What To Eat In Citizens Bank Park
You come to Citizens Bank Park for the Phillies game, but any fan will tell you that it's about more than just baseball. It's about camaraderie, spending time with family and friends, enjoying the summer weather and the food. The concession options at Citizen Bank Park have been highly rated for years. In fact, the Food Network even named it "Best Ballpark Eats" in 2007, and it's been called out for its exceptional vegetarian choices three years in a row. From old favorites to some new items, here are the top must-eats during the Phillies games this season.
Citizens Bank Park
1 Citizens Bank Way
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 463-1000
www.phillies.mlb.com/phi/ballpark
Bull's BBQ
Right Field Gate
Follow the wonderful smells of smoky barbecued meat to the outdoor picnic area that is Bull's BBQ. Greg "The Bull" Luzinski isn't just the namesake of the largest grill master in major league baseball, he's often spotted there greeting guests, taking orders and serving meals with his signature secret BBQ sauce. Choose from options like ribs, half chickens, pulled pork and turkey legs, or opt for the sample BBQ plate featuring ribs, pulled pork and smoked sausage. And while it might seem like an odd baseball game option, the creamy mac and cheese is excellent. Finish off your meal with a pint of Turkey Hill ice cream.
Tony Luke's
Ashburn Alley/Section 147
www.tonylukes.com
It doesn't get much more "Philly" than a cheesesteak, so Tony Luke's is a Phillies game favorite. The Tony Luke's outpost at Citizens Bank Park serves the classic cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and fried onions. But many will say that the roast pork is even more impressive. Made with melted sharp provolone and an optional garlic broccoli rabe, this is a sandwich that's worth waiting in line for. You can also get long hot peppers and curly fries with cheese sauce.
Harry the K's Broadcast Bar and Grille
Section 143-145 and Section 243
Just under the left field scoreboard, you'll find Harry the K's Broadcast Bar & Grille, the outdoor sit-down restaurant that honors Phillies Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas. Along with great views, the restaurant offers everything from ballpark favorites like nachos, hot dogs, pretzels and fries, to more unique items like an authentic Cuban panini, Philly steak spring rolls and black bean burgers. This year, the popular spot will have seafood for the first time. Prince Edward Island mussels will be served with shallots, garlic, bacon, beer and mustard with bread. Other new additions for 2014 include a hamburger topped with pepper jelly, roasted tomato and a fried egg. Those with a sweet tooth will love Pastry Chef Gina's peanut butter and jelly cupcake. Harry the K's opens 2-1/2 hours before the first pitch during home games.
Federal Donuts and Chicken
Section 140
www.federaldonuts.com
Mike Solomonov and Steve Cook's popular local chicken and doughnut chain opened a spot at Citizens Bank Park in 2013. Understandably, the stand can't offer the variety that you'd find at one of the other locations, but the favorite chili-garlic glaze is available, which is really all that matters. You can also get your chicken plain or with crispy or buttermilk ranch seasoning. Instead of your usual ballpark fare of chicken and fries, every order of chicken from Federal Donuts comes with Japanese cucumber pickles and a honey doughnut. If you want to head straight to the doughnuts, skip the chicken and order a pack of vanilla spice or cinnamon sugar doughnuts.
Chickie's and Pete's Famous Crabfries
Ashburn Alley/Section 102
www.chickiesandpetes.com
These days, you can get Chickie's and Pete's crabfries at just about any local sporting event, so it's hardly an item exclusive to Citizens Bank Park. But that doesn't change the fact that these crinkle-cut fries with tangy crab seasoning are the ultimate ballgame snack.
The Schmitter
Section 141
www.mcnallystavern.com
The Schmitter has been served at McNally's Tavern in Chestnut Hill since the 1960s, but it's now also a popular pick at the ballgame. This unique cousin to the cheesesteak is made with sliced beef, fried onions, tomatoes, grilled salami, three layers of cheese and a special sauce on a Kaiser roll. The stand is dedicated solely to this famous sandwich, and the lines can get a bit long, but it always gets rave reviews.
Michelle Hein is the social media editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery…perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer fiance would love to open.
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