The Best Beers for Steak: Our Top Picks
A good steak can take a bigger beer than you might think. Char, fat and a deep sear call for malt, roast or a punchy hop to keep up. These four all have the backbone for a proper steak night.
| Beer | Style | Our rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Coast Old Rasputin | Russian Imperial Stout | 4.6/5 | A big, charred ribeye |
| Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA | American IPA | 4.4/5 | Cutting through fat |
| Chimay Blue | Belgian Strong Dark Ale | 4.8/5 | A special-occasion steak |
| Guinness Foreign Extra Stout | Foreign Extra Stout | 4.5/5 | Deep, roasted richness |
A great steak deserves a big beer. Imperial stouts and bold IPAs are the only things with enough weight to keep up with the char.
The Best Beers for Steak, Reviewed
North Coast Old Rasputin
Go big. This imperial stout’s dark chocolate and roast are a match made in heaven for a charred, fatty ribeye. Read the full North Coast Old Rasputin review.
- Huge roasted chocolate and coffee
- 9% ABV warmth
- A world-class stout
- Intense and boozy
- One and done
Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA
A bold IPA that cuts clean through the fat and stands up to a peppery crust. Read the full Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA review.
- Big piney citrus hops
- Bold but balanced
- 7.2% ABV depth
- Very bitter
- Not for casual drinkers
Chimay Blue
For a special-occasion steak, this Belgian strong ale brings dried-fruit richness that suits a well-marbled cut. Read the full Chimay Blue review.
- Rich dark fruit and spice
- Warming and complex
- Ages beautifully in the bottle
- Strong 9% ABV
- Sweet and heavy for some
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout
A stronger, more intense Guinness with extra roast and dark fruit, ideal when you want a stout with real presence next to the beef. Read the full Guinness Foreign Extra Stout review.
- Intense roast and dark fruit
- 7.5% ABV depth
- Superb with rich dishes
- Strong and bitter
- A sipping beer, not a session
The knives a good steak deserves
You spent good money on the steak, so do not saw at it with a butter knife. A sharp set of steak knives makes the whole meal feel right.
Steak and Beer: FAQs
What beer goes with steak?
Go big. An imperial stout like Old Rasputin matches the char and fat, while a bold IPA like Sierra Nevada Torpedo cuts through the richness.
What about a beer to marinate the steak first?
A dark stout works there too. We cover it in our steak marinade guide.
Related pairings: beer for a steak marinade, ale for stew, beer for pulled pork.
