Stadium Musts

[shortround81]

My top Bucket List item is to visit every MLB stadium, which got me thinking:

When visiting __________ stadium, doing __________ is a must.

-Kaufmann in KC: Negro League Museum. Should be a required stop for baseball and non-baseball fans to visit

-Safeco in Seattle: Ferry ride to Bainbridge Island for some ice cream. I recommend an evening ride so you can see the city lights on your way back in

-Wrigley and/or Rate Field in Chicago: Putting ketchup on your hot dog just to piss 'em off. (Seriously, the Garfield Park Conservatory. It's weird recommending a place dedicated essentially to plants, but there's so much to look at and is so peaceful. It used to be free for anybody, but now there's a $10 entrance free for adults) 

[DJL44]

Gotta go to Disneyland if you're seeing an Angels game.

I added a Nationals game to a visit to Washington DC to see the Smithsonian museums.

I saw a game at the Trop in St. Pete. Skip the game and grab a beer on the beach instead.

Go on a road trip to see Field of Dreams and a Cedar Rapids Kernels game.

[shortround81]

25 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Gotta go to Disneyland if you're seeing an Angels game.

I added a Nationals game to a visit to Washington DC to see the Smithsonian museums.

I saw a game at the Trop in St. Pete. Skip the game and grab a beer on the beach instead.

Go on a road trip to see Field of Dreams and a Cedar Rapids Kernels game.

DC is one of favorite cities. I did a three hour walking tour and loved it 

Inside the Trop looks a stadium that was mimeographed into real life

[DJL44]

I would recommend the MLK historical sites if you're in Atlanta. The Carter Center has an interesting "one day in the life of a president" exhibit. There's also an Apollo capsule at the Fernbank Science Center you can see for free.

[DJL44]

I am planning on going to Colorado this summer to see the Twins play the Rockies. Any suggestions?

[DJL44]

Go see Alcatraz if you're in San Francisco.

I liked the Zoo, Balboa Park and the Midway in San Diego, but I think the Maritime Museum is underrated. Buy the ticket that comes with the harbor tour.

[shortround81]

2 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

I am planning on going to Colorado this summer to see the Twins play the Rockies. Any suggestions?

I've never been, but I'm guessing Coors gives brewery tours. I toured Boulevard when in KC. Not only did I get a free beer during the tour (everyone did), but I scored an extra pint for knowing a brewing trivia question

[Parfigliano]

Went to Tampa series last year.  Stadium out of commission but Salvador Dali Museum in St. Pete still open for business.

[shortround81]

7 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

Went to Tampa series last year.  Stadium out of commission but Salvador Dali Museum in St. Pete still open for business.

So it was YOU who broke the Trop?!?! 🤣

[Riverbrian]

Been to 26 of them with plans to knock out the last 4 in August. (St. Louis, Cincinatti, Washington and Philadelphia) I also plan on Yankee Stadium on this road trip... Twins will be in Town at that time. I also planning on another visit to Pittsburgh and another Visit to Wrigley on the way back home.  

I do a lot of hit and run tourism on my road trips... trying to squeeze as much into each visit as possible. 

When I make my list of musts... I tend to center my musts on local food. 

When I get a little time later I'll list the stadiums I've been to along with things that I ate.

[nicksaviking]

3 hours ago, shortround81 said:

I've never been, but I'm guessing Coors gives brewery tours. I toured Boulevard when in KC. Not only did I get a free beer during the tour (everyone did), but I scored an extra pint for knowing a brewing trivia question

Golden is a decent ways away from Coors Field. Tons of craft breweries in the area though. Really good ones too.

I'm a foodie and like craft beer (did I mention that?), so I like the River North (RiNo) district northeast of the stadium. Also, there is an absolutely gonzo interactive modern art attraction called Meow Wolf over by Mile High Stadium. Kids will love it, adults will be amused by it, and adults who partake in the types of consumption that Colorado has become known for, will likely enjoy it the most.

[shortround81]

13 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Golden is a decent ways away from Coors Field. Tons of craft breweries in the area though. Really good ones too.

