Ballpark cuisine moved beyond peanuts and Cracker Jacks years ago, with stadiums across the country expanding their offerings in an effort to tempt fans with flashy new dishes. The Chicago Cubs are no strangers to culinary innovation—remember when the team coaxed Hot Doug's founder Doug Sohn out of retirement in 2015 to curate his own hot dog stand inside the Friendly Confines?
In 2019, the North Side team is working with Wrigley Field's hospitality partner Levy to introduce a slew of tasty new creations to stands throughout the ballpark. One of the major additions to the menu this season is breaded pork tenders, which are available on their own (served with Japanese barbecue sauce and cabbage slaw) or on a pretzel bun with pickles, onions, Dijon, lettuce and tomatoes.
Some of the more gratuitous new menu options for Cubs fans include the Short Rib Disco Fries—which pile braised beef short rib, roasted garlic aioli, queso fresco and green onions on top of a bed of fries—and the Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich, made with gruyere, butterkäse, cheddar cheese and tomato jam with a pesto dipping sauce. Stands throughout the ballpark will offer Wrigley House Chips, which are ranch-flavored and served with buffalo-ranch dipping sauce (because Midwesterners can never get enough ranch). The Cubs are also offering a Walking Taco, the classic combo of chile and nacho cheese poured into a bag of Fritos that has been on the Big Star menu for years.
The sole vegetarian-friendly item on list is the Impossible Burger, a sandwich made with the plant-based patty that's already being used at restaurants throughout Chicago, such as Kuma's Corner, M Burger and Umami Burger. Wrigley Field's version of the meatless wonder is served with chipotle-lime aioli, American cheese, lettuce and tomato on a brioche bun.
Take a look at some photos of the newest additions to Wrigley Field's ballpark concessions menu below and start thinking about what you'd like to eat while you're watching the Cubbies this summer.
Southwest Fiesta Specialty Hot Dog, Photograph: Melissa Ferrara
Crispy Pork Sandwich, Photograph: Melissa Ferrara
Impossible Burger, Photograph: Melissa Ferrara
Pork Tenders, Photograph: Melissa Ferrara