OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Monday, April 7 is National Beer Day, a celebration of one of the world’s oldest and most-loved beverages.

According to NationalDayCalendar.com, beer dates back as far as 9500 BC and remains the third most popular drink globally – right behind water and tea.

“For a quart of ale is a meal for a king” – William Shakespeare

Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking for a reason to cheers, Ocala has two spots ready to serve up perfect beer and food pairings: Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar and Mellow Mushroom.

We spoke with Karlie Munz, executive director of Swamp Dawg Restaurant Management Group, and she gave some suggestions for food and beer pairings.

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar: Seafood & Suds

Love seafood? Pair it with a cold brew and elevate your taste buds.

On Tap:

  • Kona Big Wave – A tropical golden ale that’s a smooth match for seafood.
  • Michelada – House-made Bloody Mary mix with Mexican lager, garnished with a raw oyster, spicy olives, and a chili-lime rim.
  • You’re My Boy Blue (Florida Ave) – A blueberry wheat ale with a hint of sweetness.
Try a Michelada with one of Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar’s seafood samplers. Courtesy: Swamp Dawg Restaurant Management Group, LLC

Pair It With:

  • Oyster Sampler – Raw, chargrilled, and Shackafeller (topped with creamy spinach and tomato basil pesto).
  • Seafood Trio – Sharkbite Shrimp, crispy calamari, and signature cold crab dip.
  • Seafood Sampler – Steamed clams, shrimp, and crab legs. Dive in!

Mellow Mushroom: Pizza, Pretzels & Pints

Craving comfort food? Mellow Mushroom brings bold flavor and fun pairings.

On Tap:

  • Orange Blossom Pilsner – Crisp and floral, great for rich dishes.
  • 3 Daughters Pineapple Cider – Fruity and refreshing with a tropical twist.
Mellow Mushroom’s Cloud 9 Wings and Holy Shiitake Pizza pair well with crisp florals and fruity flavors. Courtesy: Swamp Dawg Restaurant Management Group, LLC

Pair It With:

  • Holy Shiitake Pizza – Loaded with mushrooms, caramelized onions, garlic aioli, and a touch of truffle oil.
  • Cloud 9 Wings – Garlic Parmesan wings with a kick, served with celery and your choice of ranch or bleu cheese.
  • Pretzel Bites – Classic dough tossed in garlic butter and Parmesan, served with your choice of regular or spicy PBR™ beer cheese.

So, make your plans to raise a glass (and a shrimp or slice) in celebration of what William Shakespeare once called, “a meal for a king.”

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