I'm a foodie and like craft beer (did I mention that?), so I like the River North (RiNo) district northeast of the stadium. Also, there is an absolutely gonzo interactive modern art attraction called Meow Wolf over by Mile High Stadium. Kids will love it, adults will be amused by it, and adults who partake in the types of consumption that Colorado has become known for, will likely enjoy it the most.

Handing out money?

[The Great Hambino]

7 hours ago, shortround81 said:

-Wrigley and/or Rate Field in Chicago: Putting ketchup on your hot dog just to piss 'em off. (Seriously, the Garfield Park Conservatory. It's weird recommending a place dedicated essentially to plants, but there's so much to look at and is so peaceful. It used to be free for anybody, but now there's a $10 entrance free for adults) 

The architecture tour on the river was a worthwhile afternoon.

Also, they're right about ketchup.  Ketchup is for toddlers or for making better sauces.

[shortround81]

3 hours ago, The Great Hambino said:

The architecture tour on the river was a worthwhile afternoon.

Also, they're right about ketchup.  Ketchup is for toddlers or for making better sauces.

Dang! I'm jealous I didn't do an architectural river tour 

If you have the same blasphemous opinion on ranch, then we'll have issues 

[Riverbrian]

On 4/11/2025 at 12:01 PM, Riverbrian said:

When I make my list of musts... I tend to center my musts on local food. 

When I get a little time later I'll list the stadiums I've been to along with things that I ate.

OK... Let's go through them. 

New York Yankees/Mets. I've only been to New York a couple of times. There so much to do and see that you just can't do and see it all. I'll be going in August when the Twins are taking on the Yanks. My plan is to just eat as much pop culture food as I can without exploding. Nathans Hot Dog on Coney Island, A legitimate New York Slice of Pizza, The Soup Nazi Restuarant made famous on Seinfeld and Tom's Diner made famous on Seinfeld. In my past trips to New York. I consider Katz Deli a must. Granted... there are probably a hundred musts in New York but the sandwiches are great and you can sit at the table where Meg Ryan had her famous scene in When Harry Met Sally. 

Baltimore: Got to have crab when you are there. I went to the Lexington Market. Restaurants all over the place. Found a seafood place that served Crab Cakes and crabby food, had an oyster bar. Baltimore isn't the type of place that you just walk around... they got some rough neighborhoods but a walk along the Harbor gives you the impression for the moment that Baltimore is all right.  

Boston: I don't have any food recommendations but the city is extremely walkable. Just walk it... the city is interesting. 

Tampa: I really liked St. Petersburg... I'm not sure St. Petersburg even matters any more but I enjoyed my time there. In my opinion... Florida food is just food brought in from elsewhere. Want to eat a Grouper? You'll find sea food of course and you will find every regional food around the world brought in from restaurnatuers that moved to Florida along with everyone else. The majority of action in St. Petersburg is on Central Avenue. Get a Cigar and walk it. It's good people watching. 

Toronto: Been there a long time ago... No recommendations... it was a long time ago. 

Cleveland: There isn't anything that I would call Cleveland Food. I recommend the West Side Market and take your pick. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is interesting if you like your Rock and Roll like I do. I went once... found it interesting once but I don't need to go back because I'm not sure it would be interesting twice. 

Chicago: Chicago has great food. One of my favorite food cities. For the iconic stuff the Italian Beef is my favorite... GET IT WET!!! learn the stance. Went to Big Al's... loved it. You can't go wrong with a deep dish pizza or a simple Chicago dog. Squirrel was a good guide when I was there. She took me to the Billy Goat Tavern and I really appreciated that. The Billy Goat restaurant is famous from Saturday Night Live in the early days. Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, No Coke Pepsi. I'm a sucker for the pop culture places. 

Kansas City: BBQ - Ask the locals... they'll tell you where to go instead of the tourist trap BBQ joints. Although the tourist trap joints are still pretty damn good. Not getting Burnt Ends in Kansas city is a mistake... get the burnt ends. 

Detroit: If you go... watch the game and get out quick. 

