Best food in MLB
Below is one of many lists online that list the best food at major league ballparks. 10. Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia Phillies — Tony Luke’s or Campos’ giant Philly cheesesteak “The Schmitter” 9. Nationals Park, Washington Nationals — Ben’s Half Smoke or Chili Bowl 8. Truist Park, Atlanta Braves — World Champion Burger 7. Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore Orioles — Anything from Boog’s BBQ 6. Yankee Stadium, New York Yankees — Lobel’s beef sandwich 5. Petco Park, San Diego Padres — Fish tacos 4. Citi Field, New York Mets — Arancini bowls from Arancini Brothers 3. Oracle Park, San Francisco Giants — Ghirardelli’s hot fudge sundae 2. Target Field, Minnesota Twins — Chicken tikka 1. T-Mobile Park, Seattle Mariners — Everything’s Delicious Source: Fanimal.com
I recently had the great pleasure of sampling the food and drinks from the new concession menu at the Grand Junction Jackalopes. The wonderful General Manager, Harrison Shapiro, and his friendly coworkers wowed me with an array of delicious dishes. The Jackalopes are members of the Pioneer Baseball League and play their home games at Suplizio Field, located at 1315 North Ave.
We did the food tour and were impressed not only by the made-to-order food, including Philly cheesesteaks and cocktails, but also by the incredibly reasonable prices. A huge cheesesteak was only $8 and a 16 ounce beer was $5. Most menu items were between $5 and $9. Located in the heart of Grand Junction, it offers great views, dining and entertainment, and is a great way to spend an outdoor brunch, lunch or dinner.
The team of cooks and bartenders were very kind and even showed us how to fill a beer cup with their cool “Bottom’s Up” filler. It’s so much fun! You press the cup against the machine and the beer pours into the cup from the bottom up. Make sure to check out this magical sight next time you go to a game.
The menu also features a few local eateries. Spirits for the cocktails are made by Peach Street Distillers (144 S. Kluge Ave.) in Palisades. I particularly liked the bourbon peach tea. And, of course, there’s Jackalope Gin for the fans. (What a clever tie-in; Jackalope Gin has been around for years, but who would have thought a professional baseball team called the Jackalopes would be just a few minutes away?) Wines from Carlson Vineyards, 461 35 Road in Palisades, are on offer, along with a variety of beers and non-alcoholic drinks.
The menu features all the classic baseball foods, such as hot dogs, nachos, and burgers, but also offers brunch options on weekends, such as breakfast sandwiches, pork green chili, and Bloody Marys. Fish and chips, taco salads, wraps, and Parmesan truffle fries are also available at games. The “Buffalo Soldier” is fried chicken, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese crumbles served on top of fries in a cute container shaped like a jackalope baseball cap.
Popular items include pulled pork sandwiches and hot dogs made with Chicago Vienna beef, and, of course, the spicy “jackalope sausage” made with real jackalope. (Just kidding! It’s actually a mix of rabbit, antelope, pork and habanero peppers.) “For kids, our Bavarian Pretzel Bites and cinnamon churros are always a hit, along with our ice cream stand,” says Shapiro. “The huckleberry ice cream is one of our most popular desserts.” They also serve homemade Charlie’s cookies, which go towards benefiting the city’s Ariel Clinical Services.
In addition to great food, drinks, and baseball, the Jackalopes will also be doing other fun activities. Shapiro told me, “We’ll also be doing fun promotions like a ‘Manager’s Night Off,’ where fans will get to make all kinds of decisions during the game, including choosing the starting lineup.”
Baseball and summer go hand in hand. We’re lucky to have a professional team. Attending a baseball game with friends, on your own or with the whole family is a fun and delicious experience. Join the fun by purchasing tickets at the gate or online at www.gjjackalopes.com.
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