Power Ranking MLB Teams Based on Their Food

The experience of attending MLB games would not be nearly as gratifying without tasty food. These power rankings differentiate all 30 teams by the quality, variety and accessibility of the concessions at their home stadiums.

Because prices are inflated at all these venues (across all professional sports, for that matter), the cost of eating specific items did not come into play here.

Rather, evaluations were based on the following criteria: the number of unique items offered by each team, whether the selection satisfied fans of various dietary habits and restrictions, disparity between concourse dining and exclusive club service and, of course, the degree of deliciousness.

*Much thanks to Josh Toyofuku, who wrote a similar article in March 2012.

**Specialties only listed for top 20 teams.

30. Chicago White Sox

U.S. Cellular Field doesn’t go too fancy to impress its guests as some ballparks do. No sushi or lobster rolls in sight.

The Bullpen Sports Bar is a fun party area on the field level in right field open to everyone who's 21 or older. You can get typical ballpark items there: hot dogs, nachos, sandwiches, pizza, etc.

The "Comiskey Dog" is pretty much the Chicago Dog, which the Chicago Cubs prepare better.

29. Atlanta Braves

The 755 Club, named for Hank Aaron’s home run total, is the indoor restaurant over the outfield seats. The Chop House draws cheaper, younger fans.

Around the rest of the ballpark, there are the baseball essentials, but nothing that really makes your mouth water.

28. Detroit Tigers

Comerica Park isn’t known for a go-to food item.

Leo's Coney Island Dogs might be the closest thing to one. The Detroit-based chain started more than 40 years ago, and its products give you great bang for the buck.

27. Boston Red Sox

When coming to a Boston Red Sox game, you'll probably end up eating on Yawkey Way. It's the street that runs east of Fenway Park.

Vendors stand around with peanuts, popcorn and even seafood choices.

Papa Gino’s bills itself as New England’s Best Pizza, but it's nothing otherworldly.

26. New York Yankees

Apparently, the New York Yankees set much lower standards for their stadium's food service than they do for the team's on-field performance.

They get some creativity points for putting the Mohegan Sun Sports Bar out in center field. The tinted black windows serve as a batter's eye. But this restaurant and the Audi Yankees Club both require an additional membership to sample.

Yummy meats are readily available at Brother Jimmy's BBQ, Johnny Rockets and Carl's Cheesesteaks.

Kurt Smith of Ballpark E-Guides left impressed with another option:

"

The Lobel family has been purveying beef for longer than even the Yankees have existed, and their name has been associated with quality beef in a town where steakhouse competition is pretty stiff...The Lobel’s steak sandwich isn’t a steak sandwich in the Philly sense...It is closer to a roast beef sandwich, with the meat soaked in au jus and served on an onion Kaiser roll with an insanely good horseradish sauce.

"

Not much else comes highly recommended. There ought to be more choices at Yankee Stadium, which is surrounded by the league's most diverse city.

25. Arizona Diamondbacks

Chase Field recently adopted all-natural Niman Ranch sausages. The Apple Gouda, Chipotle Cheddar and Spicy Italian meats come with gourmet toppings, including southwestern relish, onions, peppers and apple slaw.

Friday's Front Row in left field stays open all year.

24. Toronto Blue Jays

The sweet potato fries with aioli sauce should quench your appetite.

All-You-Can-Eat Weekends are reasonably priced, but the selection is underwhelming (hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, etc.).

Please try the Hogtown Grill for quality burgers.

23. Miami Marlins

Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos overflow with fresh ingredients. The Miami Marlins Shrimp Burger is also particularly good.

Besides the seafood, though, there's little to look forward to.

22. Los Angeles Angels

Yay bacon! The Halo Dog is wholly wrapped in it and topped with charro beans, shredded pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo and an Anaheim chili relish.

Similar kudos for the grilled chicken sandwich with tangy bistro sauce, lettuce and tomato on an artisan ciabatta roll.

Ultimately, though, the Los Angeles Angels don't serve any truly outstanding stuff.

