The Great American Catch: 50 States, 50 Seafood Orders, 50 Local Beers

America’s seafood map is larger than two coasts and a lobster roll. It runs through Gulf shrimp buckets, Alaska salmon, Hawaiian poke, Great Lakes fish counters, Southern catfish, mountain trout, Indian curries, Filipino sour soup, Peruvian ceviche, Spanish paella, Chinese hotpot, and landlocked kitchens that understand imported fish better than some restaurants with an ocean view.

This route chooses one seafood order in every state and pairs it with a beer brewed on the same side of the line. The stops run alphabetically because ranking a raw oyster against a bowl of shrimp curry would explain more about our confidence than either dish.

1. Alabama — Skinner’s Seafood

Catch order: Fresh shrimp, blue crab claws, steamed snapper, and chowder · Dauphin Island

Skinner’s works as both seafood stop and market, so the order moves from peel-and-eat immediacy to a whole steamed fish. Keep the chowder cup small enough to leave room for the current catch.

Take the Causeway
#1 in this roundup
Beer profile

Take the Causeway

Brewed by Fairhope Brewing Company

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV8.2%
PAIRING MOVECoastal IPA for shrimp, crab, and snapper
Brewed inFairhope, Alabama

The catch pour is Take the Causeway: Coastal IPA for shrimp, crab, and snapper.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Take the Causeway earns this catch because citrus sharpens sweet shellfish and lemon while firm bitterness clears butter, chowder, and the snapper’s moist flesh. The beer’s american ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Alabama opens the route with Gulf abundance rather than one plated signature. The display case matters because freshness, season, and daily availability should control a seafood order more than an old ranking.

2. Alaska — The Salmon Spot

Catch order: Salmon cakes, a salmon burger, and chowder in a sourdough bowl · Talkeetna

This is an all-salmon comparison across crisp cake, substantial burger, and creamy soup. Share the bread bowl if necessary; three preparations reveal more than simply ordering the largest piece of fish.

Smoked Porter
#2 in this roundup
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Smoked Porter

Brewed by Alaskan Brewing Company

StyleSmoked Porter
ABV6.5%
PAIRING MOVESmoked porter for salmon three ways
Brewed inJuneau, Alaska

The catch pour is Smoked Porter: Smoked porter for salmon three ways.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Smoked Porter earns this catch because restrained smoke meets grilled and crisped salmon while dry roast cuts natural oil, chowder cream, dressing, and sourdough. The beer’s smoked porter structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Alaska’s catch should taste like Alaska. Using salmon in several formats is not redundancy when each preparation changes moisture, texture, seasoning, and the amount of richness the beer must handle.

3. Arizona — Just Tacos and More

Catch order: Baja fish tacos, tequila-lime shrimp tacos, and one mango shrimp taco · Phoenix

The Arizona catch comes as a taco flight: fried fish, citrus-led shrimp, and a sweeter mango variation. Taste the Baja taco first before tequila, lime, and fruit increase the volume.

Tower Station IPA
#3 in this roundup
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Tower Station IPA

Brewed by Mother Road Brewing Company

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV7.3%
PAIRING MOVEDesert IPA for fried fish and bright shrimp
Brewed inFlagstaff, Arizona

The catch pour is Tower Station IPA: Desert IPA for fried fish and bright shrimp.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Tower Station IPA earns this catch because grapefruit and pine cut batter and crema while amplifying lime, tequila, mango, cabbage, and salsa. The beer’s american ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Arizona proves seafood does not need an ocean view to feel coherent. Good sourcing matters, but so do the tortilla, acid, temperature, and discipline to keep three tacos from becoming the same sauced filling.

4. Arkansas — Cooyon’s Restaurant

Catch order: Crawfish étouffée, shrimp-and-cheese grits, fried catfish, and seafood gumbo · Mountain Home

Louisiana technique reaches the Ozarks through four different textures: roux-thick étouffée, creamy grits, crisp catfish, and brothier gumbo. This is a share-the-table order, not one person’s reasonable lunch.

Love Honey Bock
#4 in this roundup
Beer profile

Love Honey Bock

Brewed by Lost Forty Brewing

StyleHoney Bock
ABV6.3%
PAIRING MOVEHoney bock for roux, grits, and catfish
Brewed inLittle Rock, Arkansas

The catch pour is Love Honey Bock: Honey bock for roux, grits, and catfish.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Love Honey Bock earns this catch because toasted malt rounds Cajun spice and cheese while a clean finish clears roux, frying oil, shrimp, crawfish, and grits. The beer’s honey bock structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Arkansas’s catch is imported regional knowledge made local through repetition. The kitchen earns the route marker by respecting Louisiana forms rather than merely applying blackening spice to every available fish.

5. California — Mex Peru Gipsy

Catch order: Ceviche, fish tacos, and pescado con mariscos · Los Angeles

Begin with cold, acidic ceviche, move into handheld fried or grilled fish, and finish with the sauced seafood entrée. The progression prevents the richest plate from flattening the cleaner preparations.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
#5 in this roundup
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Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Brewed by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

StyleAmerican Pale Ale
ABV5.6%
PAIRING MOVEPale ale across ceviche and sauced fish
Brewed inChico, California

The catch pour is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: Pale ale across ceviche and sauced fish.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale earns this catch because Cascade citrus echoes lime and cilantro while balanced bitterness handles tortilla, fried edges, shellfish sauce, and the entrée’s weight. The beer’s american pale ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: California’s stop reflects Los Angeles better than another generic dock shack would. Peruvian seafood technique and Mexican taco form share acid, chile, and a city comfortable letting culinary borders overlap.

6. Colorado — Corner Poke

Catch order: A poke bowl, sushi burrito, lobster-tuna bowl, and soft-shell crab · Greenwood Village

Raw fish is the baseline, while the sushi burrito and lobster-tuna build test proportion and the soft-shell crab adds crunch. Skip sugary sauce overload so fish quality stays visible.

Slow Pour Pils
#6 in this roundup
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Slow Pour Pils

Brewed by Bierstadt Lagerhaus

StyleGerman-Style Pilsner
ABV5.1%
PAIRING MOVEPilsner precision for raw fish and crab
Brewed inDenver, Colorado

The catch pour is Slow Pour Pils: Pilsner precision for raw fish and crab.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Slow Pour Pils earns this catch because herbal hops and hard carbonation refresh tuna, rice, avocado, soy, crab, and creamy sauces without adding fruit sweetness. The beer’s german-style pilsner structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Colorado’s catch depends on sourcing rather than local water. A landlocked poke shop earns trust when temperature, knife work, rice, seasoning, and turnover make the distance from the coast irrelevant.

