Sapporo with sushi, Singha with Thai: Beer with dinner has become pretty predictable.

But how about, say, Belgian Dark with duck breast and blackberry-beer jus? At Social Kitchen & Brewery, now open in the Inner Sunset, five artisanal beers may have you looking at beer-and-food pairings in a new light.

Certified cicerone (beer sommelier) Rich Higgins makes the suds in-house, including the smooth, floral Easy IPA. Even the sophisticated pub fare incorporates his brews (mussels with toasted malt, Rocky Jr. chicken with beer-raisin sauce).

Higgins plans to have guest speakers on beer-making at the bi-level, casual resto. And upcoming “customs” nights (modeled after those in Düsseldorf and Cologne) showcase a single beer and a glass that servers keep replenishing — which could make for an unpredictable evening.

Social Kitchen & Brewery, 1326 9th Avenue, between Irving and Judah Streets (415-681-0330 or socialbrewsf.com).

Cinco de Mayo party at your house! Recreate Mexican recipes from some of our favorite taco joints around the country.