Tailgating is a sport of its own.

There’s the game, sure. But there’s also the food, the friends, the music, the cooler, and the unmistakable smell of charcoal and smoke rolling through the parking lot.

And when it comes to game-day food, there’s no reason to settle for the same old menu every time. Fire up the grill for smash burgers, get chicken legs sauced up, or give the crowd something worth waiting for with ribs or a whole brisket.

Whether you're cooking for four or feeding a crowd, here's how to build a tailgate menu that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Start With the Menu

The best tailgate menus aren't necessarily the most complicated. They're built around food that's easy to prep, easy to share, and even better over charcoal and smoke.

Before you light the fire, think about how much time you have, how many people you're feeding, and what kind of cook you want to be.

Short on Time? Smash It.

Few things disappear faster at a tailgate than a hot smash burger.

A ripping-hot cooking surface delivers crispy, browned edges and a juicy center. Add cheese and your favorite toppings, and you've got a game-day classic ready before anyone has time to ask, "When are the burgers done?"

A Flat Iron Portable Griddle is made for smash burgers, while the AKORN Jr. or AKORN brings that signature charcoal flavor to the party.

Feeding a Crowd? Bring on the Chicken Legs.

Chicken legs are affordable, easy to prep, and practically built for tailgating.

Start them over the heat, then finish with a generous coating of BBQ sauce for sticky, smoky, finger-licking results. And keep plenty of napkins nearby. This is not a knife-and-fork situation.

Got a Few Hours? Make Ribs the Main Event.

Ribs bring a little more drama to the tailgate.

Got plenty of time before the crowd shows up? Go low and slow with St. Louis Style Pork Ribs for meaty, smoky BBQ flavor.

An AKORN, Barrel Pro, Smokin' Pro, or Offset Grill gives you plenty of room to put the heat and smoke to work.

Really Want to Make an Entrance? Bring the Brisket.

Brisket isn't a last-minute decision. It takes time, patience, and a little planning. But when you pull that first slice and see the smoke ring, all that waiting starts to make sense.

Lump Charcoal Smoked Brisket brings serious BBQ flavor to the tailgate and gives you a centerpiece worthy of the occasion.

Just work backward from kickoff when planning your cook. And bring more charcoal than you think you'll need. Running out of fuel halfway through a brisket is not the kind of game-day surprise anyone wants.

Pick Your Tailgate Weapon

The right grill can make all the difference when game day gets going.

Need something portable? Bring the Flat Iron Portable Griddle or AKORN Jr. Want more cooking space? Fire up the AKORN, Barrel Pro, or Smokin' Pro. Cooking for a serious crowd? An Offset Grill gives you the space and smoke you need to make a meal worth talking about.

Whatever's on the menu, fire up the grill, bring plenty of charcoal, and get ready to feed the crowd.