MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PARKS
Best eats at seven Major League ballparks
From Dodger Stadium to Fenway Park, dig in.
Depending on which account you believe, the first hot dog sold at a baseball game was in Chicago in 1893 or New York in 1902.
No matter which tale is true, a corollary truth is that since then, there have been far more low points than high points when it comes to ballpark food.
Steamed-to-death weiners, tasteless vats of nachos and cold, rubbery pizza--that's been standard fare. But recently, the food's gotten better and more original. Below are seven parks--including the two in our backyard--that offer tasty options.
Angel Stadium,
Be sure to get: The barbecue beef brisket sandwich at Costa Mesa's Beach Pit BBQ. It doesn't look like much--ropy shreds of beef on a plain bun with a cup of sauce--but the beef is fine, the bun is surprisingly tasty and the sauce, which blends sweetness with vinegar snap, turns up the flavor. At nearby
How much: Beach Pit BBQ beef brisket sandwich, $9.75; Dietrich iced mocha, $5.50 ($9 with a shot of Bailey's).
Where to find it: The two are kitty-cornered on the first-base side of the ground-level concourse near the entrances to sections 126 and 128. Beach Pit BBQ also has a location in the plaza behind right field.
Be sure to get: Gilroy Garlic Fries. This huge mound of thin-cut, crispy fries is seasoned with minced garlic, olive oil and parsley. Potent but not lethal, they're guaranteed to ward off vampires and/or Giants fans until the 7th-inning stretch.
How much: $6.50
Where to find it: At concession stands throughout the park. Note: Quality varies from stand to stand, so before you buy, get a verdict from someone who's tasting their order.
Be sure to get: A hickory-smoked beef sandwich at Boog's Barbecue. Former Orioles great Boog Powell opened his stand in 1992 and set off a mini-trend of former baseball stars opening food emporiums at their home stadiums. The pork and turkey offerings can be a bit erratic, but the beef is smoky and tender. And score an autograph from Powell, who's on hand at most games.
How much: $9, with rather dry cole slaw on the side.
Where to find it: In the Eutaw Street walkway back of center field. It's about halfway down the walk.
Dodger Stadium,
Be sure to get: Sweet Chili and Ginger Chicken wings from a Gordon Biersch stand. An unexpected find, the wings are plump and the sticky-meets-peppery glaze is addictive.
How much: $7.50 for a five-wing order.
Where to find it: Gordon Biersch has two stands on the field level. But you'll need field-level tickets to reach them unless you go more than an hour before the game.
Be sure to get: Sweet Italian sausages from one of the many carts and shop-front vendors on Lansdowne Street outside the park. Toppings abound, but you can't go wrong with traditional grilled onions, peppers and spicy mustard. Seek out the "Sausage Guy" for lots of Bah-stahn patter while your order grills.
How much: Price varies, but the range is $5 to $7 depending on the vendor, size of your sausage and the options you want on it.
Where to find it: Lansdowne Street runs next to the "
Nationals Park,
Be sure to get: An Original Half Smoke, "all the way." That'll summon up a good-quality split and grilled hot dog covered with chili over mustard and onions on top, courtesy of a D.C. favorite called Ben's Chili Bowl.
How much: $6.75
Where to find it: It's at concession stands throughout the park, but only the Ben's Chili Bowl stand under the overhang on the third-base side offers the true testament to authenticity--a long line of customers.
Safeco Field,
Be sure to get: Sushi, specifically the Ichiroll, punningly named after the team's brilliant player from Japan,
How much: $9 for an eight-piece roll.
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