2023's 15 Must-Try Ballpark Foods And Beverages
It's finally spring, and that's great news for sports fans because one of America's favorite pastimes is back. Yep, baseball is coming into full swing. Maybe your favorite team is a favorite to win it all, or perhaps it's a dark horse candidate that'll take the prize this year. But you don't need to have World Series ambitions to have a good time at the ballpark: Simply kick back, sip on a cool beverage, relax, and, most importantly, take in some tasty food.
If you're headed to the ballpark, you should seek out a treat to bide your time because, let's face it, you're going to be there for a while. You can stick with a ho-hum standard hot dog and dress it with mustard, ketchup, onions, and relish, but you've been there, done that. And while the singalong played during the seventh-inning stretch is catchy, why feel pressured to settle for the standard peanuts and cracker jacks as munchies? Many ballparks have so much more to offer.
While everyone's crowing about rule changes to speed up the games, we're happy to report that many Major League Baseball franchises have also upped their game when it comes to their food programs. A few have brand new and exciting offerings in 2023, and some more recent entries that have won accolades from fans are coming back.
1. Crab Fries
The San Francisco Giants have an indisputably beautiful stadium in Oracle Park: Even die-hard Dodger fans can't argue with that. Beyond the atmosphere, Oracle has an impressive range of food options. We're talking about gyros, poke bowls, bratwurst, lumpia, po' boys: The list goes on and on. And since it's San Francisco, we can't forget about Ghirardelli! The famous chocolatier offers up a hot fudge sundae.
But garlic happens to be the predominant scent that wafts throughout the stadium. Garlic-topped french fries have been a San Francisco Giants tradition going back to 1994 when the team played at the now-demolished Candlestick Park. The recipe was developed by local brewers Gordon Biersch and is an appropriate regional nod to the nearby garlic capital of the world, Gilroy, California.
In 2023, the Giants decided to finally wed this fan favorite to another: The crab sandwich from Crazy Crab'z. Garlic fries topped with delectable Dungeness crab meat? Better show up early because those lines are going to be long. Given that San Francisco is starting its season on the road, when they have their home opener on Friday, April 7th, you can scoop up the new Crab Fries at Murph's Pub in section 122.
2. Funnel Cake French Fries
As the reigning champions of the World Series, one would hope that the Houston Astros would come through in 2023 with some top-tier vittles to satiate its fans as well as its visiting foes. Though there are great options at Minute Maid Park such as elote, pupusas, and stuffed baked potatoes, there aren't many vendors that are connected to local businesses outside the stadium.
One exception is Osso & Kristalla, a trattoria that's not far from the ballpark and slings pizza pies for your game-time meal. There's also Blue Bell ice cream, which can be served in a mini souvenir helmet.
But when it comes to a dessert, whether your favored team is winning or losing, funnel cake makes everything better. This year, Minute Maid Park is coming through for you with that scrumptious treat and going a step further by serving it in a convenient, easily shareable tray of crispy sticks.
3. Tri-Tip Nachos
We would argue that tri-tip is a highly underrated cut of steak. It's lean, full of protein, and also juicy and flavorful if seasoned properly. And anyone who's spent a bit of time around San Diego County knows exactly where to get top-notch tri-tip in the region. It's found at Seaside Market, a highly regarded grocery store in Cardiff, California. It would appear that the San Diego Padres would agree because they are happy to serve up Cardiff's famous tri-tip to its faithful fans.
For those who are fans of the Pad Squad and Cardiff Crack, you can get the best of both worlds at Petco Park. And because it's baseball, of course, that delicious steak is ready to go on top of a tray of nachos or even in a sandwich. And if you enjoy beer, don't forget to check out the amazing selection of craft beer available at Petco Park. San Diego has an extensive network of locally owned breweries, and Pizza Port and Alpine are our recommendations, and they're out in full force for game day.
4. Brisket Croissant
If state meat was an actual honorary designation, there's no question that Texas would immediately claim brisket. This mouthwatering smoky beef cut always goes well with a carbohydrate companion, but it's typically served within a sandwich or accompanied by a biscuit or slice of toast. For the 2023 baseball season, Globe Life Field's spin on the pairing of brisket and bread looked across the Atlantic for inspiration and ran with croissants, and we say, "oui, oui" to that.
Although it seems like an odd pairing, and even a bit more strange when you consider that this is intended as ballpark food, a brisket stuffed croissant is a match made in heaven. The flaky, buttery pastry shell acts as a soft flavor and textural counterbalance to the chewy, salty, smoky meat within. And beyond that, it's portable and rather shareable, making it ideal for a ball game. The Rangers have also generously coated it in a sticky glaze from Sweet Baby Ray's, so make sure you grab those extra napkins.
