Pairing Guide: The Best Food and Beer Combos at Mona Lisa
There is something incredibly satisfying about a well-matched beer and food combo. Whether you are enjoying a burger after work or sharing a platter with friends, the right drink can take the flavour up a notch. At Mona Lisa Pub, we are all about creating unforgettable pub experiences where craft beer and bold food go hand in hand.
We offer one of the most fun menus to pair with beer in Edmonton, and our team knows just how to match your meal with the perfect brew. In this guide, our professionals share our favourite Mona Lisa menu pairings for your next visit.
Why Beer and Food Pairing Matters
Beer is more than just a cold drink; it is a flavour booster. Different brews bring out different qualities in the food you eat. Some lighten things up, some add contrast, and some match the richness bite for bite.
Whether you are choosing a hoppy IPA or a smooth lager, great food and beer pairings will:
- Enhance the taste of both the food and the drink
- Create a balance between salty, sweet, spicy, and bitter notes
- Make your meal more memorable
Let’s walk through some of our top beer and food combinations from the Mona Lisa Pub beer and food menu.
Mona Lisa Food and Beer Pairings You’ll Love
1. Mona’s Monster Platter + Pale Ale
You’ve heard of it. Maybe even tackled it. Mona’s Monster Platter is a beast of a meal made for sharing and loaded with favourites like Chicken Fingers, Chicken Wings, Onion Rings, Dry Ribs, and Fries.
Pair it with a crisp pale ale; it’s refreshing enough to cut through all that flavour but still brings just enough bitterness to complement the savoury goodness of fried pub staples. It’s a classic pub food and drink pairing that never fails.
2. Chicken Wings + IPA
When it comes to beer with chicken wings, we love a good India Pale Ale. The bold hops in an IPA pair perfectly with the heat and tanginess of saucy wings. The bitterness helps cool the spice while enhancing flavour.
This combo is a favourite for game nights and Friday evenings with friends.
3. Butter Chicken Burger + Wheat Beer
Our Butter Chicken Burger is served with butter chicken sauce, lettuce, and onion—it’s rich, creamy, and packed with spices. A smooth wheat beer balances those flavours beautifully, offering a light and refreshing contrast to the deep curry spices.
If you love Indian-style flavours, this combo is a must-try.
4. Double Cheese Burger + Amber Ale
The Double Cheeseburger is built for serious burger fans. With lettuce, pickles, tomato, onion, mayo, mustard, ketchup, and relish, it’s full of big, bold flavours.
We pair it with an amber ale; smooth, malty, and slightly sweet—to complement the richness of the meat and the tangy condiments.
5. Chicken Tender Burger + Blonde Ale
Our Chicken Tender Burger served with mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese, is all about that golden crunch and classic pub style.
Go for a blonde ale for a light, crisp finish that won’t overpower the flavour. It’s a straightforward, refreshing beer pairing that just works.
6. Donairs + Lager
Donairs at Mona Lisa come stacked with lettuce, tomato, onion, and our special sweet sauce. The flavour is strong and satisfying, and we think a classic lager is the perfect match.
Lagers are crisp and clean and help reset your palate between bites, making them ideal for the saucy goodness of our donairs.
7. BLT + Light Ale
Our BLT served on white or brown bread with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, is a light, satisfying choice. Pair it with a light ale for a refreshing finish that enhances the smoky bacon and fresh veggies.
8. Caesar Salad + Pilsner
Fresh and crunchy with bacon crumble, parmesan, a wedge of lemon, and garlic bread, our Caesar Salad brings savoury flavours that shine with a pilsner. This beer style is clean and slightly bitter, perfect for cutting through creamy dressing without overwhelming it.
9. Dry Garlic Ribs + Kolsch
Our dry garlic ribs are a house favourite, flavourful, tender, and a little salty. A kolsch-style beer brings just enough carbonation and mild sweetness to complement the garlic and pork without clashing.
10. Crispy Chicken with Fries + Light Lager
Simple and satisfying, this dish calls for something equally easy to drink. A light lager brings out the crunch while keeping your palate fresh for every bite.
11. Gourmet Poutines + Stout
Our rich and hearty gourmet poutines deserve a bold companion. A creamy stout matches up perfectly with melted cheese, gravy, and loaded toppings. This is comfort food at its finest.
12. Dessert + Fruity Sour or Porter
Yes, we’re pairing dessert with beer, too. For chocolate or rich desserts, try a porter. For fruity options or lighter treats, a sour beer makes a playful contrast. It’s a fun finish to your meal and a great excuse to try something new.
Tips for Creating Your Own Pairings
Want to experiment with your own pub food and drink pairing? Here are a few quick tips from our team:
- Match intensity: Bold foods with bold beers, lighter meals with lighter brews.
- Balance flavours: Let sweet, balanced, salty, and crisp cut through creamy.
- Consider the contrast: A spicy dish pairs well with a light, refreshing beer.
At Mona Lisa Pub, our staff is always happy to recommend pairings based on your food choice and your favourite style of beer in Edmonton.
Make Your Next Meal a Perfect Pairing
A good meal becomes a great one with the right drink in your glass. At Mona Lisa Pub, we make sure every visit offers a pairing that hits the spot. Whether you are craving something spicy, cheesy, grilled, or deep-fried, we have a Mona Lisa menu pairing to go with it.
Come try the best beer in Edmonton with your favourite pub bites—from beer with chicken wings to beer with ribs and everything in between. Let Mona Lisa Pub be your go-to place for amazing food and beer pairings that bring people together.