Whenever anyone asks if I like sports, I usually respond that I’ll show up for beer and barbecue. I rarely ever watch games on TV, other than the Super Bowl (I’m there for the halftime show, obviously), but I enjoy checking out stadiums to see what kind of food and drink options they have. Many stadiums are smorgasbords that combine regional fare with more traditional menu options – and I’ve found the best of the best. Here, a foodie’s guide to American stadiums.
AT&T Park, San Francisco
Here at AT&T Park, the fun starts before you even get in the stadium, thanks to its tailgating complex: The Yard at Mission Rock. It’s built out of shipping containers and offers playful snacks and drinks. Once you’re inside, enjoy a decadent hot fudge sundae at SF original Ghirardelli Chocolate, and grab a glass of California wine from carts located on the Promenade and View levels. Did you come to San Fran for the Chinese food? Fear not, because you can find it here – Edsel Ford Fong offers rice bowls, sushi, cold noodle salads and more.
Citi Field, New York City
The Queens home field of the Mets is a hike to get to if you don’t live in the borough, but I think you’ll be pleased with the impressive food and drink choices. Zachys Wine Bar serves single-serve wine in a recyclable glass, or you can get a whole bottle at Pat LaFrieda’s Chop House or the Acela Club. Grab a satisfyingly savory bite at Arancini Bros. before you leave!
PetCo Park, San Diego
Cheer on the Padres at this San Diego park, which boasts in-park beer gardens from Stone and Ballast Point and an outpost of local burger favorite, Hodad’s. You can also chow down on amazing barbecue, fresh fish tacos, Filippi’s pizza and customizable ice cream sandwiches. There’s so much to eat, you might be too busy to watch the game.
Progressive Field, Cleveland
This location made the list thanks to newly added beer vending machines – you can serve yourself twelve different craft beers, and pay for them by the ounce. If you’re not into pouring your own, there’s plenty of other places in the stadium to grab a brew, like Corner Bar or Great Lakes Brewing Co. Grab a bite at Melt, an eatery that specializes in grilled cheese sandwiches, or Dynomite Burgers, which offers insane flavor combinations and innovative milkshakes.
Safeco Field, Seattle
Home to the Seattle Mariners, this stadium offers a seriously impressive spread of craft beers. Local chef Ethan Stowell is involved in Safeco’s food program, so you can get top-notch regional eats like Dungeness crab sandwiches, Pacific seafood gumbo. RIP Ichiroll serves sake and gourmet sushi, and Rob Roy pours up craft cocktails made with small-batch spirits.
Target Field, Minneapolis
This stadium, where the Minnesota Twins call home, encapsulates everything I love about midwestern canteen – thanks largely to Andrew Zimmern’s influence. His canteen offers classic smoked meat sandwiches with inventive toppings like kimchi and maple syrup hot sauce. Kramarczuk’s serves up traditional Polish sausage topped with fried cheese curds and gravy, so basically as Minnesotan as you can get. Wash it all down with an insane Bloody Mary from Hrbek’s (garnished with cheese, beef sticks and pickle spears) or a local beer, like Bauhaus, Fulton or Surly.