7. Connecticut — Cold Harbor Seafood & Market

Catch order: Crab cakes, fish tacos, chowder, and blue crab salad · Enfield

The market counter supports a useful quartet: browned crab cake, bright taco, creamy chowder, and cold crab salad. Portions should be shared so richness never hides the quality of the crab.

Gather
#7 in this roundup
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Gather

Brewed by Fox Farm Brewery

StyleGerman-Style Pilsner
ABV5.3%
PAIRING MOVEClean pilsner for crab and chowder
Brewed inSalem, Connecticut

The catch pour is Gather: Clean pilsner for crab and chowder.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Gather earns this catch because soft grain respects sweet crab while carbonation and herbal bitterness clear frying oil, mayo, chowder cream, tortillas, and lemon. The beer’s german-style pilsner structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Connecticut’s inland location makes the seafood-market half especially important. A strong retail counter provides evidence of sourcing and turnover before any cooked dish reaches the table.

8. Delaware — Po’ Boys Creole Restaurant

Catch order: Gumbo, a shrimp po’ boy, a crawfish po’ boy, and crawfish étouffée · Milton

Two sandwiches compare shrimp and crawfish inside the same bread-and-dressing format, while gumbo and étouffée test the roux. This is another table-sized order with leftovers built into the plan.

SeaQuench Ale
#8 in this roundup
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SeaQuench Ale

Brewed by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

StyleSession Sour Ale
ABV4.9%
PAIRING MOVETart session ale for po’ boys and roux
Brewed inMilton, Delaware

The catch pour is SeaQuench Ale: Tart session ale for po’ boys and roux.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: SeaQuench Ale earns this catch because lime-like acidity and salinity cut fried shellfish, bread, dressing, dark roux, and crawfish without amplifying chile heat. The beer’s session sour ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Delaware’s stop borrows from Louisiana but earns its place through execution. The po’ boy bread must crack without fighting back, and the roux dishes need depth beyond simple darkness.

9. Florida — Skully’s Low Country Boil

Catch order: Gumbo and a shrimp bucket with corn, potatoes, and sausage · Port St. Joe

The shrimp bucket is the social order, while a cup of gumbo reveals what the kitchen does with stock, roux, and seasoning. Eat outside if possible; neatness has already lost.

Jai Alai IPA
#9 in this roundup
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Jai Alai IPA

Brewed by Cigar City Brewing

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV7.5%
PAIRING MOVEFlorida IPA for boil spice and shrimp
Brewed inTampa, Florida

The catch pour is Jai Alai IPA: Florida IPA for boil spice and shrimp.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Jai Alai IPA earns this catch because orange and resin brighten shellfish and lemon while firm bitterness clears butter, sausage, potatoes, corn, and gumbo roux. The beer’s american ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Florida’s route marker belongs to a meal designed for hands, newspaper, and conversation. The bucket works when the shrimp stay tender and the seasoning penetrates without turning every component equally salty.

10. Georgia — Che Butter Jonez

Catch order: The salmon sandwich with a salmon plate for the table · Atlanta

The sandwich layers juicy salmon, sauce, toasted bread, lettuce, and tomato; the plate removes the bread so the fish and seasoning can be judged more directly. Order both only when sharing.

420 Extra Pale Ale
#10 in this roundup
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420 Extra Pale Ale

Brewed by SweetWater Brewing Company

StyleExtra Pale Ale
ABV5.7%
PAIRING MOVEExtra pale ale for salmon and toasted bread
Brewed inAtlanta, Georgia

The catch pour is 420 Extra Pale Ale: Extra pale ale for salmon and toasted bread.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: 420 Extra Pale Ale earns this catch because citrus lifts tomato and sauce while a dry finish cuts salmon oil, toasted bread, seasoning, and any creamy side. The beer’s extra pale ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Georgia’s catch is a reminder that seafood excellence can arrive between two slices. The sandwich succeeds because the salmon remains the main ingredient instead of shrinking beneath bread and sauce.

11. Hawaii — Ry’s Poke Shack

Catch order: Poke nachos, crab salad, and pickled cucumbers · Kahuku

Go early because popular poke can sell out. The nachos supply crunch, crab salad adds creamy sweetness, and cucumbers provide the acid and snap necessary to reset the plate.

Big Wave Golden Ale
#11 in this roundup
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Big Wave Golden Ale

Brewed by Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi

StyleGolden Ale
ABV4.4%
PAIRING MOVEGolden ale for poke and pickles
Brewed inKailua-Kona, Hawaii

The catch pour is Big Wave Golden Ale: Golden ale for poke and pickles.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Big Wave Golden Ale earns this catch because soft fruit respects raw fish while brisk carbonation clears crab salad, chips, avocado, soy, and the sweet-sour cucumber brine. The beer’s golden ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Hawaii’s catch is not a mainland bowl wearing a flower shirt. Poke belongs to the islands’ daily food culture, and the freshness deadline is part of the experience rather than poor inventory planning.

12. Idaho — Red Fort Cuisine of India

Catch order: Shrimp coconut kurma, fish curry, and seafood biryani · Meridian

Coconut kurma brings gentle richness, fish curry provides a sharper sauce, and biryani carries seafood through aromatic rice. Set the heat level for flavor rather than bravery.

Sweetgrass Pale Ale
#12 in this roundup
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Sweetgrass Pale Ale

Brewed by Grand Teton Brewing

StyleAmerican Pale Ale
ABV6.0%
PAIRING MOVEPale ale for curry and coconut
Brewed inVictor, Idaho

The catch pour is Sweetgrass Pale Ale: Pale ale for curry and coconut.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Sweetgrass Pale Ale earns this catch because citrus lifts ginger, herbs, and spice while balanced bitterness clears coconut milk, shrimp, fish, rice, and ghee. The beer’s american pale ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Idaho broadens the catch beyond American frying and coastal shacks. Indian seafood cookery makes sauce, spice, and rice equal partners, giving the local beer a much more complicated assignment.

13. Illinois — Penumbra

Catch order: Shadow shrimp, Cajun-Creole shrimp, and scallops · Chicago

Two shrimp treatments reveal the restaurant’s house identity, while scallops test searing and restraint. Share the surf-and-turf only if the table needs a non-seafood safety rail.

Daisy Cutter
#13 in this roundup
Beer profile

Daisy Cutter

Brewed by Half Acre Beer Co.

