10 Vegan-Friendly Delights at Citi Field Stadium: Vegan Options Guide for New York Mets Fans
Introduction to Citi Field
Citi Field, located in Flushing, Queens, is the home of the New York Mets and offers a vibrant and fan-friendly experience. The stadium boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a spacious seating layout, unique architectural features, and immersive fan engagement zones.
For those seeking vegan options, Citi Field provides a range of plant-based choices, from veggie burgers to vegan-friendly snacks, ensuring all fans can enjoy a diverse and delicious culinary experience during their visit.
Overview of Citi Field
Citi Field, situated in Flushing, Queens, is the iconic home stadium of the New York Mets. Opened in 2009, this modern ballpark offers a dynamic atmosphere with its unique architecture and spacious seating. Boasting impressive amenities, including various dining options, interactive fan zones, and stunning views of the city skyline, Citi Field provides an unforgettable experience for baseball enthusiasts and visitors alike. Its commitment to diverse and accessible entertainment makes it a must-visit destination for sports fans in the heart of New York.
New York Mets and Citi Field
The New York Mets, established in 1962, are a professional baseball team based in Queens, New York. Citi Field serves as the team’s home stadium, replacing Shea Stadium in 2009. The Mets, known for their distinctive blue and orange colors, have a passionate fan base and a rich history, including two World Series championships.
Citi Field, with its modern amenities and unique design, reflects the Mets’ commitment to providing an engaging experience for fans. The stadium’s central location in Flushing allows for breathtaking views of the New York City skyline, further enhancing the overall atmosphere. Whether enjoying a game, exploring the various food options, or participating in interactive exhibits, both the Mets and Citi Field contribute to the vibrant sports culture of the city.
Vegan Options at Stadiums
Stadiums today are increasingly catering to diverse dietary preferences, and vegan options have become a prominent feature. From plant-based burgers and veggie wraps to cruelty-free snacks like popcorn and pretzels, fans now have a range of vegan choices while enjoying sporting events. These offerings not only reflect a growing awareness of plant-based lifestyles but also provide inclusivity for all attendees. As the demand for vegan options continues to rise, stadiums play a crucial role in ensuring a satisfying experience for fans with diverse dietary needs.
Best Vegan Options and Ballpark Food at Citi Field Stadium
Citi Field, home to Queen’s favorite baseball team, serves the best ballpark food throughout the park from staples like soft pretzels, french fries, cheddar cheese, peanuts and crackers. Vegans won’t have a hard time looking for stadium food because there are a lot of vegan foods!
There are lots of great vegan options when you visit to Citi Field that some dubbed it the vegan stadium. Listed below are some of the vegan delights that MLB fans have enjoyed.
1. Beyond Sausage and Peppers
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Vegan City at Section 5 offers a lot of vegan options, but according to some, their buns are not vegan. So you should verify it first and ask if the bun is vegan. Anyway, among their best-sellers is Beyond Sausage and Pepper which comes with an impossible Italian sausage, onions and peppers. If you love Beyond Brats, you will surely love this too.
2. Jackfruit Nachos
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Vegan City’s jackfruit nachos is another hit among vegans. It is made of jack fruit chili, vegan cheese fondue, pico de gallo, roasted salsa and guacamole. It is very delicious, not to mention healthy, making it among the best vegan nachos you will ever taste in your whole life.
3. Vegan City Dog
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Even vegans can enjoy hot dogs too with these vegan hot dogs, which contain jack fruit chili and vegan cheese fondue.
4. Mushroom Cheesesteak
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Still from Vegan City, verify if the bun is vegan before ordering. This meal comes with mushrooms, onions, bell peppers and vegan cheese fondue.
5. Vegan City Burger
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Again verify the bun prior to ordering. This comes with an Impossible patty, vegan cheese fondue and pico de gallo.
6. Sushi Burrito
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World’s Fare Market also offers a number of vegan delights that we highly recommend to vegans and among this is its sushi burrito. This burrito version contains spicy salmon, masago, spicy tuna, avocado, and cucumber wrapped in soy paper.
