Best Food For Poker Night

Mikey's Kitchen

1. Best Food For Poker Nightclubs
2. Best Food For Poker Night Lottery

This blog covers food recipes for guys, though it offers great food tips for everyone.

Drink of the Week

Oct 17, 2019 If I was going to have a poker party, though, I would have to serve food with it. I checked with some of my card-playing friends to see what kinds of things might work. Pretzels were the universal answer—It seems you don’t want anything sticky or greasy, lest you mess up the cards. Cooking for the dude's poker night It's cliche - as the lady of the house, I get to cook a whole meal for the poker night crew of dudes and then not get to eat it. It has to be the standard fare - chili, pork bbq, pizza, etc. Nothing interesting. Aug 20, 2018 This sandwich doubles up on melty cheese, but the star of the show is the sweet and salty date-bacon jam. It makes for a truly grown-up version of grilled cheese. —Kathy Cooper, Tucson, Arizona.

Top 10 Best Foods For Poker Tournaments Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, acai berries, strawberries, etc. Are great and contain high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients. These help to enhance blood flow to the brain and promote neural activity.

Every week Bob Westal whips up a new drink recipe, from the classics we all love to new recipes to try out when you're out or at home.

Best Burgers

What's beefy, cheesy, and greasy all over? Thrillist takes a look at America's most bodacious burgers.

Games to Avoid During a Hangover

Here’s a great list of games that aren’t a great fit with a hangover.

Food & Drink Home | Grub for Guys | Beer Reviews | Drink Recipes | Essential Cocktails | Fast Food | Romantic Dinners | Snacks | Tailgating | Wine Reviews

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One of the easiest ways to impress a date is to cook her a great meal. For those of you who cringe at the thought of cracking a recipe book and dicing vegetables all afternoon, Mike Farley has two words of advice: chill out. There are all sorts of easy meals and snacks that you can cook up for your girl or, yes, for poker night with the boys. That's right -- why not ditch the chips and pretzels and offer your buddies some loaded potato skins or grilled buffalo tenders? After all, while whipping something up in the kitchen takes more work than grabbing a couple bagged snacks off the grocery store shelf, your guests and your taste buds will all agree that it was worth it. Dig in!
You can also get more ideas on grub for guys by checking out Mike's food blog at Mikey's Kitchen and on Twitter @FoodForMen.

March Madness Spread
March 19, 2013

It's too late to change your bracket, but you can still mix things up in the kitchen with these quick and delicious snacks.

Holiday appetizers
Updated: December 19, 2012

If your idea of holiday party food is a bag of flavored potato chips and the good pork rinds, let Mike help you make some awesome holiday appetizers that will knock the socks off your guests.

Super Bowl Spread IV
February 2, 2012

Mike Farley spices up your party with our Super Bowl Spread IV, featuring queso meatballs, pizza potato skins and more.

Beef Tenderloin
December 19, 2011

Treat yourself this Christmas with a memorable meal like Mike's beef tenderloin with horseradish dipping sauce.

Green Chile Burger
June 24, 2011

Add some Southwestern flair to your next cookout with Mike's spicy Green Chile Burger.

Super Bowl Spread III

February 3, 2011

Chips? Pizza? Burgers? Your stomach and your guests will thank you for getting a little creative this year with some Buffalo Chicken Nachos or Brat and Wisconsin Cheddar Mini Pizzas.

Chili for Dudes 101
November 4, 2010

The calendar has turned to fall, a chill is in the air, football season is in full swing..must be chili time! Mike's traditional chili and white chicken chili both bring plenty of flavor and heat.

Quesadilla Fiesta!
September 28, 2010

Quesadillas for breakfast? Check out Mike's instructions for making a Breakfast Quesadilla as well as Spicy Chicken and Cheeseburger versions.

Cajun chicken fettuccine
August 26, 2010

It may be a clogged artery waiting to happen..but damn, is fettuccine alfredo good! If you like your meals with a little kick, try Mike's Cajun chicken fettuccine.

Peanut Butter and Banana Burger with beer greens
July 29, 2010

Burgers are the most basic of summer foods, but they can get a little stale if you're just dealing with meat on the grill. Mike adds peanut butter and bananas for an unusual but tasty burger.

Fourth of July Hot Dog Spread
July 1, 2010

Instead of serving the same ol' dogs at your Fourth of July party, try dressing them up a bit. Mike lays out his Chili, Chicago-style and Buffalo dogs.

Pasta salad trio
June 3, 2010

Think pasta salad is too girly? Dude-friendly dishes like buffalo chicken pasta and cold sesame noodles will put hair on your chest and pleasure in your belly.

