The Most Popular Bar Food: Ranking the Ultimate Favorites
Voting rules: Choose the bar food you think is the most popular!
Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Dec 8, 2023 07:01)
Are you a die-hard fan of scrumptious bar food? It's time to raise the bar on your favorite pub grub! StrawPoll brings you the ultimate ranking of "What is the most popular bar food?" where you can indulge in a gastronomic showdown of mouth-watering treats. From the classic finger-licking chicken wings to the irresistible loaded nachos, we've got it all covered. Unleash your inner foodie, vote for your beloved bar bites, and share your thoughts on what tantalizing options are missing from our list. Join the flavorful debate, and let's toast to the undisputed champion of bar food! Cheers and happy voting!
What Is the Most Popular Bar Food?
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158votesProbably the most famous bar food. They are crispy, spicy, and perfect with a beer.DescriptionChicken wings are a popular bar food consisting of deep-fried or grilled chicken wings, typically seasoned with various sauces and served as a finger food.
- Preparation method: Deep-fried or grilled
- Serving style: Finger food
- Flavor options: Numerous sauce variations, such as buffalo, barbecue, teriyaki, honey mustard, etc.
- Size: Usually small, consisting of the wingette and drumette sections of the chicken wing
- Crispiness: Crispy exterior with tender meat inside
Chicken Wings in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Super Bowl snack
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular thing to cook in an Air Fryer
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular item at Pizza Hut
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28votesThe classic side dish that goes well with every meal or a stand-alone snack.French Fries in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular fry
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular menu item at Burger King
- Position 5 of 10 in Most delicious food at McDonald's
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular menu item at Sonic
- Position 9 of 10 in Most beloved food in America
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular item at Dairy Queen
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322votesA perfect sharing snack that includes cheese, jalapenos, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.DescriptionNachos are a popular appetizer in America consisting of tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and various toppings. This dish is typically served as an appetizer or snack in restaurants, bars, and sports venues.
- Origin: Mexico, but popularized in America
- Main ingredient: Tortilla chips
- Cheese: Usually melted cheddar or nacho cheese
- Toppings: Commonly include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos, and black olives
- Variations: Some variations include adding cooked meat like ground beef or shredded chicken
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416votes
Alvis at English Wikibooks · Public domainCrispy, gooey, and cheesy, Mozzarella sticks are a must-have bar food.DescriptionMozzarella sticks are a popular appetizer found in many bars and restaurants. They consist of breaded and deep-fried sticks of mozzarella cheese. When cooked, the exterior becomes crispy and golden brown, while the inside remains soft and gooey. It is commonly served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.- Cheese: Mozzarella
- Coating: Breaded
- Cooking method: Deep-fried
- Exterior texture: Crispy and golden brown
- Interior texture: Soft and gooey
Mozzarella Sticks in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular menu item at Sonic
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular thing to cook in an Air Fryer
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512votes
Onion Rings
Stanislas LazareffDeep-fried battered onion rings are a tasty side dish that goes well with burgers and drinks.DescriptionOnion Rings are a popular deep-fried snack made from sliced onions coated in batter and breadcrumbs. They are typically served as a side dish or appetizer in bars and restaurants.- Size: Thinly sliced and typically around 1/2 inch in diameter
- Shape: Circular rings
- Texture: Crunchy exterior with a soft interior
- Ingredients: Onions, batter (usually made with flour, cornstarch, or breadcrumbs), seasonings (such as salt, pepper, paprika)
- Cooking Method: Deep-fried in hot oil until golden brown
Onion Rings in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular thing to cook in an Air Fryer
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular menu item at Burger King
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular DQ item
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular item at Dairy Queen
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular menu item at Dairy Queen
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular food at Culver's
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68votesA classic American dish, cheeseburgers are the perfect bar food.DescriptionCheeseburgers are a classic and widely popular bar food item. They consist of a grilled beef patty topped with melted cheese, served on a bun. The creator of the cheeseburger is generally credited to Lionel Sternberger, who introduced it in the late 1920s.
- Beef Patty: Grilled
- Cheese: Melted
- Bun: Soft and toasted
- Toppings: Can include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, and mustard
- Size: Typically served as a single patty, but can come in multiple patty variations
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74votesPizza is a perfect bar food and goes well with beer.DescriptionPizza is a popular Italian dish that has become a staple in American cuisine. It typically consists of a round, flat dough base topped with various ingredients and baked in an oven. The toppings often include tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of meats, vegetables, and herbs. The combination of these flavors creates a savory and satisfying meal enjoyed by people of all ages.
- Dough: A flattened round dough made from flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes olive oil.
- Toppings: A variety of ingredients can be used, including tomato sauce, cheese (often mozzarella), meats (such as pepperoni, sausage, or ham), vegetables (like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers), and herbs (such as basil or oregano).
