CLEVELAND, Ohio – It’s no secret ballparks have stepped up their food offerings over the last few seasons. Choices have expanded greatly. Things have gotten more local and more diverse.
And messier.
Who would have thought we’d see ‘crema,’ ‘tomato-chipotle’ or ‘salsa verde’ on menus? If you’re heading to a game, bring extra napkins if you tackle any of these bad boys. (Asterisk indicates a new item in 2022.)
Mac and cheese bowl *
If you crave cheese, Melt Bar and Grilled is a place to be. The eatery has been in the park for several years, but this item is new: Melt serves up its signature macaroni and cheese with optional Montgomery Inn pulled pork and bacon. Info: $11; right-field lower-level concourse.
Chicken bowl
Ohio City Burrito’s bowlful of rice, black beans, shredded chicken in tomato-chipotle sauce, cheese, lettuce, salsa, guacamole and sour cream. Info: $13.75, behind third base.
Barbecue mac and cheese cone *
Cones are not just for ice cream anymore. Throwing Smoke’s hand-held is a large waffle cone stuffed with creamy mac and cheese and Montgomery Inn pulled pork, topped with slaw and a drizzle of barbecue sauce. You get a sweet crunch with a smoky, savory flavory. Info: $11; third base, section 159.
Chicken and waffles *
The Fat Rooster’s chicken and waffles is not messy. But add spicy maple syrup – three words we’d never thought we’d see or say in a ballpark not too long ago – and you have a sticky mess waiting to happen. Now you know why the rooster is fat. Should come with wet naps. Info: $12.50, under the bleachers, near section 182.
Killer Kilbane Dog
Happy Dog serves up this hot dog with pickle relish, chunky peanut and sriracha sauce. Stain your pants with this stuff and your real dog will love and hate you. Info: $9; lower-level concourse.
Southside Slopes *
Fat Head’s Brewery debuted this sandwich with kielbasa topped with fried pierogis, American cheese, grilled onions and horseradish sauce, served with chips. Info: $17, lower-level concourse.
Souvenir helmet ice cream
On the surface, this seven-scoop treat isn’t messy. After all, it’s not hand-held; it’s self-contained in a plastic helmet. But order one in mid-July as temperatures soar, and you’ll have a bowl of soup unless the whole family is digging in with spoons. Info: $6.25, multiple stands.
Nacho choices
Barrio Nachos: Corn tortilla chips with queso blanco, shredded chihuahua cheese, pico de gallo, Ohio sweet-corn salsa, salsa verde and chipotle crema. Add spiced rubbed chicken or chili-spiced ground sirloin. Info: $10, plus $4.50 for optional protein; upper deck near 430/432-529/533, plus lower-level concourse and outfield concourse.
Nachos Gigante: For those who remember their Spanish I, this translates to ‘big nachos.’ Corn tortilla chips topped with queso fundido and rostizado chicken or pork at Momocho. Info: $13.75, double the protein for $4.50; lower-level concourse.
Tostitos Nachos: There’s a method to the madness here. The lower-level stand near section 173 along the left-field concourse always seems to draw a long line. Ladles full of yellow cheese are dripped slowly atop chips. And did you ever notice the middle T letters in ‘Tostitos’ form two people sharing a chip over a bowl of dip? Plant-based loaded nachos are new and come with crumbles, cheese, sour cream, jalapenos and salsa for $19. Souvenir helmet nachos ($18.75) and loaded nachos ($12.75) each come with chicken or beef, sour cream, jalapenos and salsa. Info: Multiple stands.
Related coverage: What’s new at Progressive Field for 2022: From food to ticket deals, expect a few changes
I am on cleveland.com’s life and culture team and cover food, beer, wine and sports-related topics. If you want to see my stories, here’s a directory on cleveland.com. Bill Wills of WTAM-1100 and I talk food and drink usually at 8:20 a.m. Thursday morning. Twitter: @mbona30.
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