But perhaps the best part about this meal (if you're a Rangers fan) is that this tasty Brisket Croissant is presented to us courtesy of none other than the Hall of Famer pitching legend Nolan Ryan.
5. Bloody Mary Burger
The Boston Red Sox are happy to offer up a Bloody Mary burger. It's particularly salivating bait for the most loyal Red Sox fans who remain fixated on Curt Schilling's infamous bloody sock from the 2004 World Series that finally broke the franchise's losing streak.
While the particular ingredients that go within the Bloody Mary burger at Fenway are a bit of a trade secret, we can speculate that the ground beef would be seasoned with a few requisite ingredients such as Worcester sauce and tomato juice. The acids in those components make for a tender burger that's then well complemented by accouterments of savory sauce, crunchy veggies, hopefully, some Grillo's pickles, and a soft toasted bun.
You'll find the Bloody Mary burger on the Bleacher Concourse section of Fenway Park. If you're a baseball fan, you may be a bit superstitious, so to do your part to ensure a win for Boston, chant "Bloody Mary" three times fast in front of the restroom mirror and say a prayer to the Green Monster before you bite into this delicious burger.
6. La Casita Pupuseria
It would be extra fitting to pay a visit La Casita Pupuseria in Section 116 if you want to root, root, root for the home team (as "casita" is the Spanish word for "house"). Much like tacos and pizza, you can pretty much use pupusas as a base for any number of ingredients you like, whether it be meat-based or plant-based. Pupusas are a delightfully pillowy, chewy, doughy flatbread that is popular in central America and is made with corn masa dough and perfectly suited for ballpark cuisine.
Most Washington DC locals will already be familiar with La Casita Pupuseria as a preeminent source of this savory bite. For newcomers, expect belly-warming cheesy and meaty fillings when you locate them at Nationals Park. In 2023, the popular eatery is offering up its sought-after food in Section 116 at the stadium. So go forth, go Nats, and viva béisbol.
7. Elote Corn Dog
In baseball pop culture vernacular, the Elote Corn Dog from Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago is what you might call a Field of Dreams. It's extra, extra corny. And, if you build it, people most definitely will flock toward it. The ideal corn dog is a delicious porky link on a stick: Batter up! It's made even better when it's dipped and fried to a perfect golden-brown complexion.
Chicago White Sox' Elote Corn Dog reaches exponential levels of starchy goodness. It's served alongside a sweet and mildly spicy dip that's an appealing bright shock to the eyes and is chock full of yellow-hued kernels served alongside peppers and herbs. Hang onto the leash because that dog you have in your hands is more than ready to take a swim in it. You can find the Elote Corn Dog at Guaranteed Rate Field in sections 140 and 544.
8. Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Progressive Field has recently had a steady roster of heavy hitters in its food lineup. In recent years, there have been brat burgers on pretzel buns, chicken and waffle combos, and 12-inch chili dogs. In 2022, a collaboration between Ohio regional favorites Montgomery Inn and Melt Bar and Grill resulted in scrumptious bowls of mac and cheese peppered with chunks of pulled pork and bacon. This type of feast almost makes up for the long famine of the World Series title.
In 2023, the Cleveland Guardians are slinging a tempting curve ball at hungry fans with a sizable waffle cone that's stuffed with deliciously gooey macaroni and cheese and paired with a generous amount of pulled pork. It's all topped off with some tangy coleslaw for acid and crunch and a requisite drizzle of barbecue sauce for spicy sweetness. Wander behind the third base line at field level and scan for the "Throwing Smoke BBQ" sign in order to find this new and unique ballpark treat.
9. Poutine Hot Dog
We won't judge if hot dogs are your go-to order when you're at the ballpark: It is part of the tradition. But when it's the 6th inning, the game is deadlocked in a scoreless tie, and you find yourself yawning and rather famished, you might want to consider a way to add extra oomph to your pork link.
At The Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, you'll find a can't-pass-up Poutine Hot Dog. It's an inspired riff on the classic baseball meal that only a team based in Canada could execute to perfection. Forget the tried-and-true ketchup and mustard condiments: These puppies don't need extra help because they're dotted with salty, squeaky, chewy cheese curds. And you can't forget about the saucy tomato-based gravy either. One bite will have you earnestly singing along with the anthem, "Oh, Canada".
For dessert options at The Rogers Centre, seek out bacon-pepper grilled cheese milkshakes or a peanut butter and jelly churro. You'll need to hike to the upper decks, but the journey might be worth it.
10. Milwaukee Brewers sandwiches
On Monday, April 3rd of 2023, the Brewers have its home opener and are ready to debut an all-star lineup of incredible sandwiches that would all pair well with a hefty pour of pilsner. But which sando will win the title of rookie of the year? The eatery's Bavette La Boucherie muffaletta offering is a hero of note. Bavette also offers a classic tried-and-true roast beef filling as well as a ham sandwich that's generously seasoned with herbaceous rosemary.
