Let’s get the painful part out of the way: I couldn’t eat anything this year at Citi Field’s annual press preview because of a coronectomy. Yes, that’s a thing and no, I don’t recommend it. But don’t worry! I still licked a lot of the food for the sake of journalism! And I’m here to report that the Best Stadium Food in Baseball is back and better than ever.
Seriously, Citi Field was just crowned Best Baseball Stadium Food by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice again. That’s three years in a row, people. Three! They’ve fully leaned into this title and I respect it. Insert obvious jokes here about the draw being the food and not the team – we know, and we’ve heard them all. Lifelong Mets fan over here and I don’t disagree, but I gotta tell ya, despite that tough loss, I enjoyed the 2024 team – it was a fun season!
Anyway, if you’re heading to a Mets game this season or one of the many concerts happening there (BILLY IS BACK!!), here’s a guide to what’s new, what’s returning, and what you should absolutely plan your bathroom break around.
Follow @citifield and tag your eats with #citifieldeats !
The New Kids on the Concourse (see what I did there?)
Here are the latest additions to Citi Field’s ever-evolving food lineup. I’ve included links where possible so you can stalk them or follow them, whatever you prefer:
1. Naz’s Halal Food
Classic halal combo over rice with ALL the sauces. Located at the Hudson Whiskey NY Club on the Promenade Level. Get ready to sweat—respectfully. I licked the white sauce and it was delicious!
2. Seoul Bird
Korean fried chicken over kimchi fried rice from Chef Judy Joo, who is casually also starring in her own Food Network show. Because of course she is. Found at Metro Market on the Excelsior Level. I licked this one too, excellent seasoning.
3. Chef Kwame’s Patty Palace
Flaky curried chicken patty in coco bread with jerk BBQ, green sauce, and ginger cabbage slaw. It’s giving high-end bodega vibes. Find it at Clover Marketplace and the Hudson Whiskey NY Club. I got in to Tatiana last Fall, and I can confirm it’s absolutely worth the hype. I licked this one too but this was a massive unhinge-your-jaw kinda bite, and I’m sure it was great.
4. Adam Richman’s Burger Hall of Fame
You might know him from Man v. Food, but Adam is serving up two beasts: the Fiesta Burger and the Pub Burger. They come with things like chipotle crema, pork rinds, and tortilla chips. Because moderation is for other people. Sections 104 and Clover Marketplace.
5. Pat LaFrieda’s Chop House
We’re talking tomahawks with chimichurri. We’re talking steak frites with smoked gouda fondue and caramelized onions. We’re talking “I just dropped $40 on loaded fries but no regrets.” And the Pat Lafrieda steak sandwich will always be a number one stadium food for me, I’m fairly certain that’s been there since opening. Clover Home Plate Club.
6. Prince Street Pizza
The iconic Spicy Spring has graced Citifield with it’s pepperoni presence! It’s a thick square slice, loaded with pepperoni, and a spicy fra diavola sauce. Multiple locations, including Section 102 and the Clover Marketplace.
7. Chiddy’s Cheesesteaks
The “Citi Fielder” is classic: steak, onions, cheese whiz, and a side of cholesterol. In a good way. Sections 132 and 410.
8. New York Panini
Doubleheader = burger and hot dog in one sandwich. The culinary equivalent of “yes, and.” Pat LaFrieda 8 oz burger with a smash hot dog, American cheese, relish, ballpark mayo on a round rustic roll. Excelsior Level, Metro Market.
9. Wok ’n Roll
Cinnamon bun egg rolls. And poutine egg rolls. I’m calling it now: this is the new late-inning bite. Personally I’m just happy they are no longer doing the Rainbow Cookie egg rolls (if you know me, you know about my hatred for rainbow cookies). Found throughout the stadium; Field Level, Promenade Level, Clover Marketplace.
10. Pig Beach BBQ
Smoked turkey with vinegar slaw and Alabama white sauce. BBQ fans, this one’s for you. Pig Beach is awesome and I took the tiniest bite of the smoked turkey because I love smoked turkey. Licked the slaw. Delicious. Section 135.
