Baseball games aren't just about the action on the field - they're also about the food. From iconic hot dogs to over-the-top creations, stadiums across the U.S. offer unique culinary experiences. Here’s a quick look at the top ballpark eats:
- Dodger Dog (Dodger Stadium): A classic 10” hot dog with options like pork, beef, spicy, kosher, and veggie.
- Garlic Fries (Oracle Park): Crispy fries coated in garlic, olive oil, and parsley.
- Boomstick Hot Dog (Globe Life Field): A 2-foot-long hot dog loaded with chili, cheese, and jalapeños.
- Primanti Sandwich (PNC Park): Pittsburgh’s iconic sandwich with meat, fries, and coleslaw stacked between bread.
- Dungeness Crab Sandwich (Oracle Park): Fresh crab on toasted sourdough for seafood lovers.
- BBQ Nachos (Kauffman Stadium): Nachos topped with smoked brisket, cheesy corn, and jalapeños.
- Churro Dog (Chase Field): A churro wrapped in a donut, topped with frozen yogurt and sauces.
- Lobster Roll (Fenway Park): Fresh lobster served cold or warm on a buttered roll.
- Cheesesteak (Citizens Bank Park): Philly’s classic sandwich, or try cheesesteak egg rolls for a twist.
- Chapulines (T-Mobile Park): Toasted grasshoppers with chili-lime seasoning for adventurous eaters.
Quick Comparison Table
| Food Item | Stadium | Price | Portion Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodger Dog | Dodger Stadium | $7.50 | 10" hot dog | 4.5/5 |
| Garlic Fries | Oracle Park | $9.75 | 16 oz | 4.8/5 |
| Boomstick Hot Dog | Globe Life Field | $27.50 | 24" hot dog | 4.3/5 |
| Primanti Sandwich | PNC Park | $14.50 | 8" sandwich | 4.6/5 |
| Dungeness Crab Sandwich | Oracle Park | $24.00 | 6" sandwich | 4.7/5 |
| BBQ Nachos | Kauffman Stadium | $12.75 | 32 oz | 4.4/5 |
| Churro Dog | Chase Field | $11.00 | 6" churro | 4.2/5 |
| Lobster Roll | Fenway Park | $29.00 | 6" roll | 4.8/5 |
| Cheesesteak | Citizens Bank Park | $13.50 | 10" sandwich | 4.7/5 |
| Chapulines | T-Mobile Park | $8.00 | 4 oz | 3.9/5 |
Stadium food now goes beyond peanuts and Cracker Jack. Whether you’re into classic hot dogs or bold, regional flavors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the ballpark.
Ranking The Craziest Food At MLB Stadiums | MLB Tier List
1. Dodger Dogs at Dodger Stadium
The Dodger Dog has been a staple at Dodger Stadium since its debut in 1962, created by the stadium's first concession manager, Thomas Arthur. Inspired by the famous hot dogs of Coney Island, Arthur developed a signature snack that quickly became a key part of Los Angeles baseball culture. Today, the Dodger Dog is made by Papa Cantella's, staying true to its original recipe while offering a variety of options.
You can choose from pork, all-beef (Super Dodger), spicy picante, kosher, and veggie versions, catering to a wide range of preferences.
With an impressive 3 million sold annually, the Dodger Dog remains a fan favorite. Legendary announcer Vin Scully once said:
"A Dodger Dog is part of a one-of-a-kind Dodger Stadium experience."
Whether you prefer it steamed or grilled, the Dodger Dog is a tasty symbol of the Dodgers' rich baseball history.
2. Garlic Fries at Oracle Park
Gilroy Garlic Fries at Oracle Park are a must-try for San Francisco Giants fans. These fries, packed with bold garlicky flavor, have earned their place as a fan favorite and a key part of the ballpark experience.
Named after Gilroy, California's famous garlic-producing region, the fries are coated in minced garlic and olive oil. This combination creates an unmistakable aroma that fills the air and draws fans in.
