Steak dinners are great, and ties are nice.
But when it comes to thanking the dad in your life, we think you can do better.
If Dad loves good food and drinks, there are plenty of fun options, from learning to create a beautiful cocktail to a box of brunch goodies to satisfy his sweet tooth.
Here are five great options for Dad this Father’s Day.
A Jersey Shore beer tour
Join other beer aficionados for a small-group brewery tour by City Brew Tours, which offers two tours between three and five hours that visit three or four breweries and feature various beer styles, lunch, snacks and swag (starting at $85).
Participating breweries have included Alternate Ending Beer Co. in Aberdeen, Jughandle Brewing Company in Tinton Falls, The Whitechapel Projects in Long Branch, and Bradley Brew Project in Bradley Beach.
Go: 732-217-4673, citybrewtours.com/jerseyshore.
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A private cocktail class
Does Dad love a good cocktail? He can learn to make one Friday, July 19, at 618 Restaurant in Freehold Borough. The restaurant’s mixologists will lead a cocktail class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., when participants will learn to create three drinks ($99 per person, includes light food and a goodie bag).
The class coincides with the launch of 618’s new private barrel bourbon from Maker’s Mark, which will be available for purchase ($65 the day of the class). To further elevate Dad’s cocktail game, add a 618-branded glass decanter set, tequila tasting set or a wooden smoke top for smoking cocktails at home ($30 to $60).
Go: 618 Park Ave., Freehold Borough: 732-577-0001, 618nj.com.
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A box of brunch goodies
If Dad likes to sleep in — and has a sweet tooth — this is a gift he will love to wake up to.
The brunch box from Brownstone Pancake Factory includes 10 Belgian waffles, 15 mini pancakes, 16 churro French toast squares and toppings to dress them up: peanut butter, chocolate, vanilla, caramel and raspberry sauces; maple syrup; Nutella; crushed Oreos; sprinkles; candy; Fruity Pebbles, Twinkies and Pop Tarts ($84.95).
Go: 979 Cedar Bridge Ave. in Brick and 3445 Route 9 in Freehold Township; 201-945-4800; brownstonepancakefactory.com.
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A taco omakase dinner
Adventurous foodie dads will be thrilled you snagged a reservation for the 10-course taco omakase experience at Asbury Park’s Barrio Costero. Chef Anthony Bustamante will highlight four regions of Mexico — the Yucatan Peninsula, Veracruz, Valley of Mexico and Chiapas — in his dishes, which will be served at the restaurant’s chef counter.
The omakase style of dining means the chef determines what is served, so no ordering is required. The meal will be served three different nights: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20; 6 and 9 p.m. Friday, June 21; and 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23. Cost is $200 per person; three cocktails are included.
Go: 610 Bangs Ave. in Asbury Park; 732-455-5554, barriocostero.com.
A box of burgers
Dads and grilling go hand in hand, and the grill box from Burger 25 has everything he needs.
The restaurant’s burger package includes a dozen 6-once fresh Angus beef patties, secret seasoning. 24 slices of cheese and 12 Martin’s Famous Potato Buns ($48).
Go: 199 Route 37 East in Toms River, 732-270-0025, and 1915 Long Beach Blvd. in Ship Bottom, 609-879-2525; burger25.com.
Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Father’s Day: Jersey Shore food gifts to give dad
