The 2017 Major League Baseball season is upon us and that means that San Diegans will be heading downtown to Petco Park for San Diego Padres games. Each year, the stadium unveils a new lineup of vendors, and this year's premier tenants include Carnitas' Snack Shack, Wonderland Ocean Pub, Resident Brewing Co., Iron Fist Brewing Co., AleSmith Brewing Co., and Cutwater Spirits. Here we run down our favorite spots to grab a bite or a beer inside and around Petco Park!
Ballpark food is no longer just hot-dogs and peanuts. Nowadays, it can be healthy, delicious and even upscale, especially in America's Finest City. San Diego Padres' Petco Park is filled with offerings from some of our city's best food and beverage purveyors, so a visitor can get a taste of the area's most popular eateries and sample some of our city's finest craft beer and spirits just by exploring the concessions at the ballpark.
Carnitas' Snack Shack at Petco Park is located in the left field seating area at sections 128 and 228, offering a variety of the thoughtfully-sourced, pork-centric menu items Carnitas' Snack Shack is known for, including Petco Park exclusives like a bacon-wrapped, carnitas topped hot-dog and pulled pork flautas. After opening the doors of their first location in North Park in 2011, co-founders Chef Hanis Cavin and Sara Stroud launched its second Snack Shack on the Embarcadero waterfront in spring 2016, offering a full bar program and panoramic views of the San Diego harbor.
"As a lifelong San Diegan and Padres fan, I am very excited to bring our 'Pork House' to Petco Park!" said Carnitas' Snack Shack Co-Founder and Culinary Director Hanis Cavin. "The menu will be a mix of some existing staple items, like the Triple Threat, as well as some new items, like the Smoked Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog, we are creating just for the Petco Park location."
Wonderland at Petco Park is located on the upper deck at section 309, offering a full bar, beers from Resident Brewing Co. and a variety of menu items made popular at the original Ocean Beach location. Wonderland Ocean Pub opened in 2013 using the culture and history of Ocean Beach as a foundation. With an unparalleled view, coastal cuisine and local craft beer offerings, Wonderland was created to exemplify the neighborly vibe of its beachfront community. Resident Brewing Co. delivers a San Diego cool, inviting and relaxed beer experience under the stewardship of award-winning brewer Robert Masterson.
"The Padres are an incredible organization and we are thrilled to partner with them and Petco Park for this upcoming baseball season," said Brendan Huffman, CEO of Social Syndicate. "Not only are we looking forward to sharing some of our local favorites with fans from around the world, but we're also excited to be part of the experience and energy the season will surely bring."
Iron Fist Brewing Co. will feature several of its local unfiltered, bottle conditioned and naturally carbonated craft beers at a dedicated cart on Craft Beer Row (sec. 101-105), as well as at the five Craft Beers of San Diego locations throughout Petco Park (sec. 107, 211, 229, 305, 328). The Vista-based, family-owned and operated brewery opened its doors in October 2010 with 21-year-old Master Brewer Brandon Sieminski, one of the youngest master brewers in U.S. history. Its tasting room in Barrio Logan, just a few blocks from Petco Park, opened nearly two years ago. Iron Fist's Renegade Blonde (Kölsch) and Counter Strike (Single IPA) currently are on tap, while other varietals will be added and rotated throughout the season.
AleSmith Brewing Co. is bringing its AleSmith San Diego Pale Ale .394 to Petco Park. Crafted in early 2014 by AleSmith Owner Peter Zien and the late Mr. Padre Tony Gwynn, and named in commemoration of Gwynn's historic 1994 career-high batting average, San Diego Pale Ale .394 has become a fast favorite of Padres fans. It will be available at the five Craft Beers of San Diego locations throughout Petco Park (sec. 107, 211, 229, 305, 328). In addition, AleSmith Brewing Co. is partnering with the Padres to update and re-brand the hospitality space previously known as Club 19 to .394. This restaurant and bar, located at section 217 on the Toyota Terrace Level, will feature San Diego Pale Ale.394 and other AleSmith favorites, as well as a menu developed by Petco Park Executive Chef Carlos Vargas, in collaboration with Alicia Gwynn. Featured items will include .394 Chop Salad, Midsummer Classic Mac & Cheese, Pulled BBQ Pork Fries, Grilled Cheese and Tomato Basil Soup, Tony's Chicken Tenders, Crispy Fried Chicken Plate, Open Face Turkey Sandwich and Fried Chicken Sandwich.