Chicken-fried hamburger
April 27, 2010

They say it tastes like..well, try it and see! Mike channels his inner good ol' boy with this recipe.

St. Patty's Day reuben
March 16, 2010

Corned beef takes center stage this time of year, and Mike delivers a St. Patty's Reuben using coleslaw instead of the traditional sauerkraut. Eat, drink and be Irish!

Chicken, bean & spinach stew
February 24, 2010

With winter winding down, Mike offers up a stew that will warm up the remaining chilly days while helping you burn off the spare tire you've been working on all winter.

Super Bowl Spread II
February 4, 2010

Best Food For Poker Nightclubs

The food is almost as important as the game on Super Bowl Sunday. Spice up your party with Mike's Buffalo Turkey Meatballs, Steak Bites, Olive Poppers, Smoky Chipotle Dip and Fiery Snack Mix!

Hot meals perfect for cold months
December 30, 2009

Mike offers up a Dude Stew and Kickass Chicken & Rice knowing that you'll need something to keep you warm and nourished when you're watching all the bowl games and NFL Playoffs.

You've got all that leftover turkey. Now what?
November 25, 2009

Don't waste that bird when Turkey Day passes. Mike offers a five-pack of recipes for your leftover fixin's, including breakfast hash, a Big Easy-style sandwich and pizza topped with potatoes.

Halloween candy special(10/27/2009)
Candy is dandy, especially around Halloween. Mike names the best, worst and healthiest candy of the season, in case you want to cherry pick your kid’s treat haul.

February 3, 2011

Chips? Pizza? Burgers? Your stomach and your guests will thank you for getting a little creative this year with some Buffalo Chicken Nachos or Brat and Wisconsin Cheddar Mini Pizzas.

Chili for Dudes 101
November 4, 2010

The calendar has turned to fall, a chill is in the air, football season is in full swing..must be chili time! Mike's traditional chili and white chicken chili both bring plenty of flavor and heat.

Quesadilla Fiesta!
September 28, 2010

Quesadillas for breakfast? Check out Mike's instructions for making a Breakfast Quesadilla as well as Spicy Chicken and Cheeseburger versions.

Cajun chicken fettuccine
August 26, 2010

It may be a clogged artery waiting to happen..but damn, is fettuccine alfredo good! If you like your meals with a little kick, try Mike's Cajun chicken fettuccine.

Peanut Butter and Banana Burger with beer greens
July 29, 2010

Burgers are the most basic of summer foods, but they can get a little stale if you're just dealing with meat on the grill. Mike adds peanut butter and bananas for an unusual but tasty burger.

Fourth of July Hot Dog Spread
July 1, 2010

Instead of serving the same ol' dogs at your Fourth of July party, try dressing them up a bit. Mike lays out his Chili, Chicago-style and Buffalo dogs.

Pasta salad trio
June 3, 2010

Think pasta salad is too girly? Dude-friendly dishes like buffalo chicken pasta and cold sesame noodles will put hair on your chest and pleasure in your belly.

Chicken-fried hamburger
April 27, 2010

They say it tastes like..well, try it and see! Mike channels his inner good ol' boy with this recipe.

St. Patty's Day reuben
March 16, 2010

Corned beef takes center stage this time of year, and Mike delivers a St. Patty's Reuben using coleslaw instead of the traditional sauerkraut. Eat, drink and be Irish!

Chicken, bean & spinach stew
February 24, 2010

With winter winding down, Mike offers up a stew that will warm up the remaining chilly days while helping you burn off the spare tire you've been working on all winter.

Super Bowl Spread II
February 4, 2010

Best Food For Poker Nightclubs

The food is almost as important as the game on Super Bowl Sunday. Spice up your party with Mike's Buffalo Turkey Meatballs, Steak Bites, Olive Poppers, Smoky Chipotle Dip and Fiery Snack Mix!

Hot meals perfect for cold months
December 30, 2009

Mike offers up a Dude Stew and Kickass Chicken & Rice knowing that you'll need something to keep you warm and nourished when you're watching all the bowl games and NFL Playoffs.

You've got all that leftover turkey. Now what?
November 25, 2009

Don't waste that bird when Turkey Day passes. Mike offers a five-pack of recipes for your leftover fixin's, including breakfast hash, a Big Easy-style sandwich and pizza topped with potatoes.

Halloween candy special(10/27/2009)
Candy is dandy, especially around Halloween. Mike names the best, worst and healthiest candy of the season, in case you want to cherry pick your kid’s treat haul.