11. Swingin Wings
AMAZIN BONE-IN WINGS! Mild Buffalo, BBQ, or Sweet Chili Sauce. Served with the classic celery and blue cheese. You might want to grab a LOT of extra napkins for that one. Field Level Section 102, Clover Level/Clover Marketplace.
12. From The Stretch
This was the most lickable item for me! Grilled cheese and tomato fondue for dunking (or licking, in my case). Provolone and American cheese with a pimento spread in a glorious pinwheel flatbread. Promenade Level – Hudson Whiskey NY Club.
13. Gyro Jimmy’s Greek Grill
As a half-Greek person from Astoria, I’m happy to see this! I even ate a tiny piece of the meat, it was great. Beef & Lamb Gyro meat served inside a traditional Greek pita, with tzatziki, lettuce, tomato, onion & french fries. Just like they do it in Greece! I love the fries inside the gyro. Field Level, Taste of the City.
Dietary Vibes
They’re listening. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just picky, Citi Field’s got options:
- Vegan City: Pulled jackfruit BBQ sandwich on a pretzel bun. Field Section 105.
- Cookie Crumz: Vegan white chocolate macadamia and gluten-friendly oat & nut raisin cookies. Home Plate Market, Excelsior Level – Market on the Milagro Tequila Porch.
- Gluten-Friendly Grilled Chicken Sandwich: No frills, all flavor. Find it at Field Level World’s Fare Market, Section 105.
Sides & Sugar
If you’re here for the carbs (same) and sweets, don’t miss:
- Metropolitan Fry Factory: Pickle-spiced fries + Fried Oreos = a love story. The pickle seasoned fries got soggy after sitting for photographs for over an hour, so I had one. Delicious!
- Zeppole (Section 130): The OG Italian ballpark dessert. Was so sad I couldn’t eat these, they looked AMAZIN.
- Walk-Off Café (Sections 131 & 417): Warm cookie buckets + iced coffee = your 7th inning stretch fuel. Literally, it’s just a bucket of warm chocolate chip cookies. Can’t miss.
- Mr. & Mrs. Met’s Candy Shop: Yes, it’s a candy shop. Yes, they have chocolate strawberries. Yes, you’re an adult and you’re allowed to enjoy it.
Taste of Queens + Coca-Cola Food Truck Collabs
New this year, Citi Field gave local businesses the chance to flex on a major stage. And as a born and raised Queens gal, I respect it. Catch these rotating vendors:
April 4 – July 6:
- FIELDTRIP by Chef JJ Johnson: Jerk meatballs, jollof rice, and plantains. Love Chef JJ, he’s one of the OG’s in the game, so show some love!
- Arepalicious: Cheese arepas topped with chicken and cotija. Licked these and ate some of the chicken since it was shredded. YUM.
July 18 – Sept 21:
- Dorado Tacos & Quesadillas: Carne asada quesadillas on flour tortillas.
- Thai Tai Eatery: A legit Banh Mi with Vietnamese ham and sausage.
Concerts, Bobbleheads & A Subway Car That Races a Giraffe
In case you somehow get tired of eating (you won’t), here’s what else is happening:
- Post Malone (June 4), Stray Kids (June 18 & 19), The Lumineers (July 11), BLACKPINK (July 26 & 27), and Billy Joel + Sting (August 21). Full list at Mets.com/Events.
- Giveaways galore, including WWE bobbleheads and a Minecraft Mets hat. Because sure, why not.
- Merch from New York or Nowhere, including this great cap (below) that I’m very tempted to buy but I don’t think it’s available online yet…
- New 5 Boroughs Mascot Race featuring a subway car (representing Queens), pizza slice (Brooklyn), ferry (Staten Island), skyscraper (Manhattan), and a giraffe (the Bronx, obviously). I have no notes.
Final Verdict
Even if the Mets break your heart this season (again), at least your stomach will be in a committed, loving relationship. Whether you’re vegan, carnivorous, or on a strict diet of cinnamon bun egg rolls and nostalgia, Citi Field has something for you.
Now excuse me while I go ice my jaw and dream about Spicy Spring slices and pickle fries. See you at the ballpark—and don’t forget to follow @CitiField and tag #citifieldeats so I can live vicariously through you.
Til next time!