San Diego-based Cutwater Spirits is the next bold adventure from the band of liquid pioneers behind Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits. Early in their brewing tenure, their curiosity and creativity drew them to explore the art of distilling. The result was a diverse and award-winning family of spirits, mixers, and spirit-based canned cocktails that became the foundation for Cutwater. Petco Park will feature their spirits including Fugu Vodka, Old Grove Gin and Three Sheets Rum, as well as their ready-to-enjoy canned cocktails throughout the ballpark. In addition, Cutwater Spirits is partnering with the Padres to update and re-brand the bar and restaurant space in left field on the Toyota Terrace level that was previously Deep Eddy Vodka Hideaway. The Still by Cutwater Spirits will offer indoor and outdoor seating, field views and a variety of cocktails.
"We are extremely excited to continue the tradition of bringing iconic, local brands to our fans at Petco Park," said Susan Hawke-Pfeifer, general manager of Petco Park concessionaire Delaware North. "It is important for us to create a uniquely San Diego fan experience while striving to be best-in-class throughout Major League Baseball."
Below we've outlined what else there is and where you can get it inside Petco. Our top picks are marked with an asterix (*).
- Alesmith .394* - Toyota Terrace Section 217 - Full service bar and restaurant honoring Tony Gwynn's legacy with a variety of food options.
- Baked Bear* - 111 - Local ice cream shop that specializes in custom made ice cream sandwiches.
- Ballast Point Bar* - Park at the Park - Delicious "used-to-be-San-Diego-craft beer.
- Ballast Point Beer Garden* - 228 - BEER!
- Ballpark Eats - 104, 115, 116, 135, 208, 233, 305, 310, 315, 324 - Like the name says...
- Board & Brew* - 107, 205 - Custom sandwiches and craft beer.
- Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar - 202, 204 - Fish and chips, clam chowder, fish tacos and other seafood.
- Budweiser Patio - 227 - Nuts, terrible beer and people who don't like good beer.
- Bumblebee - 107, 119 - San Diego's tuna mecca has a poke bar and a seafood car.
- Cardiff’s Seaside Market* - 105 - A market inside the ballpark! A great spot for salad, juice, flatbreads, a burgundy pepper tri-tip sandwich, snacks, and hot and fresh comfort foods.
- Cardiff's Seaside Tri-Tip* - 110, 124, 129, 308, 309, 322, 327 - Famous BBQ tri-tip sandwiches from Cardiff Market, as well as tri-tip nachos.
- Carnitas Snack Shack* - 128, 228 - A San Diego institution for porky deliciousness, get the famed Triple Threat pork sandwich.
- Craft Beers of San Diego* - 107, 211, 229, 303, 328 - San Diego is America's finest beer city and this spot rounds them all up.
- Craft Row* - 101- More San Diego craft beer! You can never have too much!
- Donovan's Wines at the Park* - 104 - Over 35 selections of wine from a San Diego steakhouse and seafood destination.
- The Draft by Ballast Point - 205 - Remember when Ballast Point was a San Diego brewery?
- Elysian Beer - Park at the Park, 326 - Budweiser bought this once-craft brewery awhile back and is now slinging their beers, which are actually pretty good.
- Estrella Cantina - Park at the Park - Mexican eats.
- Gaglione Brothers* - 124, 319 - San Diego cheesesteaks, garlic fries and a pepper bar.
- Gaglione Brother's Fry Stand - Park at the Park, 101, 309 - Cheesesteak fries anyone?
- Goose Island - 102, 126 - Once upon a time, this was a craft brewery from Chicago, but now it's part of Big "Craft" Beer.
- Hodad's* - 104, 131, 133, 300, 306, 316, 325 - The Famous Ocean Beach burger destination in the park. Get the bacon cheeseburger, fries, onion rings and pretty much anything else.
- Hot Dogs - Western Metal Building - Pretty much self-explanatory.
- Infield Fries - 229 - Fries, dogs, chicken fingers, etc.
- K Street Grill - 131 - Ballpark fare and beer.
- Karl Strauss* - 102 - Grab brews from San Diego's original craft brewer.
- Karl Strauss Red Trollery - 112, 129 - More beer from the K-Man!
- La Cantina Bar - 328 - Mexican food and margaritas!
- Lane Field Lemonade - Park at the Park, 101, 112, 119, 126, 135, 206, 215, 320 - Cotton candy, snow cones, Dippin' Dots, churros and, of course, lemonade.
