How to Pair Cocktails with Seafood Like a Pro

Pairing wine with seafood is an art and a science. It can be the difference between a "good" meal and an "unforgettable" one. At Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar, we think every plate tells a story, and we're lucky enough to get to supply the perfect drink to complete the tale.

From a Champagne cork's first pop to the last sip of a big, buttery Chardonnay, the perfect drink can elevate every bite. A dry white will match oysters' briny brightness, a tart gin cocktail will add a citrus punch to sweet shrimp, and a big red will enhance salmon's smoky richness.

Seafood dishes range from light and delicate to rich and indulgent, but whatever you're savoring, whether it's raw oysters, spicy seafood, or a crab cake, the right wine or cocktail will take the flavors to the next level, make the textures pop, and leave your experience at our upscale seafood restaurant in Minneapolis truly special. And here, with a menu inspired by coastal flavors and a bar team that knows their craft, you'll find the perfect pairing is always within reach.

Why Pairing Wine and Cocktails with Seafood Matters

The cocktail or glass of wine you choose at a seafood restaurant is not just a requirement of good table manners, it's a flavor enhancer. The right pairing can make scallops taste sweeter, oysters brinier, and lobster richer.

The wrong pairing will either overpower delicate flavors or make a dish taste flat. Seafood is a wonderfully diverse menu option, which means a plate of raw oysters has completely different beverage pairing needs than fried calamari, while smoked salmon calls for something different than a shrimp hush puppy.

At Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar, our team takes pride in crafting thoughtful food and drink pairings that highlight the freshness and flavor of every dish. Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar's menu is coastal-inspired, but our seafood dishes range from light and fresh to rich and indulgent, so our guests have the ideal environment to explore wine pairings and try cocktails that surprise and delight.

General Rules for Seafood & Beverage Pairing

Rules are made to be broken (especially when you have a friendly bartender to help you do it) but below are a few foolproof guidelines from our cocktail and food pairing guide. Our wine pairings for restaurant menu selections are designed to complement each dish, from the lightest oysters to the richest crab cakes, enhancing every bite with just the right balance of acidity, sweetness, or spice. Think of these as your starting point to help you navigate the menu with confidence while leaving plenty of room for delicious detours. 

Light & fresh seafood → bright white wines

Oysters with Muscadet or sauvignon blanc are perfect, as the acidity and minerality are a match made in heaven. 

Fried seafood → crisp or citrus-forward drinks

Opt for cava, lagers, or a zesty margarita to cut through the richness. 

Rich or creamy dishes → oaked whites or sparkling rosé

Try a wine that balances the creaminess without overpowering the dish. 

Spicy seafood → off-dry whites, gin cocktails, or tropical drinks

Riesling, mojitos, or passionfruit cocktails can tame the heat while keeping the flavors bright. 

Smoked fish or crab → light reds, dry vermouth, or herbaceous cocktails

Pinot noir or a rosemary gin fizz can be brilliant with smoky, savory flavors.

While wine pairing rules can serve as a helpful guide, our bartenders love to help guests discover pairings that break tradition in the best way – the kind that surprises your palate, sparks conversation, and turns a great meal into a memorable experience.

Boardwalk Starters: What to Sip With Our Seafood Small Plates and Sandwiches

Bright and salty, deep and rich, our small plates provide the ideal starting point for inventive pairings. Match each starter to a drink that makes it taste its best. 

Oysters — $4 Each

Dry Muscadet, brut Champagne, or a crisp gin martini.

The mineral-driven profile of Muscadet or Champagne mirrors the brininess of East Coast oysters. For cocktail lovers, a gin martini's botanical notes add sophistication without overpowering. 

Steamed Mussels — $17

Sancerre or Belgian-style wheat beer.

Garlic, cream, and white wine broth call for a wine with acidity and herbaceous charm, like Sancerre. A Belgian wheat beer brings a soft, citrusy counterpoint. 

Shrimp Hush Puppies — $16

Wondering what cocktail goes with shrimp? Sparkling rosé or a citrus-forward daiquiri.

The bubbles and berry notes of rosé contrast the fried texture, while a limey daiquiri brightens up the shrimp's natural sweetness.

Calamari — $18

Vermentino or dry prosecco.

Vermentino's zesty citrus and herbal lift complement lemony, olive mayo-dipped calamari. Prosecco offers a playful, palate-cleansing sparkle. 

Crab Cake — $24

Lightly oaked Chardonnay or a lemon-basil vodka cocktail.

