17 Best Bar Food Menu Ideas to Boost Profits

Your bar needs to be ready when the busy season hits. While customers come for the drinks, they stay (and spend more) when the food hits the spot. That’s why you need to have the right items on your menu.

The best bar food menu ideas aren’t just tasty. They’re easy to prep, made for sharing, and built for big profit margins—think fries, wings, and nachos. These items are fast to serve a satisfying salty kick, perfect with beer, cocktails, or a glass of wine.

If you’re opening a bar or just updating your current food menu, this guide is for you. We’ll walk through top-performing options and explain why they work.

1. Pizza

Pizza stands as quintessential bar food, allowing for a broad range of toppings and styles that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. Offering options like classic Margherita, meat-lovers, or vegetarian pizzas makes sure there’s something for those who enter your bar.

It’s also great for sharing, which makes it a go-to order for groups. You can create combos that pair pizzas with pitchers of beer or other beverages to boost drink sales.

With ingredients for a 10-inch pizza costing just around $4, you can get a significant return on investment on this single menu item. Plus, purchasing ingredients in bulk can further reduce your food costs and increase your bar’s profit margin.

2. Chicken wings

Another menu item that comes to mind when we think about bars is chicken wings. They’ve also become synonymous with sports events and beer consumption.

In fact, during major events like the Super Bowl, Americans consume around 1.45 billion chicken wings. Imagine getting just a small fraction of that customer base in your bar.

One of the best things about chicken wings is that you can provide different flavors through various sauces. Buffalo, barbecue, and garlic parmesan are just some of the most popular flavors that keep customers coming back.

Not only are you catering to more customers, but offering a variety of flavors also presents opportunities for upselling. Customers might be inclined to try multiple flavors, increasing the average check size.

While chicken wing prices have experienced fluctuations, they remain a profitable menu item. The wholesale cost is around $1.91 per pound, which is lower than June 2024’s price of $2.65 per pound.

If you own a bar, you should consider adding nachos or chips and dips to your menu. Just like pizzas, these dishes are ideal for groups, encouraging them to stay longer and order more drinks. The primary ingredients, tortilla chips and basic dips like salsa or cheese, are inexpensive. Estimated profit margins can range from 60% to over 80%.

Plus, your staff can easily prepare and serve them, making them ideal for busy periods. You can also offer add-ons like guacamole, seasoned ground beef, or extra cheese to increase the average ticket size.

3. Nachos or chips and dips

If you own a bar, you should consider adding nachos or chips and dips to your menu. Just like pizzas, these dishes are ideal for groups, encouraging them to stay longer and order more drinks.

The primary ingredients, tortilla chips and basic dips like salsa or cheese, are inexpensive. Estimated profit margins can range from 60% to over 80%.

Plus, your staff can easily prepare and serve them, making them ideal for busy periods. You can also offer add-ons like guacamole, seasoned ground beef, or extra cheese to increase the average ticket size.

4. French fries and loaded fries

These crispy, golden-brown potato sticks are a universal crowd-pleaser. They’re cheap to make too, with an 8-ounce serving costing about $0.50, and can be sold for $3.99, yielding a profit of around 87% or $3.49.

Additionally, offering loaded fries with toppings like bacon, cheese, or pulled pork can attract more customers and increase sales. These customizable options are easy to prepare and can be tailored to your bar’s menu.

5. Mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a classic comfort food that appeals to a wide range of customers. Their familiar taste and texture make them a safe and popular choice for bar menus.

Typically, mozzarella sticks are pre-made and frozen for quick preparation and consistent quality. They’re versatile and can be included in combo platters or samplers, encouraging customers to try out different food items.

Served with marinara sauce or ranch dressing, mozzarella sticks encourage dipping, which complements beer and other drinks. A serving for 6 to 8 costs around $9 to make, while the selling price ranges from $10.49 in Applebee’s to $13.99 in BJ’s Brewhouse.

6. Soft pretzels

Soft pretzels have a salty exterior that makes them great for pairing with various beers. Just like chicken wings and mozzarella sticks, you can offer many flavors through different sauces, like cheese, mustard, or ranch.

They’re inexpensive to produce, with profit margins ranging from 60% to 70%. Additionally, most soft pretzels come pre-made and frozen, requiring minimal preparation so you can serve them quickly.