"You'll smell these before you see them and good luck resisting their oily, garlicy charms." - Oracle Park Food Guide
3. Boomstick Hot Dog at Globe Life Field
The Boomstick Hot Dog at Globe Life Field is a massive two-foot-long creation that packs a punch with bold, Texas-style flavors. Since its introduction in 2012, it has become a fan favorite at the ballpark.
Weighing in at 3 pounds, this loaded hot dog is topped with Texas-style chili, nacho cheese, spicy jalapeños, and caramelized onions. You can grab one at the Texas 24" stand located in Section 132.
"We are continuously evaluating our operations and customer insights to understand how we can add even more variety - including with local partners - and bring new levels of convenience for fans at Globe Life Field."
– Casey Rapp, Delaware North's general manager at the ballpark
In 2023, the Boomstick Burger joined the lineup. This two-foot-long burger features a Nolan Ryan Beef patty loaded with Texas Chili Company Chili, Rico's Nacho Cheese, jalapeños, and crispy onion rings, all served on a brioche bun.
| Boomstick Menu Item | Price (2024) | Weight | Serves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Hot Dog | $32.96 | 3 lbs | 4–6 |
| Boomstick Burger | $34.99 | 5 lbs | 4+ |
These oversized eats capture the bold, larger-than-life spirit of Rangers baseball and are perfect for sharing with a group.
4. Primanti Sandwich at PNC Park
Head to Section 108 at PNC Park to try the iconic Primanti sandwich, a true symbol of Pittsburgh's food culture. This sandwich, created by Primanti Bros., was honored as one of "America's Classic" restaurants at the 2007 James Beard Foundation Awards. It’s a hearty combination of grilled meat, melted cheese, coleslaw with oil and vinegar, tomato slices, and French fries, all stacked between thick slices of Italian bread.
Originally crafted during the Great Depression for truck drivers needing a meal they could eat with one hand, the "Pitts-Burger" variation includes a seasoned ground beef patty, melted cheese, fresh tomato, crispy fries, and tangy coleslaw.
The sandwich's fame even caught the attention of President Joe Biden and Senator John Fetterman, who visited in 2022. At PNC Park, the Primanti Bros. stand stays true to the original recipe, serving thousands of fans every game.
For a complete Pittsburgh-style meal, pair your sandwich with options from Wings & Things by Caliente - perfect for game day!
5. Dungeness Crab Sandwich at Oracle Park
Oracle Park takes ballpark dining to another level. The Crazy Crab'z Dungeness Crab Sandwich, found at Anchor Plaza on the Promenade level, is a standout item that brings San Francisco's seafood heritage to life.
This sandwich features fresh Dungeness crab meat mixed into a creamy spread, served between slices of toasted garlic sourdough. It's topped with tomato and lemon wedges, enhancing the crab's natural sweetness and creating a flavor-packed bite.
"When it comes to the best food at Oracle Park, the very best offering you can find is the crab sandwich from the Crazy Crab'z stand. As much as we love cheering on the Giants, this sandwich is the main attraction when visiting Oracle Park." - Female Foodie
A favorite among fans, this sandwich has become a must-try for visitors. Combining local seafood with San Francisco's iconic sourdough bread, it showcases the city's culinary roots while redefining what ballpark food can be.
6. BBQ Nachos at Kauffman Stadium
Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals, offers a taste of the city’s famous barbecue with its standout BBQ Nachos. The stadium’s signature dish, the “Cheesy Corn Brisket-Acho,” takes nachos to the next level, blending classic ballpark fare with Kansas City’s iconic barbecue flavors.
The secret to these nachos lies in the smoking process. Using hickory and oak wood sourced from the Ozarks, the stadium’s BBQ pit can smoke up to 400 pounds of meat on busy game days. This dedication to authentic barbecue techniques ensures every bite delivers that rich, smoky flavor Kansas City is known for.
