By Cory Fallon
Have you ever strolled up to a concession stand at an MLB game unsure of what to get? Here are the power rankings of the classic food items you will see at every park.
First things first: this is a list of the best classic food that you will see at ballparks around the country. This will not include foods specific to a certain stadium or region (I am looking at you Seattle and your weird crickets); this is just the 10 most popular food items across baseball.
10: Nachos
Straight up these things are just a mess. Nachos either come in a plastic helmet or a flimsy cardboard rectangle so there is a 100 percent chance you will end up with some part of this on your clothing. No thanks.
9: Cracker Jacks
Just because they are in “Take Me Out to The Ballgame” does not make Cracker Jacks untouchable. This off-brand excuse for caramel popcorn does not offer much in terms of flavor and is uncomfortably sticky. The only reason they are not last is that it comes with a little comic book toy thing.
8: Peanuts
Too much work for not enough reward. You will end up with a mountain of shells under your feet for which everyone in your row will totally thank you (insert eye-roll).
7: Soft Pretzels
Happy Pretzel Day!#Baseball game + a soft pretzel = 😋
What's your go-to ballpark food? Tell us!
Image: @SpoonUniversity #562TrainingAcademy #HappyPretzelDay #NationalPretzelDay #Pretzels #BaseballLife #TrainingChampions #SteelSharpensSteel pic.twitter.com/Z5ra2cNkPZ
— 562 Training Academy (@562Academy) April 26, 2021
Full disclosure, I am a pretzel guy through and through so this pains me to put it here, but it’s necessary. Consistency is key and you just never know what you’re going to get at each park. Is it the classic twist? Is it a modern braid? How crispy? How salty? A lot of variables in play.
6: Pizza
I’m from New York and very spoiled when it comes to pizza, and I find that everything outside of the tri-state area just doesn’t hold up. Chicago deep-dish is phenomenal, but not something I want to attack while watching a game.
5: Fries
Mind you that this is for food items by themselves, not as a side dish. Fries are second to none when it comes to complementing a burger or a hot dog, and are the best food for picking at during a game. Add some cheese on the side and you’re in heaven.
4: Cheeseburger
Here is where things start to get tough. Depending on where you are in the country, a burger can be a bit too filling. The last thing you want while at a ballgame is that feeling of being full and bloated.
3: Chicken Tenders
Experienced my first Yankees game… thank goodness for this delicious bucket of chicken pic.twitter.com/Tx3hLaMgDn
— Maraya Slatter (@coach_slat) April 18, 2017
Chicken Tenders are the best of both worlds. Light-weight, not messy, and you always have the option to dip them in whatever best suits you. Great for fans of all ages, especially for families enjoying a game.
2: Hot Dog
A ballpark classic. Get some ketchup and/or mustard on that, or relish if you are a psychopath along with a cold beer, and enjoy the game just like fans have been doing for decades. Bonus points if you are at a dollar dog night to really get your money’s worth.
1: Soft Serve Ice Cream
Baseball season is about to be even sweeter 🍦
Soft serve ice cream in mini helmets is now available at Atrium Health Ballpark! pic.twitter.com/L9aXy66Olw
— Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (@Kcannonballers) April 6, 2022
There is legit nothing on this planet better than sitting in the sun at a baseball game and going to town on some soft serve ice cream. Toss it in a helmet cup, throw a couple of sprinkles on the top, and enjoy five minutes of pure bliss.
Picture Credit: Arina P Habich