Houston: Tex Mex is what they do best. Although... If I ever go back to Texas... I'll be looking for authentic Texas Chili (No Beans). 

Texas: Dallas... See Houston. BBQ, Chili and Tex Mex. 

San Francisco/Oakland. San Francisco is also one of my favorite food cities. Dim Sum is where I left my heart though. If I ever go back... I'm heading straight to the Good Mong Kok Bakery in Chinatown. When I was there I joined a line around the block. You stand in line for almost an hour but it's worth the wait. No Place to sit down... barely any place to stand and place your order... no time to look at the 60 different options on the menu because you don't see the menu until you get in the building and when you get in the building you have someone immediately waiting for your order and a line around the block behind you. They really try to keep the line moving. Give the number when ordering. If you try to say what it's called... they won't understand you. Absolutely delicious and you can fill yourself up easy for under 10 bucks. You quickly understand why there is a line around the block. Finding a place to eat it... that's tricky... I ended up eating mine on the hood of my car with busy Chinatown happening around me and I would do it again and again. There is no way I miss this place if I ever go back. One of my favorite restaurants anywhere. 

Seattle: Pike Place Market. Get some Coffee... I'm sure you'll find someone who will sell you a cup at a fair price. 

Los Angeles: Like New York... Too much to see and too much to do. Keep it simple... make sure you get an In-N-Out Burger. Philllipe the Original is where the French Dip was invented. They may have invented it but others elsewhere made it better. Pink's is an Iconic Hot Dog Place if you like Hot Dog's while looking at pictures of all the famous people who had a hot dog there. I spent my time checking out all the pop culture stuff, Hefners place, the house where OJ did it, Rodeo Drive, Whisky a Go-Go, drove all the famous boulevards one stop light at a time, You can't do two green lights in a row in LA. Malibu, the Valley, The Tar pits. Glunn was a good host in my week long visit. I sure appreciated the chance to see as much as I could. 

 

[shortround81]

16 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

OK... Let's go through them. 

New York Yankees/Mets. I've only been to New York a couple of times. There so much to do and see that you just can't do and see it all. I'll be going in August when the Twins are taking on the Yanks. My plan is to just eat as much pop culture food as I can without exploding. Nathans Hot Dog on Coney Island, A legitimate New York Slice of Pizza, The Soup Nazi Restuarant made famous on Seinfeld and Tom's Diner made famous on Seinfeld. In my past trips to New York. I consider Katz Deli a must. Granted... there are probably a hundred musts in New York but the sandwiches are great and you can sit at the table where Meg Ryan had her famous scene in When Harry Met Sally. 

Baltimore: Got to have crab when you are there. I went to the Lexington Market. Restaurants all over the place. Found a seafood place that served Crab Cakes and crabby food, had an oyster bar. Baltimore isn't the type of place that you just walk around... they got some rough neighborhoods but a walk along the Harbor gives you the impression for the moment that Baltimore is all right.  

Boston: I don't have any food recommendations but the city is extremely walkable. Just walk it... the city is interesting. 

Tampa: I really liked St. Petersburg... I'm not sure St. Petersburg even matters any more but I enjoyed my time there. In my opinion... Florida food is just food brought in from elsewhere. Want to eat a Grouper? You'll find sea food of course and you will find every regional food around the world brought in from restaurnatuers that moved to Florida along with everyone else. The majority of action in St. Petersburg is on Central Avenue. Get a Cigar and walk it. It's good people watching. 

Toronto: Been there a long time ago... No recommendations... it was a long time ago. 

Cleveland: There isn't anything that I would call Cleveland Food. I recommend the West Side Market and take your pick. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is interesting if you like your Rock and Roll like I do. I went once... found it interesting once but I don't need to go back because I'm not sure it would be interesting twice. 

Chicago: Chicago has great food. One of my favorite food cities. For the iconic stuff the Italian Beef is my favorite... GET IT WET!!! learn the stance. Went to Big Al's... loved it. You can't go wrong with a deep dish pizza or a simple Chicago dog. Squirrel was a good guide when I was there. She took me to the Billy Goat Tavern and I really appreciated that. The Billy Goat restaurant is famous from Saturday Night Live in the early days. Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, No Coke Pepsi. I'm a sucker for the pop culture places. 

