser:
- Infinite Variety: From meat lovers to vegetarian options, pizza's versatility ensures everyone in your group finds something to enjoy.
- Perfect for Groups: Order different varieties to share around the table, allowing everyone to sample multiple flavors.
- Clean Eating: Unlike messier options, pizza is relatively neat to eat, reducing the risk of spillage during those jump-out-of-your-seat moments.
- Pairs with Everything: Pizza complements virtually any beverage, from craft beer to wine to soft drinks.
Our signature sports bar pizzas include the "Hat Trick" with three types of meat, the "Full Time" loaded with everything, and the "MVP" featuring premium ingredients like prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella.
5. Loaded Potato Skins: The Dark Horse
Rounding out our top five are loaded potato skins, an often underrated but exceptional sports bar food:
- Perfect Bite Size: Each skin offers a complete flavor experience in just one or two bites.
- Texture Contrast: The combination of crispy exterior and soft potato interior, topped with melted cheese and crunchy bacon, creates a satisfying textural experience.
- Flavor Concentration: Each bite delivers an intense flavor punch that stands up to bold beverages.
- Nostalgia Factor: A classic bar food that evokes fond memories of great games past.
Our potato skins are loaded with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, green onions, and a side of sour cream, with optional jalapeños for those who like a kick.
Honorable Mentions
While they didn't make our top five, these contenders deserve recognition:
- Onion Rings: Our beer-battered rings provide a satisfying crunch that complements any sporting event.
- Sliders: Perfect for those who want burger flavor without committing to a full-sized option.
- Fish and Chips: A nod to our British sporting influences, our beer-battered fish is a lighter alternative that doesn't sacrifice satisfaction.
- Chicken Parma: An Australian pub classic that never disappoints.
Pairing Recommendations
To complete your game day experience, consider these food and drink pairings:
- Buffalo Wings + Cold Lager: The crisp, clean flavors of a lager help cut through the spiciness of the wings.
- Loaded Nachos + Pale Ale: The hoppy bitterness complements the rich, cheesy flavors of the nachos.
- Gourmet Burger + Amber Ale: The malty sweetness enhances the umami flavors in the burger.
- Pizza + Australian Shiraz: For wine drinkers, a bold Shiraz stands up to the rich tomato and cheese flavors.
- Potato Skins + Craft IPA: The intensely hoppy profile balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
The next time you join us at The Outback Sports Bar for a big game, remember that the right food choice can elevate your viewing experience from great to unforgettable. Whether you're celebrating a win or consoling yourself after a loss, these five foods are guaranteed to satisfy.
And remember, for major sporting events, we recommend calling ahead to reserve a table and pre-order your food. This ensures you won't miss a minute of the action waiting for your meal to arrive.