The “Cheesy Corn Brisket-Acho” is piled high with tortilla chips, smoked brisket, cheesy corn, homemade coleslaw, lettuce, salsa, and jalapeños. For fans looking to mix it up, the Bases Loaded Nachos in Section 234 offer options like BBQ pulled pork or taco beef, paired with shredded lettuce, green onions, salsa verde, queso blanco, and cilantro lime sour cream.
"Kansas City is known for its world famous barbecue so chefs at Kauffman Stadium figured the food at The K should be representative of the city." - mlblogsroyals1, MLB.com/blogs
Starting in 2025, the stadium is teaming up with Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, a local favorite. Fans will be able to enjoy the legendary Z-Man Sandwich, featuring slow-smoked brisket, smoked provolone, and crispy onion rings on a toasted Kaiser roll - all in the right field area.
BBQ Nachos at Kauffman Stadium aren’t just a snack - they’re a tribute to Kansas City’s barbecue tradition. Packed with bold flavors and served with ballpark ease, they showcase why Kansas City remains a barbecue hotspot in America.
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7. Churro Dog at Chase Field
Chase Field, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, brings a sweet twist to the ballpark menu with its standout dessert, the Churro Dog.
There are two versions to choose from. The original features a warm cinnamon churro tucked inside a chocolate-glazed Long John donut, topped with frozen yogurt, caramel, and chocolate sauces - all for $8.50. Then there's the Churro Dog 2.0, which swaps the cinnamon churro for an Oreo churro, adds crushed Oreo crumbs, and finishes with strawberry sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.
The original Churro Dog comes in at about 1,117 calories. The mix of a warm churro, soft donut, and cool frozen yogurt creates a blend of textures and flavors that has earned its spot as a fan favorite for anyone catching a game in Phoenix.
8. Lobster Roll at Fenway Park
Fenway Park pays tribute to Boston's seafood heritage with its Lobster Roll, provided by Luke's Lobster. You can find these fan-favorite rolls at locations on the 1st base concourse and Jersey Street.
Fans can choose between two New England–style options, both priced at $19:
- Cold Classic: A chilled lobster roll served on a warm, buttered bun with fresh lobster meat, celery, herbed mayo, and crisp lettuce.
- Hot Butter: Warm lobster meat topped with melted butter and fresh parsley, served on a warm, buttered roll.
"It's fantastic to have a New England-based brand as the official lobster roll of the Boston Red Sox, providing fresh, locally sourced ingredients to fans right here in the ballpark." – Troup Parkinson, EVP, Partnerships, Boston Red Sox
Luke's Lobster is known for using high-quality, sustainably sourced lobster meat. Their recipe blends the natural sweetness of lobster with carefully chosen flavors for a perfect bite.
You can also grab these lobster rolls at the Sam Deck on the Right Field Roof Deck.
| Lobster Roll Comparison | Cold Classic | Hot Butter |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Warm buttered roll | Warm buttered roll |
| Main Ingredients | Lobster meat, celery, herbed mayo | Lobster meat, melted butter |
| Garnish | Crisp lettuce | Fresh parsley |
| Temperature | Chilled filling | Warm throughout |
| Price | $19 | $19 |
"We are thrilled to partner with the Boston Red Sox and bring our lobster rolls to Boston's beloved ballpark, Fenway Park."
9. Cheesesteak at Citizens Bank Park
Citizens Bank Park takes Philadelphia's beloved cheesesteak and gives it a ballpark spin. Vendors throughout the park serve up their own versions of this iconic sandwich, offering something for everyone. The standout? Uncle Charlie's Steaks, located behind Section 109. Named in honor of former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, their classic Philly steak is made with smoked ribeye, Cooper sharp cheese, and served on Liscio's seeded rolls.