StyleAmerican Pale Ale
ABV5.2%
PAIRING MOVEChicago pale ale for shrimp and seared scallops
Brewed inChicago, Illinois

The catch pour is Daisy Cutter: Chicago pale ale for shrimp and seared scallops.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Daisy Cutter earns this catch because bright hops sharpen Creole spice while a dry finish clears butter, shrimp, seared scallop crust, and any creamy house sauce. The beer’s american pale ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Illinois’s catch lives in a family-run Chicago dining room rather than a fish counter. Hospitality matters, but the seafood still has to show precise timing beneath the restaurant’s mood and sauce work.

14. Indiana — Ali’i Poke Indy

Catch order: Marinated ahi, spicy tuna, and salmon poke · Indianapolis

A three-scoop comparison turns one bowl into a study of lean tuna, sauced tuna, and richer salmon. Keep rice and toppings restrained enough to notice temperature and texture.

Zombie Dust
#14 in this roundup
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Zombie Dust

Brewed by 3 Floyds Brewing

StyleAmerican Pale Ale
ABV6.5%
PAIRING MOVECitra pale ale for a poke trio
Brewed inMunster, Indiana

The catch pour is Zombie Dust: Citra pale ale for a poke trio.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Zombie Dust earns this catch because grapefruit and tropical hops brighten soy, scallion, and chile while a lean finish clears salmon fat, spicy mayo, avocado, and rice. The beer’s american pale ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Indiana’s stop demonstrates how thoroughly poke has traveled inland. The measure is not novelty but turnover: clean flavor, cold fish, properly seasoned rice, and sauces that support rather than rescue.

15. Iowa — Kathmandu Restaurant

Catch order: Shrimp masala, coconut seafood curry, and seafood fried rice · Windsor Heights

Masala supplies tomato and spice, coconut curry softens the heat, and fried rice gives the table a drier, savory comparison. Naan is useful, but rice already has the starch job covered.

Pseudo Sue
#15 in this roundup
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Pseudo Sue

Brewed by Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.

StyleAmerican Pale Ale
ABV5.8%
PAIRING MOVEPale ale for masala and coconut curry
Brewed inDecorah, Iowa

The catch pour is Pseudo Sue: Pale ale for masala and coconut curry.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Pseudo Sue earns this catch because citrus lifts tomato, ginger, and aromatics while bitterness clears coconut, shrimp, oil, rice, and a carefully chosen chile level. The beer’s american pale ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Iowa’s catch ignores the assumption that landlocked seafood must imitate a coastal menu. Nepalese and South Asian flavors make imported shrimp meaningful through sauce, spice, and careful cooking.

16. Kansas — Lulu’s Latin Food

Catch order: Shrimp ceviche, shrimp street tacos, and seafood fajitas · Lawrence

Cold ceviche, compact tacos, and sizzling fajitas take shrimp through acid, tortilla, and hot-plate theater. Eat in that order before the fajita steam and seasoning take over.

Ad Astra Amber Ale
#16 in this roundup
Beer profile

Ad Astra Amber Ale

Brewed by Free State Brewing Co.

StyleAmerican Amber Ale
ABV5.6%
PAIRING MOVEAmber ale for shrimp three ways
Brewed inLawrence, Kansas

The catch pour is Ad Astra Amber Ale: Amber ale for shrimp three ways.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Ad Astra Amber Ale earns this catch because toast supports seared fajitas and tortillas while measured bitterness refreshes lime, ceviche, peppers, onions, salsa, and shellfish. The beer’s american amber ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Kansas turns a single ingredient into three separate meals. The stop earns value when shrimp texture changes appropriately across raw-marinated, taco, and sizzling-plate preparations instead of becoming uniformly rubbery.

17. Kentucky — India Oven

Catch order: Shrimp curry, fish masala, and a tandoori seafood platter · Bowling Green

The tandoor adds char and yogurt-marinated spice, fish masala brings sauce, and shrimp curry rounds the comparison. Choose a moderate heat level so the beer does not make chile burn harder.

Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale
#17 in this roundup
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Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale

Brewed by Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

StyleAmerican Strong Ale
ABV8.2%
PAIRING MOVEBourbon-barrel ale for tandoori char—shared
Brewed inLexington, Kentucky

The catch pour is Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale: Bourbon-barrel ale for tandoori char—shared.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale earns this catch because oak and caramel meet the tandoor while warming strength handles curry and masala; a small pour avoids intensifying spice or overwhelming fish. The beer’s american strong ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Kentucky’s beer is unusually strong for seafood, so sharing is not optional advice. Tandoori char and layered spice can answer oak, but delicate fish disappears if the pour becomes the event.

18. Louisiana — Heard Dat Kitchen

Catch order: Heard Dat pasta with crawfish and catfish, followed by bread pudding · New Orleans

The signature pasta gathers seafood and sauce into a substantial plate; catfish supplies a cleaner fish reference and bread pudding closes the New Orleans comfort-food arc. Bring help.

Turbodog
#18 in this roundup
Beer profile

Turbodog

Brewed by Abita Brewing Company

StyleBrown Ale
ABV5.6%
PAIRING MOVEBrown ale for crawfish, catfish, and sauce
Brewed inCovington, Louisiana

The catch pour is Turbodog: Brown ale for crawfish, catfish, and sauce.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Turbodog earns this catch because cocoa and toasted malt deepen browned fish and savory sauce while earthy bitterness clears crawfish, pasta, butter, and dessert sweetness. The beer’s brown ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Louisiana has endless seafood credentials, but this stop earns attention by making a recognizable house plate rather than another generic sampler. Personality matters after technique establishes trust.

19. Maine — The Travelin Lobster

Catch order: A hot lobster roll, clam chowder, and blueberry pie · Bar Harbor

Warm buttered lobster keeps the meat central, chowder supplies the creamy coastal counterpoint, and blueberry pie makes the stop unmistakably Maine. A shared pie slice is the reasonable ending.

Allagash White
#19 in this roundup
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Allagash White

Brewed by Allagash Brewing Company

StyleBelgian-Style Witbier
ABV5.2%
PAIRING MOVEWitbier for lobster, chowder, and blueberry
Brewed inPortland, Maine

The catch pour is Allagash White: Witbier for lobster, chowder, and blueberry.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Allagash White earns this catch because orange peel and coriander brighten sweet lobster while wheat and carbonation clear butter, chowder cream, bread, and the eventual fruit dessert. The beer’s belgian-style witbier structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Maine gets the route’s unavoidable lobster roll and deserves it. The important choice is hot and buttered rather than burying the meat beneath enough mayonnaise to become seafood salad.

