Take us out to the ball game!
It’s officially baseball season in Pittsburgh. We’re lucky to have one of the most beautiful baseball parks in the country, and no summer is complete without spending an afternoon cheering on the buccos at PNC Park.
We all know that one of the best parts of going to a baseball game is eating all of the delicious ballpark food. The 2018 season is better than ever before, as PNC Park has refreshed their menu and added tons of mouthwatering dishes (pierogi hoagie, anyone?)
Below we’ve outlined how to plan the perfect afternoon at PNC Park, including: where to grab drinks before the game, what to eat while you there, and where celebrate after a Pirates win!
Please tag @goodfoodpgh and #goodfoodpgh in all of your baseball park pictures this season.
How to Plan the Perfect Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Game
Step 1: Download the app:
Before arriving at the park, download the MLB Ballpark App. This app is your treasure map at the park! In addition to detailed maps of PNC park, the app contains an awesome “food finder” function. Simply input where you are sitting and what you’re craving, and the app will tell you the closest spot to find it.
Step 2: Snacks to pack:
Did you know can bring your own snacks to the game? Each Guest is permitted to bring one 16″ X 16″ X 8″ bag into PNC Park.
Inside of the bag, be sure to pack bottled water, as it’s much cheaper than the concession stand. If needed, feel free to bring children’s juice boxes and snacks.
Read PNC Park’s outside food/beverage regulations online.
Step 3: Before the Game:
Make the game an event by spending some time on Pittsburgh’s beautiful North Shore before heading into the stadium. Prior to the first pitch, Mullen’s, Southern Tier Brewing, and Local Brewhouse are lively spots to grab a beer!
We suggest heading to Steel Cactus for a pitcher of margaritas and a view of the pre-game commotion on Federal Street!
Step 4: The Ultimate PNC Park Menu:
Arrive hungry! Below we devised a plan to try all the heavy hitter food items at PNC park! These are some of the standout items to munch on while cheering on the Pirates!
While you may not be able to try all of these dishes in one game, you’ll have another reason to come back for another game!
1st Inning:
This year PNC Park introduced sandwich that has already made a name for itself in Pittsburgh. The Pulled Pork Pierogi Hoagie features a pulled pork sandwich topped with crispy onions and potato & cheese pierogies. Mikey and Bob from The Morning Freak Show already have a lot to say on the subject. Start of the game by finding one of these sandwiches in Section 133, 142, and at the Jim Beam Left Field Lounge.Â
And if you can’t wait to try this hoagie, we have some good news – the recipe is online!
Another great sandwich option is the Hawaiian Pork Sandwich with aloha sauce on a toasted brioche bun from The Market in Section 117.
2nd Inning:
Beer fans should head to the Block House Corner Bar in Section 113, or the Terrace Bar in Section 317Â for a great selection of draft beers
Local beer like East End Big Hop or Full Pint White Lightning can be found in Section 130.Â
Another ballpark classic is fresh squeezed lemonade. Use the MLB app “food finder” to find lemonade close to you!
3rd Inning:
Time to chow down on Bacon Mac & Cheese, or Buffalo Bleu Mac & Cheese, from Tooties in Section 101.
4th Inning:
Cool down with Rita’s Italian Ice, which can be found in Sections 143 and 308.
This year the park has installed an Icee Wall in Section 115, where guests can sample different ICEE flavors.
5th Inning:
What is a baseball game without a soft pretzel and popcorn? These items can be found throughout the park on every level. Use the “food finder” in the MLB app to find a spot close to you!
6th Inning:
Have you ever tried PNC Park’s Pizza Log? Now is your chance! Find them in Sections 108, 119, and 328.
7th Inning:
Time to seek out some Pittsburgh classics!
Head to Section 110 where Primanti Brothers is located. Their menu includes Roast Beef & Cheese, Capicola & Cheese, Cheesesteak, and Fresh Cut Fries.
Another favorite is Quaker Steak and Lube, located in Sections 109 and 322. Grab a bucket of wings and a side of onion rings!
8th Inning:
Upgrade your typical ballpark nachos at Manny’s BBQ in Sections 132 and 139, where you can find Manny’s famous Pulled Pork Nachos.
9th Inning:
Finish with something sweet! Find fresh Cookie Dough in Section 107.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Options:
This year PNC park has focussed on making ballpark food accessible to everyone.
The Market, located in Section 117, has a variety of gluten-free and healthy options
At the Jim Beam Left Field Lounge, guests can order Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower, Vegan Burgers,Vegan Greens and Grains, and a “Meatball” Marinara.
“All You Can Eat” Seats:
The “All You Can Eat” seats recieved a makeover this year, and are now called the “Value Section.” For the price of a $30 ticket, guests get unlimited peanuts, popcorn and soda. Other items like cheeseburgers, kielbasa grinders, or loaded pierogies, are discounted at $5 each.
Jim Beam Left Field Lounge:
If you purchase seats in the Jim Beam Left Field Lounge, there are two dessert you must look out for! The brand-new Cookie Dough Sundae features house-made chocolate chip cookie dough, cherry-vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and sprinkles.
The Campfire Nachos take the best of both nachos and s’mores with graham crackers topped with chocolate chips and marshmallows, all baked until golden brown.
If you get the Cookie Dough Sundae or the Campfire Nachos, please tag @goodfoodpgh and #goodfoodpgh in your pictures – we want to see it!
Club Level:
If you’re seating in the Club Level, be sure to look out for the The Butcher Baker Cheesemaker. This platter featuring cheeses, meats, artisan chutneys, local honeys, and fresh, warm baguettes.
The Club Level also offers Cocktail Trays with ingredients to prepare drinks like Bloody Marys, Moscow Mules, Margaritas, and Old-fashioneds.
Another option for the premium Lexus Club seats is the Pittsburgh Paella, a gigantic, three-foot paella featuring stuffed cabbage rolls, sauerkraut, house-made kielbasa, and pierogies.
Drinks After the Game:
Looking for a spot to grab (hopefully celebratory) drinks after the game? Check out our entire guide on Where to Eat/Drink After a Pittsburgh Pirates Game!
What is your favorite thing to eat at PNC Park? Leave it in the comments below!
Cinda Amos says
Great tips thank you !