Baseball season is back — and it’s not just for sports fans. You don’t have to be a die-hard Yankees supporter to enjoy ball caps, pinstripes and signature stadium snacks that will impress even the most practiced foodie. Yankee Stadium, where NYU holds its All-University Commencement, is home to a wide range of classic and novel eats — but which of the staples are actually worth leaving your seat for, even at the risk of missing a crucial play? After many trips to see the Yankees win, and unfortunately also lose, I’ve ranked the famous stadium offerings to guide your next visit to the Bronx.
6. Yankee Stadium’s Grand Slam Shakes | $14.99
All baseball stadium food should be one thing: simple. The decked-out signature shakes you’ve seen all over your Instagram feed seriously strike out in this regard. Topped ridiculously high with cupcakes, babe ruths, marshmallows, churros and whatever else the staff can find in the stockroom, these shakes are not worth the price they pitch. While you may get a signature cup, you’ll probably have to leave at the seventh inning stretch due to a stomach ache or a sugar high. Let’s leave these shakes on social media and off the fields.
5. The 99 Burger | $19.99
This burger, named after Yankees captain and MVP Aaron Judge, is piled high with two 4-ounce beef patties, American cheese, caramelized onions, dill pickles and the stadium’s secret sauce. I’m not usually one to dare say anything against The Judge, but something about the exclusive 99 burger seems disrespectful to the game. Originally, only 99 of these burgers used to be sold per game, as an homage to Judge’s jersey number. While they’ve since gotten rid of that rule, it still seems this burger is built on pricy elitism rather than celebrating All-American grub. And for $20, it should at least come with some fries.
4. Mister Softee’s Souvenir Hat | $8
The idea of a Mister Softee served in a mini souvenir Yankees cap seems nice, but on a hot July day, I quickly learned that the souvenir looks a lot better than it actually is. While I appreciate the generous swirl of delicious soft serve, within seconds of sitting in the sun, it started melting down the sides faster than Oswaldo Cabrera stealing second base. Your hands? Sticky. Your pants? Covered in chocolate soft serve. And that cute little cap? So messy you won’t even want to take it home.
3. Pretzel | $7.99
This one may sound a little out of left field, but no ballpark snack is more underrated than a warm, chewy soft pretzel with nacho cheese. Beloved by players and fans alike, it’s the perfect source of quick carbs and energy to power you through a nine-inning game. Unlike messy nachos, a pretzel won’t get soggy under a thick layer of cheese. The soft, pillowy dough contrasts beautifully with the crisp, golden crust, while the coarse salt enhances its rich, savory flavor — making it the ultimate pairing for a cold fountain soda. While its versatility means you can dip it in just about any condiment you can find, I recommend sticking with the classic nacho cheese and brushing off a little salt from the top — they tend to be very generous with it.
2. Chicken Fingers and Fries Value Bucket | $20
One rarely thinks “bargain” when shopping at Yankee Stadium, but this chicken fingers and fry bucket has earned its value title. For just $20, you get a massive bucket of surprisingly flavorful fried chicken and crispy and salty French fries — enough to keep you satisfied through all nine innings. It’s perfect for sharing with friends, and when you’re done, the bucket doubles as a quirky tote bag. If you’re feeling fancy — or just extra thirsty — you can even opt for a drink where the bowl-lid conveniently holds your chicken on top. The only downside? Your free dipping options are limited to ketchup and mustard — what a home run this bucket would be with a little garlic aioli.
1. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog | $8.59
If there’s one thing you must try at a Yankees game, it’s a Nathan’s Famous hot dog. As the official hot dog partner of the MLB, Nathan’s has been serving up legendary franks for over a century. Sure, you can grab one from a street vendor, but I swear it tastes a hundred times better at Yankee Stadium. I can’t explain why — I just know it’s true, and I crave one every time I go. You’ve got two options: The Original Beef Frankfurter or the Extra-Long Beef Hot Dog. And, of course, you can dress it up with ketchup, mustard or relish. It’s the ultimate stadium snack: convenient enough to leave one hand free for holding a drink, waving a foam finger or catching a fly ball. Plus, it’s one of the more affordable food options at the stadium, giving you a satisfying bite with a whole lot of history and tradition wrapped in its fresh, tender embrace.
Contact Ashley Combs at [email protected].