20. Maryland — Tandoor Spice

Catch order: Shrimp tandoor, mango-garlic shrimp, and shrimp pakora · Woodstock

Maryland skips the obvious crab cake for three shrimp preparations: charred, sweet-savory, and fried. That decision makes the state entry more interesting without denying its Chesapeake identity.

Duckpin Pale Ale
#20 in this roundup
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Duckpin Pale Ale

Brewed by Union Craft Brewing

StyleAmerican Pale Ale
ABV5.5%
PAIRING MOVEPale ale for mango, garlic, and tandoor
Brewed inBaltimore, Maryland

The catch pour is Duckpin Pale Ale: Pale ale for mango, garlic, and tandoor.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Duckpin Pale Ale earns this catch because citrus amplifies mango and aromatics while bitterness clears pakora batter, shrimp, yogurt marinade, garlic, and chutney. The beer’s american pale ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Maryland’s catch is a deliberate left turn from blue crab. A national route should reveal excellent seafood cooking, not force every state to repeat the dish already printed on its tourism brochure.

21. Massachusetts — New Deal Fish Market

Catch order: The freshest sushi-grade fish, oysters, and whole snapper from the case · Cambridge

This is a fishmonger stop, so the exact species should follow the day’s delivery. Ask what arrived best, choose oysters for immediate eating, and take the snapper home with cooking instructions.

Fort Point
#21 in this roundup
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Fort Point

Brewed by Trillium Brewing Company

StyleAmerican Pale Ale
ABV6.6%
PAIRING MOVEModern pale ale for oysters and fresh fish
Brewed inBoston, Massachusetts

The catch pour is Fort Point: Modern pale ale for oysters and fresh fish.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Fort Point earns this catch because citrus and a dry finish sharpen oyster brine and lemon while staying restrained enough for clean raw fish and simply cooked snapper. The beer’s american pale ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Massachusetts’s catch respects the market as part of seafood culture. Knowledgeable sourcing and honest advice can matter more than a chef’s sauce when the product is excellent before cooking begins.

22. Michigan — The Butcher’s Block by Maxbauer

Catch order: Scallops, battered cod, and yellowfin tuna from the seafood counter · Traverse City

Michigan’s selection comes through a trusted market: scallops for searing, cod for batter, and tuna for a faster, rarer cook. Ask the counter which item is genuinely best that day.

Two Hearted Ale
#22 in this roundup
Beer profile

Two Hearted Ale

Brewed by Bell’s Brewery

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV7.0%
PAIRING MOVEMichigan IPA for cod batter and seared seafood
Brewed inComstock, Michigan

The catch pour is Two Hearted Ale: Michigan IPA for cod batter and seared seafood.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Two Hearted Ale earns this catch because grapefruit and pine cut frying oil and seared scallop butter while a firm finish handles tuna, lemon, and tartar sauce. The beer’s american ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Michigan’s route stop is a seafood-and-meat market rather than a Great Lakes fish fry. That makes counter expertise the attraction: sourcing, storage, and cooking guidance travel home with the order.

23. Minnesota — Kusina

Catch order: Sinigang soup, fried fish, shrimp pinakbet, and seafood pancit · Mounds View

Filipino sour soup, whole fried fish, vegetable-rich shrimp, and noodles create the route’s broadest family-style table. Sinigang should lead because its tamarind acidity resets everything that follows.

Furious
#23 in this roundup
Beer profile

Furious

Brewed by Surly Brewing Co.

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV6.2%
PAIRING MOVEMalt-backed IPA for sour soup and fried fish
Brewed inMinneapolis, Minnesota

The catch pour is Furious: Malt-backed IPA for sour soup and fried fish.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Furious earns this catch because grapefruit meets tamarind while caramel malt and bitterness handle fried skin, shrimp, noodles, vegetables, and savory fish sauce. The beer’s american ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Minnesota’s catch becomes a Filipino spread rather than a walleye cliché. The table shows how seafood changes across soup, frying, vegetables, and noodles without losing cultural specificity.

24. Mississippi — Rice Thai Cuisine

Catch order: Shrimp fried rice, shrimp pad thai, and tom yum soup · Gulfport

Tom yum supplies hot-sour clarity before the richer noodles and fried rice arrive. Shrimp texture becomes the checkpoint: tender in every dish, never sacrificed to wok heat or holding time.

Southern Pecan
#24 in this roundup
Beer profile

Southern Pecan

Brewed by Lazy Magnolia Brewery

StylePecan Nut Brown Ale
ABV4.5%
PAIRING MOVEPecan brown ale for shrimp and Thai spice
Brewed inKiln, Mississippi

The catch pour is Southern Pecan: Pecan brown ale for shrimp and Thai spice.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Southern Pecan earns this catch because nutty toast supports wok browning while gentle caramel rounds tamarind, chile, lime, rice, noodles, and shrimp without amplifying heat. The beer’s pecan nut brown ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Mississippi’s Gulf Coast entry could have chosen familiar fried seafood, but a small Thai kitchen adds more range. Local significance includes the restaurants communities repeatedly choose, not only inherited regional forms.

25. Missouri — Jalea

Catch order: Arroz con mariscos, ceviche mixto, and tuna tiradito · St. Charles

The order moves from cold citrus to sliced raw fish and finally seafood-rich rice. That sequence protects the ceviche and tiradito before the savory, starch-heavy main course arrives.

Tank 7
#25 in this roundup
Beer profile

Tank 7

Brewed by Boulevard Brewing Co.

StyleFarmhouse Ale
ABV8.5%
PAIRING MOVEFarmhouse ale for ceviche and seafood rice
Brewed inKansas City, Missouri

The catch pour is Tank 7: Farmhouse ale for ceviche and seafood rice.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Tank 7 earns this catch because peppery fermentation brightens citrus and herbs while high carbonation clears rice, shellfish, tuna, chile, and the dish’s savory depth. The beer’s farmhouse ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Missouri’s catch is Peruvian and deliberately inland. Ceviche, tiradito, and arroz con mariscos demonstrate that a seafood route should follow technique and community, not merely the nearest coastline.

26. Montana — Josephine’s Speakeasy

Catch order: Smoked trout cakes, mussels, and clams · Coram

Trout gives the landlocked stop a regional anchor, while mussels and clams widen the shellfish side. The cakes should taste of fish and smoke rather than breading with a trout rumor.