The buttery richness of crab loves Chardonnay's balance of cream and acid. For a twist, try a vodka cocktail with lemon and basil to bring a garden-fresh pop. 

The Fish — $24

Pilsner or New Zealand sauvignon blanc

This seafood sandwich consists of beer-battered halibut, tartare sauce, lettuce, and tomato standouts with a light pilsner malt that echoes the batter. Sauvignon blanc's citrusy zip cuts through the richness, making it a perfect example of how to pair drinks with seafood.

Smoked & Rich Starters: Going Beyond Whites

Not all starters require a crisp white. Some are at their best matched with an off-beat libation that has a little more depth and complexity. Try one of our smoked or intensely flavored dishes with something off the beaten path, where spirited whites, aromatic spirits, and even a smoky cocktail shine. 

Hot Smoked Salmon — $18

Chablis or cucumber gin cocktail.

A crisp Chablis or refreshing cucumber gin cocktail is an unbeatable drink pairing with salmon, especially our rich, hot-smoked version. Chablis's crisp minerality keeps the richness in check, while cucumber gin cocktails cool and refresh. 

Crispy Cauliflower — $16

Dry Riesling or spicy mezcal margarita.

A vegetable-forward dish can shine with a touch of sweetness or smoke. Riesling offers brightness, while mezcal brings earthy depth and gentle heat.

Non-Seafood Sandwiches? We've Got Pairings for Those Too

Don't eat seafood? No problem, we have perfectly paired sips for our non-seafood sandwiches, too. Bold, hearty flavors go hand in hand (and by that, we mean fork) with the right wine, craft beer, or classic cocktail. 

The Chicken — $16

Zinfandel or a bourbon sour.

For this buttermilk-fried with pimento cheese and hot honey winner, Zinfandel is the sure bet. It amplifies the sweet-spicy combo, while a bourbon sour mirrors the richness with a tangy twist. 

The Cuban — $18

Amber lager or rye whiskey cocktail.

Pork shoulder, Swiss, mustard – the perfect combination. The lager keeps it crisp, while rye whiskey adds spice and warmth.

The Blue Cow — $26

Malbec or Manhattan.

Combine flat iron steak, horseradish mayo, and blue cheese with either a Malbec or a Manhattan. Both options hold up beautifully to bold, savory flavors.

Salads Can Be Pairing Superstars Too

Bright, light, and bursting with flavor, these salads are proof positive that smart pairings aren't just the domain of seafood and entrées. Give one of these a perfect wine or cocktail match and they spring to life, becoming dynamic dishes that won't be outshone at your table. 

Watermelon Salad — $16

Rosé or citrus spritz.

Arugula, ricotta salata, and pistachio gremolata combine with a rosé or citrus spritz for a light and refreshing taste, making it perfect for summer. 

Caprese — $17

Pinot grigio or sparkling Lambrusco.

Burrata and heirloom tomatoes are wonderful on their own but paired with either of these wines and they take the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of burrata over the top.

Caesar — $15

Chardonnay or gin & tonic.

Anchovy, lemon, and croutons are complemented with a light chardonnay, while a gin & tonic adds a crisp botanical lift.

Final Pairing Tips from the Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar Team

Ask your server or bartender. They know the menu inside out and can guide you toward the perfect wine and cocktail pairings. And here are some other tips:

• Experiment with wine flights. This is the easiest way to explore the best wine for fish, seafood dinner drinks, and even wine for spicy food. You can also browse our carefully curated restaurant wine list to find your own perfect match for any seafood dish.
• Mix it up across the meal. Start with bubbles, move to a white or rosé, and finish with a digestif. 
• Don't skip cocktails. Cocktails that pair with fish, like gin martinis, citrus spritzes, and tropical rum drinks, can be just as satisfying as wine.

Whether you prefer wine, beer, or a creative cocktail, our bar team is ready to guide you toward the best drinks with dinner to match your seafood choice.

If you're planning a night out at an upscale seafood restaurant in Minneapolis, explore the Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar menu or check out our lunch menu for midday pairings. For special occasions, our private events team can design a custom food and drink experience.

Your Perfect Seafood Pairing Awaits

Pairing wine with seafood isn't about memorizing every wine pairing rule, it's about enhancing your meal and enjoying the moment. Whether you follow the classics from our seafood and wine guide or try something bold from our cocktail list, Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is here to help you sip and savor like a pro and leave with a memory that stays long after the last bite.

Reserve your table now at Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar and let us craft a meal where every bite and sip work in harmony.