Let's just disregard those bizarre first couple of games in
Japan and declare Wednesday the official start of Major League
Baseball. And what would baseball be without ballpark food? Hot
dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jacks and ice cream served in little plastic
helmets are among the classics, but many stadiums specialize in
regional foodstuffs or even have kiosks run by local restaurants.
You can get a lobster roll at Fenway Park (pronounced lobstaaah) or
a cheesesteak from Tony
Luke's at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Thursday marks
the first full day of MLB games, so we've compiled a list of some
of the best ballpark foods for the teams hosting games. And if
you'd prefer nosh pre- or post-game, follow the links to find great
locally owned restaurants near the stadiums.
Braves vs. Mets
Doc Gooden, Mookie Wilson and Darryl Strawberry will not be
making comebacks anytime soon. The glory days of charmingly rickety
Shea Stadium are gone. On the plus side, shiny new Citi Field vies
for some of MLB's best concessions with the likes of hot dogs
from Nathan's
Famous and a trio of Danny Meyer endeavors with Blue
Smoke, Shake
Shack and El Verano Taqueria. restaurants
near Citi Field
Red Sox vs. Tigers
Two hungry teams here. We already know the Red Sox bullpen
craves beer and chicken (no judgment here, we're familiar with such
shortcomings), and newly acquired Tiger Prince Fielder is not a
man of modest appetites. Inside the stadium, fans can enjoy
legit Detroit-style coneys (all-natural casing dog covered with
chili, mustard and onions), elephant ears (the northerly cousin of
the funnel cake) and, of course, Little Caesar's Pizza - Michael
Ilitch owns the Tigers and Little Caesar's. restaurants near
Comerica Park
Phillies vs. Pirates
Don't overlook the Pirates. They spent a thrilling 5 days atop
the NL Central last year. 'Twas fun while it lasted. The long
suffering fans can take solace in a variety of stadium food such as
pierogies, barbecue from Manny's (named for former catcher Manny
Sanguillen) and fantastic Primanti
Bros sandwiches (coleslaw and fries come on the sandwich from
this glorious Steel City institutionz). restaurants
near PNC Park
Nationals vs. Cubs
Do they still play the blues in
Chicago, when baseball season rolls around? It's a good thing
Steve Goodman didn't live to see the Bartman debacle. The "ivy
covered burial ground" of the Cubbies serves up Chicago appropriate
foods such as Vienna beef hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches
and
D'Agostino's Pizza.
restaurants near Wrigley Field
Blue Jays vs. Indians
At Progressive Field, you can top your Sugardale hot dog or one
of the signature "l" shaped soft pretzels with Bertman Ballpark
Mustard, which as been part of Cleveland Indians concessions since
the 1920s. Wash it down with a sudsy refreshment from Your Dad's
Beer, featuring throwback brews such as Iron City, Blatz, Stroh's
and Genessee - just like your old man used to sip between angry
outbursts at the TV. restaurants
near Progressive Field
Dodgers vs. Padres
Will Yonder Alonso be the savior of the Padres franchise
(apologies, Jesus Guzman). With a name like that, how could he not
be? Petco Park offers a veritable smorgasbord of west coast
delights, from sushi and pot stickers to fish tacos and other
seafood specialties.
restaurants near Petco Park
Marlins vs. Reds
It's a wonder moustached mascot Mr. Redlegs keeps such a trim
figure with fried bologna sandwiches, Montgomery
Inn barbecue and Skyline Chili topped hot dogs among the
offerings at Great American Ball Park. If you really want to put
your stomach on the 3-day DL, go with the meat lover's hot dog: a
deep fried dog topped with chili, cheese and fried salami.
restaurants near Great American Ball Park
Maybe the extra calories go straight to his head?