Moose Drool
#26 in this roundup
Beer profile

Moose Drool

Brewed by Big Sky Brewing Company

StyleAmerican Brown Ale
ABV5.1%
PAIRING MOVEBrown ale for smoked trout and shellfish
Brewed inMissoula, Montana

The catch pour is Moose Drool: Brown ale for smoked trout and shellfish.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Moose Drool earns this catch because cocoa and toast echo trout smoke while mild bitterness clears cake crust, mussel broth, clams, butter, and bread. The beer’s american brown ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Montana’s catch earns the route through smoked trout, not by pretending Glacier country is a seaport. The shellfish are guests; the trout cakes explain why the stop belongs here.

27. Nebraska — North 40 Chophouse

Catch order: Diver scallops, seafood stew, and shrimp cocktail · North Platte

A chophouse seafood order begins with cold shrimp, moves to precisely seared scallops, and ends in stew. This progression reveals whether the kitchen treats fish as more than steak-menu obligation.

Vanilla Bean Blonde
#27 in this roundup
Beer profile

Vanilla Bean Blonde

Brewed by Infusion Brewing Co.

StyleBlonde Ale
ABV4.8%
PAIRING MOVEVanilla blonde for scallops and stew
Brewed inOmaha, Nebraska

The catch pour is Vanilla Bean Blonde: Vanilla blonde for scallops and stew.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Vanilla Bean Blonde earns this catch because soft malt supports seared scallop sweetness while restrained vanilla rounds tomato or cream without turning shrimp and broth into dessert. The beer’s blonde ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Nebraska’s catch asks a steakhouse to prove its seafood discipline. Timing matters more than geography: scallops advertise every extra minute of heat, and cocktail shrimp reveal careless holding immediately.

28. Nevada — Fideua

Catch order: Seafood paella, garlic shrimp, and calamari · Las Vegas

The Spanish table starts with fried calamari, moves to garlic shrimp, and saves paella for the long finish. Proper rice texture and socarrat matter as much as the volume of shellfish.

Revision IPA
#28 in this roundup
Beer profile

Revision IPA

Brewed by Revision Brewing Company

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV6.5%
PAIRING MOVEDesert IPA for garlic, frying, and paella
Brewed inSparks, Nevada

The catch pour is Revision IPA: Desert IPA for garlic, frying, and paella.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Revision IPA earns this catch because citrus sharpens garlic and lemon while resinous bitterness clears calamari batter, shrimp oil, saffron rice, and shellfish richness. The beer’s american ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Nevada’s catch avoids buffet logic. Paella is communal and patient, rewarding rice texture, stock, and restraint instead of measuring value by how many crustaceans can be stacked on top.

29. New Hampshire — El Rincón Zacatecano

Catch order: Fish tacos, shrimp tacos, a shrimp chimichanga, and seafood fajitas · Manchester

Begin with the fish and shrimp tacos before frying and sizzling platters dominate. The chimichanga is the indulgent outlier; share it so the seafood fajitas still have an audience.

Alexandr
#29 in this roundup
Beer profile

Alexandr

Brewed by Schilling Beer Co.

StyleCzech-Style Pilsner
ABV5.0%
PAIRING MOVECzech pilsner for fish tacos and fried shrimp
Brewed inLittleton, New Hampshire

The catch pour is Alexandr: Czech pilsner for fish tacos and fried shrimp.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Alexandr earns this catch because crackery malt supports tortillas while herbal hops and carbonation clear batter, shrimp, cheese, crema, peppers, onions, and salsa. The beer’s czech-style pilsner structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: New Hampshire’s catch looks like a Mexican seafood progression rather than a New England dock menu. That difference is the point: excellent fish can enter local restaurant culture through many cuisines.

30. New Jersey — B2J Fish Soup

Catch order: Spicy fish hotpot and suancai fish · Edison

Both dishes center fish in broth, but chile heat and pickled-mustard-green acidity create different experiences. Order one shared pot unless the table has trained professionally for soup.

Head High
#30 in this roundup
Beer profile

Head High

Brewed by Kane Brewing Company

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV6.6%
PAIRING MOVEGarden State IPA for chile and pickled greens
Brewed inOcean, New Jersey

The catch pour is Head High: Garden State IPA for chile and pickled greens.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Head High earns this catch because grapefruit and firm bitterness cut fish oil and broth while citrus meets suancai acidity; a measured pour avoids magnifying hotpot heat. The beer’s american ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: New Jersey’s route stop is built for communal eating. The fish remains delicate inside an assertive broth, so ladling carefully and managing heat become part of the meal’s technique.

31. New Mexico — Sa Thai

Catch order: Fish pla lad prik, shrimp jungle noodles, and shrimp curry · Albuquerque

Crisp fish with chile sauce leads, noodles add aromatic heat, and curry supplies the richest finish. Ask for a realistic spice level because alcohol will make reckless chile decisions feel worse.

Elevated IPA
#31 in this roundup
Beer profile

Elevated IPA

Brewed by La Cumbre Brewing Company

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV7.2%
PAIRING MOVELocal IPA for fried fish and Thai chile
Brewed inAlbuquerque, New Mexico

The catch pour is Elevated IPA: Local IPA for fried fish and Thai chile.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Elevated IPA earns this catch because grapefruit and pine cut fried fish and coconut curry while sturdy malt supports noodles, shrimp, herbs, and sauce. The beer’s american ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: New Mexico’s catch does not require green chile to prove location. A respected Thai kitchen broadens the state’s seafood story while still speaking fluently in heat, acid, and aromatic herbs.

32. New York — Mr. Jones Supper Club

Catch order: Scallop crudo, tuna tartare, and cured salmon gravlax · New York City

This is the raw-and-cured stop: delicate scallop first, chopped tuna second, and seasoned salmon last. Crisp garnishes should add contrast without turning each plate into an accessory display.

Brooklyn Lager
#32 in this roundup
Beer profile

Brooklyn Lager

Brewed by Brooklyn Brewery

StyleAmber Lager
ABV5.2%
PAIRING MOVEAmber lager for raw and cured seafood
Brewed inBrooklyn, New York

The catch pour is Brooklyn Lager: Amber lager for raw and cured seafood.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Brooklyn Lager earns this catch because toasted malt supports cured salmon while floral hops and a crisp finish refresh scallop, tuna, salt, acid, herbs, and oil. The beer’s amber lager structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: New York’s catch is controlled rather than enormous. Knife work, temperature, cure, seasoning, and the order of service matter more than spectacle when the seafood arrives largely unobscured.

33. North Carolina — Harbor House Seafood Market

Catch order: A seafood boil, crab cakes, and steamed shrimp · Hatteras

The market’s order covers communal boil, formed crab cake, and barely complicated shrimp. Lemon, seasoning, and butter should enhance the catch without making all three preparations taste identical.