7. Pineapple and Strawberry Soft Serve
Dole Whip offers pineapple and strawberry whips. Pineapple Dole Whip and Pineapple Dole Whip with Vanilla Custard are among the favorites. Many also love strawberry-flavored soft serves, however, their Strawberry Dole Whip and Strawberry Dole Whip swirled with Vanilla Custard are only available at Section 135.
8. Fresh Green Salad
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The Nourish Spot offers the best green salad in the stadium. It includes spinach, kale, chickpeas, beets, carrots, cucumbers, apples, strawberries and fried onions.
9. Soft Pretzels
The Twist serves delicious house-made soft pretzels. It has two varieties — The Classic Twist (house-made classic jumbo pretzel and cheese cup) and The Twisted Baker (classic jumbo pretzel, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla icing).
10. Southwest Grain Salad
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This will keep you full because it has wild rice, black beans, black-eyed peas, roasted corn, roasted peppers, arugula and pico de Gallo.
You will never run out of options in the Citi Field. You can also find vegan Cracker Jack, popcorn, sunflower seeds and peanuts in the stadium. Other vegan options are Bamba Peanut Butter Puffs and Knish at Prime Kosher Sports.
Other Options For Non-Vegans at the Game
Although this MLB ballpark is considered vegan, it still offers tons of food even for non-vegans and vegetarians. Here are some other options for non-vegans:
Citi Field’s Taste of the City menu offerings include hand-breaded chicken tenders that will transport you back into your childhood. For instance, they have chicken tenders, chipotle ranch chicken tenders, chicken nugs and cheesy tater kegs. Taste of the City on the Field Level and Section 408 serves hot or sweet sausage, pulled brisket sandwich, hot dog, hot dog and fries combo, chicken tender and fries combo, fresh deli sandwiches and knish.
Pat Lafrieda Meat Purveyors will delight those who love Berkshire Pork Chop, filet mignon, strip steak and more. Here are more foods from its menu.
- Pat LaFrieda’s Original Steak Sandwich – Pat LaFrieda’s Reserve, 100% Black Angus Hand Cut Beef, Vermont Monterey Jack Cheese, Sauteed Sweet Vidalia Onion, Beef Au Jus on a locally Baked and Toasted French Baguette
- Pat LaFrieda’s Sliced Rib Eye – Caramelized Onions, American Cheese, LaFrieda Steak Sauce on a Toasted Baguette (Available at 415 portable)
- Pat LaFrieda’s Home Field Double – Two Four Ounce Pat LaFrieda Burgers, American Cheese, Caramelized Onion, and LaFrieda Steak Sauce
- Pat LaFrieda’s Loaded Fry – Crispy Seasoned Waffle Fries with Melted Pepper Jack Cheese & Crispy Pat LaFrieda Bacon
Sunny’s All-American Kitchen offers you classic comfort favorites like the following:
- Sunny’s Loaded Fries – Waffle Fries Topped with Sunny’s Shredded Chicken, Black Beans, Bacon, Scallions, Sour Cream, Cheese Sauce and Pickled Jalapeño Slices
- Sunny’s Famous Mac and Cheese – Elbows Baked in a Creamy Blend of Spices and Cheeses, Topped the Way Mom used to with Big Boulder Croutons
- Sunny’s BBQ Chip Wings – Fried Chicken Wings dusted with Sunny’s BBQ Potato Chip Seasoning
- Sunny’s Street Corn Cup – Charred Corn Tossed in Sunny’s Elote Mayo, Topped with Cotija Cheese
- Sunny’s House Burger – 5oz Beef Patty, Potato Bun, Shredded Iceberg Lettice, Tomato Slices, Thinly Sliced Red Onion, Cheese Sauce
- Sunny’s Campfire Parfaits – Chilled Layers of Toasted Marshmallows, Creamy Marshmallow Spread, Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse, Salted Dulce de Leche and Crumbled Cinnamon Graham Crackers
Lobster Shack is another popular option that serves fresh lobster rolls, including the following:
- Fresh Maine Lobster Roll – Maine Lobster, Lemon & Parsley Aioli, on a Split Top Bun, Served with Bayside Chips
- East Shore Lobster Roll – Fresh Maine Lobster Dipped in Warm Butter, Lemon, on a Split Top Bun, Served with Bayside Chips
- Loaded Bayside Chips – Fresh Maine Lobster, Lobster Fondue, Cilantro Dressing, Chives
- Lobster Bisque – Creamy Lobster Soup with Maine Lobster
Bringing Food into Citi Field
Bringing food into Citi Field, the home stadium of the New York Mets, can be both a practical and cost-effective option for fans attending baseball games. However, there are also some limitations and considerations to be aware of.
