The Definitive Food and Booze Guide to Citi Field
Explore how Citi Field's food scene has enhanced the ballpark experience, offering diverse and local options that often rival food festivals
Ballpark food has really changed from what it used to be, for better or worse. If you're heading to a Major League Baseball game today, be ready for some surprising food and drink options. The days of just having a bag of peanuts, popcorn, and hot dogs are long gone. Now, those are just the basics. Going to a Major League Baseball game often feels more like visiting a fair or a food truck festival than just watching a baseball game. Depending on the ballpark, you usually get a taste of the local scene, and Citi Field is no different. As a New York Mets fan, I have been going to Mets games at Citi Field since it opened in 2009, and have always been impressed by the food options - even if the food is quite expensive and isn't always good. I have my personal favorites but also find something new every year. And i'm not alone in my opinion on the food - in fact Citi Field is well known for some of the best ballpark food in all of Major League Baseball and the food was voted best ballpark food by USA Today in 2023 and 2024. As good as the food appears to be, Citi Field food and booze costs much more than other ballparks too. So, here’s a few food and drinks options while enjoying the games!
The Food of Citi Field
Hot Pastrami Sandwich
I know, I know, “damn that’s pricey”. Yes it is. The question is, how good is it? Let’s start with the process. When you order, the carver takes the brisket and begins slicing it piece by piece. Usually, you’ll see them slice about 3-4 thick pieces. They weigh the brisket and then lay it on a piece of rye bread that has mustard slathered on the slice, the other slice of rye bread is placed on top. There’s no cheese or other condiments. It’s purely meat in between two slices of rye bread with deli mustard. But guess what? You don’t need anything else! The pastrami is just pure melt in your mouth delicious. The fat is marbled throughout and the bark is tasty and seasoned perfectly. The bread is not toasted and will likely fall apart so it will get messy and you’ll need two hands to eat it. My only criticism is the rye bread should try to be toasted in some way, but at the same time, some sacrifices have to be made to keep the line moving. Even with its flaws, this is a pretty good sandwich.
Sausage and Peppers
This is a must-have when visiting Citi Field since it’s one of the most affordable and filling options, and it's just so damn simple. It's just what it sounds like: a grilled sausage on a sub or hoagie roll, topped with grilled onions and peppers. They use Premio sausage, available in both hot and sweet varieties. The sweet sausage isn't really sweet; it just lacks the heat of the 'hot' sausage. Still, this sandwich is amazing from the first bite to the last, and it's probably my favorite on the menu here. When you take that first bite, you can really enjoy the softness of the roll, the saltiness and spice (if you go for the hot sausage) of the sausage, and the tasty combination of grilled peppers and onions - everything except the roll is grilled fresh. Even though the roll is at room temperature, it holds up nicely and doesn't fall apart like the pastrami sandwich. Since there are lines at every booth, you can count on this being a fresh, hot sandwich almost every time. The sausage seasoning works perfectly with the grill, blending beautifully with the peppers and onions for an incredible flavor. Just be prepared for some water afterwards, as it can be salty, but it's absolutely worth it.
Carne Asada Tacos
While the meat is plentiful and the pico de gallo tastes good, there’s not much else to say except that it’s fine. I really enjoy good food trucks; in fact, I often suggest them to solo travelers for lunch or dinner, but this felt more like a "fast food" version. The moment I placed my order, it was ready, which honestly raised a red flag for me. It wasn’t terrible, but there wasn’t anything remarkable about it. The word that comes to mind is bland. If you have seats at the Coca Cola Corner of the ballpark, and if it's right there and you want something quick, it might work for you but no need to go out of your way for this one.
The Drinks of Citi Field
The Catch Julep
This beverage offers a twist on the traditional mint julep, featuring Hudson Whiskey, cucumber mint, and a lime wedge. It's simple yet truly satisfying. I chose a double serving because I received this awesome souvenir cup. The cocktail was fantastic; the whiskey's smoothness perfectly complemented the lime's tartness. I can definitely envision this becoming a go-to drink for hot, humid summer days. Yet, even on a cool early spring night, it's incredibly refreshing.