Hoppyum IPA
#33 in this roundup
Beer profile

Hoppyum IPA

Brewed by Foothills Brewing

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV6.2%
PAIRING MOVECarolina IPA for boil spice and crab
Brewed inWinston-Salem, North Carolina

The catch pour is Hoppyum IPA: Carolina IPA for boil spice and crab.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Hoppyum IPA earns this catch because citrus lifts shrimp and lemon while caramel malt and bitterness clear butter, crab cake crust, sausage, corn, potatoes, and seasoning. The beer’s american ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: North Carolina’s Hatteras stop puts seafood close to working-water geography. The market relationship matters: daily availability and trusted preparation beat a menu pretending every species is always in season.

34. North Dakota — India Clay Oven Bar and Grill

Catch order: Shrimp kabab masala, Balti shrimp curry, and fish curry · Bismarck

Charred shrimp, wok-like Balti sauce, and fish curry give this landlocked stop three clear preparations. Keep rice and naan available, but do not let starch dilute every sauce into sameness.

Ectogasm IPA
#34 in this roundup
Beer profile

Ectogasm IPA

Brewed by Drekker Brewing

StyleNew England IPA
ABV7.0%
PAIRING MOVESoft hazy IPA for masala and curry
Brewed inFargo, North Dakota

The catch pour is Ectogasm IPA: Soft hazy IPA for masala and curry.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Ectogasm IPA earns this catch because rounded citrus complements tomato, ginger, and herbs while gentle bitterness clears shrimp, fish, oil, rice, and moderate chile heat. The beer’s new england ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: North Dakota’s catch arrives through an Indian kitchen that treats seafood as part of a larger spice language. Geography recedes when sauce balance and cooking precision are this specific.

35. Ohio — La Jaiba Seafood and Taqueria

Catch order: Fish tacos, a shrimp burrito, ceviche, and seafood enchiladas · Cincinnati

Ceviche should open, fish tacos follow, and the burrito or enchiladas close the table. Do not attempt both large entrées alone; the portions are part of the restaurant’s reputation.

Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
#35 in this roundup
Beer profile

Edmund Fitzgerald Porter

Brewed by Great Lakes Brewing Company

StylePorter
ABV6.0%
PAIRING MOVEPorter for enchilada sauce and fried fish
Brewed inCleveland, Ohio

The catch pour is Edmund Fitzgerald Porter: Porter for enchilada sauce and fried fish.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Edmund Fitzgerald Porter earns this catch because dry roast meets browned tortilla and sauce while cocoa-like malt supports shrimp, fried fish, cheese, chile, and lime. The beer’s porter structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Ohio’s catch crosses directly back into the taco series, but the ceviche and large seafood entrées expand the stop. The menu rewards a group more than a lone completionist.

36. Oklahoma — Signature Grill

Catch order: Chilean sea bass, crab cakes, and tomato-crab bisque · Edmond

The order tests buttery fish, browned crab cake, and a concentrated soup. Ask about the halibut with crab topping when available, but do not stack every rich item into one solo dinner.

F5 IPA
#36 in this roundup
Beer profile

F5 IPA

Brewed by COOP Ale Works

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV7.1%
PAIRING MOVEStorm-country IPA for sea bass and crab
Brewed inOklahoma City, Oklahoma

The catch pour is F5 IPA: Storm-country IPA for sea bass and crab.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: F5 IPA earns this catch because grapefruit and pine cut buttery fish, crab cake crust, cream, tomato, and bisque richness while a sturdy malt core supports sear. The beer’s american ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Oklahoma’s catch is a special-occasion restaurant rather than a roadside shack. Precision earns the stop: properly cooked sea bass and halibut expose overcooking more quickly than any decorative plate can hide.

37. Oregon — Yuubi Sushi

Catch order: Dry-aged nigiri, the Pink Dragon roll, and uni-wagyu-caviar as a shared splurge · Beaverton

Start with the dry-aged nigiri before sauces and luxury toppings crowd the palate. The elaborate bite is a finale, not proof that three expensive ingredients automatically improve one another.

Black Butte Porter
#37 in this roundup
Beer profile

Black Butte Porter

Brewed by Deschutes Brewery

StylePorter
ABV5.5%
PAIRING MOVEPorter for aged fish—used selectively
Brewed inBend, Oregon

The catch pour is Black Butte Porter: Porter for aged fish—used selectively.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Black Butte Porter earns this catch because clean roast can meet dry-aged depth and eel sauce while a restrained sip clears rice; delicate white fish should be tasted before the beer. The beer’s porter structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Oregon’s catch is the route’s most technically unusual pairing. Dark beer can overwhelm sushi, so sequence matters: lighter nigiri first, richer aged fish and composed rolls beside the porter later.

38. Pennsylvania — Geronimo’s

Catch order: Sea bass ceviche, arroz con mariscos, and seafood pasta · Ambler

Cold ceviche leads into seafood rice and finally pasta. The table should choose one starch-heavy main if small; ordering both makes fresh fish compete with fullness rather than flavor.

Yuengling Traditional Lager
#38 in this roundup
Beer profile

Yuengling Traditional Lager

Brewed by D. G. Yuengling & Son

StyleAmerican Amber Lager
ABV4.5%
PAIRING MOVEAmber lager for ceviche and seafood rice
Brewed inPottsville, Pennsylvania

The catch pour is Yuengling Traditional Lager: Amber lager for ceviche and seafood rice.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Yuengling Traditional Lager earns this catch because toast supports rice and pasta while gentle bitterness and a crisp finish refresh lime, sea bass, shellfish, tomato, herbs, and oil. The beer’s american amber lager structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Pennsylvania’s catch is another Peruvian contribution, showing how immigration shapes local seafood culture. Ceviche is not a coastal souvenir here; it is part of a community’s living restaurant vocabulary.

39. Rhode Island — Hometown Poké & Bubble Tea

Catch order: A three-protein poke bowl with ahi tuna, salmon, and shrimp · Providence

The custom bowl should remain a seafood tasting, not a toppings avalanche. Use citrus ponzu, restrained crunch, and enough rice or greens to support three proteins without burying them.

Narragansett Lager
#39 in this roundup
Beer profile

Narragansett Lager

Brewed by Narragansett Beer

StyleAmerican Lager
ABV5.0%
PAIRING MOVELager for tuna, salmon, and shrimp
Brewed inProvidence, Rhode Island

The catch pour is Narragansett Lager: Lager for tuna, salmon, and shrimp.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Narragansett Lager earns this catch because clean grain and carbonation respect raw fish while clearing salmon fat, avocado, rice, ponzu, spicy mayo, and crisp toppings. The beer’s american lager structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Rhode Island takes a surprising inland-Pacific route instead of chowder and clam cakes. The choice demonstrates that contemporary local favorites matter alongside traditional regional identity.