Ham, olive and three-cheese grilled cheese sandwich(09/23/2009)
Add a cup of tomato soup to this variation on an old favorite, and you've got hearty comfort food in a flash. Mike's buddy Matty pounds them down three at a time, but your cardiologist says a little restraint never hurt.

Meat and Potatoes II(08/27/2009)
Ready for the next level? Mike started out slowly, teaching you the basics of meat-n-potatoes cooking. Now he brings recipes for Flank Steak with Grilled Tomato Salsa and Twice Baked Potatoes, tasty twists on the old standards. Fire up the grill, oven and food processor, as you add to your culinary repertoire.

Fresh Summer Grilling(07/30/2009)
Summertime cooking isn't just all dogs 'n' burgers, or some type of meat slathered in BBQ sauce. Mike presents recipes that add sweetness and spice, like chicken with pineapple and jalapeno salsa, and that other white meat (pork, of course) marinated in lime juice and served as a taco.

Guy guzpacho(06/29/2009)
Cold pizza? Sure. Cold meatloaf sandwich? A real treat. But what about cold soup? If you thought it was only for orphans and prisoners in a dungeon, think again. Mike's Guy Guzpacho recipe is an intentionally cold tomato-based soup that makes for a great summer meal.

Meatball stuffed eggplant(05/28/2009)
No, an eggplant doesn't come from a chicken, but you can use poultry in this recipe that brings together an unusual vegetable with turkey meatballs. Mike shows how a little time in the kitchen, along with a prepared food, equals homemade goodness.

One healthy turkey sandwich(04/17/2009)
Mike marries tasty turkey with good-fat avocado (via guacamole) in this sandwich on whole-grain bread. Add crispy bacon and lettuce and you've got a meal that's crunchy, smooth and not too bad on the arteries. Limit yourself one or two beers and you're happy while eating healthy.

Blackjack pizza & salads englewood co. Slow cooker beef stew with beer (Yum, beer!)(03/03/2009)
A slow cooker isn't the first appliance you think of when imagining a guy's kitchen gadgetry, but Mike says crock pots aren't only for girls. His beef stew with beer recipe fills the air with a hearty aroma and the stomach with a tasty meal, and best of all, it can cook while you watch the game!

Super Bowl Spread I: Slow Roasted BBQ Ribs, Spicy Salami Sliders, Killer Taco Dip, Veggie Panini and Savory Cilantro Chili Corn Muffins(01/28/2009)
Aren't you tired of serving the same old grub at your Super Bowl party? Chips, pretzels, pizza, wings..blah, blah, blah. Mike's Super Bowl Spread will help you get creative for this year's game with easy recipes for BBQ ribs, Spicy Salami Sliders, Killer Taco Dip and more. Eat up!

Looking To Lose That Holiday Weight? Mikey's Cobb Salad, Grilled Buffalo Tenders, Cheese/Peanut Butter Squares and more(01/16/2009)
Chances are you put on a few (or more) pounds over the holidays. For those looking to shed some of that extra weight in the New Year, Mike offers up a tasty selection of low-carb options that will make life a bit easier when you're trying to shrink that gut.

Thanksgiving dinner: Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy for the common dude(11/20/2008)
Guys usually leave the cooking to someone else on Thanksgiving, but Mike presents recipes for the classic turkey dinner with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and ensures us that it's not too complicated, even for the novice cook. Just be sure to save room for pumpkin pie.

So you have a hangover? Hangover Soup and Bloody Mary(10/23/2008)
What helps when your head feels like it's packed in a vice with a bag of cotton balls in your mouth? Some protein, some fluid and a bit o' the hair of the dog. Mike Farley comes up with recipes for Hangover Soup and a Bloody Mary to turn down the volume on the boom-boom-boom of the morning after.

Chipotle Mac & Cheese and Tex-Mex Meatballs with Spicy Tomatillo Sauce(09/25/2008)
The term 'comfort food' conjures up images of mac and cheese, chicken soup or maybe meatloaf and mashed potatoes. But comfortable doesn't mean bland. Mike adds a spicy twist to a couple of old favorites in dishes that bring the heat while satisfying the soul: chipotle mac & cheese and Tex-Mex meatballs.

Cheeseburger Wellington(09/04/2008)
It sounds damn fancy, but hey, it's just a cheeseburger. Mike dreams up a taste treat and emerged from the test kitchen with his Cheeseburger Wellington, using puff pastry instead of a bun and ground beef in place of filet mignon. On the side, he adds home fries. Greasy, salty, but oh, so good.