But the fan favorite might surprise you - it's not a sandwich at all. P.J. Whelihan's, located in Ashburn Alley, serves cheesesteak egg rolls that have become a must-try item.
| Vendor Location | Specialty | Rating | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncle Charlie's Steaks (Section 109) | Classic Philly Steak | Top Rated | Smoked ribeye, Cooper sharp cheese, Liscio's seeded rolls |
| P.J. Whelihan's (Ashburn Alley) | Cheesesteak Egg Rolls | Best Overall | A creative twist on the classic |
| Campo's (Ashburn Alley) | The Heater | 1.5/5 | Buffalo sauce, jalapeño cheddar cheese |
| Gluten-Free Dedicated Stand (Section 122) | Gluten-Free Cheesesteak | 3.5/5 | Allergen-friendly option |
For those looking to try something different, Campo's offers "The Heater", featuring buffalo sauce and jalapeño cheddar, while the Gluten-Free Dedicated Stand in Section 122 serves an allergen-friendly cheesesteak that holds its own against traditional options.
"If a classic Philly steak is what you're looking for, then look no further than Uncle Charlie's Steaks...among the CBP cheesesteak offerings, this one's top of the leaderboard."
To avoid long lines, check out Uncle Charlie's or the Gluten-Free Stand during off-peak hours for quicker service.
"The best cheesesteak dish in Citizens Bank Park isn't even a sandwich - it's P.J. Whelihan's cheesesteak egg rolls."
10. Chapulines at T-Mobile Park
At Seattle's T-Mobile Park, fans can snack on chapulines - crispy, toasted grasshoppers seasoned with chili-lime salt. Sold at Edgar's Cantina for $5 per four-ounce cup, these protein-packed, gluten-free treats hail from Mexico's Oaxaca region and have become a fan favorite.
The buzz around chapulines took off in 2017. Centerplate, the Mariners' food service provider, initially ordered just 20 pounds, expecting it to last through the All-Star break. Instead, they sold out during the home opener. In just the first three nights, fans consumed 901 orders - about 30.8 pounds or over 18,000 grasshoppers.
| Year | Quantity Ordered | Sales Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 (Launch) | 20 pounds | Sold out opening night |
| 2019 | 1,763 pounds | Capped at 312 orders per game |
| Current | Ordered 3 times yearly | Vacuum-sealed by kilogram |
Why the sudden craze?
"It turned into one of these Tweetable, Instagram-type moments. We were on SportsCenter, and it quickly became a sensation."
Beyond the novelty, chapulines are a nutritious snack. Packed with protein, they contain no fat or carbs. Executive Chef Manny Arce from Poquito's explains their appeal:
"I think if I were to give someone a handful of chapulines and a handful of peanuts, and they didn't know what they were eating, I don't think there would be any resistance. It's something spicy, it's something crunchy, it's just something good."
Due to their popularity, T-Mobile Park now limits chapulines sales to 312 orders per game. If you want to try them, head to Edgar's Cantina early - they often sell out quickly. This creative snack is another example of the ballpark's knack for offering locally inspired, crowd-pleasing bites.
Stadium Food Trends
Ballparks are transforming their menus, turning stadiums into food destinations that combine local flavors with eye-catching dishes. These trends reflect the changing culture of the sport and the growing emphasis on the fan experience.
Modern stadiums are all about shareable, extravagant creations. For example, Citi Field serves the Sundae Donuts Milkshake, a towering treat with sprinkles, glazed donuts, and customizable toppings.