Kansas City: BBQ - Ask the locals... they'll tell you where to go instead of the tourist trap BBQ joints. Although the tourist trap joints are still pretty damn good. Not getting Burnt Ends in Kansas city is a mistake... get the burnt ends. 

Detroit: If you go... watch the game and get out quick. 

Houston: Tex Mex is what they do best. Although... If I ever go back to Texas... I'll be looking for authentic Texas Chili (No Beans). 

Texas: Dallas... See Houston. BBQ, Chili and Tex Mex. 

San Francisco/Oakland. San Francisco is also one of my favorite food cities. Dim Sum is where I left my heart though. If I ever go back... I'm heading straight to the Good Mong Kok Bakery in Chinatown. When I was there I joined a line around the block. You stand in line for almost an hour but it's worth the wait. No Place to sit down... barely any place to stand and place your order... no time to look at the 60 different options on the menu because you don't see the menu until you get in the building and when you get in the building you have someone immediately waiting for your order and a line around the block behind you. They really try to keep the line moving. Give the number when ordering. If you try to say what it's called... they won't understand you. Absolutely delicious and you can fill yourself up easy for under 10 bucks. You quickly understand why there is a line around the block. Finding a place to eat it... that's tricky... I ended up eating mine on the hood of my car with busy Chinatown happening around me and I would do it again and again. There is no way I miss this place if I ever go back. One of my favorite restaurants anywhere. 

Seattle: Pike Place Market. Get some Coffee... I'm sure you'll find someone who will sell you a cup at a fair price. 

Los Angeles: Like New York... Too much to see and too much to do. Keep it simple... make sure you get an In-N-Out Burger. Philllipe the Original is where the French Dip was invented. They may have invented it but others elsewhere made it better. Pink's is an Iconic Hot Dog Place if you like Hot Dog's while looking at pictures of all the famous people who had a hot dog there. I spent my time checking out all the pop culture stuff, Hefners place, the house where OJ did it, Rodeo Drive, Whisky a Go-Go, drove all the famous boulevards one stop light at a time, You can't do two green lights in a row in LA. Malibu, the Valley, The Tar pits. Glunn was a good host in my week long visit. I sure appreciated the chance to see as much as I could. 

 

Wow! This is genuinely impressive. Have you considered a baseball eats book? I'm being serious. The Delish channel on YouTube had a short-lived series called "Stadium Eats" where one of the online personalities went to professional sports stadiums and ate a bunch of food from all/most of the vendors. It was a lot of fun, insightful, and the host (Jackie) has a ton of personality. I'm sad they're not doing it anymore. 

[Vanimal46]

On 4/11/2025 at 10:20 AM, DJL44 said:

I am planning on going to Colorado this summer to see the Twins play the Rockies. Any suggestions?

$3 draft beers on their rooftop deck before first pitch. Of course you could partake in one of the many offerings they have at dispensaries and forget that baseball is being played on the field 

[Vanimal46]

San Diego is extremely walkable with tons of restaurants in the area. You can stumble upon any good food and drinks in the gaslamp neighborhood. 

[bean5302]

Going to San Diego? 100% do one of the eat/walk tours.

[Squirrel]

On 4/30/2025 at 7:44 PM, Riverbrian said:

Chicago dog. Squirrel was a good guide when I was there. She took me to the Billy Goat Tavern and I really appreciated that. The Billy Goat restaurant is famous from Saturday Night Live in the early days. Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, No Coke Pepsi. I'm a sucker for the pop culture places. 

You forgot to mention your favorite … the headless leg statues.

You should write up your travels as you did before … 

 

[Squirrel]

On 5/1/2025 at 11:58 AM, shortround81 said:

Wow! This is genuinely impressive. Have you considered a baseball eats book? I'm being serious. The Delish channel on YouTube had a short-lived series called "Stadium Eats" where one of the online personalities went to professional sports stadiums and ate a bunch of food from all/most of the vendors. It was a lot of fun, insightful, and the host (Jackie) has a ton of personality. I'm sad they're not doing it anymore. 

