The practice of serving food with alcohol has ancient roots, dating back to Roman taverns that offered bread and olives with wine. This tradition continued through the Middle Ages in European alehouses, where bread and cheese were common accompaniments to drinks, partly to help patrons avoid intoxication on empty stomachs. The 19th century saw significant developments, particularly in American saloons, where the "free lunch" concept emerged around the 1870s. Saloons offered elaborate food spreads for the price of a drink, including roast meats, shellfish, and salads alongside salty items. This practice declined with the introduction of food safety laws and Prohibition. During Prohibition, speakeasies often served food to disguise their true purpose, maintaining the association between drinking and eating. After Prohibition, bars shifted focus to simpler, shelf-stable snacks like pretzels, peanuts, and potato chips, which were easier to store and still encouraged drink purchases. The mid-20th century saw bar food diversify, with items like Buffalo wings becoming popular and regional specialties emerging. Late 20th century developments included the rise of gastropubs, health-conscious options, and influences from the craft beer movement. Today, many bars offer a wide range of snacks, from traditional options to gourmet small plates, with increasing focus on local, artisanal, and unique offerings. Some establishments have even returned to the "free snacks" model as a marketing strategy. This evolution reflects changing social norms, legal regulations, and culinary trends, while the core concept of pairing salty, savory snacks with alcoholic beverages has remained consistent.
Based on general trends and information available as of my last update, some of the most popular bar snack foods in the USA include:
- Chicken wings: Particularly popular during sports events and often served with various sauces.
- Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with cheese, jalapeños, and other ingredients.
- Mozzarella sticks: Breaded and fried cheese sticks served with marinara sauce.
- French fries: Often served plain or with toppings like cheese or chili.
- Potato skins: Topped with cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
- Pretzels: Both soft pretzels and hard pretzel varieties.
- Peanuts or mixed nuts: Common in more traditional bar settings.
- Sliders: Mini burgers or sandwiches.
- Chips and dips: Various types of chips served with salsa, guacamole, or other dips.
