When we think of bar food, one word comes to mind: fried. Pickles, potatoes, cheese – you name it, and if it’s on the menu at your neighborhood pub, it’s probably taken a quick dip in the kitchen’s hot oil fryer.

But, as the author of a Punch puts it, “bar food is going through an identity crisis.” Though associated with greasy, breaded, cheese-drenched dishes -- often the feeling of “I’m here for the beer, I guess I should eat something”-- bar cuisine, with the birth of the craft cocktail movement, has developed into something much more high-class. 

With July 4 on Sunday, we know you'll be drinking beer. Why not get some good food to go with it? At these local bars, you’ll find the expected mountains of fried food, nachos, and creamy, rich dips. But, you’ll also see elevated ideas on their menus: some with international flair, others giving the classics fresh makeovers. 

The Warren Bar & Burrow 

The Warren Bar & Burrow, known for its excellent cocktail program, brings creative, loaded sushi rolls to the bar. Grab a friend and share a platter -- their Pretty Girl Roll, salmon and avocado in a soy wrap with spicy mayo and wasabi tobiko is a longstanding favorite.

For those less sea-inclined, find the standard pub fare: burgers, shareable dips -- The Warren does trade the typical spinach and artichoke for crab rangoon -- and the British classic, fish & chips. 

Lorelei

The Alpine-inspired beer hall of Lorelei brings with it drinks inspired by the region. Sip on a beer from the area (look for the hard-to-find lambic styles or a light-bodied Kolsch) or go for a bottle from their natural wine shop.

Their menu, previously designed to fit the Euro feel of their dining room (I was a particular fan of their pandemic-created hot-dog shop), is now sporting wood-fired pizzas. The margarita is a delicious classic, topped with red sauce, mozzarella, basil, and parmesan. 

Kelly’s Bar & Lounge

Well-established East Liberty favorite, Kelly’s Bar & Lounge, serves up all the standard bar eats: baskets of crispy, fried pickles, fluffy Bavarian pretzels, buttery, stuffed pierogies with onions, and a long list of sandwiches. Their mac n’ cheese, however, is the obsessed-about menu staple that has earned them city fame. The baked-to-order bowls of cheesy pasta are indulgent, comforting, and built for a beer.

Independent Brewing Co.

“Good beer deserves good food,” according to Independent Brewing Company. Their low-key vibe is the perfect place to cozy up with a drink and snag a dish or two off of their menu, shared with neighboring restaurant Hidden Harbor.

Sandwiches star their mains, covering the basics – burgers, burritos, and sliders – with a few twists. Go for The Independent Burger, a burger stacked tower-high with all the fixings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, and cheese. Their smoked pork mission burrito is another favorite, wrapping tender pork with guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese, and more. 

Birmingham Bridge Tavern

Wings. That’s all you need to know about the Birmingham Bridge Tavern. Crispy on the edges and tender with one bite, their wings are worth a stop. The Tavern, which says they’re “all about the beer,” has 14 sauce choices to choose from. You can’t go wrong with a classic buffalo sauce, though the spicy garlic parm carries the perfect mix of tang and heat. 

Treat yourself to a spread of appetizers (in our opinion, the best way to do bar food). Add on their “loco” nachos, drowning in a house-made chili, or a blast of fried cheese including mac n’ cheese bites, mozzarella sticks, and jalapeño cheddar bites. 

STORY BY MAGGIE WEAVER / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LORELEI