40. South Carolina — The Jones Oyster

Catch order: Raw and chargrilled oysters, a lobster roll, chowder, and a shrimp po’ boy · Greenville

Raw oysters establish brine, chargrilled oysters add butter and smoke, and the sandwiches turn shellfish into comfort food. The chowder should be a cup, not an obstacle.

Gose
#40 in this roundup
Beer profile

Gose

Brewed by Westbrook Brewing Company

StyleGose
ABV4.0%
PAIRING MOVEGose for oysters and shellfish
Brewed inMount Pleasant, South Carolina

The catch pour is Gose: Gose for oysters and shellfish.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Gose earns this catch because lemony tartness and salt mirror oyster liquor while high carbonation clears butter, smoke, chowder, fried shrimp, dressing, and lobster richness. The beer’s gose structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: South Carolina’s catch begins with oysters because preparation changes them so dramatically. Raw and chargrilled side by side reveal freshness, salinity, smoke, and the point where butter becomes too much.

41. South Dakota — Chef Lance’s On Phillips

Catch order: Crab cakes, Parmesan-crusted halibut, and seared scallops · Sioux Falls

Three timing-sensitive preparations make this a kitchen-skills stop. Scallops should be seared but tender, halibut moist beneath the crust, and crab cakes more crab than binder.

Lion’s Paw Lager
#41 in this roundup
Beer profile

Lion’s Paw Lager

Brewed by Fernson Brewing Company

StyleAmerican Lager
ABV4.6%
PAIRING MOVEPrairie lager for delicate fish and crust
Brewed inSioux Falls, South Dakota

The catch pour is Lion’s Paw Lager: Prairie lager for delicate fish and crust.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Lion’s Paw Lager earns this catch because cracker malt supports Parmesan and crab cake browning while floral hops and carbonation clear butter, scallops, halibut, lemon, and sauce. The beer’s american lager structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: South Dakota’s catch is a formal restaurant test in a landlocked state. The kitchen earns trust by cooking expensive seafood accurately rather than distracting from it with oversized garnishes.

42. Tennessee — Uncle Larry’s

Catch order: Fried catfish, fried tilapia, hush puppies, turnip greens, and hot sauce · Chattanooga

Catfish is the essential Southern order; tilapia provides a milder comparison. Hush puppies and greens complete the plate, while hot sauce should sharpen the crust rather than soak it limp.

Tiny Bomb
#42 in this roundup
Beer profile

Tiny Bomb

Brewed by Wiseacre Brewing Company

StyleAmerican Pilsner
ABV4.5%
PAIRING MOVESouthern pilsner for a fried fish plate
Brewed inMemphis, Tennessee

The catch pour is Tiny Bomb: Southern pilsner for a fried fish plate.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Tiny Bomb earns this catch because floral hops brighten hot sauce and greens while crisp carbonation clears cornmeal crust, fish, frying oil, hush puppies, and tartar sauce. The beer’s american pilsner structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Tennessee’s catch is the route’s purest fish-fry stop. The plate succeeds through clean oil, crisp cornmeal, moist fish, seasoned sides, and the wisdom to serve it without unnecessary reinvention.

43. Texas — Mahi Nic

Catch order: A blackened mahi sandwich, shrimp tacos, and mahi ceviche · South Padre Island

Ceviche opens with cold acid, tacos bring tortilla and salsa, and the blackened sandwich closes with char and bread. Huge fries are for sharing, regardless of what the menu implies.

Electric Jellyfish
#43 in this roundup
Beer profile

Electric Jellyfish

Brewed by Pinthouse Brewing

StyleHazy IPA
ABV6.5%
PAIRING MOVEHazy IPA for blackened mahi and shrimp
Brewed inAustin, Texas

The catch pour is Electric Jellyfish: Hazy IPA for blackened mahi and shrimp.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Electric Jellyfish earns this catch because orange and mango brighten ceviche and salsa while soft bitterness clears blackening spice, shrimp, sandwich sauce, bread, and fries. The beer’s hazy ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Texas’s catch belongs on South Padre rather than in another inland steakhouse. Mahi moves through raw-marinated, taco, and sandwich formats while the Gulf setting supplies context instead of decoration.

44. Utah — Hawaiian Poké Bowl

Catch order: Sweet-and-spicy ahi, shoyu poke, and furikake salmon · St. George

Go early because sellouts reflect limited daily fish. The trio compares sweet heat, soy-forward tuna, and richer salmon, with rice and toppings kept quiet enough to preserve contrast.

Hop Rising
#44 in this roundup
Beer profile

Hop Rising

Brewed by Squatters Craft Beers

StyleDouble IPA
ABV9.0%
PAIRING MOVEDouble IPA for bold poke—carefully
Brewed inSalt Lake City, Utah

The catch pour is Hop Rising: Double IPA for bold poke—carefully.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Hop Rising earns this catch because tropical hops complement ahi and sweet spice while resin cuts salmon and avocado; high alcohol requires restraint around chile and raw fish. The beer’s double ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Utah’s catch is a desert poke shop with a freshness deadline. That sounds contradictory only until good sourcing, cold handling, and quick turnover make the bowl speak for itself.

45. Vermont — Mystico 802

Catch order: Day-boat crudo, whole branzino, and olive-oil-poached halibut · Manchester

Crudo comes first, then branzino, then the richer poached halibut. The order moves from minimal intervention to controlled fat, revealing whether the kitchen’s confidence survives every stage.

Focal Banger
#45 in this roundup
Beer profile

Focal Banger

Brewed by The Alchemist

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV7.0%
PAIRING MOVEVermont IPA for crudo and poached fish
Brewed inStowe, Vermont

The catch pour is Focal Banger: Vermont IPA for crudo and poached fish.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Focal Banger earns this catch because lean bitterness cuts olive oil and fish richness while vivid citrus supports raw seafood, herbs, lemon, crisp skin, and delicate white flesh. The beer’s american ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Vermont’s catch is refined without pretending to be coastal. The day-boat sourcing claim matters only when the crudo tastes clean and the cooked fish keeps the same respect for texture.

