Skip the hot dogs and forget about peanuts and Cracker Jack — these days, America's best ballparks serve tacos, Korean fried chicken, Dungeness crab sandwiches, and so much more. Now more than ever, a day in the bleachers is a great way to sample a city's favorite flavors: cans of Budweiser have been replaced with local craft brews, while star chefs and local restaurants have opened up shop to serve fans looking to catch the next home run.
Here's the scouting report on what to eat and drink this season at Major League Baseball stadiums across the nation, from Queens to San Diego.
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Safeco Field
Where: Seattle, Washington
Safeco is considered by many to be the pinnacle of baseball stadium gastronomy. Park yourself in The ‘Pen, a dining hub dominated by local star chef and Mariners fan Ethan Stowell. Try the Dungeness crab sandwich ($16) from Way Back Crab Shack, which comes on sourdough bread with Old Bay and lemon aioli. Other options around the park include fresh sushi, pasta, and a bevy of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes at The Natural.
What to Drink: Local microbrews and craft cocktails are plentiful, but for something different, try the cask ales at the Short Stop stand.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Seattle Travel Guide
Citi Field
Where: Queens, New York
When it comes to food, Citi Field easily defeats its subway series rival, Yankee Stadium. Chef Danny Meyer has had a heavy hand in the ballpark’s food program, with a Blue Smoke serving BBQ, a Shake Shack dishing Shackburgers, and an El Verano Taqueria stand serving, well, tacos. Meyer isn’t the only big name feeding Mets fans—there are meatballs from Pat LaFrieda, seafood from Dave Pasternack, and Pressed, a grilled cheese restaurant helmed by Josh Capon.
What to Drink: Put down the Budweiser and try a local New York brew. The Empire State Craft beer stand has a huge selection of beer from Brooklyn Brewery to Upstate Brewing Company.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Queens Guide
Target Field
Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Another stadium that benefits from star chefs, Target Field is the hometown ballpark of Andrew Zimmern, so you know the eating’s good. The food celeb’s AZ Canteen crafts unexpected ballpark fare, such as the Korean fried chicken sandwich, served on a potato bun with a pineapple ring. Other vendors include James Beard–recognized Butcher and the Boar andKramarczuk’s, plus, a state-fair-inspired booth celebrating all things fried on a stick.
What to Drink: AZ Canteen gets raves for its non-alcoholic mint and cucumber–infused lemonade, but if you need something a little stronger try a Summit Extra Pale Ale, brewed in the other Twin City, St. Paul.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Minneapolis-St. Paul Travel Guide
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