Local flavors are also taking center stage. At Great American Ballpark, the Big Red Machine burger highlights Cincinnati's culinary roots with Big Red Smokey sausage, sauerkraut, and Grippo's Potato Chips on a Servatii's Pretzel Bun. Over at Oracle Park, fans can enjoy seafood-inspired dishes that honor San Francisco's coastal heritage.
| Trend Category | Notable Examples | Stadiums |
|---|---|---|
| Over-the-Top Items | Boomstick Burger (2-foot) | Globe Life Field |
| Local Specialties | Big Red Machine Burger | Great American Ballpark |
| Plant-Based Options | Gonzo Garbanzo Sandwich | Guaranteed Rate Field |
| Gourmet Classics | 99 Burger (Wagyu beef) | Yankee Stadium |
Desserts and fusion dishes are also shaking things up. The Kansas City Royals' Sweet Baby Ray's Crown Sticky Buns combine croissant sheets, sticky caramel, pulled pork, and apple BBQ sauce for a sweet-savory twist. Another standout is their "Taste of the K Taco", a hot dog wrapped in a cheeseburger quesadilla, topped with barbecue brisket, French fries, and Sriracha Cracker Jacks.
Plant-based options are gaining ground too. Guaranteed Rate Field offers the Gonzo Garbanzo Sandwich, featuring seasoned chickpeas, red pepper hummus, and avocado.
Even traditional ballpark foods are getting a gourmet makeover. Yankee Stadium’s 99 Burger, limited to just 99 servings per game, features premium Wagyu beef patties. The Baltimore Orioles' "The Warehouse Dog" comes loaded with horseradish-infused brick sauce and pit beef queso fundido, while the Atlanta Braves' "4 Bagger" stacks four burgers with a pound of BBQ brisket and beer-battered onion rings.
These creative dishes highlight how ballparks are enhancing the fan experience. Today’s stadiums aren’t just about the game - they’re also about offering memorable dining experiences that celebrate local cuisine and bold culinary ideas.
Food Rankings Chart
Here's a handy comparison of popular stadium foods, covering pricing, portions, and availability:
| Food Item | Stadium | Price | Portion Size | Availability | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodger Dogs | Dodger Stadium | $7.50 | 10" hot dog | All sections | 4.5/5 |
| Garlic Fries | Oracle Park | $9.75 | 16 oz | All sections | 4.8/5 |
| Boomstick Hot Dog | Globe Life Field | $27.50 | 24" hot dog | Select stands | 4.3/5 |
| Primanti Sandwich | PNC Park | $14.50 | 8" sandwich | Main concourse | 4.6/5 |
| Dungeness Crab Sandwich | Oracle Park | $24.00 | 6" sandwich | Behind home plate | 4.7/5 |
| BBQ Nachos | Kauffman Stadium | $12.75 | 32 oz | All sections | 4.4/5 |
| Churro Dog | Chase Field | $11.00 | 6" churro | Select stands | 4.2/5 |
| Lobster Roll | Fenway Park | $29.00 | 6" roll | Premium sections | 4.8/5 |
| Cheesesteak | Citizens Bank Park | $13.50 | 10" sandwich | All sections | 4.7/5 |
| Chapulines | T-Mobile Park | $8.00 | 4 oz | Select stands | 3.9/5 |
Pro Tips for Sharing and Enjoying:
- Boomstick Hot Dog: Perfect for sharing with 3–4 people.
- BBQ Nachos: A great option for 2–3 fans.
- Garlic Fries: Ideal for splitting between two.
- Sandwiches: Best suited for one person.
Use this guide to make the most of your next ballpark food adventure!
Conclusion
Stadium food has come a long way, moving beyond peanuts and Cracker Jack to spotlight local flavors and imaginative dishes. From the iconic Dodger Dog to regional specialties, ballparks now offer much more than just snacks.
These fan-favorite foods combine tradition with local influences, turning stadiums into destinations that celebrate the flavors of their regions. Whether you're craving classic comfort food or something more refined, there's something for everyone.
Tips for Enjoying Stadium Food:
- Try regional specialties and opt for shareable portions for better value.
- Plan ahead - popular items can sell out quickly.
- Look for value options - classic snacks show up on about one in three stadium food receipts.
Today’s ballparks don’t just host games; they offer unique dining experiences that celebrate both baseball traditions and culinary creativity. With menus that honor local flavors and push boundaries, stadium food has become a key part of game day, making every visit more memorable.