When you're having dinner with friends or family at your favorite restaurant, pairing your meal with a crisp, refreshing beer can elevate the experience. IPA or Indian pale ale, is a popular style of beer that's known for a distinct flavor that accentuates the ingredient, hops. If you're curious about IPA styles, here's a list of options to order from the bar next time you're dining out. 

4 Popular IPA Beers to Try at Dinner

1. English

English IPA was initially invented to ensure beer could endure a long journey by sea from London to India. Hops have a preservative quality ideal for a long shelf life. That said, the overall flavor of an English IPA is closer to malt as opposed to hops. Golden brown or amber in color, this beer has notes of biscuits and toffee with a flowery aroma. English IPA also has a lower ABV compared to other pale ales. 

2. New England

New England IPAs are known for their juicy, fruity flavor. These hops-heavy beers incorporate hops later in the process to ensure a smooth finish and the overall look is an opaque yellow to golden orange. Popular ingredients and flavor profiles for a New England beer are citrus, orange, mango, and passionfruit. 

3. Sour

Sour IPA is an adventurous rendition of New England IPA that uses a yeast called lactobacillus which creates sour notes. This beer is often infused with both fruit and spices like vanilla. During the brewing process, these flavors combine with hops to create a fun and funky beer that's sweet, sour, and floral. Sour beers pair nicely with cured meats and other rich proteins. When you're having steak or a burger and fries for dinner, a sour IPA can be a great counterpoint.  

4. West Coast

West Coast IPA uses plenty of hops and yeast to create a very hop-forward beer that has invitingly bitter notes. These beers, which appear golden to amber red, are known for a signature flavor that's classically piney with hints of citrus, floral, grass, and orange peel. Also known as an American IPA, this style of beer is incredibly versatile and goes well with a dinner of chicken wings, pizza, or steak and potatoes.

If you're looking for a welcoming restaurant and bar that serves a variety of IPAs to pair with your dinner, The Diner at Sugar Hill is the place to go. Conveniently located in the heart of Sugar Hill, GA, this local mainstay has welcomed diners from across Suwanee, Gwinnett, and Forsyth County since 2009. To learn about their current beer list, call today at (770) 831-0180. For more information on their catering options and delicious, yet comforting meals, visit their website.