I hope you all had a fantastic July 4^th weekend full of food, fireworks and fun.  Another all-American summer pastime where you often find the “three f’s” is major league baseball. 

In fact, when it comes to food, US ballparks offer a lot more than just hotdogs and popcorn! Many are now featuring some of the country’s best local fare, turning your baseball outing into a real culinary experience. I’ve yet to try to the Rocky Mountain Oysters at Coors Field in Denver. Personally, I would be more apt to try the Maryland’s lump crab dog at Camden Yards. Still, it’s great to see famed local cuisine infused into the ballparks of America.  

Wondering what else is out there? Here are few more of the best ballpark foods from around the country. 

Tampa Bay Devil Rays – Tropicana Field: St. Petersburg, FL – Ybor City Cuban Sandwich

A Tampa girl from the start, I have to tell you that this is my favorite sandwich on the planet from one of my favorite restaurants! The Columbia restaurant, a Tampa landmark, has been making this Cuban inspired treat for more than 100 years and now has its own venue within Tropicana Field. Made with smoked ham, salami, gooey Swiss cheese, sour pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread (the piece de resistance) and all grilled into a flat sandwich that makes this the most delicious treat.

Milwaukee Brewers – Miller Park: Milwaukee, WI – Bratwurst with Secret Sauce

In the land famous for cheeses and beers, enjoy the festival of sausages that is a trip to Miller Park. The bratwurst and spicy Italian sausage are topped with the Brewer’s special sauce at “The House That Bud Built” and are better than the cased meats you’ll find anywhere else. Brat Boys are stationed throughout the ballpark making it impossible to let a Brewer game pass you by without giving one a try. And when you just can’t get enough, cheer on your favorite sausage in the 7^th inning stretch sausage race.

Seattle Mariners – Safeco Field: Seattle, WA – Sushi

Seafood may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you head for a ballpark concession stand, but in Seattle the fish are fresh and served a variety of ways throughout the park from Iver dogs (a fish sandwich) to clam chowder.  Most famous for its sushi, Safeco Field offers its signature “Ichi-roll” (a spicy tuna roll), named for star Ichiro Suzuki.

New York Mets – Citi Field: Flushing, NY – Shake Shack Burgers

New York’s Citi Field offers burgers and hot dogs from the Shake Shack in New York City. The “Shack-cago” dog is one of their most popular offerings with Shake Shack relish, onion, cucumber, pickle, tomato, pepper, and celery salt.

Philadelphia Phillies – Citizens Bank Park: Philadelphia, PA – Cheesesteaks & Crab FrieAnother local legend serving food at a ballpark is Tony Luke at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park. Foodies flock to Philly for a bite of one of these cheesy delicacies. Pair yours with Chickie & Pete’s crab fries that are generously seasoned with bay spice for a meal that will truly melt-in-your-mouth.

Kansas City Royals – Kauffman Stadium: Kansas City, KS – KC Ribeye Stack

Winner of the best ballpark food competition at last year’s All-Star Game competition is the KC Ribeye Stack from Kauffman Stadium. This lauded ooey-gooey sandwich is made between potato bread buns with a heavenly combination of mushrooms, bacon, cheese, onion rings and the beautifully seasoned ribeye steak.

I feel bad leaving out vegetables on my list. So, if you are headed to Phoenix next weekend for the All-Star Game (tips for scoring tickets); be sure to try the homemade sweet potato fries in the Sedona Club. I’m looking forward to finding out which favorite food will win MVP during All-Star Week this year.

 What ballpark fare is tops on your list?

 

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