21. Oakland Athletics

Slow-roasted seasoned pork, cilantro, tomatoes, lettuce, onions and pickled jalapenos comprise the signature Carnitas sandwich. It's offered in multiple locations on the main concourse.

Oakland Athletics ticket holders can access the West Side Club Restaurant and Bar.

20. Chicago Cubs

Specialties: hot dogs, North Side Twist.

Wrigley Field frankly doesn't try to diversify its menu. You'll be chowing down on hot dogs, whether they be foot-long dogs, bison dogs or the local Chicago dogs (with chopped onions, relish, peppers and tomatoes).

At least it has a couple decent restaurants: the Sheffield Grill and the Captain Morgan Club. 

The North Side Twist, a huge soft pretzel, will delight most taste buds.

19. Colorado Rockies

Specialties: Rocky Mountain Oysters.

Our own Mark Miller writes that food service personnel for the Colorado Rockies persuade fans to sample the oysters, and most come away satisfied.

No. 17 Burger Shack has a Helton Burger. That should be extra savory in what is potentially his final season.

18. Texas Rangers

Specialties: Championship Dog.

Executive chef Cristobal Vazquez can't help but describe his two-foot Championship Dog as "sexy." Slightly miniaturized alternatives include the Boomstick, the Sausage Slugger, the Beltre Buster and the Murph-a-Dilla. 

Though turkey legs and garlic fries aren't unique to Rangers Ballpark, those available in Arlington meet many people's lofty standards.

17. Milwaukee Brewers

Specialties: brats.

Miller Park's tailgating scene certainly bolsters the eating experience. 

Obviously, the specialties inside its confines are wieners. The five principal kinds? Hot dogs, bratwurst and Polish, Italian and Mexican chorizo sausages.

The condiment stands provide Secret Stadium Sauce, the only condiment you’ll ever need.

16. Tampa Bay Rays

Specialties: Ybor City Cuban Sandwich.

The awesomeness of Tropicana Field's selection is watered down by an abundance of chain restaurants: Outback Steakhouse, Checkers and Carvel.

But Ybor City does the Cuban as well as anyone. ESPN.com's Josh Pahigian and Kevin O'Connell think so.

It's a potent combination of ham, sliced pork and salami, topped with Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard.

You can choose between a whole or half sandwich. Get the whole (or two or three).

15. Los Angeles Dodgers

Specialties: Dodger Dog.

Ya know, Dodger Dogs? The famous 10-inch all-pork frankfurters exclusive to Dodger Stadium? Be sure to get all the bells and whistles.

The food choices change daily in the exclusive dining areas.

14. San Diego Padres

Specialties: Shrimp tacos, Breakfast at the Park.

As you can probably tell from the video, the All-You-Can-Eat seats come with a very generic selection. Taking that deal at Petco Park doesn't give you the optimal culinary experience.

Being near the Pacific Ocean, fans should treat themselves to sushi. It's available at the Westwinds restaurant, as well as at FriarFit food carts. Generally speaking, the San Diego Padres have healthier selections that most teams.

Breakfast at the Park applies prior to Sunday home games. Stuff your face with blueberry muffins, a Southwest egg scramble breakfast bowl, fresh pastries and various drinks.

Players and coaches sometimes greet the fans on these occasions, which is pretty sweet.

13. Seattle Mariners

Specialties: 

Like most other West Coast teams, the Seattle Mariners emphasize lots of non-meat choices. These include veggie dogs, vegan soup and organic food.

Josh Pahigian and Kevin O'Connell recommend Ivar's grilled salmon sandwich. Tartar sauce completes the meal. The IvarDog, a battered cod filet on a bed of coleslaw, has ample support in the Pacific Northwest too.

Safeco Field does dessert well. It features house-made cupcakes in a variety of flavors and caramel apples.

12. St. Louis Cardinals

Specialties: Barbecue.

Gluten-free stands aren't all that innovative anymore, but Busch Stadium has got one.

Not surprisingly, barbecued foods get the most attention. Thinly-sliced brisket and pork should be safe bets. 