He posted about his travels. This is a link to his last post that trip but you should read through them all. It’s a gem!

 

[shortround81]

Just now, Squirrel said:

He posted about his travels. This is a link to his last post that trip but you should read through them all. It’s a gem!

 

This is awesome! Thank you!

[Riverbrian]

On 5/2/2025 at 8:41 PM, shortround81 said:

This is awesome! Thank you!

My last post was all the American League teams. I've been intending to get around to the National League teams. So here ya go. 

Mets - I already covered New York in my last post. I've been to the old Yankee stadium so I will be finally attending a game in the Yankee stadium in August. Citi Field was one of my favorite parks. Not Top Five but up there and the why is kinda weird. Why? The Airplane Traffic overhead. Planes are taking off frequently from La Guardia I assume and flying over head. It was kinda cool to get a good look at the belly of all of those planes not that far overhead. For that reason alone... I give Citi Field high marks in what would normally be just an average stadium. BTW... Don't come with the impression that Queens is a quiet suburb far away from the craziness of Manhattan. It's nearly as people crazy. Queens is nuts. 

Marlins - The stadium is decent and I rank it in the exact same place as they other stadiums with a retractable roof. The stadium goes in the same pile with Houston, Arizona, Texas and Milwaukee. As for food, Miami has a lot of iconic food due to the culture and none of it is high on my list of favorite stuff. Had the Stone Crab... Expensive little bits of crab meat is what it is. I had the Ceviche... wasn't a fan. I paid 30 bucks for a mojito in South Beach. I didn't know I was going to pay 30 bucks. I just walked in an ordered a Mojito and was told it cost 30 bucks after the bartender made it. It had a sugar cane standing up in the glass so I assume that was why it was about 20 bucks more than I was expecting. I did like my Cuban sandwich and Cuban Espresso in Little Havana. Here's an interesting fact. You can walk from Little Havana to the Stadium. It'll take you through some interesting neighborhoods, lots of windows and people yelling in spanish inside those places from multiple floors. It is exactly a one cigar walk from Little Havana to the stadium. I lit my cigar outside the cigar store... started toward the stadium and was done with it as I arrived. For that alone... I give the city planners credit because I think they did it on purpose. 

Braves - Been to the old stadium so it counts on my list of all 30 stadiums quest... but yeah... I've got to get to the new stadium. As for food... my sister lives in the Atlanta burbs so she usually feeds me. The one thing I know for sure about the food in the south. The BBQ is great but if you are looking for the best BBQ... look for the worst building you can find. If the building looks like it should be condemned... that's where you want to go. If it's a nice clean building in a strip mall... stay away.   

Phillies - Hitting this stadium in August. I've been to Philly once before. The two most famous cheesesteak places are Geno's and Pat's King of Steaks and they are right across the street from each other. We had four of us in our group. Two of us got cheese steaks at each location and then we traded halfs so we could all sample each one and two of us voted for Geno's and two of us voted for Pat's. I voted for Pats because the meat in Geno's was cubed. Other than that the difference was slight. Since taking part in this small focus group... I have spoken with actual people from Philly and they all laugh and say... if you want a real Philly cheesesteak... you don't go to either of them. 

Nationals - I'll be hitting this stadium in August - I've been to Washington a couple of times before. Did the tourist stuff and didnt sample iconic cuisine. In my research it has been suggested that hot dog with chili called the Half Smoke is the iconic DC food. I'll have one when I return.  

Cubs - I already covered Chicago in my previous post. As much as I loved Fenway... I didn't have the same love for Wrigley. It was under construction when I was there so that took away some charm and my seats had a pole blocking the view. I do plan on swinging through Chicago and giving Wrigley another chance in my upcoming August road trip. I'd like to spend some more time checking out the surrounding area before entering this time. 