46. Virginia — Blue Seafood & Spirits

Catch order: Crab cakes, crab soup, and fried oysters · Virginia Beach

Virginia’s plate stays close to Chesapeake logic: formed crab, spoonable crab, and oysters in crisp coating. Taste the crab cake before sauce to judge meat, binder, and seasoning honestly.

Falcon Smash
#46 in this roundup
Beer profile

Falcon Smash

Brewed by Triple Crossing Beer

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV7.0%
PAIRING MOVERichmond IPA for crab and fried oysters
Brewed inRichmond, Virginia

The catch pour is Falcon Smash: Richmond IPA for crab and fried oysters.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Falcon Smash earns this catch because orange and stone fruit lift sweet crab while balanced bitterness clears soup cream, oyster crust, butter, seasoning, and remoulade. The beer’s american ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Virginia’s catch uses three familiar preparations as a quality audit. Crab cake and soup advertise shortcuts immediately, while fried oysters reveal whether the oil and timing are under control.

47. Washington — Bistro San Martin

Catch order: Crab cakes, jumbo prawns, Dungeness crab wild-rice soup, and diver scallops · Arlington

Dungeness soup gives the state-specific anchor, while prawns, crab cakes, and scallops test the open kitchen’s timing. Treat the changing menu as current evidence, not inconvenience.

Dark Star
#47 in this roundup
Beer profile

Dark Star

Brewed by Fremont Brewing

StyleImperial Oatmeal Stout
ABV8.0%
PAIRING MOVEOatmeal stout for Dungeness and seared seafood
Brewed inSeattle, Washington

The catch pour is Dark Star: Oatmeal stout for Dungeness and seared seafood.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Dark Star earns this catch because roast and oats meet crab soup and scallop crust while a dry finish clears butter, prawns, wild rice, and crab cake richness. The beer’s imperial oatmeal stout structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Washington’s catch has enough flavor to answer a stout, but strength still demands a shared pour. Dungeness crab and wild rice provide the bridge that makes the dark pairing plausible.

48. West Virginia — Cheetah B’s

Catch order: Shrimp scampi, coconut shrimp, and a low-country boil · Petersburg

Garlic butter, sweet fried coconut, and boil seasoning push shrimp in three directions. Start with scampi, move to the boil, and save the sweetest breaded preparation for last.

Big Timber IPA
#48 in this roundup
Beer profile

Big Timber IPA

Brewed by Big Timber Brewing Company

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV6.5%
PAIRING MOVEAppalachian IPA for shrimp three ways
Brewed inElkins, West Virginia

The catch pour is Big Timber IPA: Appalachian IPA for shrimp three ways.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Big Timber IPA earns this catch because citrus cuts garlic butter and boil spice while piney bitterness clears frying oil, coconut, sausage, corn, potatoes, and shellfish. The beer’s american ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: West Virginia’s catch is a shrimp study disguised as a generous restaurant order. The shellfish should remain tender across sautéing, frying, and boiling; technique matters more than portion size.

49. Wisconsin — Fairchild

Catch order: Halibut, snapper, and lobster bisque · Madison

The exact fish preparation may change, so ask what the kitchen is handling best. Bisque supplies the rich opening; halibut and snapper should stay moist and distinct beneath their sauces.

Spotted Cow
#49 in this roundup
Beer profile

Spotted Cow

Brewed by New Glarus Brewing Company

StyleFarmhouse Ale
ABV4.8%
PAIRING MOVEFarmhouse ale for white fish and bisque
Brewed inNew Glarus, Wisconsin

The catch pour is Spotted Cow: Farmhouse ale for white fish and bisque.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Spotted Cow earns this catch because soft fruit and lively carbonation brighten halibut and snapper while gentle grain clears lobster bisque, butter, vegetables, and sauce. The beer’s farmhouse ale structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Wisconsin’s catch chooses a contemporary Madison restaurant over the obvious Friday fish fry. That makes the entry complementary rather than disloyal: the state already knows fried fish, so this stop tests finesse.

50. Wyoming — Jalisco Mexican Grill

Catch order: Grilled shrimp tacos, Diablo shrimp, and shrimp fajitas · Evanston

Grilled tacos lead, sizzling fajitas follow, and the Diablo preparation comes last. Heat should reveal chile flavor before it becomes a dare, especially beside a strong local IPA.

Pako’s IPA
#50 in this roundup
Beer profile

Pako’s IPA

Brewed by Snake River Brewing

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV6.8%
PAIRING MOVEJackson IPA for grilled shrimp and Diablo heat
Brewed inJackson, Wyoming

The catch pour is Pako’s IPA: Jackson IPA for grilled shrimp and Diablo heat.

BAR NOTES

Why it works: Pako’s IPA earns this catch because grapefruit and pine cut shrimp, oil, tortillas, and fajita vegetables while sturdy malt supports char; alcohol requires caution with hot sauce. The beer’s american ipa structure resets seafood, sauce, and starch without making the fish disappear behind the glass.

Catch note: Wyoming ends the catch inland and unapologetically. Mexican shrimp preparations give the state a credible seafood stop without inventing a local fishery, and careful heat management keeps the final pairing enjoyable.

What the Great American Catch teaches us about beer

Pilsner and lager remain the safest seafood partners because carbonation, dry grain, and restrained bitterness respect delicate fish while clearing batter, butter, and creamy sauce. Witbier belongs beside shellfish, citrus, and chowder. Pale ale and IPA handle fried fish, blackening spice, curry, chile, and richer salmon. Gose acts like salt and lemon. Brown ale, porter, and stout need smoke, deep sear, robust sauce, or a rich soup before they stop bullying the catch.

Freshness outranks intensity. Choose the beer after identifying the dish’s controlling element: raw brine, sweet shellfish, oily fish, crisp batter, coconut curry, tomato, chile, or butter. Strong alcohol amplifies heat and can flatten delicate seafood, so the best pairing is often colder, drier, lighter, and more carbonated than the meal.

Move the beer from the cooler to the catch

Start with the full beer-battered fish collection, fry beer-battered catfish, or build beer-battered shrimp po’ boys. For the grill, make garlic-herb beer shrimp skewers; for the easiest table, boil peel-and-eat shrimp in beer.

KEEP THE FLIGHT GOING

Keep the Great American beer-and-food tour moving

The shells are cracked, the paper is butter-stained, and another state still has a catch worth ordering.

Karl S
BEHIND THE BAR

Written by Karl S

Lead marketer, brewer, dad, and husband. Pretty much an all-round awesome guy. Self proclaimed coffee addict who's been home brewing beer (among other things) for 25+ yrs. Also an aspiring pro-brewer and micro-brewery owner!

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