7 Tailgate Essentials for the Ultimate Game Day

Tailgating season is here, and that means two things: rooting for your favorite team and good food. Whether you’re grilling at the stadium or firing up the barbecue in your backyard, having the right meats and grilling tools is essential for a successful game day. At Gartner’s, we’ve got you covered with the your favorite cuts and grilling essentials. Here are seven must-have items for a touchdown tailgate!

1. Gartner’s Smoked Bratwurst

No tailgate is complete without brats sizzling on the grill. Our house-made bratwurst is a fan favorite, packed with flavor and perfect for grilling. Choose from classic, cheddar, or beer brats for a variety that’s will make everyone at your tailgate happy. Our smoked bratwursts are fully cooked, so they’re super easy to heat up on game day and serve with mustard and sauerkraut!

2. Premade Burger Patties

Nothing beats a juicy burger hot off the grill. Our pre-formed burger patties are made from premium ground beef and conveniently take the prep-work out of grilling. Don’t forget to grab your favorite sliced cheese from our deli counter, buns, and condiments for the perfect game day burger!

3. Marinated Short Ribs

If you’re looking to elevate your tailgate menu, our marinated short ribs are our top seller at Gartner’s. These tender, thin-sliced, ribs come pre-marinated, ready to hit the grill. These short ribs are perfect for game day grilling on the go, as they only take a few minutes on each side to cook to perfection. Serve them as an appetizer, or a main dish or with sides like potato salad and grilled veggies for a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress.

4. Gartner’s Pepperoni & Jerky Tray

If you’re looking to offer variety, you can’t go wrong with a pepperoni and jerky platter. Grab your favorites from our variety of flavorful pepperoni and jerky options, sliced cheeses from our deli counter and some freshly smoked summer sausage to create your ideal snack tray. Everyone loves some quick and easy finger foods on game day!

5. Marinated Chicken or Beef Kabobs

If you want to step up your tailgate, grab some of our pre-assembled beef or chicken kabobs. Easy to cook and full of flavor, these are perfect for sharing with friends. Our chicken and beef kabobs, pre-skewered with fresh vegetables, onions and smoked bratwurst are a true tailgate favorite.

6. Perfect Grill Tools

Grilling the perfect meat requires the right tools. Make sure you’re equipped with high-quality grill tongs, a sturdy spatula, and a meat thermometer to ensure everything is cooked to perfection. A basting brush is also key for adding extra flavor with marinades and sauces. And don’t forget a set of grill gloves to handle hot items safely! If you don’t want to pack up all of your grilling utensils from home and want a grab-and-go set that you can easily take with you to a game day tailgate, check out this Cuisinart 20 piece grill set with aluminum carrying case on Amazon!

7. Quality Charcoal or Wood Chips

To get the best flavor from your meats, you need the right fuel. Whether you prefer charcoal or wood chips, we’ve got what you need. Charcoal offers a classic smoky flavor, while flavored wood chips like hickory or mesquite can add an extra layer of flavor to your grilled meats. Bring enough to keep the grill going strong throughout the game!


Gartner’s Meat Market – Portland’s go-to for game day grilling.

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