A Taste of Tradition, a Glimpse of the Future
Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets, is more than just a baseball stadium; it’s a destination where the thrill of the game meets a vibrant culinary scene. While the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd are undeniable draws, the food offerings at Citi Field have steadily evolved into a major part of the fan experience. For many, a trip to the ballpark isn’t complete without indulging in a classic hot dog or a refreshing beer. But this season, Citi Field is stepping up to the plate with a whole new roster of exciting food vendors and menu items, promising to tantalize taste buds and elevate the overall game day experience. This year’s additions look to create a culinary adventure that will please everyone.
Citi Field already boasts a solid lineup of familiar favorites, from perfectly grilled burgers to crispy french fries, to warm soft pretzels. Local eateries and restaurants familiar to New Yorkers have also had a presence at the park. While these classic staples continue to satisfy, the culinary team at Citi Field is always on the lookout for ways to innovate and offer fans something new and exciting. This means incorporating a diverse range of flavors, catering to different dietary needs, and partnering with both established names and up-and-coming chefs.
The aim is to provide a comprehensive culinary experience with different types of food available that cater to every palate. From hearty pizzas loaded with toppings, juicy burgers stacked high, shareable snacks perfect for groups, and decadent desserts that provide the perfect sweet ending, there is something for everyone. With both local and celebrity chef involvement, there is a range of unique vendors available at Citi Field for the season.
Meet the Rookies: Spotlight on New Food Vendors
This season’s new additions represent a commitment to culinary excellence and a desire to reflect the diverse and vibrant food scene of New York City. Let’s take a closer look at some of the exciting new vendors and menu items that are sure to be a hit with fans.
Empanada Mama: A Taste of South America
Bringing authentic flavors from South America, Empanada Mama is a welcome addition to the Citi Field food scene. Known for its diverse and flavorful empanadas, Empanada Mama offers a variety of fillings that are sure to please every palate. From classic beef and chicken to vegetarian options like spinach and cheese, each empanada is handcrafted with care and baked to perfection. The crispy, flaky crust gives way to a savory filling that bursts with flavor.
“We are thrilled to bring our empanadas to Citi Field,” says the owner of Empanada Mama. “We believe that our food is a perfect complement to the excitement of the game, and we can’t wait to share a taste of South America with Mets fans.”
This season, expect to find a dedicated booth serving up a selection of Empanada Mama’s signature empanadas, along with refreshing beverages to complete the meal.
Destination Dumplings: Asian Inspired Flavors
Destination Dumplings is offering a fusion of Asian-inspired flavors with a variety of delectable dumplings. Featuring a wide range of flavors from traditional pork dumplings to innovative vegan options, there’s a dumpling for everyone. The dumplings are steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried, with a variety of dipping sauces.
The chef at Destination Dumplings said, “We wanted to bring the vibrant and diverse flavors of Asia to Citi Field. Our dumplings are made with the freshest ingredients and a lot of love. We hope fans enjoy them.”
Make sure to stop by Destination Dumplings to get your fill of delicious dumplings during game day.
Smash Burger: All American Classic
For burger lovers, the new Smash Burger outlet is a must-visit. Known for their delicious, thin, crispy-edged patties, Smash Burger offers a variety of mouthwatering burgers, sides, and shakes. Each burger is made with fresh, high-quality beef and topped with your favorite condiments.
The Smash Burger stand promises a satisfying meal with quick service. The burger options are endless, from a classic cheeseburger to unique creations with innovative toppings. Complete your meal with crispy fries and a creamy milkshake, and you’ve got the perfect ballpark feast.
“We are excited to be a part of the Citi Field experience,” says the manager of Smash Burger. “Our burgers are made with the finest ingredients and cooked to perfection. We know Mets fans will love them.”
Sweet Surrender: Decadent Treats
No ballpark experience is complete without indulging in something sweet, and Sweet Surrender offers a tempting array of desserts that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From ice cream to gourmet cookies to decadent sundaes, there’s something for everyone.
Sweet Surrender promises a sugar rush of deliciousness that’s hard to resist. Don’t miss out on the ice cream sundae bar, where you can customize your own creation with a wide array of toppings and sauces. The location will be the perfect destination for fans looking to end their ballpark experience on a sweet note.
Enhancing the Fan Experience One Bite at a Time
The addition of these new food options is about more than just offering new choices; it’s about enhancing the overall fan experience at Citi Field.
The variety of the cuisine being offered caters to a wider audience, including those with dietary restrictions. The stadium caters to more than just baseball fans, but foodies as well.
The overall quality of food elevates the experience with higher quality ingredients and creative dishes. By focusing on fresh ingredients, innovative recipes, and thoughtful presentation, Citi Field aims to create a memorable dining experience for every fan.
The dishes are also highly “Instagrammable,” meaning they look good on social media. The vibrant colors and creative presentation of many of the new food items are designed to catch the eye and encourage fans to share their experiences online.
Finally, the stadium made an effort to increase accessibility by offering multiple locations to purchase food and shortened the lines.
Pricing and Accessibility: Know Before You Go
The price range for the new food items is generally in line with other stadium concessions, with options to fit various budgets. Empanadas range from around eight dollars, while burgers can run upwards of fifteen. Many of the vendors are located throughout the stadium. Sweet Surrender will be located near the main concourse, making it easily accessible for fans.
Fans are encouraged to check the Citi Field app for a complete list of vendors and their locations.
A Culinary Home Run
Citi Field continues to elevate its food game, offering fans a diverse and exciting culinary experience that goes far beyond the typical ballpark fare. With the addition of Empanada Mama, Destination Dumplings, and Smash Burger, Sweet Surrender there’s something to satisfy every craving and create a memorable game day experience.
Whether you’re a die-hard Mets fan cheering on your team or simply a foodie looking for a delicious meal, the new food options at Citi Field are sure to be a home run. So, next time you’re at the ballpark, be sure to explore the new offerings and discover your new favorite stadium snack. Because at Citi Field, the food is just as much a part of the game as the baseball itself. Step up to the plate and take a bite – you won’t be disappointed!