IHOP tests beer, wine, champagne with alcohol menu in some restaurants

You might be able to have a mimosa with your next IHOP order of pancakes or a beer with a burger.

The International House of Pancakes is branching out from its signature breakfast items with a new alcoholic beverages menu at select locations in New Mexico and California.

IHOP’s “Bubbles, Wine & Brews” menu was introduced at three select restaurants in San Diego and New Mexico earlier this month, and there are plans to expand to New York, Rhode Island, Maryland, Ohio and additional states in the coming months, according to a news release.

The menu has mimosas and wines from Barefoot by the glass and beer from Bud Light, Blue Moon and Corona.

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During the test, local restaurants may “feature locally brewed beer and wines for a curated, local taste of the region,” IHOP said, noting the menu is available for dine-in only and prices vary by location.

IHOP President Jay Johns said in a statement that a company survey of 1,000 adults in July showed this was the “perfect time” to launch an alcohol beverage menu and “gauge excitement about these new offerings.”

Johns said the survey found 66% of recent customers and 58% of customers ages 21-34 “have been craving an alcoholic beverage” to go with their IHOP meal.

“As we continue to focus and expand on our daytime and evening menu options, adult beverages offer a terrific innovation and evolution to enjoy IHOP for every occasion,” Johns said.

Last fall, IHOP introduced “IHOPPY Hour,” a happy hour that lasted eight hours. Alcohol was not a part of the special menu.

IHOP menu pairings

IHOP offered a few menu pairings recommended by its culinary team:

  • Barefoot Bubbly Mimosa  with IHOP’s Original French Toast
  • Barefoot Chardonnay with IHOP’s Southwest Chicken Burrito or Bowl
  • IHOP’s Sirloin Steak Tips with Barefoot’s Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Corona Extra with IHOP’s Spicy Poblano Omelette

Follow Leah Romero on Twitter: @rromero_leah.

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