The St. Louis Cardinals just added pig skins topped with nacho cheese. They come with a choice of red onions, green onions, banana peppers, black olives, sour cream and jalapeños. 

According to KSDK.com, The Double Play Tap and Grill introduced several new, high-end choices for fans. Feast your eyes on the juicy burgers.

11. Kansas City Royals

Specialties: Barbecue.

The Kansas City Royals are a brief ride away from the St. Louis Cardinals, so the selection isn't much different.

The Royal Bacon Blue Dog—a hot dog decked out with blue cheese dressing and fresh bacon—has your name on it.

Bleacher Report's own J. Matthew Nespoli raves about Gates Bar-B-Q:

"

Two or three of these sandwiches will help pass the time in a pleasant fashion.
I was in love with this sandwich at first bite. The meat was so soft that I barely had to chew it, and its succulent texture left me to conclude that this meat had either been slow-cooked over a period of days, or it had been imported from another planet, coming from an animal we'd never seen on earth...Just fantastic.

"

10. Minnesota Twins

Specialties: Turkey legs.

As the fan in this video clip demonstrates, pork chops are impossible to resist after a little bit of intoxication. Target Field really creates a Midwestern, state fair-like vibe by putting it and other delicacies on a stick.

Former B/R commenter Nick Hoffman had positive experiences with numerous menu items, such as the turkey legs, hot turkey sandwich and Kramarczuks brats and sausage.

9. New York Mets

Specialties: Shake Shack.

The Shackburger, which also has a presence with the Washington Nationals, justifies the hype, but you'll miss half the game to buy it. Citi Field has plenty of alternatives.

Box Frites fries come in garlic parmesan and "Disco" flavors. Fans can dip them in house mayonnaise, chipotle ketchup and smoked bacon (among other things).

Blue Smoke BBQ has pulled pork sandwiches that are very much on par with what you'd get in K.C. or St. Louis.

Too bad the "Brownie Epiphany" (2:55 in the video) isn't available for common consumption.

8. San Francisco Giants

Specialties: Gilroy Garlic Fries.

Garlic fries are hardly unique to AT&T Park, but they make 'em great in San Francisco. At least the Bleacher Report staff thinks so.

MLB Lead Writer Zachary D. Rymer often gives in to temptation, and he can only indulge in so many calorie fests to stay in marathon-running shape.

J. Matthew Nespoli has more mouth-watering details:

"

Nobody makes them like this. The garlic tastes so fresh, you'd swear they were growing it in the back, and the fries have an in-ordinary ability to stay warm for as long as it takes you to consume them.

"

These fries can be tried at 10 different locations around the ballpark.

As you might expect, being by the Bay means that quality seafood is available. The Centerfield Wharf located in the Scoreboard Plaza sells a Crazy Crab Sandwich as well as clam chowder in a bread bowl.

7. Washington Nationals

Specialties: Ben's Chili Bowl, Shake Shack, Strasburger.

The high spot that Nationals Park claims on this list is largely attributable to its variety.

Ben’s Chili Bowl is truly exceptional, and its Chili Half-Smoke “All The Way” is a sausage topped with Ben’s famous spicy chili, cheese, onions and mustard. Fans can get reasonably efficient service because the stadium has Ben's at four locations.

A Shackburger probably isn't worth the insane wait, but the Strasburger will satisfy you for days. It's an eight-pound creation.

Season ticket holders at a certain price level have access to the excellent Stars & Stripes Club. Every specialty item that’s out in the ballpark can be found in that shady location.

6. Cleveland Indians

Specialties: Bertman's Ballpark Mustard.

A partnership with the Food Network led to the formation of a hot dog and sausage bar, where fans can customize their toppings and type of meat. Progressive Field has several spiffy restaurants and picnic areas with great views of the diamond.

If you can get into the Terrace Club, take advantage of the stuffed banana peppers, lobster roll and steak entrees.

You'll be kicking yourself afterwards for attending a Cleveland Indians game without applying Bertman’s Ballpark Mustard. It has survived for nearly a century, and the popularity hasn't waned.

