What’s good at the Bank?
We have come a long way from peanuts and Cracker Jacks at Citizen’s Bank Park. In addition to the beloved seasonal Dollar Dog Nights at the stadium, Philly baseball fans are seeing an evolution to the home-game classic foods that honor the city of Philadelphia.
Dining options at sports stadiums have become a way to showcase local cuisine to patrons, creating a community by connecting regional quick-service favorites and America’s favorite pastime.
Citizens Bank Park has hosted local favorites in its concession area for years. P.J. Whelihan’s wings and Chickie’s and Pete’s crab fries with cheese dip have become staples for ballpark-goers. The world-renowned Philly cheesesteaks are available at Tony Luke’s and City Steak.
This year there have been new additions added to the ballpark, showing the new generation of what we now consider Philly classics. Federal Donuts, which recently opened its new flagship location in Center City, just opened a stand at the Phillies stadium. The donut shop chain is owned by Michael Solomonov, who is also the head chef and co-owner of Philly’s award-winning Israeli cuisine restaurant, Zahav. While it may take months for you to score a reservation at Zahav, you can get fresh donuts or a warm chicken sandwich at one of Federal Donut’s six store locations, or behind section 120 at the ballpark.
Fans of good BBQ (and Greg Luzinski), you’re in luck: Bulls BBQ features outdoor seating and a mouth-watering menu with ribs, pulled pork, smoked brisket, and even turkey legs and kielbasy, plus homey sides like baked beans and Mexican corn. Pro Tip: try their “burnt ends” cheesesteak for a smoky, beefy treat.
Shoobies will rejoice at the fact that they no longer need to head to the Jersey shore for a slice of boardwalk pizza. Another new dining option at Citizens Bank includes Manco and Manco Pizza, a Jersey Shore classic with locations up and down the Ocean City boardwalk.
Another shore town favorite, Chickie’s and Pete’s, has opened a location in Yankee Stadium after years of discussion. The restaurant and bar’s Old Bay-seasoned Crab Fries are regarded as a Philly sports stadium favorite. Will this be another regional food that New Yorkers claim “is so much better in New York”? Only time will tell, but we should hold our cheesesteaks closely in these trying times.
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