We've been there, done that with the beer, wine and whiskey flights. They're wonderful (because more of anything is usually better), but we're ready for something new. So feast your eyes and quench your thirst with these six offbeat flights, from mini martinis to full-on meat meals with beers to wash them down.
LUCK
3011 Gulden Lane, Suite 112 (Trinity Groves)
Asian hangout LUCK goes full-tilt with its weird pairings about once a month. With events that offer anything from gourmet doughnuts from Glazed Donut Works and Girl Scout Cookies to hand-rolled tamales alongside complimentary beers, their inventive duos will keep you guessing. Pairings run about $18-$20 and can be found on LUCK's Facebook page.
Perry's Steakhouse
all locations
One of the pioneers of cocktail flights, Perry's Steakhouse gives diners the chance to try three of its signature cocktails (changed occasionally) with its Pick Three Mini Martinis option for $15, the same price as of one of the signature cocktails. We love this because you can find your favorite, then commit to a full-size sip.
Braindead Brewing
2625 Main Street (Deep Ellum), braindeadbrewing.com
Beer is good. Bacon is great. So when you find a spot that will pair unique combinations of the two, it's worth trying. Braindead Brewing used to offer an occasional beer and bacon flight but finally added it to the menu thanks to its popularity. Expect four helpings of house-cured "bacon" (pork, beef, lamb and duck) to be served with four housemade beers (4.5-5 oz. each) for $15.
Stonedeck Pizza Pub
2613 Elm Street (Deep Ellum), stonedeckpizzapub.com
Deep Ellum pizza pub Stonedeck decided to move away from traditional flights. It has more than 40 moonshine options under its roof (some made in house), and offers the chance to try three for $10. Just make sure you go during the pizza buffet so you don't get too much of your "shine on."
Pakpao
1628 Oak Lawn Ave., No. 120, pakpao.argconcepts.com
Pakpao, the Thai spot that recently expanded to the suburbs, offers a three-pairing flight of beer and jerky. For $15, you can get three 5-ounce pours (IPA, pale ale, dark lager) to help you choke down generous bits of salty Thai, massaman, and sweet and sour tamarind jerky, made in house, of course.
IdleRye
2826 Elm Street, idlerye.com
The bartenders at IdleRye in Deep Ellum are anything but idle, thanks to the two cocktail flights offered on its bar menu. For $25-$30, you can get three similarly themed cocktails to sip and compare — the Kickstand Mohawk/Nine Lives/Smoke and Mirrors or the Barrel-Aged option.