Pirates - Top 5 stadium for sure. I'd say Baltimore and Pittsburgh are interchangeable at the 4 or 5 spot . ranking wise. Food... The Primanti Sandwich is a must. If you don't have a Primanti Bros. when you are there... you blew it. It's the Iconic food of Pittsburgh. It a sandwich built for truck drivers where they basically take an entire plate of food and put it between slices of bread. Meat, Cheese, Cole Slaw, Tomatos and French Fries between two slices of bread. Basically a dinner plate combined together on bread. It tastes just like you think it will. 

Milwaukee - My favorite stadium from the retractable roof stadiums. Tailgate if you can. They have a nice tailgate area across the interstate. Milwaukee food... Just drink Beer... Eat some cheese. You'll be covered.    

Cincinnati - This one is on my list for my August road trip. Been through Cincy twice in my life. I always... always and will always in the future have the Cincinnati Chili. I do the 4 way because I don't need the kidney beans. Spaghetti Noodles covered with the chili (Cinnamon or Nutmeg maybe both is the unique flavor from the Chili we all know), Cheese (Lots of it) and Onions. That's the 4 way. If I got the beans which is an option... it would be the 5 way. I do the 4 way. What can I say... I agree with Texas. No beans in my chili please. I know people who don't like it... I think they are all crazy. BTW... I'll be driving from St. Louis to Cincinnati on my road trip and I am purposely swinging south so I can enter Cincy from Kentucky. The Cincinnati skyline is perhaps the most beautiful skyline in the United States. The skyline hits you all of a sudden when it is combined with beautiful bridges as you cross the Ohio river. I did that once... and it dropped my jaw. So I'll be looking at Kentucky on my way to Cincy from St. Louis.  

St. Louis - This one is on my list for the road trip. First stadium I will be hitting on the trip. Haven't really spent any time in St. Louis so I'm looking forward to it. Research is telling me that I need to have St. Louis Ribs, Toasted Ravioli and Gooey Butter Cake. 

Dodgers - Already covered L.A in my earlier post. Dodger Stadium would rank higher on my list if it wasn't for the traffic. It was really helpful that Glunn was with because he knew exactly how to get there efficiently. I went to a game with Glunn and I went to one by myself. The Game I went by myself... I left Beverly Hills about an hour and a half before game time and ended up missing the first three innings. Could have had a Freddie Freeman bobblehead. BTW... When you are in a traffic standstill in some side street leading to the stadium... You are uphill and your car won't like it. 

D-Backs - The Stadium ranks with the other retractable roof stadiums. I've come to the conclusion that I'm not the desert sort of person. It's a hot desert. I live in North Dakota... I lost 200 pounds walking around. Food: Mexican Food

Rockies - I really liked my experience in Denver. The stadium is a good experience. They probably have more interesting food choices than any other stadium. I had the Elvis Shake. Banana Ice Cream, Peanut Butter, Bacon and Cracker Jacks. Can't say it was wonderful but it wasn't awful. If you see it has a stadium food option. You gotta go for it. As Elvis says... Thank You... Thank you very much. BTW... Blue Moon beer was invented at Coors Field. Let me repeat that... Blue Moon was invented at Coors. The Sandlot Brewery in the Right Field corner. 

Giants - This used to be my favorite stadium of all the stadiums - The site lines are amazing... If you sit in RF... You can actually tell if the pitch was a curve ball. Normally when you sit in outfield seats... you can see a pitch thrown and that's about it. In San Francisco... you can see what kind of pitch was thrown. I don't know why... but you can. Perhaps I shouldn't have been sleeping in architecture school in college. I've covered the food in my earlier post. I'll just say... San Francisco is busy. It's the only city that I've visited that compares with New York as far as traffic. People everywhere. The Hills are relentless... Big Ups... Big Downs but it creates a stunning city. 

Padres - This is now my favorite stadium of all the stadiums... I would have bet against any stadium being better than San Francisco... I was wrong. Petco is the best. The Weather is amazing, the Gas Lamp District surrounding the stadium is incredible and the stadium itself is just plain beautiful with unique architectural touches. 

That's all of them. 

