Everyone knows that the best part about going to baseball games is the food and drinks (or at least, everyone like me who has to tag along with an actual baseball fan). Living in the Upper East Side, I’m only about a 20 minute subway ride (shoutout to the 4 train) from Yankee Stadium, and my boyfriend, Brian, is a HUGE Yankees fan, so we’ve been to probably at least 40 games over the past few years.
Going to so many games has given me the unique perspective of trying almost everything that the stadium has to offer, and finding the best (and worst) choices out there. I remember when I was younger that sporting events really only ever had chicken fingers, hot dogs, fries, beer popcorn, and ice cream for the most part, but stadiums have gotten way better about concessions in the past couple of years, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Now you can get just about any food you want from a stadium, from sushi to pizza to empanadas and literally everything in between. When you go to so many games, it’s not great to always be getting the greasiest fried food, so variety is extremely helpful when you want to maybe find something a little bit healthier. I like to consider myself somewhat of an expert when it comes to Yankee Stadium’s food options, so below are my favorite places to get food!
The Halal Guys
A classic New York staple now serves up their famous street food right in Yankee Stadium. With a location right behind the bleachers and another on the 300 level, it’s easy to get to it from most sections of the stadium. Not only is it just as delicious as their famous street carts in Midtown, but the portions are HUGE and it’s a nice break to get rice, lettuce, and tomato instead of french fries. Plus, who can say no to their infamous white sauce???
Benihana
Yes, you read that correctly: there is a Benihana at Yankee Stadium. And while they don’t have the whole full-service Hibachi, they do offer everyone’s menu favorites like fried rice and noodle bowls (with your choice of chicken, steak or shrimp!), edamame, gyoza, poke bowls, sushi rolls, and even sushi burritos! I’m a sucker for some hibachi fried rice, and being able to choose sushi instead of something fried and greasy is incredible.
City Winery
I can’t ever go to a game without making a stop at my favorite concession stand! If you’re just not a beer person or you want something not so heavy or carbonated to sip on while you watch the game, grab yourself a glass of rose or chardonnay from City Winery and you’ll be set. From my experience, the workers here always give a very generous pour so you’ll really get your money’s worth! And for those games towards the end of the season when there’s a chill in the air after dark, they also offer a nice red wine too :)
But not only is the wine what makes this stop unique, they also have artisanal burgers on their menu, like the Burrata Burger with balsamic glaze, and they even offer roast chicken with potatoes which is definitely a slightly healthier option than some alternatives.
Lobel’s
What is known around NYC as a local family-owned butcher shop has made its way into Yankee Stadium. The Lobel’s concession stand is everything you could want from a butcher shop: high quality, delicious meats. We’ve tried both the classic steak sandwich and the grilled chicken sandwich and they were both fantastic. Another great option if you’re avoiding fried food! Be prepared to spend a whopping $20 on a steak sandwich (although in New York City that’s really not too crazy of a price), but it is definitely worth it.
King’s Hawaiian
Not only are King’s Hawaiian rolls an amazing addition to any meal, but this booth serves up crispy chicken sandwiches with a sweet and tangy sauce sitting right between two slices of a King’s Hawaiian bun. A delicious take on a regular chicken sandwich that isn’t too overpowering. If the line isn’t too long, this spot is a great ballpark find.
Oatly Soft Serve
For all of my fellow oatmilk fans, Yankee Stadium does us all a huge favor by serving Oatly soft serve at certain concession locations. Let me tell you, it tastes way better than frozen yogurt and it won’t affect all of us whose bodies don't really agree with dairy. Be warned: it’s sometimes so popular that they sell out before the end of the game!! I tried to get it around the 6th Inning once and it wasn’t available any more (so of course at the next game I got it immediately when we arrived).
Chickie’s & Pete’s
As a girl who grew up outside of Philly, Chickie’s and Pete’s crab fries are a STAPLE of sporting events. I’m always excited when I see those famous fries at stadiums outside of Philly, and Yankee Stadium does not disappoint! Yes, sometimes it’s necessary to say “f*** it” and get the big bucket of chicken fingers and fries. And you know what? That’s what sports is all about.
Of course there are plenty of spots I haven’t tried yet, and many I haven’t mentioned (you can’t ever go wrong with a classic ballpark hot dog, for instance), but I’m sure Brian will have me at many more games this season and for seasons to come.
Other Concessions to Try:
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream (always a SUPER long line, but try if you must!)
Mac n Cheese Cart (new this season!)
99 Burger (also new this season; they only sell 9 of these at each game so get there early if you want one!)
Fuku (apparently the chicken sandwiches are famous here for a reason!)
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