Philly sports fans are known worldwide for their loyalty and passion. Though a bit rowdy at times, it’s all in good fun. We sure do have a lot of heart, and we give new meaning to the term “home field advantage.” Each of our sports venues has a personality all its own, food included, which makes our city the solid sports town it’s become. We recently gave you the dish on PPL Park’s culinary scene; now take a foodie tour with me through Citizens Bank Park and taste for yourself!
“Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack…” and dollar dogs and Philly cheesesteaks and craft beer and a whole lot more. Citizens Bank Park, home to the Philadelphia Phillies, of course, knocks it out of the park when it comes to stellar stadium eats. In fact, in 2007, the Food Network honored the Park for having the “Best Ballpark Eats” and it’s gotten many other prestigious accolades.
Ashburn Alley
Let’s start along Ashburn Alley, named after the Phils’ Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn. Running the length of the outfield, this mini food court offers everything Philadelphia – Campo’s has cheesesteaks, Chickie’s and Pete’s serves their world-famous crab fries, Planet Hoagie offers their signature sandwiches, Season’s Pizza offers slices and Tony Luke’s has its authentic roast pork sandwiches. Be sure to save room for the yummy frozen treats from Turkey Hill or Philadelphia Water Ice.
Brewerytown
Craft beer drinkers will enjoy this kiosk, located throughout the stadium concourse. They have draft and bottled beers including, Anchor Steam, Sierra Nevada, Redhook E.S.B., Victory and Yards. The new guy on the scene is Conshohocken Brewing Company. Read my recent review of the brewery online for more information.
Bull’s BBQ
BBQ. Pulled. Pork. Sandwich. ‘Nuff said. But I’ll share more. Greg “The Bull” Luzinski’s signature BBQ spot features pulled pork, ribs, chicken, a giant turkey leg and delicious sides like mac and cheese. The coolest part is that you can watch your food grilled fresh on smoking-hot grills.
Federal Donuts
It’s known for the crispy-fried chicken. Every plate is served with a hot-from-the-oven honey donut. Donuts to die for – the Grapefruit Brulee and Lemon Ricotta.
Hall of Fame
Wanna be treated like a king? Upgrade your ticket to the Hall of Fame section. Not only are they some of the best seats in the house, you’ll eat like a Hall of Famer. You can grab your hotdog or cheesesteak, but there’s a whole lot more, like build-you-own salads, black bean veggie burgers, premium beers and top-shelf spirits and hand-dipped ice cream. Concessions include Connie Mack’s Bar, Cooperstown Café, Baker Bowl Bistro and Shibe Park Eatery.
Hatfield Grill
I’m a sucker for a super sausage and pepper sandwich. One whiff of the Hatfield Grill stand and I bet you can’t walk past. I didn’t. The grilled “S n P’s,” as I say, are a must-try.
Harry the K’s Broadcast Bar & Grille
Named after the late Harry Kalas, Harry the K’s celebrates the spirit of the Hall of Fame broadcaster. Harry the K’s serves up everything from finger-food favorites to upscale items. Some of my go-to goodies are the Philly Steak spring rolls, Victory Lager beer-battered onion rings and loaded nachos.
High and Inside Pub
I found this gem a few years ago when looking for a spot that served spirits. The full-service bar is directly behind home plate in Sections 320 and 420. They don’t serve food, but you can bring it in. Something to note – they host many private parties and sometimes are closed to the public.
McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon
It’s the place to be before, during or after the game. On warm summer nights, you can pre-game with some live tunes outside on the patio deck. You can catch all the sports action on their vaulted big screens located throughout the bar. And if you’re hungry, you’re in luck because this Irish restaurant and bar has quite the menu. A couple of my favorites are the cheesesteak nachos and eggplant fries. If you’re hungry for a full meal, try the 42nd Street New York Strip, crab cake platter or an authentic Irish dish like the Guinness Shepherd’s Pie.
Phanatic Phamily Phood Stand
It’s the perfect place for your pint-sized Phils phan. It’s all about the kids’ menu, featuring PB&J sandwiches, kid-sized soft pretzels and hot dogs, Go-Gurt, ice cream treats and other kid-friendly foods.
Phillies Wine
You’ve probably seen the bottles in your local Wine & Spirits shop. New this year, the Phillies partnered with Chaddsford Winery to bring the robust, red wine to the ballpark.
The Schmitter
It’s a fan favorite which hails from McNally’s Pub in Chestnut Hill. At the stadium stand, you’re sure to find a long line for this sandwich named after Schmidt’s Beer, not Phils’ great Mike Schmidt as many of us mistakenly thought. Myself included! Be sure to grab a handful of napkins if you order one ‘cuz it’s a messy mix of steak, cheese, grilled salami, fried onions, tomatoes and special sauce on a Kaiser roll.
Wayback Burgers
Brand new to the park this year is Wayback Burgers, featuring its monster-sized 9×9 cheeseburger — it’s a whopping nine patties smothered with nine slices of gooey cheese piled high on a single bun. Not that daring? You’ll find fresh-grilled burgers you can actually fit in your mouth, plus grilled-chicken sandwiches.
And the extra innings
A few final notes — the ballpark has gluten-free options you’d never dream of, like hot dogs, pizza, cheesesteaks, Bull’s BBQ pork along with other snacks. And get this, CBP’s been named the Number-1 MLB Ballpark in vegetarian options. Citizens Bank Park’s food scene is truly “Outta Here!”
Find your favorite food spots and menus on the Phillies official website.
- Photos: Lauren Avellino Turton