 

 

 

[Parfigliano]

21 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

My last post was all the American League teams. I've been intending to get around to the National League teams. So here ya go. 

Mets - I already covered New York in my last post. I've been to the old Yankee stadium so I will be finally attending a game in the Yankee stadium in August. Citi Field was one of my favorite parks. Not Top Five but up there and the why is kinda weird. Why? The Airplane Traffic overhead. Planes are taking off frequently from La Guardia I assume and flying over head. It was kinda cool to get a good look at the belly of all of those planes not that far overhead. For that reason alone... I give Citi Field high marks in what would normally be just an average stadium. BTW... Don't come with the impression that Queens is a quiet suburb far away from the craziness of Manhattan. It's nearly as people crazy. Queens is nuts. 

Marlins - The stadium is decent and I rank it in the exact same place as they other stadiums with a retractable roof. The stadium goes in the same pile with Houston, Arizona, Texas and Milwaukee. As for food, Miami has a lot of iconic food due to the culture and none of it is high on my list of favorite stuff. Had the Stone Crab... Expensive little bits of crab meat is what it is. I had the Ceviche... wasn't a fan. I paid 30 bucks for a mojito in South Beach. I didn't know I was going to pay 30 bucks. I just walked in an ordered a Mojito and was told it cost 30 bucks after the bartender made it. It had a sugar cane standing up in the glass so I assume that was why it was about 20 bucks more than I was expecting. I did like my Cuban sandwich and Cuban Espresso in Little Havana. Here's an interesting fact. You can walk from Little Havana to the Stadium. It'll take you through some interesting neighborhoods, lots of windows and people yelling in spanish inside those places from multiple floors. It is exactly a one cigar walk from Little Havana to the stadium. I lit my cigar outside the cigar store... started toward the stadium and was done with it as I arrived. For that alone... I give the city planners credit because I think they did it on purpose. 

Braves - Been to the old stadium so it counts on my list of all 30 stadiums quest... but yeah... I've got to get to the new stadium. As for food... my sister lives in the Atlanta burbs so she usually feeds me. The one thing I know for sure about the food in the south. The BBQ is great but if you are looking for the best BBQ... look for the worst building you can find. If the building looks like it should be condemned... that's where you want to go. If it's a nice clean building in a strip mall... stay away.   

Phillies - Hitting this stadium in August. I've been to Philly once before. The two most famous cheesesteak places are Geno's and Pat's King of Steaks and they are right across the street from each other. We had four of us in our group. Two of us got cheese steaks at each location and then we traded halfs so we could all sample each one and two of us voted for Geno's and two of us voted for Pat's. I voted for Pats because the meat in Geno's was cubed. Other than that the difference was slight. Since taking part in this small focus group... I have spoken with actual people from Philly and they all laugh and say... if you want a real Philly cheesesteak... you don't go to either of them. 

Nationals - I'll be hitting this stadium in August - I've been to Washington a couple of times before. Did the tourist stuff and didnt sample iconic cuisine. In my research it has been suggested that hot dog with chili called the Half Smoke is the iconic DC food. I'll have one when I return.  

Cubs - I already covered Chicago in my previous post. As much as I loved Fenway... I didn't have the same love for Wrigley. It was under construction when I was there so that took away some charm and my seats had a pole blocking the view. I do plan on swinging through Chicago and giving Wrigley another chance in my upcoming August road trip. I'd like to spend some more time checking out the surrounding area before entering this time. 

Pirates - Top 5 stadium for sure. I'd say Baltimore and Pittsburgh are interchangeable at the 4 or 5 spot . ranking wise. Food... The Primanti Sandwich is a must. If you don't have a Primanti Bros. when you are there... you blew it. It's the Iconic food of Pittsburgh. It a sandwich built for truck drivers where they basically take an entire plate of food and put it between slices of bread. Meat, Cheese, Cole Slaw, Tomatos and French Fries between two slices of bread. Basically a dinner plate combined together on bread. It tastes just like you think it will. 