- Baking: Typically baked in a hot oven, reaching temperatures around 475°F (245°C), for a short period of time (usually 10-15 minutes).
- Styles: There are various regional styles of pizza in America, with New York-style and Chicago-style being among the most famous. Each style has its own unique characteristics, such as the thickness of the crust, the proportion of toppings, and the cooking method.
- Versatility: Pizza can be customized to suit individual preferences, allowing for countless topping combinations and variations. This versatility contributes to its popularity and widespread appeal.
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89votesSoft, salty, and delicious, pretzels are perfect for snacking while drinking.DescriptionPretzels are a type of bread product that is typically twisted into a knot-like shape. They have a slightly chewy texture and a distinct flavor due to being boiled in a baking soda solution before baking. Pretzels are commonly enjoyed as a snack or served as an accompaniment to various dishes.
- Shape: Knot-like shape with a 3-loop twist
- Texture: Slightly chewy
- Flavor: Distinct flavor, typically slightly salty
- Boiling process: Boiled briefly in a water and baking soda solution before baking
- Ingredients: Commonly made with flour, yeast, water, salt, sugar, and baking soda
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97votesTacos are versatile and can be made with various fillings, making them a popular bar food.DescriptionTacos are a popular Mexican dish that has become a beloved food in America. They consist of a tortilla filled with various ingredients, typically including meat, cheese, vegetables, and salsa. The tortilla is folded around the filling, creating a handheld, portable meal. Tacos are known for their delicious combination of flavors and textures.
- Variety: Tacos can be made with a wide range of fillings, including beef, chicken, pork, fish, shrimp, or even vegetarian options. This versatility allows for countless variations and customization possibilities.
- Tortilla: Tacos are traditionally made with a corn tortilla, but flour tortillas are also commonly used. The tortilla serves as the base for holding the fillings together.
- Salsa and Sauces: Tacos are often accompanied by various salsas and sauces, such as salsa verde, pico de gallo, guacamole, or hot sauce. These condiments add a burst of flavor and enhance the overall experience.
- Toppings: Tacos can be topped with a variety of ingredients, including shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, sour cream, or avocado. These toppings add freshness, crunch, and additional flavors.
- Regional Variations: Different regions in Mexico and the United States have their own unique variations of tacos. Examples include street-style tacos, Baja fish tacos, al pastor tacos, carne asada tacos, and more.
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103votesQuesadillas are great for sharing and can be made with various fillings.DescriptionQuesadillas are a popular bar food made from a tortilla filled with melted cheese and various additional ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, or beans. The tortilla is folded in half and toasted or grilled until the cheese is melted and the exterior is crispy. Quesadillas are typically served with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.
- Origin: Mexico
- Main Ingredients: Tortilla, cheese, additional fillings
- Cooking Method: Toasted or grilled
- Serving Style: Folded in half
- Texture: Crispy exterior, gooey melted cheese
Missing your favorite bar food?
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular bar food
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Taste and flavorThe food should have a bold and delicious taste that complements the drinks being served at the bar.
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Portability and ease of eatingBar food should be easy to pick up and eat without requiring a lot of utensils or elaborate preparation. Finger foods and small bites are generally more popular.
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ShareabilityBar food should typically be shareable among a group of people. Foods that can be easily divided or that come in small portions are more popular in a bar setting.
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Pairing with beveragesThe food should pair well with popular alcoholic beverages served at the bar, such as beer, wine, and cocktails. This can enhance the overall experience for patrons.
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PriceBar food should generally be priced affordably, as they are often considered an accompaniment to the main focus of a bar – the drinks.
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Popularity and appealSome bar food items have gained popularity and a reputation as classic bar food, such as chicken wings, nachos, or sliders. These items may be more sought after by patrons.
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Speed of preparation and servingIn a busy bar atmosphere, quick-to-prepare foods that can be served promptly are more practical and desirable.
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VarietyA mix of different types of food that cater to different tastes and preferences, as well as some vegetarian or vegan options, can help make the bar food offerings more appealing to a wider range of patrons.
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Nutritional valueWhile bar food is not usually known for being healthy, providing some healthier options or dietary accommodation may be a plus for some customers.
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Presentation and visual appealFood that is visually appealing can attract more customers, especially when displayed on a menu or promotional materials.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular bar food. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or bar food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1008 views
- 147 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each bar food once every 24 hours. The rank of each bar food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular bar food
When it comes to hanging out with friends or watching a game at a bar, there's nothing quite like the perfect bar food to complement the experience. From classic staples like chicken wings and nachos to more unique options like loaded fries and sliders, there are plenty of options to choose from. But what is the most popular bar food among patrons? According to a recent StrawPoll survey, the top picks for bar food include wings, burgers, fries, and mozzarella sticks. Whether you prefer something spicy or savory, there's a bar food out there for everyone. So next time you hit up your local watering hole, be sure to try out one of these popular options and see what all the hype is about.
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