Beer for BYO restaurants

I think we've seen a lot of recommendations for wine when going to a BYO restaurant, but not too many suggestions for beer. Any general tips on what styles of beer could be good for BYO restaurants?

In particular, I'm heading to Schwa in a couple of weeks and my dining companion isn't a huge fan of wine, though she does like beer. Here is the current menu -- any suggestions for possible pairings?

Thanks,
dan

Assuming it's the nine-course, for the oysters and favas, I'd go with something light, like a hefeweizen (or a Berliner weisse, if you like tartness). Might work well for the quail egg ravioli, too. For the seafood, I'd go for a basic pale ale. The sweetbreads and lamb might get you into nut brown ale territory. Then maybe a stout for the cheese/dessert course.

Others may have better suggestions.

You might want to consider a Saison. They are very food-friendly, and are "in season" to boot.

Saison Dupont is a well-known example and should be readily available, but certainly others would work just as well (or better).

I like Blue Moon, especially so for Summer meals. This beer is "Belgian-style" wheat ale, unfiltered and spiced with coriander and orange peel - and it can be purchased throughout the city.

Bill wrote:I like Blue Moon, especially so for Summer meals. This beer is "Belgian-style" wheat ale, unfiltered and spiced with coriander and orange peel - and it can be purchased throughout the city.

A witbier is a good alternative to the hefeweizen mentioned above, although I think the Coors' version of a witbier (aka Blue Moon) is a poor substitute for a real witbier, like Hoegaarden. There are decent domestic versions, though, like Allagash White, and Ommegang Witte.

With spicy food I'm especially fond of an IPA. Great Lakes burning river and Dogfish head 90 min. are two current favorites. These work well with barbecue too.

JamPhil wrote:You might want to consider a Saison. They are very food-friendly, and are "in season" to boot.

Saison Dupont is a well-known example and should be readily available, but certainly others would work just as well (or better).

I'd second this, if you only want to choose one beer for the entire meal, I'd make it a Saison, the Saison Dupont is easy to find, and quite good.