Milwaukee - My favorite stadium from the retractable roof stadiums. Tailgate if you can. They have a nice tailgate area across the interstate. Milwaukee food... Just drink Beer... Eat some cheese. You'll be covered.    

Cincinnati - This one is on my list for my August road trip. Been through Cincy twice in my life. I always... always and will always in the future have the Cincinnati Chili. I do the 4 way because I don't need the kidney beans. Spaghetti Noodles covered with the chili (Cinnamon or Nutmeg maybe both is the unique flavor from the Chili we all know), Cheese (Lots of it) and Onions. That's the 4 way. If I got the beans which is an option... it would be the 5 way. I do the 4 way. What can I say... I agree with Texas. No beans in my chili please. I know people who don't like it... I think they are all crazy. BTW... I'll be driving from St. Louis to Cincinnati on my road trip and I am purposely swinging south so I can enter Cincy from Kentucky. The Cincinnati skyline is perhaps the most beautiful skyline in the United States. The skyline hits you all of a sudden when it is combined with beautiful bridges as you cross the Ohio river. I did that once... and it dropped my jaw. So I'll be looking at Kentucky on my way to Cincy from St. Louis.  

St. Louis - This one is on my list for the road trip. First stadium I will be hitting on the trip. Haven't really spent any time in St. Louis so I'm looking forward to it. Research is telling me that I need to have St. Louis Ribs, Toasted Ravioli and Gooey Butter Cake. 

Dodgers - Already covered L.A in my earlier post. Dodger Stadium would rank higher on my list if it wasn't for the traffic. It was really helpful that Glunn was with because he knew exactly how to get there efficiently. I went to a game with Glunn and I went to one by myself. The Game I went by myself... I left Beverly Hills about an hour and a half before game time and ended up missing the first three innings. Could have had a Freddie Freeman bobblehead. BTW... When you are in a traffic standstill in some side street leading to the stadium... You are uphill and your car won't like it. 

D-Backs - The Stadium ranks with the other retractable roof stadiums. I've come to the conclusion that I'm not the desert sort of person. It's a hot desert. I live in North Dakota... I lost 200 pounds walking around. Food: Mexican Food

Rockies - I really liked my experience in Denver. The stadium is a good experience. They probably have more interesting food choices than any other stadium. I had the Elvis Shake. Banana Ice Cream, Peanut Butter, Bacon and Cracker Jacks. Can't say it was wonderful but it wasn't awful. If you see it has a stadium food option. You gotta go for it. As Elvis says... Thank You... Thank you very much. BTW... Blue Moon beer was invented at Coors Field. Let me repeat that... Blue Moon was invented at Coors. The Sandlot Brewery in the Right Field corner. 

Giants - This used to be my favorite stadium of all the stadiums - The site lines are amazing... If you sit in RF... You can actually tell if the pitch was a curve ball. Normally when you sit in outfield seats... you can see a pitch thrown and that's about it. In San Francisco... you can see what kind of pitch was thrown. I don't know why... but you can. Perhaps I shouldn't have been sleeping in architecture school in college. I've covered the food in my earlier post. I'll just say... San Francisco is busy. It's the only city that I've visited that compares with New York as far as traffic. People everywhere. The Hills are relentless... Big Ups... Big Downs but it creates a stunning city. 

Padres - This is now my favorite stadium of all the stadiums... I would have bet against any stadium being better than San Francisco... I was wrong. Petco is the best. The Weather is amazing, the Gas Lamp District surrounding the stadium is incredible and the stadium itself is just plain beautiful with unique architectural touches. 

That's all of them. 

 

 

 

San Diego stadium is the best.  Area around it is awesome.

[Vanimal46]

On 7/3/2025 at 12:05 PM, Riverbrian said:

The BBQ is great but if you are looking for the best BBQ... look for the worst building you can find. If the building looks like it should be condemned... that's where you want to go. If it's a nice clean building in a strip mall... stay away.

This is 100% the truth. Especially in the south. When I lived in Austin, TX and my parents came to visit, they were confused why I took them to a clearly converted old gas station for dinner. But that is where the best BBQ in town is located