Demonstrating Your Cooking Expertise

It seems like every bar and grill these days has a list of burgers on their menu. If you run your own bar and grill, you are probably quite familiar with this trope. It might have you wondering if there is some way to set yourself apart, or if it is even possible to run a bar and grill without making it into a low-key burger joint. The short answer is "yes." If you're burned out on burgers or suspect that your guests are, here are some other, more unique food specialties that work well in a bar and grill setting. 

Macaroni and Cheese

People at a bar and grill usually want a heavy, filling meal. Macaroni and cheese definitely fits the bill. Plus, there are lots of different ways you can dress it up in order to give your patrons plenty of options. You could offer any or all of the following:

• Pulled pork macaroni and cheese
• Bacon macaroni and cheese
• Italian sausage macaroni and cheese
• Macaroni and cheese with peppers and onions
• Macaroni and cheese with blue cheese crumbles and onions

It's also a good idea to offer your macaroni and cheese in two sizes. This way, those who want a smaller snack to munch on at the bar will have options.

Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese is an American classic, and there are lots of ways you can class it up for a bar-and-grill restaurant. One approach is to offer a long list of add-in options for customers to choose from. This way, every customer can create their own custom grilled cheese with whatever ingredients they prefer. You can even offer a selection of cheeses and multiple bread options. Your kitchen staff will likely appreciate this idea since grilled cheese sandwiches are easy to make.

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a great, stackable, and sharable option, and you can make them with so many different sauces. You'll want to offer the classic mild, medium, and hot wings for customers who prefer additional wings. But then you can also come up with your own custom sauces to keep things interesting. Sell your wings in orders of 10 or 20, and you're set to go.

Running a bar and grill does not have to mean running a burger joint. Consider nixing the burgers for one or more of the options above.

Contact a local bar and grill for more ideas.