There’s a lot for the New York City FC fan to like about Citi Field. NYCFC’s second home is more intimate than Yankee Soccer Stadium, and its location next to the empty lot where New York City will build their stadium brings the warm fuzzies: Who knew that looking at a fenced-off parcel of land could make you feel so good? More to the point, the food at Citi Field isn’t just good by the standards of overpriced ballpark food, it’s exceptional, a curated bazaar of vendors who have something for everyone — if you know where to look. Good thing we’re here to help you figure out where to eat at Citi Field.
The tastemakers at the New York Mets made some notable additions to their food roster this year. Now you can find porchetta sandwiches from celebrity chef Marc Murphy, chicken and waffles from local spot Sweet Chick, cocktails and churro nachos (you read that right) from Fresco’s Grand Cantina in Astoria, healthy smoothies from the Nourish Spot, and bulgogi beef rice bowls from Flushing’s Tang.
RELATED: New York City FC 2023 Schedule and Results, All Competitions
We made some changes to the format of last year’s dining guide. We’re only including stands located on the Field Level and in Taste of the City behind the “humungous” scoreboard installed this year — with most of NYCFC’s fans sitting in the lower levels, the vendors on the Promenade Level are unlikely to open for New York City’s seven games scheduled at Citi Field this year.
We’re also dividing it into three geographic sections: Taste of the City, Field Level 117 – 102, and Field Level 118 – 139. IYKYK.
Taste of the City
Amazin’ Chicken Co.
As close as you’ll come to a Chicken Bucket in the House that Fred Wilson Built.
Fresco’s Grand Cantina
Tacos, cocktails, and the Instgram-ready churro nachos topped with dulce de leche and whipped cream.
Metropolitan Fry Factory
Hand-cut freedom fries topped with sea salt, parmesan and garlic, or spicy seasonings. The hardcore order is the Disco Fries topped with cheddar, pepper jack, and brown gravy.
Patsy’s Pizzeria
The legendary pizzeria slings two kinds of pies: Fresh mozzarella and pepperoni.
Shake Shack
The New York favorite carries all the classics.
Tang
The bulgogi beef rice bowls from this Flushing spot are legit. Pork and veggie bowls are also available. Note the small stand is located just to the left of Patsy’s Pizzeria.
Field Level 117 – 102
Nathan’s Hot Dogs and Mister Softee – Section 110
Two New York City classics that need no introduction
The Kernel Popcorn – Section 111
Salty, buttery popcorn served in enormous portions
Pat LaFrieda’s Burgers and Fries – Section 112
Standard ballpark fare from the legendary New York City butcher — for premium steaks and other meaty treats go to Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors by Section 139
Nathan’s Hot Dogs and Mister Softee – Section 114
See section 110 above
Bases Loaded Lemonade – Section 114
For grown-ups: Classic, strawberry, or blackberry lemonade spiked with Vodka, bourbon, or tequila
Premio Sausage – Section 115
Sweet or hot, served with griddled onions and peppers on a roll
Premio Sausage – Section 106
See Section 115 above
Porchetta Sandwich Shop – Section 106
Porchetta is simple: Slather pork with a paste of herbs, garlic, and olive oil, cook it forever until the flesh is tender and the skin is crisp and crackly, then serve it on fresh bread with a lemony sauce — this is from celebrity chef Marc Murphy, a former judge on Chopped
Lobster Shack – Section 105
Lobster rolls with parsley aioli, lobster grilled cheese, lobster bisque
Vegan City – Section 105
When vegetarian isn’t enough
Cotton Candy and Lemonade – Section 104
The sugar bomb stand
Arancini Bros – Section 103
Italian rice balls with dipping sauces — the Nutella-filled arancini are not to be missed
Sweet Chick – Section 102
Sweet and spicy chicken with or without waffles. Bonus: Waffle ice cream sandwiches.
Sunny’s All-American Kitchen – Section 102
Fried potato skins with all the fixings, plus loaded mac-and-cheese
Field Level 118 – 139
Cookie Crumz – Field Level Escalator
Fresh-baked cookies
Hot Pastrami on Rye – Field Level Escalator
The New York classic served with a kosher pickle
Jacob’s Pickles – Field Level Escalator
New this year is the fried chicken sandwich on a donut (pictured above), Or you can get the classic fried chicken biscuit sandwich, an order of fried pickles
The Pizza Cupcake – Field Level Escalator
The name says it all.
Premio Sausage – Section 121
See Section 115 above
Nathan’s Hot Dogs and Mister Softee – Section 121
See Section 110 above
Wowfuls – Section 121
Crazy overloaded waffle ice cream sundaes: Vanilla rainbow ice cream topped with Fruity Pebbles, rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sauce, Pocky sticks
Pat LaFrieda’s Burgers and Fries – Section 123
See section 112 above
The Kernel Popcorn – Section 124
See Section 111 above
Hot Pastrami on Rye – Section 125
See Section 119 above
Goya Nachos – Section 128
A ballpark classic, piled high with messy toppings
Fuku – Section 130
Celebrity chef David Chang’s tasty fried chicken sandwiches have a legit spicy kick
Mister Softee – Section 131
The mothership Mister Softee at Citi Field
Amazin’ Deli Chopped Cheese – Section 132
Well say it again: The name says it all
Premio Sausage – Section 132
See Section 115 above
Pig Beach BBQ – Section 135
A burger made with beef brisket and short rib, patty melts with cherry pepper jam, fries topped with pulled pork, and more — the sampler platter is a solid go-to order
Dole Whip – Section 135
This fruity soft serve ice cream setup shares a window with Pig Beach BBQ
Pat LaFrieda’s Burgers and Fries – Section 136
See Section 112 above
Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors – Section 139
The more elaborate Pat LaFrieda stand from the legendary New York City butcher: Steak sandwiches, sliced ribeye, hamburgers, and more
