Why Pizza & Beer Go So Well Together

The contrast between the beer and pizza flavors enhances the overall dining experience. Beer is carbonated, which helps cleanse your palate from the richness of the cheese and toppings on the pizza. The slight bitterness from hops helps balance out the saltiness of the crust and meat. Beers also come in various flavor profiles (e.g., malty, fruity). These flavor profiles make them versatile enough to pair with nearly any pizza topping combination, further elevating the beer and the pizza.

1. Pepperoni Pizza + IPA

When you’re gathering with friends to watch the big game, nothing beats the classic pepperoni pizza. It’s a crowd-pleaser, with savory, slightly spicy pepperoni and melted cheese atop a perfectly crisp crust. For this timeless favorite, we recommend pairing it with a West Coast-style IPA.

The bold bitterness of an IPA, like many on our beer list, helps to cut through the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. IPAs often possess notes of citrus and pine, which will complement the slight spiciness of the pepperoni while balancing out the fatty, cheesy goodness. Plus, the refreshing crispness of the beer makes it easy to enjoy several rounds throughout the game without feeling weighed down.

Pro tip: Try Odd Moe’s Large 3-Topping Pizza and Wings Special during game day for the ultimate sports feast!

2. Hawaiian Pizza + Hefeweizen

If you’re in the mood for Hawaiian pizza, we recommend a Hefeweizen. Hefeweizen is a wheat beer with notes of banana, clove, and citrus, which pairs wonderfully with the sweet and salty balance of the Hawaiian pizza. The beer often features a light body and smooth finish, which complements the tropical flavors of pineapple, while keeping the savory ham from being too overpowering. Hefeweizen’s carbonation also adds a refreshing contrast to the gooey cheese. 

At Odd Moe’s, we have Fuzztail Hefeweizen. Pair it with The Sweet Spot.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to add jalapeños to your Hawaiian pizza for some heat. The Hefeweizen’s mild sweetness will help tame the spice.

3. BBQ Chicken Pizza + Amber Ale

When you’re in the mood for something with a little heat and complexity, The Bull Rider, Odd Moe’s BBQ Chicken Pizza is a fantastic option. Topped with our chipotle lime BBQ sauce, chicken, sausage, breakfast bacon and fresh pineapple, this pizza has a savory, tangy bite with a slight kick of spice.

The ideal beer pairing for this bold pizza is an Amber Ale. Amber ales commonly have a malty sweetness and smooth caramel notes, which can tame the tangy, spicy BBQ sauce while enhancing the smokiness of the chicken. The malt backbone of an amber ale provides enough body to stand up to the pizza’s bold flavors, while the moderate bitterness keeps the pairing balanced.

Pro tip: Our BBQ Chicken Pizza also pairs well with a side of Moe’s famous Garlic Cheezy Bread for extra indulgence.

4. The Classic Veggie + Wheat Beer

The Borg, our classic veggie pizza topped with fresh Mushrooms, red onions, black olives, green peppers, mozzarella cheese & fresh tomatoes with our Red Sauce is a flavor-packed option that brings together the earthiness of vegetables with a hearty crust.

To complement the fresh, vibrant flavors of The Borg, we suggest pairing it with a wheat beer. Wheat beers are light, slightly sweet, and often have subtle notes of citrus, making it a perfect match for the crisp vegetables atop your pizza. Wheat beer with its refreshing, effervescent quality helps cleanse the palate after each bite, while its mild sweetness balances the savory ingredients.

Pro tip: Add some extra garlic to your veggie pizza for an extra punch of flavor that pairs well with the smoothness of the wheat beer.

5. Meat Lover’s Pizza + Stout

Sometimes, only a hearty, meat-loaded pizza will do. Our All Meat pizza, Grand Salami, is piled high with salami, pepperoni, ground beef, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon and mozzarella cheese with our red sauce. It is the ultimate indulgence for all meat lovers. Its rich and savory flavors require a beer that can stand up to the sheer volume of meat without getting lost.

For an all-meat pizza, we recommend a Stoutl, particularly one that’s rich and creamy with flavors of coffee, chocolate, or roasted malt. A stout with these qualities will complement the smokiness of the meats while providing a smooth, slightly bitter contrast. The robust body of the stout ensures that it holds up against the heavy, meaty pizza, making it a perfect pairing for a cozy, indulgent meal.

Pro tip: Add some extra cheese to your Meat Lover’s pizza. The stout will cut through the richness, making it a well-balanced indulgence.

6. Build-Your-Own Pizza + Pale Ale

Sometimes, the best pizza night is one where everyone gets to create their own masterpiece. Odd Moe’s offers a fantastic build-your-own pizza option, allowing you to choose from a variety of fresh toppings to make your own pizza entirely yours.

When pairing beer with a build-your-own pizza, a Pale Ale is a versatile choice that works with a variety of toppings. Pale ales, known for their balanced hop bitterness and malty backbone, make a great all-rounder. The balanced profile of the pale ale will enhance the flavors without overwhelming them.

Pro tip: Encourage friends to experiment with their own beer and pizza pairings during a build-your-own night to make it an interactive and fun gathering.

Final Thoughts

At Odd Moe’s, we believe that every pizza deserves the perfect beer combo. From classic pepperoni to adventurous toppings, the right beer can elevate your pizza experience. We offer a wide range of various craft beers, ciders, and wine. The next time you’re craving pizza, grab a six-pack of your favorite craft brew from Odd Moe’s to pair with it. Your taste buds will thank you!

* Our beer lists vary by location, so be sure to check with your nearest Odd Moe’s to see the current selection of craft brews and find the perfect pairing for your pizza.