Quick & easy grilling(08/12/2008)
Your backyard grill can become a source of interesting and easy foods, beyond the basics of burned beef. Mike Farley offers up recipes for chicken, pork and shrimp, and some marinades and spices to season them. And don't forget what Mom said: Eat your vegetables and fruit!

Real Man quiche and bistro pasta(07/07/2008)
A great date begins with you cooking her dinner and ends with you making breakfast the next morning. Mike suggests starting with Bistro Pasta with tomato and basil and then capping off your sleepover with Real Man Quiche. It may not sound very manly, but trust us -- she'll eat it up.

The Best Damn Chicken Wings, Period.(06/24/2008)
Smoke 'em if ya got 'em. Mike presents his recipe for chicken wings, a twist on the familiar fried or baked poultry pieces. Prepped in a range-top smoker, he then adds Cajun spices and grills the wings to crispy perfection. Added bonus: your house ends up smelling like bacon.

Mini pizzas: buffalo chicken and chili dog(06/10/2008)
Mini-anything doesn't sound like Grub for Guys, but duuuude, these mini pizzas hold two all-star male-oriented edibles: buffalo chicken and chili dogs. Mike advises that a knife and fork may be needed to chow down on these tasty tidbits, and, hey, no one said you can't have a half dozen of 'em.

He-Man fiery sausage and peppers(05/28/2008)
Are you the kind of guy who likes to singe his tastebuds with spicy food? Then Mike's latest Grub for Guys offering may be right up your alley. His He-Man Fiery Sausage recipe is the perfect dish for a get-together with the guys. Just make sure to have plenty of frosty beverages on hand!

The Morning After: Huevos Rancheros(05/13/2008)
After a night of imbibing, you may want a little bit of the hair of the dog, but try this dish instead: Mike’s quick and easy Huevos Rancheros. They are filling, high in protein and spicy enough to cut through the fur coat on your tongue. Maureen McGovern was right – there’s got to be a morning after.

Spaghetti Sauce 101(04/28/2008)
Put down the Prego, fellas. Mike offers up a killer spaghetti sauce recipe that you can whip up while watching the game or playing 'Guitar Hero.' Simple and, even better, inexpensive, Mike's Spaghetti Sauce 101 recipe is the perfect way to impress your lady.

Meat and Potatoes 101: Steak, baked potato and grilled vegetables(04/10/2008)
After waiting all winter, it's finally time to get back behind your grill. Mike Farley offers up a simple menu that will satiate any carnivore, whether you're grilling up something nice for your lady or just throwing together a filling meal for yourself.

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Poker has been a stronghold of guys night in, complete with pizza, beer, and a kitchen full of cigar smoke. The game, however, is becoming a rage. Everyone from celebrities to teenagers is playing it. Its a great way to overcome boring weekends or even weeknights. More people are hosting home games but it doesn’t have to be the stereotypical guys-only event. Set the tone with stylish poker party invitations and consider some these, great poker party ideas for a successful get together.

Poker Party Ideas

THE ABC OF THE GAME: Poker is a game where bets are placed based on the group of cards in your hand. The person with the best hand wins the pot. Its never that simple, of course, and theres more than one way to play. There are several Web sites that explain the different games and teach you the basics. If you are likely to have a group with varying skills the safe bet is “Dealers Choice” which means whoever is dealing the deck chooses the game, and theres more variety. Make sure everyone knows the rules ahead of time. If some don’t, run through at least two hands so they can get the feel of the game.

If youre playing for money (check your local laws first to make sure its legal!), determine a set buy-in amount. Everyone starts with the same number of chips, and when theyre gone, theyre gone. After all, the real fun of poker is trying to win the pot, but you dont want anyone losing their shirt. Keep the buy-in at a comfortable level enough to make the stakes exciting, but no more than your friends would spend on a night out. The idea is to have fun, spend time with friends, and make sure everyone’s eager to come back for more.

Cards Have a couple of decks per table one in play and another shuffled and ready for the next hand to keep the game moving faster. Use brand-new decks of cards, they’re inexpensive, and there’s something really cool about cracking open a fresh deck when you start playing.

Poker chips If you play on a regular basis, you can buy professional grade clay or clay composite poker chips. For a home game, plastic chips are more than adequate. Plan for about 50 to 100 chips per player. Depending on how complicated you want to make the betting, get a two or three colors for different denominations.

Dealer button A dealer marker helps keep track of who holds the deck. You can buy actual dealer buttons, or use something distinctive, like a hat.

