BBQ Ideas for Your Memorial Day with North Coast Brewing Co.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, with longer days, warmer nights, and that first whiff of smoke rising from backyard grills across the neighborhood. It’s a time to gather, honor the meaning of the holiday, and celebrate the simple pleasures: good company, great food, and cold beer. And when the beer in your hand was brewed just up the coast, and thoughtfully paired with what’s on your plate, the ordinary cookout becomes something a little more memorable. This summer, we can’t wait to match the bold flavors of barbecue with the characters of our North Coast Brewing Company crisp, citrusy, malty, craft beer.

BBQ Ideas for Pairing Craft Beer with Classic Dishes

There’s something about grilled food and craft beer that just makes sense: smoke, char, and caramelized edges meet bubbles, hops, and malt in a match that’s as timeless as summer itself. Check out our suggestions below for our favorite brews to pair with classic BBQ foods. That said, there’s no wrong answer. If you like the beer and you like the food, you’ve already nailed it. And when in doubt, you can’t go wrong with Red Seal Ale. With its balanced maltiness and classic hop character, it’s a crowd-pleaser that complements just about anything you throw on the grill.

Burgers & Cheeseburgers

Try them with: Red Seal Ale or Laguna Baja
Red Seal Ale’s malty backbone plays beautifully with grilled char and savory beef, while its spicy hop finish keeps things bright. Prefer something smoother? Lagina Baja offers a creamy, malty richness that complements melted cheese and adds a touch of refinement to your backyard burger game.

Hot Dogs & Brats

Try them with: Scrimshaw
A backyard staple, these salty, snappy grill classics call for a beer that refreshes without competing. Scrimshaw is just the thing: a crisp, clean, Pilsner with a subtle hop character and dry finish. It’s the ultimate reset between bites, whether you’re loading your dog with mustard and onions or keeping it classic.

Steak or Grilled Skewers

Try them with: Red Seal Ale
When you’re working with hearty cuts or well-marinated skewers, Red Seal Ale steps up. Its generous hopping and full malt body make it a natural companion to grilled steak, soaking up the char while cutting cleanly through fat. Whether your marinade leans sweet, spicy, or savory, this is a beer that can hold its own. And if you’re still deciding what to grill, give our Red Seal Steak Marinade a try! It’s a perfect match, right from the bottle to the barbeque.

BBQ Chicken (Sweet & Smoky)

Try it with: Blue Star or Red Seal Ale
Sticky-sweet, smoky barbecue sauce finds its match in two directions: Blue Star brings a refreshing lift, with fruity notes and a crisp finish that balance out the richness of the glaze. Or go bolder with Red Seal Ale, its rich malt body and long, spicy finish bring out the best in that smoky-sweet BBQ glaze.

Corn on the Cob

Try it with: Laguna Baja

Whether you’re going classic with butter and salt or getting adventurous with chipotle mayo or garlic parmesan, corn on the cob is peak summer. Laguna Baja, rich and malty with a smooth, creamy body, is a natural with sweet corn and buttery toppings.

Grilled Veggies

Try them with: Acme Beer
Charred bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or mushrooms — grilling brings out their sweetness and smoke. Acme Beer, with its light body, firm bitterness, and subtle floral notes, complements without overshadowing. It’s the kind of beer that lets the garden shine while still offering a refreshing, satisfying sip.

Fruit Dishes – Fruit Salad or Grilled Peaches

Try them with: Le Merle or Blue Star

Sweet, juicy, and kissed by the grill, fruit dishes are the unsung heroes of the summer table. Le Merle brings exotic aromas and a dry edge that enhances grilled peaches or pineapple. Meanwhile, Blue Star’s light, fruity body mirrors the freshness of a classic fruit salad, making for a pairing that’s bright, refreshing, and a little unexpected…in the best way.

Summer Salads

Try them with: Scrimshaw or Acme Beer
Whether it’s a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a punchy bowl of arugula and radishes, these dishes need a beer that cleanses and complements. Scrimshaw’s clean palate and dry finish make it a go-to with delicate greens, while the subtle spicy and floral aroma in Acme Beer add a complementary layer to sharper, mustardy bites. Think of these beers as palate refreshers: crisp enough to reset your taste buds, light enough to never get in the way.

Raise a Glass to Summer

As the grill cools and the sun dips low, there’s something deeply satisfying about that last sip of a perfectly paired beer, especially when it’s shared with good people and good food. Whether you’re a BBQ traditionalist or an experimental griller, the beauty of summer pairings is in the freedom to play. There’s no wrong answer here: if the beer makes you smile and the food makes you linger at the table a little longer, you’ve done it right.
So this Memorial Day, fire up the grill, set out a cooler full of North Coast Brewing favorites, and savor the start of something special. Because the only thing better than barbecue season… is barbecue season with great beer.