These with a mustard dip are best paired with dark lagers or bocks. On the other hand, classic soft pretzels go well with Märzen or Vienna Lager, which have a slightly maltier profile.

7. Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a straightforward yet flavorful addition to any bar food menu. They consist of tortillas filled with cheese and other ingredients, then grilled until the cheese melts and the tortilla crisps up.

Many of the ingredients used in quesadillas, such as cheese, chicken, and vegetables, are also common in other dishes like nachos and tacos. This allows you to make the most of your bar inventory and reduce food waste.

The rich, cheesy nature of quesadillas pairs exceptionally well with margaritas and various cocktails. You can offer combos like a chicken quesadilla paired and a classic margarita, with the rich, melted cheese complementing the drink’s tangy citrus flavor.

Consider offering vegetarian options with grilled vegetables or black beans to appeal to a more health-conscious audience. You can also experiment with variations like southwestern or BBQ-style quesadillas to keep your bar menu interesting.

The cost of making a basic cheese quesadilla is relatively low, at around $4. You can add proteins like chicken or beef for premium versions with higher price points.

8. Burgers and sliders

Burgers are a cornerstone of bar menus. You can offer different options and charge a premium for add-ons, like cheese or bacon.

The average cheeseburger costs around $2.39 to make, while major chains are selling meal combos of burgers, fries, and soda ranging from $15 to over $20.

Meanwhile, sliders are smaller versions, which are perfect for sharing. Their size allows customers to try multiple flavors, helping them find their favorites. They’re even cheaper to make, with ham and cheese sliders costing just around $2 per serving.

9. Fried pickles

If your customers want something crunchy and tangy, you can serve up some fried pickles. Pair fried pickles with the right dipping sauces for a burst of flavor that can help alleviate the nauseating effects of alcohol.

Spicy mayonnaise, ranch dressing, or a tangy remoulade are popular choices that complement the pickles’ zestiness. You can also offer different pickle varieties like dill, bread-and-butter, or spicy jalapeño pickles to keep things interesting.

They’re cheap to make, with a 16-ounce jar costing as little as $1. Make sure to choose high-quality pickles with a good crunch and consistent flavor.

Batter the pickles in a seasoned breading mix and coat each slice evenly for a crispy exterior. Most bars can prepare a batch quickly, with a selling price that can reach $10 a plate.

10. Loaded potato skins

Aside from loaded fries, consider loaded potato skins. 29% of customers named baked potatoes as their favorite potato dish, which is why you should add this dish to your bar menu.

You can fill loaded potato skins with classic toppings like bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions. These ingredients are not only flavorful but also cost-effective, with potatoes costing around $1 per pound and 2 pounds of potatoes making four servings.

One advantage of loaded potato skins is their versatility—they can be customized to cater to various preferences, such as offering vegetarian or spicy versions. This adaptability allows bar owners to appeal to a broader customer base without significantly increasing inventory.

Additionally, their easy portioning makes them ideal for sharing, encouraging group orders, and increasing overall sales.

11. Tater tots and tatchos

Tater tots, especially when transformed into “tatchos” (tater tot nachos), are a fun twist on a familiar favorite. These crispy potato bites offer a crowd-pleasing option that’s easy to customize.

With cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and green onion toppings, bars can create an irresistible appetizer. Their compact size makes them perfect for group sharing, and they pair well with craft beers and cocktails.

Given their low cost and high-profit potential, they are a smart addition to any bar food menu. Fried foods, including tater tots, can have profit margins of around 75%, making them some of the most profitable items served in a restaurant.

12. Charcuterie boards

Charcuterie boards bring a high-end feel to your bar menu, which lets you charge higher prices. While their profit margins may not be as high per ounce compared to other items, they deliver a significant “wow” factor that can attract customers.

The average cost of putting a charcuterie board together ranges from $50 to $100, while the average price per person can be around $15 to $25.

These boards are ideal for pairing with wine and cocktails. For instance, a Gouda and prosciutto board complements a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, while a blue cheese and salami selection pairs perfectly with a robust red wine.

Their visually appealing presentation makes them a magnet for social media. This can compel your customers to share their experiences online, which can boost your bar’s visibility. 