Table – Poker night is perfect for a small group, but if youve got lots of friends (and lots of room); you could have a tournament with multiple tables. A good rule is five to nine players per table. You could have an extra table so those who tap out early can still play, sans betting. Alternatively having a nearby couch and TV at the ready will give the “early outs” something to do while waiting for the game to finish.

Green felt is the playing tablecloth fabric of choice, but a red or black tablecloth will work just fine, or you can use a bare table. Make place cards by folding old playing card in half so they stand up, and write your guests names on them with a marker. Make sure there is enough lighting for everyone to clearly see.

POKER NIGHT INVITATION: Send them online or print them out. We’ve got some great designs and ideas for poker invitations.

1. Playing card motif – Glue a playing card (or scan an Ace playing card) to the front of a plain invitation and add the words “Do you feel lucky?” Add the party particulars inside (date, location, event hosts, whether or not people need to dress up, RSVP information, etc.). Or, print your invitation on specialty papers with playing card suit.
2. Western motif – Burn the edges of parchment-look paper and fold in half. Cover: Create a wanted poster with Uncle Sam saying “We Want You [inside text:] to come to our Poker Nite!” (Include the party particulars/information.)

POKER NIGHT FOOD: Like any party, a poker party means that the host will have to ensure that there are munchies and beverages for everyone. Its important to have some good poker party food ideas so that your shin dig is successful. Food is important at a poker event, as the games can take a very long time and you’ll need to keep everyone fed.

Chips and dip, pretzels, nuts, candies and cheezies, all make for great standard snacks and go well with the drinks being served. They can be served in several small red and black bowls that can be spread about the table for everybody, rather than one large bowl since the middle of the table will either have chips or cards flying by. You can also use heart, diamond, club and spade cookie cutters to make – poker cookies, decorate a cake, or to cut out shapes in cheeses for a cheese and cracker tray.

After all, anyone can hold a poker party; its the details that set yours apart from the rest. Here are a couple of ideas that are a cut above

1. Wings. You can buy wings pre-cooked, and all you have to do is heat them up and provide the flavors. If you want to try something that really adds some zing, set out a couple of plates of lemon pepper wings; youll be remembered for it! You can be creative with your appetizer choices but remember that wings of any flavor are messy, and you dont want greasy fingerprints all over your cards and the table.
2. Spinach dip. Spinach dip is another standard appetizer that goes over very well at any party as an appy. Served hot with chips or in a sourdough loaf cold, it’ll go quickly. Best of all, spinach dip isn’t greasy so you don’t have to worry about a mess.

Name your dishes any poker or card-related terms, such as Ace, Ante, Straight, Royal, Fold, Blind, Raise, Call, Check, and so on. Its fun to make a menu card with these names.

BEVERAGES: Be sure to have an assortment of beverages available, non alcoholic for the designated drivers, and for those who feel that they would like to be at the top of their game.

Create a signature cocktail and name it a poker term. A version of Long-Island Tea could be called a Full House Cocktail. You could also pick up some interesting cocktails from the web like Blackjack and Millionaire or get really creative and create your own. Here’s “Queen of Diamonds” Cocktail recipe:

Pour three ounces chilled champagne into martini glass. Shake , 1 ounce vodka. 1 ounce triple sec, and 1 ounce pineapple juice with crushed ice and strain into champagne. Sparkles like diamonds! (For a non-alcoholic version, just add an ounce of pineapple juice to 3 ounces ginger ale or clear carbonated soda).

AMBIANCE: Depending on your guests, country music, blues, jazz or classic rock and roll might work. But remember to keep the music down, as most people need to concentrate on their game. Much of the game and the enjoyment of the night come from the interaction between players, and loud music only serves to drown that enjoyment out.

Best Food For Poker Night Lottery

POKER PARTY FAVORS: If you aren’t playing for money then trophies or prizes for the winners would be cute or you can have a “Poker Party Winner” T-shirt printed up and give individual decks of cards or gold-coin candies to other guests.

POKER PARTY ETIQUETTE: Whether you win or lose, you need to make sure you walk out of a room without having made enemies or embarrassed yourself. Overall, don’t taunt other players when you’re up or whine when you’re down – keep your emotions to yourself. After all, it’s just a game.

When playing with friends, your focus should be on playing a relaxed game without being overly competitive. Winning isn’t everything so try not to push friends right to the wall. And remember to make a conscious effort to limit your drinking if you want to win, as the sober player will probably come out on top. Of course, if you’re just there for a good time, throw the rules to the wind and enjoy yourself.