The Amazin’ Cucumber Lemonade
I’m not really into lemonade. It’s just way too sweet for my taste, especially when it’s loaded with sugar. But this cocktail might just change my mind about lemonade. From the very first sip, you’ll notice a nice mix of cucumber and lemonade, with a zesty lime finish and Hendricks Gin as a fantastic base (a double!) that balances the flavors without that strong alcohol kick. It’s a super refreshing drink that’s perfect for cleansing your palate. Sure, it’s a bit on the expensive side, but it’s a great pick for a hot summer day. You can find this at all the clubs, including Metro Market, Heineken Diamond Club, and the Hudson Whiskey Club on the promenade level.
Mio Sparkling Sake
After trying this in Scottsdale, AZ during a recent work trip, I was pleasantly surprised. I know this is probably a commercial version of authentic sake, and I'm okay with that. Normally, I'm not a fan of sweeter drinks, but this one is a delightful exception. It's crisp, refreshing, and has a subtle fruity flavor. It's surprising that this is an adult beverage because you can't taste the alcohol at all. Honestly, it tastes a lot like fruit-flavored seltzer, almost misleadingly so!
Perfect Game Fizz
I love cocktails, but I also appreciate simplicity. Just give me a handful of ingredients that taste great together, and I'm all in. The straightforward combination of Hendricks Gin, Cucumber Mint, and a lime wedge sounds refreshing, and it is! No fuss, just something easy to enjoy. The cucumber mint perfectly offsets the gin and the lime, creating a clean, refreshing flavor. Sure, it's a bit on the expensive side (like everything else at Citi Field), but you definitely get your money's worth!
The Clubs at Citi Field
Metro Market Club (Excelsior Level)
Situated on the Excelsior Level on the fifth floor, this club seems like an older lounge that has been repurposed for mid-level ticket holders. Still, it’s pretty simple to navigate. You’ll find a full-service bar offering cocktails, wine, and beer. Plus, there are a few food vendors around. When I visited, there was a vendor for panini sandwiches, one for Asian fusion, and another for donuts. There’s plenty of seating, and most of it provides great views of the ballpark with three tiers of seating. However, club access doesn’t include any outside seating for some reason (I’m assuming it’s to keep the crowd down out there?). Regardless of the limited food choices, this is a great place to escape when the seats are too crowded, especially on a hot summer day or a cool spring or fall evening.
Heineken Diamond Lounge (Excelsior Level)
Over the years, this lounge has gone by several names, with the most recent being "Piazza 31 Club," named in honor of the legendary Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza, who played for the Mets from 1998 to 2004. Currently, it is sponsored by Heineken, the preferred beer choice here. The lounge resembles a climate-controlled food hall, featuring a full-service bar at its center, making it an ideal spot to relax and cool off on a hot summer day. There is a wide variety of food options, including some unique and hard-to-find dishes, and the best part is the shorter lines! If you want to take a break from your seat, this is a great place to relax, with plenty of tables, chairs, and even couches available. Plus, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the New York City skyline from this lounge.
Hudson Whiskey Club
This area is essentially a 'walk-through' section located on the Promenade (top level) of Citi Field. Similar to Metro Market, it offers a 'food hall' atmosphere where you can find Halal cuisine, burgers and fries, along with cocktails, wine, and beer. These spots are particularly popular, especially during losing games for the Mets! There is ample seating by the windows to watch the game or simply take in the surroundings. Additionally, there are more seats available indoors for those looking for a quick meal.
Having not been to a ball game in over thirty years, nor a stadium of this size, I had no idea there is a food culture attached. When did we start needing gastronomy to coincide with watching a sport for a couple of hours? Oh wait, probably about the same time that we started carrying water bottles everywhere we go. Hmmm..😂