5. Baltimore Orioles

Specialties: Boog's BBQ, Polock Johnny's.

Ever curious about how the Baltimore Orioles utilize that warehouse beyond right field?

One of its main attractions is Dempsey’s, a sit-down burger restaurant named for Rick Dempsey (1983 World Series MVP). It also offers crab cakes and rock fish tacos as appetizers, and it stays open on non-game days. The Camden Club, on the eighth floor of the warehouse, provides some views of the field.

On Eutaw Street, stop by Boog’s BBQ. It will stay busy throughout the game, but for good reason.

Gino's is similarly a successful local chain, though it just recently set up at Camden Yards.

Above all, don't miss out on Polock Johnny’s. The smoky flavor of their sausages receives praise from most longtime Baltimore residents. There are two spots for this around Orioles Park.

4. Philadelphia Phillies

Specialties: The Schmitter, Chickie's and Pete's fries.

The two sit-down restaurants in Citizens Bank Park are McFadden’s, an Irish pub, and Harry The K’s (named in honor of Harry Kalas). Both have solid reputations, though few unique offerings.

Ashburn Alley—the walkway beyond center field—has all the most memorable concessions.

Tony Luke’s and Campo’s are both local cheesesteak icons with decades of experience in Philly. Long lines should be expected, and given the huge demand, you certainly won't get the densest sandwich in the world.

Fans almost enjoy local flavor with crab fries from Chickie’s and Pete’s. The fries are coated in an Old Bay-style seasoning and served with a dipping sauce. Many CBP visitors insist that this is your best food option.

If you're particularly eager to get heart disease, sample the new Federal Donuts, which serves several flavors of fried chicken with donuts. Meanwhile, the infamous Schmitter now has its own stand. Aside from steak and cheese, its contents include grilled salami, fried onions, tomatoes and the Schmitter sauce, all on a Kaiser roll.

3. Houston Astros

Specialties: Barbecue Baked Potato.

The Houston Astros out-draw relevant teams at the turnstiles like the Cleveland Indians and Tampa Bay Rays, according to ESPN.com. That tells you great eats must be persuading fans to get seats.

Reader's Digest raved about Minute Maid Park's Barbecued Baked Potato in 2010, calling it "an ingenious combination that’s so big, you have to use both hands.” Bleacher Report user Ken Howes insists that the brisket sandwich "was about the best barbecue I've ever had."

The main concourse includes Lefty's, which offers some of the most scrumptious Texas barbecue imaginable.

Everybody raves about the creations of Chef Brian Caswell, though his half-pound burgers and crispy taquitos are only available at the club level.

The generic nationwide chains you'd recognize include Papa John's and Minute Maid, of course.

2. Pittsburgh Pirates

Specialties: Primanti Bros.

PNC Park has excellent diversity, everything from local favorites to perfected American staples to great fancy food.

Four sit-down restaurants are either inside or attached to the stadium. The Hall of Fame contains baseball-themed items like “Pitcher’s Mound” nachos and healthy/vegetarian choices. It also provides a view of the field.

The unusual sandwiches at Primanti Bros. are truly unique to Pittsburgh and always complemented with fries and cole slaw. You have a choice of steak, capicola or roast beef, covered with cheese on airy Italian bread. 

The aforementioned, highly-rated Chickie’s and Pete’s has opened a fries stand at PNC Park. Another great option is Pop’s Potato Patch. Its fresh-cut fries come in the following variations: garlic, bacon and cheese or chili and cheese.

1. Cincinnati Reds

Specialties: Skyline Chili Cheese Coney.

As Scott Pobuda explains in the video, Great American Ball Park has a massive gourmet food operation. The culinary selection, in general, is significantly improved from just a few years ago. 

Skyline Chili, the must-try item for first-time attendees, can be enjoyed at a handful of locations. The Cheese Coney is off-the-charts in terms of yumminess. The helmet nachos have become quite popular, and you can also get fries made out of funnel cake ("Funnel Fries").

High-end dining options include the Riverfront Club, the Machine Room and the Champions Club, the first of which is actually reasonably-priced.

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