When you break down the World Series teams’ lineups, the Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants appear pretty even. And so does the ballpark food scene. So many grand-slam options for kielbasa, pizza and other stadium standards — how can you cover all the dining bases? We’re here to help with a rundown of the best food spots in San Fran and The D.
San Francisco Treats
Catching a World Series game at AT&T Park certainly has its perks — you’re overlooking the San Francisco Bay’s China Basin (aka McCovey Cove) and you have top-notch ballpark eats to go with first-rate play. From the mouthwatering Dungeness crab sandwich inside the park to local brews down the block, you’re in for a treat no matter which team you’re rooting for.
Start off the series with a little pre-game grub at Pete’s Tavern across the street from AT&T Park. The popular San Fran sports bar serves up killer wings and awesome libations — we’re talking Ballpark Coolers with Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Flavored Vodka and lemonade, and local beers like Speakeasy Prohibition. Pete’s also gets jam-packed after the game, so if you aren’t looking to celebrate a Giants’ win, you may want to sneak out early.
Inside the park, slide into the arcade area behind center field and scoop up a Dungeness crab sandwich from Crazy Crab’z. And for that baseball staple — the hot dog — head toward the left field bleachers for a Sheboygan bratwurst. You’ll definitely want to follow that with a stop at Gilroy Garlic Fries to pick up a basket of garlicky goodness.
Dining in Detroit
Comerica Park might be the Disneyland of baseball stadiums, with its giant Ferris wheel, food court and surrounding urban park, but this is still The Big D, and Tigers fans have their longtime favorite food joints.
If you want a true snapshot of the Motor City, head to Lafayette Coney Island, where people crowd inside to chow down on the treasured coney: a natural-casing hot dog on a steamed bun with chopped onions, yellow mustard and meat (not bean) sauce. Try the dueling American Coney Island next door as well, or, inside the stadium, get a coney at Leo’s Coney Island. Another option is Greektown and its biggest, most popular restaurant, Pegasus Taverna. The waiters screaming “opa!” may not be Greek these days, but the saganaki endures and the giant platters of chicken and pork kabobs are as popular as ever, especially after a beer-soaked day at the park. If you’re more of a wine enthusiast, visit Small Plates on Broadway. The 10-year-old restaurant has a nice wine list and dishes like wood-planked salmon, fish tacos and mussels — plus crowd-pleasers like wings in hot sauce (“Red Wings,” of course).
Closer to the stadium, places like Cheli’s Chili Bar (owned by former Detroit Red Wing Chris Chelios) and Hockeytown Café are also popular; Cheli’s has parties in the parking lot and on the rooftop for all the games. Inside the park, stop by the Beer Hall (which is often the fastest way into the stadium itself) and Little Caesars Pizza. Don’t scoff; the chain began in Michigan, and owner Mike Ilitch also owns the Tigers.
Photo Courtesy of The Motor City Group Inc.