Benefits:
- Cost Savings: One of the primary advantages of bringing your own food is the potential cost savings. Stadium concessions often come with a premium price tag, and bringing your snacks or a packed meal can help you avoid the high costs associated with purchasing food within the venue.
- Dietary Preferences: Bringing your own food allows you to cater to your dietary preferences or restrictions. Whether you follow a specific diet, have food allergies, or simply prefer healthier options, having control over your food choices can enhance your overall game-day experience.
- Convenience: Carrying your own snacks or a light meal can be more convenient, especially if you’re traveling with a group or have specific preferences that may not be readily available at the stadium. It also saves time by avoiding long lines at concession stands.
Disadvantages:
- Security Restrictions: Many sports venues, including Citi Field, have security policies that restrict certain items from being brought into the stadium. While small snacks and unopened non-alcoholic beverages are typically allowed, larger meals or items in glass containers may be prohibited.
- Limited Options: While bringing your own food offers control over your choices, it may limit your experience of trying the variety of food options available at the stadium. Citi Field, for example, boasts a diverse range of culinary offerings that showcase local flavors, and foregoing these options might mean missing out on a unique part of the game-day experience.
- Temperature and Freshness: Depending on the nature of the food you bring, there may be concerns about maintaining its freshness and temperature throughout the game. Items that require refrigeration or are sensitive to heat may not be ideal for an extended period without proper storage.
- Space and Convenience: Carrying a cooler or a bag with your food can take up valuable space in your seating area, and navigating through crowded stands with additional items can be cumbersome. Balancing the convenience of bringing your own food with the practicalities of stadium logistics is essential.
In conclusion, bringing food into Citi Field can be a smart choice for those looking to save money, cater to specific dietary needs, or enjoy the convenience of their own snacks. However, fans should be mindful of the venue’s security policies, consider the limited options for trying local cuisines, and address concerns related to the freshness and logistics of carrying food throughout the game.
Tips for Finding Citi Field Vegan Options
To make the experience easy for you, here are some tips when buying vegan foods in Citi Field.
- Explore the Vegan Options Stand: Citi Field recognizes the growing demand for plant-based options, and many stadiums now have dedicated stands or kiosks offering vegan delights. Look for signage indicating vegan or plant-based options, where you’re likely to find a variety of delicious choices.
- Check Out Specialty Stands: Some specialty food stands within Citi Field focus on unique and diverse cuisines, including vegan offerings. These stands might offer plant-based alternatives to traditional ballpark fare, providing you with flavorful and satisfying options.
- Research the Concession Menus: Before attending a game, take a moment to research the concession menus available at Citi Field. Many stadiums, including Citi Field, have expanded their vegan offerings in recent years. Online menus or stadium apps often provide details about plant-based options, allowing you to plan your food choices in advance.
- Ask the Staff: Don’t hesitate to ask the concession stand staff about vegan options. They are usually knowledgeable about the menu and can guide you to plant-based choices. Inquire about ingredients and preparation methods to ensure your selection aligns with your vegan preferences.
- Look for Local and Fresh Options: Some local and fresh food stands at Citi Field may offer vegan delights. Fresh fruit cups, salads, or vegetable-based dishes may be available at these locations, providing you with a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional ballpark snacks.
Remember that the availability of vegan options can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check current menus and inquire with staff to ensure you have a satisfying and enjoyable vegan dining experience at Citi Field.
Wrap Up
Vegetarians and well as vegans will surely enjoy the Mets game because there are plenty of vegan options at Citi Field in New York. Grab a bite at Vegan City, which serves vegan hot dogs, vegan burgers and more. There are also lots of salads and fruits there.
