Your Washington Nationals are in the midst of a fairly lengthy homestand. They will play seven home games in the next eight days including their current series against division foes the Marlins, the woeful Giants, and the surprising Angels. We will get round two of Bryce Harper vs Mike Trout, which the league foolishly to this point has under-marketed. How are you going to have the two most exciting players in the game face-off at 1:00 pm EST on a Wednesday? They could have easily marketed this as a Wednesday Day-game Baseball clash between the two youngest and most promising players in all of sports, but I digress.
I know I won’t be the only one making my way to the park several times this coming week. One of the best aspects of going to a game (aside from watching the most explosive baseball team in D.C. sports history) is the eclectic food and drink found throughout the stadium. There is literally something for everyone with the expansive vendor options, which include numerous unique treats. Enjoy this helpful guide of some of my personal favorites throughout the park, which I highly recommend trying.
Chesapeake Bay Tots from See. You. Tater
One of the latest additions this year is also one of my personal favorites. See. You. Tater serves a variety of different tater tots covered in numerous delicious toppings. The new stand takes its name from Bob Carpenter‘s home run call “See, you, later!” which has become a staple on MASN’s broadcasts. The Chesapeake Bay tots are a fan favorite and are doused in crab queso, fresh corn salsa, and garnished with even more cheese (queso fresco). A close second is the deliciously fried spuds adorned with barbecue pulled pork and macaroni and cheese.
If you aren’t ready to uncomfortably sit in a food coma the rest of the game the wings are a better bet. They also offer several succulent flavors including: Buffalo (an option for tots as well), BBQ, Jamaican jerked, Old Bay. This is one of the few stands in the park with wings, which are as American as beer and baseball and necessary for your time at the park. A little pro tip: get the Old Bay dry rub wings and have them toss them in Buffalo sauce after for the best of both worlds. The salt and zest from every Marylander’s favorite seasoning is perfectly complemented by the slight heat and tang from the Buffalo sauce. This is also the only place in the stadium that sells Miller Lite, which is important for fellow Miller fans who were disappointed when Anheuser-Busch took over the park.
The winner for our #Nationalhotdogmonth, new 'Haute' dog, #Contest will be announced next week. Tough decision for our judges! Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/NB0dy8WWZQ
— Haute Dogs and Fries (@Haute_Dogs) August 3, 2017
Banh Mi Hot Dog from Haute Dogs and Fries
Adjacent to See. You. Tater., Haute Dogs and Fries offers a ballpark staple with a twist. The Alexandria-based favorite recently took their talents to the park to the delight of many fans. Nothing quite like grabbing a dog and a cold brew to take in a curly W. These dogs come with all sorts of unique toppings making for one of the most delicious hot dogs you will have. The Banh Mi style is a must try and is a take on the famous Vietnamese sandwich that has become quite popular throughout the area. The Banh Mi sports a spicy yet not overwhelming sriracha mayo, jalapeno and cucumber slaw, and is topped with a refreshing helping of fresh cilantro. All the dogs are served in a hearty New England style roll (buttered and toasted), which truly sets them apart and permeates class. This is not one of the standards from Nats Dogs that is your tradition stadium hot dog.
https://twitter.com/KapnosDC/status/718140021841256452
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich from Catchfly
If you are familiar with the D.C. food scene or if like myself you have binge watched Top Chef hungover on a Sunday you know the name Mike Isabella. The former Top Chef contestant and D.C.-based chef and restaurateur has several successful establishments in the area. Isabella took his talents to Nats Park where he opened G Sandwich Shop, Kapnos and Catchfly. All of which serve delicious fare that you normally would never find in a ballpark setting. The Nashville hot chicken sandwich is out of this world and easily worth the trek up to section 301. The chicken is tender, perfectly seasoned with the zesty yet not too much hot sauce and leveled out a bit by the lettuce, tomato, and pickles. I have always heard rave reviews, and Isabella did not disappoint with his take on Nashville hot chicken. Grab an Earned Run Ale at the new Devil’s Backbone Left Field Lodge bar. The ERA is exclusive to Nats park and at 4.2% ABV it is an easy and refreshing drink for those hot summer afternoons.
Old Ox’s Golden Ox at District Drafts
Craft brewing has exploded over the past several years. Hundreds of new breweries have taken up in the greater DMV area. Some of my personal favorites have decided to call the Virginia home. From Devil’s Backbone, one of the most well-known Virginia-based breweries, to some smaller yet successful brews including Old Ox, Lost Rhino, Port City, Mad Fox, Ocelot, and Mustang Sally to name a few. Virginia has made quite a name in the craft-brewing scene as of late. Ashburn, Virginia’s Old Ox is one of several local brews that call the District Drafts stand home. Their Golden Ox is a summertime favorite that you will be able to find throughout the stadium this week. It is “a crisp, medium-bodied ale with orchard fruit notes” and at 6.5% alcohol by volume you could happily gulp down a few prior to last call in the 7th.
From Nationals.com
The Budweiser Brew House
Take in the game and a proper meal from the comfort of the Budweiser Brew House. Located in the middle of centerfield this is a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the game. No reservation is required but the tables do tend to fill fairly quickly so get there in a timely fashion. This is a great move if you decide to go last minute and buy a ticket for cheap in the nosebleeds. The Brew House is a full service restaurant and bar with options for the whole family. There are several new menu options as they look to appeal to the growing self-proclaimed foodie crowd. Kung Pao brussels sprouts, different bao bun options, and chicken and waffles for those early afternoon games that call for brunch.