- Lexus Home Plate Bar, Lounge and Restaurant - behind home plate - Requires a one-time non-refundable yet transferable membership fee per seat. Serves as a full service bar and upscale lounge in one of the most sought after sections of the park.
- The Loft presented by Budweiser - Western Metal Building - I wouldn't set foot in here so who knows?
- Lucha Libre* - Lucha Libre - 119, 120, 227 - San Diego's king of monster burritos is dishing out Mexican fare in Petco.
- Miguel's Cocina* - 104 - This Mexican concept from the Brigantine Group offers staples like the surf and turf burrito, fish taco, carne asada tacos and more. Ask for extra white sauce.
- Mission Brewery Brick & Bottle - Western Metal Building, 126 - Mixed ballpark food and locally brewed beer from one of the closest breweries to the ballpark.
- Mister Softee - Park at the Park, 104, 117, 128 - Cool off with some soft serve ice cream or a root beer float!
- Omni Hotel Premier Club* - 108 - This is an enclosed lounge where fans can eat their hearts out at a buffet.
- Pacifico Bar - 119, 122 - Get some Mexican beer!
- Phil's BBQ* - Park at the Park, 113 - Go for the El Toro or Broham sandwich and maybe some baby back ribs.
- Pizza Port* - 104, 121, 213, 311, 320 - Specialty pizza and craft beer from a local San Diego brewpub.
- The Porch by Pacifico - 124 - Mexican beer spot.
- The Rail - Western Metal Building - Great view.
- Randy Jones Grill* - Park at the Park, 101, 118, 119, 204, 303, 306, 321 - Named after the Padres' pitching sensation, this barbecue hub is where you want to go for half pound bbq hot dog, pulled pork, brisket, etc.
- Rimels Rotisserie* - Western Metal, 119 - Local spot that serves up rotisserie chicken, fish tacos and more.
- Ryan Bros. Coffee - 104, 117, 226 - Who drinks coffee at a baseball game? Apparently some people. I'll be drinking craft beer.
- The Still by Cutwater Spirits* - Toyota Terrace Section 222 - A fun bar with an amazing view of the ballpark, good cocktails, and food from Bull Taco. I once spent an entire game in this spot.
- Tarantino - Park at the Park - Get your Friar Franks and sausage from a local company.
- Vegetarian - 107, 303, 315, 320 - Food for the morally sound and the perpetual Meatless Monday people.
- Wines at the Park by Donovan's - 104 - Wine for you fancy folk.
- Western Metal Brick and Bottle by Mission Brewery* - Western Metal Building - Get some grilled cheese sandwiches with your craft beer fix.
- Wonderland Ocean Pub* - 309 - Offer a full bar and beer from Resident Brewing, this OB-hotspot is now bringing San Diego food and drink to Petco.
- Yogurtland - 104, 105 - Frozen yogurt and all the fixins'.
- Zenbu Sushi* - 220 - An assortment of sushi rolls from a local company.
Many popular eateries from the 2016 season are no more at Petco, including The Patio in Left Field, Stone Brewing Co., Firehouse Subs, Coronado Bar, Diego Dogs, Chocolat Gelato & Crepes, La Cantina Bar, and others.
Being that Petco Park gives ticket holders in-and-out privileges (must have ticket and go through metal detector), here are some suggestions for places right around the park to grab a drink and a bite before, during or after the game:
Petco Park is located at 100 Park Boulevard in downtown San Diego. For a comprehensive listing of Petco Park food and beverage offerings and to get tickets to games, visit padres.com.
- Knotty Barrel and Brewing - Tasty grub and local beer.
- Basic - Pizza.
- The Blind Burro - Upscale Mexican food.
- Fairweather/Rare Form - Modernized deli and a rooftop cocktail bar overlooking the park.
- Stone Brewing Tap Room - Stone beer right next to the park.
- Half Door Brewing Co. - Brewpub in a really cool setting.
- Social Tap - Nice bar/restaurant with a porch damn near in Park in the Park.
- Oscar's Mexican Seafood - Great seafood tacos.
- Salvucci's - New Italian eatery.
- Altitude Sky Lounge - Rooftop lounge atop the Marriott looking down into Petco.
- Water Grill - Upscale seafood spot with raw bar.
Petco Park is located at 100 Park Boulevard in downtown San Diego. For a comprehensive listing of Petco Park food and beverage offerings and to get tickets to games, visit padres.com.