When it comes to enjoying a drink at Redfern Bar, the experience isn’t complete without the perfect food pairing. Whether you’re there for a casual night out or a special occasion, the food menu at Redfern Bar offers a wide variety of options that complement their extensive selection of cocktails, beers, and wines. The beauty of this local hotspot lies in how it brings together bold flavors and vibrant textures to create the ultimate pairing experience. Here, we dive into the best food pairings to enjoy at Redfern Bar, ensuring that each bite elevates your drink of choice.
1. Classic Cocktails & Charcuterie Board
When sipping on a classic cocktail, like an Old Fashioned or a Negroni, you’ll want food that enhances the rich, well-balanced flavors of these drinks. The charcuterie board is an excellent choice for this.
Redfern Bar’s charcuterie board features an assortment of local cured meats, cheeses, and pickled vegetables, which pair wonderfully with the complex, bittersweet notes of an Old Fashioned or the herbal tang of a Negroni. The saltiness of the meats and the creamy richness of the cheeses offer a perfect contrast to the bold flavors of these classic cocktails, creating a harmonious dining experience that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
2. Craft Beers & Crispy Fries with Aioli
There’s nothing like a crisp, cold beer, especially when paired with something simple yet delicious like crispy fries with aioli. The clean, refreshing taste of a lager or the hoppy bitterness of an IPA pairs beautifully with the warm, crunchy fries.
The fries’ light, salty flavor balances the sometimes intense hop character of the beer, while the rich aioli adds a creamy texture that complements the maltiness of the beer. Whether you’re sipping on a smooth pale ale or a full-bodied IPA, this pairing will make you appreciate both the craft beer and the comfort food in new ways.
3. Wine & Gourmet Cheese Selection
For wine lovers, Redfern Bar offers an exceptional selection of local Australian wines. Whether you’re enjoying a crisp white, a rich red, or a refreshing rosé, there’s no better way to enhance the experience than with a gourmet cheese selection.
A glass of white wine, like a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with a soft cheese such as brie or camembert, the creaminess of the cheese enhancing the wine’s bright acidity. For red wine lovers, a glass of full-bodied Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal with aged cheddar or blue cheese. The wine’s deep, bold flavors elevate the richness of the cheese, making each bite and sip more indulgent.
4. Sours & House-Made Dips with Fresh Bread
If you’re in the mood for something a little tangy and adventurous, try pairing a fruit-infused sour beer with house-made dips and fresh bread. Sours are known for their tart and funky flavor profiles, which balance beautifully with the creamy, earthy texture of the dips.
Redfern Bar often serves a variety of dips, such as hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush, and these flavors complement the tangy kick of a sour beer. The fresh, soft bread provides a comforting base that allows the dips and beer to shine, creating a light yet flavorful snack that’s perfect for sharing.
5. Dark Beers & Slow-Cooked Meats
If you’re a fan of dark beers like stouts or porters, you’ll want to pair them with rich, hearty foods that can stand up to their bold flavors. The slow-cooked meats, like pulled pork sliders or tender beef brisket, are ideal companions for these dark brews.
The roasted, malty flavors of a stout match wonderfully with the savory, smoky characteristics of slow-cooked meats, while the sweetness of the meat complements the beer’s rich, roasted undertones. This pairing is a great option for a filling, satisfying meal that will keep you coming back for more.
6. Saison & Marinated Olives
Saisons, also known as farmhouse ales, are renowned for their earthy, fruity, and spicy notes. These beers are often more complex and nuanced than other beer styles, and they deserve food pairings that can match their distinctive flavors. Try pairing a saison with marinated olives.
The briny, slightly bitter flavor of the olives enhances the saison’s fruity and spicy elements, creating a unique flavor profile that’s both refreshing and savory. Whether it’s a casual snack or a small side dish, marinated olives are an ideal pairing for saison lovers.
7. Vegan & Veggie-Friendly Dishes with Crisp Pilsner
For those seeking a lighter, plant-based option, Redfern Bar offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes. A crisp pilsner pairs perfectly with these options, providing a clean, refreshing backdrop to the fresh and vibrant flavors of dishes like grilled vegetables, vegan sliders, or roasted cauliflower.
The light, effervescent nature of a pilsner helps cut through the richness of vegan dishes, while the delicate hops enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables. This pairing works particularly well when you’re looking for a light meal that’s still bursting with flavor.
8. Spicy Food & Bold IPAs
If you’re someone who loves a bit of heat in your meal, a spicy dish paired with a bold IPA is an absolute game-changer. The bitterness of the IPA, combined with its hop-forward citrus and pine flavors, acts as the perfect counterbalance to the spicy heat in dishes like spicy buffalo wings, chili, or barbecue pork with a kick.
The carbonation in the IPA also helps refresh your palate between bites, while the beer’s intense hop character amplifies the flavors of the spice. It’s a pairing that can handle the heat while bringing out the depth of both the food and the drink.
9. Desserts & Dessert Wines or Stouts
For those with a sweet tooth, Redfern Bar’s dessert offerings pair wonderfully with rich, dessert wines or stouts. A rich stout, with its deep chocolate and coffee notes, is an ideal companion to indulgent desserts like chocolate cake, brownies, or a decadent tiramisu.
Alternatively, a glass of dessert wine, like a sticky riesling or a muscat, pairs perfectly with lighter sweets such as fruit tarts or crème brûlée. The sweetness of the wine enhances the dessert’s flavors, creating a deliciously sweet conclusion to your meal.
Final Thoughts
Redfern Bar offers an incredible selection of food and drink pairings that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From the rich flavors of dark beers with slow-cooked meats to the tangy kick of sours with fresh bread and dips, there’s no shortage of delicious combinations to explore. The bar’s commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients ensures that every dish and drink is crafted with care, making your experience all the more enjoyable. So, next time you find yourself at Redfern Bar, make sure to try one of these mouthwatering food and drink pairings and take your visit to the next level!
