NOTE: This post is for the 2022 season; for the 2023 season click here.
New York City FC have five games scheduled at Citi Field this season, and while it’s a little dispiriting to think that New York City will play “home” games at six different venues this year, let’s enjoy what other teams get right at their stadia. For instance, Citi Field is a pleasantly civilized place to watch a game by any standard: Nice architectural details, good circulation, exceptional food.
In fact, the home of the Amazin’ Mets keeps improving their food vendors, bringing in new talent to strengthen an already impressive lineup. This year, Citi Field added Pig Beach (Brooklyn-based barbecue joint), Jacob’s Pickles (southern comfort food), and Murray’s Mac & Cheese (from the legendary Greenwich Village cheese shop). Some of those should challenge for places in the starting XI.
All three feature in The Hudson River Blue Dining Guide to Citi Field below, a comprehensive listing of the best dining options available when you make the trip out to Flushing, and willingly join the captive audience watching NYCFC play.
Revenge is best served cold, but brisket is best served warm with cornbread and spicy pickles.
NOTE: Not all food vendors are open for every game; Promenade Level vendors open only when 400 sections is in use.
The Hudson River Blue Dining Guide to Citi Field:
Amazin’ Chicken Co: Chicken tenders, cheese taters. Field Level at Taste of the City
Arancini Bros. Italian rice balls with dipping sauces. Field Level at Section 102
Bases Loaded Lemonade: Spiked lemonade. Field Level at Section 114
Blue Smoke: St Louis-style barbecue with a Danny Meyer pedigree. Ribs, smoked brisket, pulled pork mac-and-cheese. Field Level at Taste of the City
Cantina: Margaritas, daiquiris, coladas, and sangria. Field Level at Taste of the City
Daruma: Sushi, sushi, sushi. Field Level at World’s Fare
DŌ: Cookie dough available in an assortment of flavors. Grill Stands
Empire State Craft: Large selection of local craft beers. Field Level at Section 132
Fuku: Spicy chicken sandwich from Momouku. Delta Level, Field Level at Section 130
Jacob’s Pickles: Fried chicken biscuit sandwich, fried pickles. Delta Level, Promenade Level at Jim Beam Highball Club
Jim Beam Bourbon Bar: Whiskey, whiskey, whiskey. Field Level at Section 141
Lobster Shack: Lobster rolls with parsley aioli, lobster grilled cheese, lobster bisque. Field Level at Section 104
Metropolitan Fry Factory: Hand-cut fries. Field Level at Taste of the City
Mister Softee: Da-dun da-du-du-du-du-da-dun da-dun da-dun da-duh-dun. Field Level at Sections 110, 114, 121, 126.
Murray’s Mac & Cheese: Creative takes on the classic mac-and-cheese: Buffalo-mac-and-cheese to blends of three cheeses, and more. Promenade Level at Jim Beam Highball Club
Pat LaFrieda’s Chop House: New York strip steak, tomahawk chop, fillet. Delta Level
Patsy’s Pizzera: A New York original that dates to 1933. Field Level at Taste of the City
Pig Beach BBQ: Smoked meats, a burger made with beef brisket and short rib, fries topped with pulled pork, and more. Promenade Level at Jim Beam Highball Club
Shake Shack: The New York classic carries all the basics. Field Level at Taste of the City
Tacocina: Classic and clever tacos from Union Square Hospitality Group. Field Level at Taste of the City
Vegan City: Meatless burgers, vegan nachos, and more. Field Level at Section 105