13. Savory or sweet popcorn

Popcorn is a versatile and cost-effective addition to any bar food menu. With a food cost of under a dollar per serving, it offers profit margins as high as 80%.

Its endless flavor possibilities cater to guests who just want something to munch on with a couple of drinks. Offer a variety of seasonings, such as butter, salt, chocolate, and cinnamon, so that patrons can choose what taste they’re craving.

Creative flavors like house-made caramel, spicy cheddar, or sesame lime can set your bar apart. You can even go for fancy truffle oil or Parmesan cheese pairings to attract adventurous eaters and create buzz around your bar. 

14. Flatbreads

Flatbreads are a sophisticated twist on traditional pizza that appeals to a wide range of customers. You can customize their thin, crisp base with gourmet toppings, like fig and prosciutto, goat cheese and pesto, and even BBQ chicken.

A fig and prosciutto flatbread pairs wonderfully with a light Pinot Noir, while a goat cheese and pesto flatbread complements a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Aside from letting you charge for premium ingredients, you can also offer seasonal specials to keep your menu fresh and exciting.

The ingredients for flatbreads, such as flour, water, and simple toppings, are generally low-cost. White flour costs around $0.55 per pound, and you just need 5 ounces or 0.31 pounds of flour for six flatbreads.

15. Sampler platters

Sampler platters are a hit with bar customers, especially those in groups or who can’t decide what to order. By offering a combination of popular items like wings, pretzels, fries, and fried pickles, you cater to diverse tastes and encourage sharing.

Including sampler platters on your bar food menu can lead to higher check averages. Bundle top-selling items to encourage customers to try more, which increases the overall spending per table.

When designing sampler platters, create a balanced offering by mixing “stars,” or items that are both popular and profitable, with “plow horses,” or items that are popular but less profitable.

For instance, you can incorporate a few pieces of crispy chicken wings along with French fries, mozzarella sticks, and quesadillas along with some sauces. This way, you can set a premium price while introducing customers to a variety of menu items.

Make sure you consider portion sizes carefully so that you still get your desired profit margin while offering value to customers.

16. Peanuts or mixed nuts

Peanuts and mixed nuts are very low-cost and shelf-stable, making them an excellent addition to your bar food menu. Just like popcorn, they’re for people who aren’t really hungry but want a snack with their drink.

You can get 8-ounce nuts for around $3 to $7, which can go down further when purchased in bulk.

You can offer simple, roasted peanuts and elevate them with unique blends, like smoked paprika, rosemary sea salt, or spicy chili lime. Other nut types, such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios, are also great options.

17. Sandwiches

Sandwiches, like hotdogs and grilled cheese, are practical additions to your bar food menu. They require minimal preparation and can be efficiently assembled with limited BOH resources.

Pairing a grilled cheese sandwich with a craft beer can create a delightful experience for your patrons. You can also customize hotdogs with local flavors or popular regional ingredients for a unique take on classic snack food.

Sandwich shops have an average profit margin ranging between 6% to 15% based on their main food item. Adding sandwiches to your menu offers customers something convenient and satisfying while giving you an additional revenue stream. 

On the menu: What bar food sells best?

Classic bar foods like wings, fries, and nachos are top sellers. Their high salt content and shareable nature make them perfect companions to a cold brew.

However, what sells best in your bar depends on your clientele. College students might prefer hearty options like burgers and wings, while a wine-and-cheese crowd may lean towards artisanal flatbreads or gourmet sliders.

Find menu best-sellers through your POS system by tracking which dishes customers order most frequently, their average ticket value, and seasonal trends. Another factor to consider is customer feedback. Let your servers engage with customers directly to know what they like. 

All in all, pay attention to comments about portion sizes, flavor profiles, and overall satisfaction. 

Choose the best snacks for your bar

Building a great bar menu is all about pairing the right snacks with the right drinks. The best ones are salty, shareable, and easy to eat while holding a beer or cocktail. Think wings with cold beer, loaded fries with a hard seltzer, or flatbreads with a glass of wine. These combos taste great and keep customers ordering more.

Spend less time managing your bar and more time developing unique menu items with 7shifts. With automatic scheduling, tips, tracking, and all-in-one team communication, you’ll save hours each week, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and pairings.

Try 7shifts for free and see how simple running your bar can be.