Whiskey Pairing Food: Choosing the Right Whiskey for Your Meal

If you love whiskey and great food, Main Street Meats is the Chattanooga spot where both shine. With one of the Southeast's most curated whiskey lists and a menu built around whole-animal butchery, we are the perfect place to explore food and whiskey pairings that feel anything but basic. 

Chef and Owner Erik Niel has been curating thoughtful pours since the early 2000s. His passion for well-aged bourbon and love for pairing great whiskey with chef-led cuisine show up in every detail of the beverage program at MSM. Whether you're exploring a single barrel or sipping whiskey for the first time, our guide will walk you through how to pair it with food like a pro.

What Pairs Well With Whiskey?

Pairing whiskey with food can be both intuitive and complex. While there are no hard and fast rules, there are a few simple principles that can elevate the experience. Erik’s best advice? "Don’t overthink it. If you like it together, then great!" 

That said, here are a few pairing guidelines to help you make confident choices:

  • Higher proof pairs well with fattier food. Think ribeye, smoked pork, or house sausage. The alcohol content helps cut through richness and balances fat.

  • Match intensity.Light dishes pair better with softer whiskeys, while stronger flavors need something that can hold its own.

  • Contrast can work, too. Sweet bourbons can be a great match for salty cheese or spicy sausage.

Whiskey Pairing Food: Main Street Meats’ Favorite Matches

Pairing whiskey with food is an art we’ve been perfecting for years. Here are a few of our favorite combinations that highlight both the spirit and the dish.

House-Cured Meats & Cheeses
These are a staple at MSM and deserve something just as expressive. Try the Elijah Craig “HR Nite-mare” barrel pick—rich, spicy, and full of caramelized depth that mirrors the umami of cured meats and sharp, salty cheeses.

Steaks & Butcher’s Cuts
Nothing enhances a tender New York Strip or dry-aged ribeye like a high-proof, well-aged bourbon. Erik recommends Willett's "Brass Ring" or Bardstown’s “Seventeen from Seven.” These choices offer heat, structure, and oak that stand up to red meat beautifully.

Lighter Fare or Seafood
When fish or delicate proteins hit the table, reach for something softer. Japanese whiskey, like Nikka Coffey Grain or Miyagikyo, offers smooth textures, hints of fruit and grain, and gentle smoke that won’t overpower lighter flavors.

Desserts
Pair your last bite with a pour that echoes the dish’s richness. Soft wheated bourbons or a port-finished whiskey amplify sweet elements without overwhelming the palate. Try a pairing with MSM’s chocolate gelato or carrot cake for an extra sweet finish.

For First-Time Whiskey Drinkers
New to whiskey? A wheated bourbon is your friend. Round, sweet, and low on spice, it’s a great entry-level option that plays well with most dishes on the menu.

What Sets Main Street Meats’ Whiskey Program Apart

At Main Street Meats, we care a lot about quality. Our bar is stocked with hard-to-find single-barrel picks, selected through a hands-on process led by Erik Niel and Beverage Director Garth Poe. Their choices reflect personal preference, not popularity, and that’s what gives the program its soul.

You won’t just find the big names here—you’ll discover stories in every glass. Picks like New Riff’s “Wax On | Wax Off” and Four Roses’ “OESQ*BERT” aren’t just labels. They’re curated experiences, chosen for their distinct balance, flavor, and character.

Helping customers choose the best whiskey for their meal is not a one-size-fits-all process at MSM. “Just like selling food, wine, or cocktails,” Erik said, “helping customers choose a whiskey is a conversation.” Whether you're curious about a 143-proof Garrison Brothers pick or exploring a local standout, the staff is eager to get to know your preferences and guide you to a whiskey pairing like no other.

Local Flavor: Chattanooga Whiskey

While our whiskey list features names from around the globe, we’re especially proud to feature picks from local distilleries. Our Homegrown cocktail is a testament to this, made with Chattanooga Whiskey 91, Mexican Coke, and salted peanuts. It’s sweet, savory, fizzy, and nostalgic—a perfect Southern classic.

Explore Chattanooga Whiskey and see how this distillery helped reintroduce whiskey making to the city after Prohibition. Their bold, flavorful bourbon is a permanent fixture behind the bar at MSM.

Whiskey Pairings That Evolve With the Menu

Main Street Meats' menu is seasonal and rooted in whole-animal butchery. That means whiskey pairings aren’t static—they evolve. A grilled lamb shoulder in spring might call for a lighter, floral rye. A hearty beef stew in winter pairs perfectly with a spice-forward, barrel-proof bourbon.

The team doesn’t just hand you a whiskey list—they collaborate with your meal. Whether you’re sitting down for a casual lunch or a special dinner, the right pairing is always within reach.

Find Your New Favorite Food and Whiskey Pairing at Main Street Meats

Whiskey is incredibly versatile—and with the right guidance, it can elevate everything from starters to entrées and desserts. At Main Street Meats, we’ve spent years tasting, testing, and pairing our favorite pours with our menu staples. Whether you’re into Scotch, bourbon, or a rare single barrel pick, we’ll help you find a pour that fits your palate and your plate.

Not sure where to start? Just ask us. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just whiskey-curious, our team is here to make recommendations based on your preferences, mood, or even your menu choices. We love helping guests discover something new.

Explore the Menu, Plan Your Pairing

Check out the Main Street Meats menu to start dreaming up your perfect whiskey pairing. You can also explore our full whiskey book for the latest barrel picks, house favorites, and rare finds behind the bar. From charcuterie and house sausage to steaks and desserts, everything on the plate is crafted to hold up to a great glass of whiskey.