After an exciting finish to the regular season, the MLB Playoffs officially start today for 12 teams, giving fans across the country hope that their team will be crowned champion at the end of it all. More specifically, there are 11 lucky cities, specifically their stadium vendors and nearby restaurants, that will have increased attention and foot traffic during these games. From the ballparks to bars and restaurants, there will be a surge in customers.
Here, we’ll recognize the most popular foods in these stadiums and their cities, hopefully sparking some ideas for your restaurant or bar.
ATLANTA
The Braves, the last team to earn their playoff spot, call Truist Park their home. ATL is known for Southern dishes such as fried chicken, chicken and waffles, lemon pepper wings, pimento cheese, and peach cobbler. Many of the popular options at the ballpark include brisket nachos, large pizza slices, a meatball sub, and other sandwiches.
BALTIMORE
Home of the Orioles, there are many iconic food favorites in Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Of course, crab cakes are a staple in Baltimore, but there are other must-try options such as fries topped with crab dip and Old Bay, hot dogs topped with mac and cheese and crab meat, bacon on a stick, and fried oyster po’ boy sandwiches.
CLEVELAND
Progressive Field is the home of the Guardians. The Land is known for the polish boys, pierogies, and corned beef sandwiches. All these items are available at the ballpark, but the most famous foods in the stadium are the unique hot dog options with interesting topping choices, burgers, pizza, and ice cream. However, the stadium allows outside food, so any of the city’s bars and restaurants are an option.
DETROIT
The Tigers reside at Comerica Park in the Motor City. The city is famous for coney dogs, corned beef egg rolls, sliders, and of course, Detroit-style pizza. In addition to these must-haves, shawarma, fries, sausages, and arepas are very popular in the park as well.
HOUSTON
Minute Maid Park houses the Astros. H-Town brings together various cuisines such as BBQ, Viet Cajun, and Tex Mex in one place. The best food at the ballpark are the different combinations of nachos, Mexican food, sandwiches, and margaritas and cocktails. Outside food can be brought into the park as long as it fits into a clear, gallon plastic bag.
KANSAS CITY
Kauffman Stadium is the home of the Royals. KC is recognized for everything BBQ related like ribs, brisket, fried chicken, and BBQ sauce, but more specifically, burnt ends. The most popular choices at the ballpark are the several nacho options, desserts, and the baseball bat slushie. Outside food is permitted in the park as well if it’s in a clear, gallon plastic bag.
LOS ANGELES
Home of the Dodgers, there are a multitude of selections at Dodger Stadium. The City of Angels is known for its wide range of cuisines like street tacos, sushi, Korean food, Mexican food, donuts, and more. The fan-favorites at the ballpark are the Korean fried chicken buckets, takoyaki, and the deep fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Food from outside the stadium can be brought into the stadium as well.
MILWAUKEE
The Brewers call American Family Field their home. The Cream City is famous for their cheese curds and frozen custard. The ballpark is best known for the freshly-brewed beer, bratwurst, tacos, arepas, BBQ, and sushi locations.
NEW YORK CITY
The only city representing two teams in the playoffs: the Yankees and the Mets. The Yankees call Yankee Stadium their home, and the Mets call Citi Field theirs. The Big Apple is widely known for New York-style pizza, bagels, cheesecake, hot dogs, pastrami on rye, chopped cheese, and much more. Specifically, Yankee Stadium is known for their plethora of food options from chicken tenders and hot dogs to burgers, sandwiches, and even bacon on a stick. Citi Field, ranked best baseball stadium food, is known for its Korean fried chicken, BBQ, sandwiches, birria tacos, empanadas, and much more.
PHILADELPHIA
Citizens Bank Park is the home of the Phillies. The City of Brotherly Love is famously known for the best cheesesteaks in the country as well as its hoagies, roast pork sandwiches, soft pretzels, and water ice. Fan-favorites at the ballpark include BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, Crabfries, chicken tenders, donuts, cheesesteaks, and even a few vegan options.
SAN DIEGO
Petco Park houses the Padres. The Birthplace of California is known for its fish tacos, carne asada, California-style pizza, and many other seafood options. The ballpark has a wide variety of beloved choices such as brisket fries, numerous craft beers and margaritas, hot dogs with various toppings, tacos, nachos, chicken sandwiches, and more.
VIGOR’S VIEW
If you own a restaurant or bar in or near one of these venues, take advantage of this huge uptick in traffic. Before, during, and after a big playoff game is the best time to celebrate the culture and pride of a city, especially following a win.
Consider creating playoff promotions or team-specific food and beverage options to attract customers and deepen loyalty within the community. Serving a popular meal or drink from the opposing team’s city may be a nice touch of novelty for the restaurant or bar that may pique the interest of customers.
This should be an exciting October – make the most of it.