Other recommended deli sandwiches from American Family Field include entries from Buttermint Finer Dining & Cocktails: One features Swedish meatballs, and another is a tasty spin on Steak Diane. It's also worth noting that American Family Field has rolled out a "414 menu" (a nod to the local area code) for Brewers fans on a budget in 2023, along with bites and drinks for smaller appetites. Hot dogs, Cracker Jacks, nachos, and a 16-ounce soda are all on the menu.
11. Yankees' 99 Burger
This new burger offering from the New York Yankees has been donned the "99 Burger." It's a legitimate slugger, which is especially appropriate considering the number 99 is worn on the back of reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge. We're talking a total of 8 ounces of Wagyu beef: That's two 4-ounce patties. Chef Eric Greenspan is coming through with an upscale "New School" American cheese to add some salty dairy to the equation. Spicy, crunchy, tangy pickles alongside a rich secret sauce and sautéed caramelized onions are encased in a soft brioche bun.
But here's the catch. While this burger may be delicious, it's coasting on hype, and it's all but guaranteed to sell out quickly. On game day, you might expect only 99 of these "99 burgers" available for purchase. The Yankees recently promised that they can up the ante to 199, but just like post-season victories, we wouldn't get your hopes up too much. If you miss out on scoring the 99 Burger, there's plenty to love about Nathan's Famous frankfurter and David Chang's fried chicken from Fuku.
12. Fried Cheesecake
Cheesecake might not be a dessert that's closely associated with the city of Angels, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are ready to bet that its fans will happily purchase a slice of a New York-inspired cheesecake. This delectable cheesecake is deep-fried and delivered on a convenient stick. To make it even more tempting, this dessert is coated with confectioners' sugar and an appealing drizzle of sweet raspberry sauce.
For savory options, Chavez Ravine's new 2023 menu has a few tempting offerings. We could start with a corn dog composed of a chipotle spiked sausage and dusted with hot Cheeto crumbles. And then there's also an impressive BBQ platter served at the Think Blue BBQ stand on the Field level in section 251: There you'll find a platter of brisket, a rack of pork ribs, half a smoked chicken, and mac and cheese for a side.
13. Beans & Barlour milkshakes
The only thing better than a sweet milkshake is not having to wait in line for an eternity to buy it and miss a key inning of game time. Tampa Bay's Rays have heard the call from the fans and are excited to bring a speedy concessions experience to its fans in 2023. St. Petersburg, Florida's Beans & Barlour is offering up ice cream milkshakes at Tropicana Field. They can be particularly head-spinning if you can provide the proper ID.
But whether you prefer your shakes boozy or virgin, they're quickly accessible through Zippin. Download the app, place your order, and then head towards Budweiser Porch located in the area near center field or the concession stand behind the third base to pick up this milkshake. New flavor combinations are still to be determined, but Beans & Barlour served up waffle cone ice cream nachos in 2022, and it's reasonable to expect that even more exciting recipes will be on the horizon for 2023.
14. Palacana Paletas
When it's a scorching hot summer day, and you're at the ballpark, Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City has got you covered for some chilly treats to beat the heat. Palacana offers up Mexican-inspired ice cream as well as non-dairy fruity ice pops, with specific recipes connected to popular ingredients within the state of Michoacán that have earned royal stature among Kansas City residents and earned its throne within the park.
You'll find Palacana's frozen desserts in Section 239 at Kauffman Stadium, along with savory options such as tacos, nacho bowls, and thirst-quenching aguas frescas. And if you can't make it out to the ballgame, seek out Palacana's eats at one of its brick-and-mortar spots (six locations scattered across Kansas and Missouri as of April 2023) for its extensive and inspired menu, which includes Mexican Twinkie ice cream, tamarind sorbet, and avocado creamsicles, among other delicious and innovative treats.
15. Wowfulls waffles and ice cream
As if the combination between ice cream and waffles couldn't get any better, Wowfulls serves up a cone that's picture-perfect. And when you're enjoying it at Citi Field, it's a dessert of grand slam proportions.
There's a tendency to keep things simple with the batter of a cone, but that's not the case with Wowfulls. The effort here is to make the waffle just as delicious as the ice cream it's holding, which include a variety of flavors such as green matcha tea, red velvet, chocolate, and coconut.
Head towards sections 121 or 415 at Citi Field to take a lick of this delicious ice cream. Current featured flavors include a salty caramel cheesecake, a brownie-inspired number that's topped off with dollops of cookie dough, and an eye-popping rainbow ice cream that goes a step further for visual appeal with an array of sprinkles and Fruity Pebbles.