Alright, so I finally got around to checking out the food situation on the club level at an Orioles game. Been meaning to do this for a while, just to see what all the fuss was about, if there even was any fuss, you know?
Getting There and First Impressions
First off, getting into the club level itself was a bit different. Felt a little more, I dunno, spaced out? Fewer people crammed into one spot, which was nice. I headed up there, found my section, and the first thing I noticed was that the concession areas looked a tad more organized. Not the usual mad dash you see in the general concourse. I figured, okay, this has potential.
My stomach was already starting to rumble, so finding food was pretty high on my priority list. I wasn’t expecting a five-star restaurant, obviously, it’s still a ballpark. But I was curious to see if it was a real step up from the usual hot dogs and peanuts drill.
The Food Hunt
So, I started my little expedition. Walked around the club concourse, peeking at the different stands. They definitely had more variety than what I’m used to. I saw some places offering things that looked a bit more thought-out than your standard fare. There were some carved meat sandwich spots, some fancier looking burgers, and even some options that didn’t involve fried everything, which was a pleasant surprise.
I wasn’t in the mood for anything too crazy. Sometimes you just want something solid and dependable when you’re at a game. I spotted a place that seemed to have some upgraded versions of ballpark classics. That felt like a safe bet to really see if there was a difference.
What I Ended Up Getting
I decided to go for what they called an “artisan” sausage or something like that. It came on a better bun than the usual squishy white ones, and they had some different toppings available, not just your standard ketchup and mustard. I also grabbed a side of fries, because, well, fries.
The verdict?
- The sausage itself was pretty good. Definitely tasted like better quality meat than the standard ballpark frank. It had some actual flavor to it.
- The bun, like I said, was an improvement. Didn’t fall apart halfway through eating, which is always a plus.
- The fries were… well, they were fries. Hard to mess up fries too badly, but also hard to make them truly memorable. These were fine, hot and crispy enough.
I also noticed they had a wider selection of drinks, including some craft beer options that you don’t always find easily in the main stands. That was a definite thumbs up for me, as I do enjoy a good beer with my baseball.
Was it Worth It?
Now, the big question. Is the club level food experience a game changer? I’d say it’s a noticeable improvement. You’re paying for the club level access, so you’d hope the amenities, including food, are a bit better. And they were. It wasn’t mind-blowingly gourmet, let’s be real. It’s still stadium food, designed to be made quickly for a lot of people.
But the lines seemed a bit shorter, the areas were cleaner, and the food quality was a definite step up. It felt less like a frantic grab-and-go and more like you could actually take a second to decide what you wanted. I remember one time, years ago, in the regular seats, I got a pretzel that could have been used as a doorstop. Seriously, it was that hard. Compared to that, this club level sausage was a feast.
So, if you find yourself with club level tickets, or you’re thinking of splurging, I’d say give the food a try. Don’t go in expecting miracles, but you’ll likely find something tastier and a bit more refined than the usual. For me, it made the game experience just that little bit more comfortable and enjoyable. And sometimes, that’s all you’re looking for, right?
