Post-season baseball is just around the corner and with both New York teams looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2006, it’s obviously important to know what the best foods are at both stadiums. While hot dogs, peanuts, and Cracker Jack are the staples of baseball food, they are not the only culinary options offered. Baseball stadiums, including Citi Field (right in our backyard!) and Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, now showcase some of the finest cuisines the country has to offer.
Best Food to get at Citi Field:
Shake Shack:
You can't go wrong with a burger, fries, and shake. Located on the field-level outfield concourse, this is the go-to concession stand for when you just can't decide what you want. Shake Shack founder, Danny Meyer says, "What's great is that the food provides a hedonistic reward for when the Mets are winning, and comforting salve to the wound for when they're not." Basically, you get Shake Shack to celebrate a win or comfort you after a loss! It's technically a win/win in the foodie world.
Pat LaFrieda:
Citi Field offers filet mignon steak sandwiches from the
"magician of meat" Pat LaFrieda. If you feel like indulging, I would recommend snagging one of these bad boys. It's 100 percent black angus hand-cut beef, Vermont Monterey Jack cheese, sautéed sweet Vidalia onions and beef au jus on a baked and toasted French baguette. This sandwich is exclusive to Citi Field so hit up this stand located on the Upper Promenade Level.
Elote (El Verano Taqueria):
Another Danny Meyer restaurant in Citi Field, located on field level behind centerfield. This Mexican concession stand is a low-key gem. You're best off getting the Taco Sampler for $10.50 which consists of 3 soft-shell tacos: skirt steak, chicken, and pork. The elote - Mexican grilled corn covered in spicy mayonnaise, cojita cheese, and cayenne pepper - is a must-get item if you're ordering from El Verano Taqueria.
Box Frites:
If you're not feeling peanuts or nachos for your side, grab an order of the thick-cut fries with homemade sauces over at Box Frites. These Idaho potatoes are fried until perfectly crispy and served alongside homemade dipping sauces that include bacon aioli, smoky blue cheese, chipotle ketchup and garden basil. The garlic-Parmesan fries or mac-and-cheese frites can be found on field level, behind centerfield or on promenade level, behind home plate.
Pressed:
This brand new concession for 2015 is a grilled cheese stand from Josh Capon, the chef behind Lure Fishbar, Bowery Meat Company, and other NYC restaurants. Run, don't walk to this stand to get yourself a slow-braised Black Angus short rib grilled cheese made with taleggio cheese, arugula, tomato jam and served on challah brioche. Find it at the Field Level concourse adjacent to Section 125.
Best Food to get at Yankee Stadium:
Parm:
You're in the Bronx so might as well get some really, really good Italian cuisine. Grab yourself a classic meatball parm sandwich. This is one of my personal favorites here at Yankee Stadium, located at section 104. The two meatballs with lots of fresh cheese and sauce served on a sesame bun is a delicious and manageable portion.
Noodle Bowls/Sushi Stand:
Definitely a little different than the usual baseball snacks but still appetizing. Pick out your own noodle bowl or assorted sushi platter at section 127.
Lobel's of New York:
If you came with money to spend (on food) then the $16 steak sandwich at Lobel's is just for you. Lobel's serves hand-carved steak sandwiches to order and most fans find it well worth the price.
Ribbon Fries:
Personally... I prefer the ribbon fries over the nacho helmet. The fries are freshly cut right in front of you served with your choice from three aiolis - applewood smoked bacon, chipotle, and roasted garlic and herb. You can pick these up in the food court near section 137.
Chicken and Waffles Cart:
Okay, yes, I know you can get fried chicken and waffles here, but that's not why I added it to this list. More importantly, this cart located in the Great Hall by the Yankees merchandise store (don't blink you'll miss it), serves waffle ice cream sandwiches! The Yankee symbol is cooked right onto the waffles and you're given the choice of vanilla or chocolate ice cream to go with it. Trust me on this one, you won't regret grabbing this to satisfy your sweet tooth. But make sure to stop by before the 7th inning because they usually close up early.
Enjoy baseball fans and foodies alike!!
