What to Eat at Citi Field, Home of the New York Mets

There's no reason to settle on a mediocre hot dog or $8 Bud Light at Citi Field — there are plenty of great options out there, if you know where to look. Try shrimp skewers from Esca's Dave Pasternack, Shack Burgers from Danny Meyer's now ubiquitous burger chain, pizza from mini-chain Two Boots, fried pies, sushi, Italian subs, smoked bologna sandwiches, and oh so much more.

Now, in honor of the first day of the 2012 baseball season, here's a guide to what to eat at Citi Field and where to find it.

Citi Field's Six Standouts

Shake Shack: Citi Field has one of Meyer's growing number of ballfield Shake Shacks. Here they're serving the classic ShackBurger as well as the Shack-Cago Dog, cheese fries, frozen custards, and shakes. [Section 139]

Two Boots: New this season, mini pizza chain Two Boots is offering a slew of their famous pies to Mets lovers. They'll be serving slices of cheese pie, the Mr. Pink, the Cleopatra Jones, the Tony Clifton, and a special stadium only pie called "Meat the Mets," which contains Creole chicken, pepperoni an sweet Italian sausage, jalapenos, ricotta, and mozzarella. [Field Level, the Caesars Club, the Promenade Food Court]

El Verano Taco: Launched by Danny Meyer chef Floyd Cardoz, El Verano sells chicken mole Pipian, carnitas, vegetarian tacos, chile-marinated skirt steak, Barbacoa quesadillas, and more. [Section 139]

Mama's of Corona: Located IN THE WORLD’S FARE MARKET BY SECTION 105 on the Field Level and IN THE PROMENADE FOOD COURT, Mama's of Corona offers a few classic Italian subs from the original Queens sandwich mainstay, formally known of Leo Latticini. An excellent choice for sandwich lovers. [Section 105 and 430]

Blue Smoke: A satellite of Danny Meyer's famed Manhattan barbecue joint serving Kansas City spare ribs, a smoked bologna sandwich, a pulled pork sandwich, beer and desserts. [Sections 140 and 414]

Catch of the Day: Chef Dave Pasternack's Catch of the Day offers grilled shrimp po'boys, Long Island corn and clam chowder, and fried flounder sandwiches. A must for seafood-lovers and Esca fans. [Section 102]

* indicates special Eater recommendations

Sterling Plaza Level

Delta Sky 360 Restaurant, Bar, Coffee, and Marketplace: The limited access club behind home plates serves Swedish meatballs, a fried flounder sandwich, seared tenderloin medallions, and more.

Field Level

Champions Club: The all-inclusive club features Chef's Table Experience, full bars, in-seat service and high-definition flat screen televisions
*Blue Smoke, Section 140: A satellite of Danny Meyer's famed Manhattan barbecue joint serving Kansas City spare ribs, a smoked bologna sandwich, a pulled pork sandwich, beer and desserts.
*Shake Shack, Section 139: Citi Field has one of Meyer's growing number of ballfield Shake Shacks. Here they're serving the classic ShackBurger as well as the Shack-Cago Dog, cheese fries, frozen custards, and shakes.
*Box Frites, Section 140: French fry concession selling fries with a variety of dipping sauces alongside fried pies, and a Buffalo dog.
*El Verano Taqueria, Section 139: Launched by Danny Meyer chef Floyd Cardoz, El Verano sells chicken mole Pipian, carnitas, vegetarian tacos, chile-marinated skirt steak, Barbacoa quesadillas, and more.
*Catch of the Day, Section 102: Dave Pasternack's Catch of the Day offers grilled shrimp po'boys, Long Island corn and clam chowder, lobster rolls, and flash fried beer battered shrimp skewers.
* Two Boots, Taste of the City food court: New this season, mini pizza chain Two Boots is offering a slew of their famous pies to Mets lovers. They'll be serving their classics pies and special stadium only pie called "Meat the Mets."
Daruma of Tokyo, Section 105: Located in the World's Fare Market, they offer edamame, sushi, Asian salads.
Cholula Hot Sauce: The hot sauce brand is selling a crispy chicken sandwich with Cholula chipotle aioli, fresh guacamole, sliced jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, and bacon.
*Mama's of Corona, Section 105: Italian subs, Mets-themed cannolis, and other desserts.
Kozy Shack gluten free stand: Located in the World's Fare Market, this is the choice for those who want their puddings, hot dogs, burgers, beer and more gluten free.
Fried Dough, Section 105: They sell....fried dough
Brooklyn Burger, Sections 112, 123: Selling burgers (like Keith Hernandez's Mex Burger), veggie burgers, pastrami on rye, chicken tenders, french fries, and nachos made with pastrami and Thousand Island dresses (called Pastrachos).

Excelsior Level

Acela Club: A limited-access fine-dining restaurant with full views of the playing field featuring cuisine from Drew Nieporent.
Caesars Club: Featuring a large bar and high-end concessions (cheesesteaks, rueben quesadillas, Two Boots pies) and providing views of New York City.
Cafe Roma: Located within the Caesars Club, this casual sit-down restaurant features grill favorites, salads and more, no reservations required.
Excelsior 1st Base Bar: Full service bar with liquor, wine, and beer
Excelsior 3rd Base Bar: Full service bar featuring liquor, wine, and beer

Promenade Level

Promenade Club An intimate club offering casual fare like home run wings, hot and sweet sausage topped with has browns and eggs, and corned beef sandwiches.
*Mama's of Corona, Section 430: Located in the Promenade Food Court behind home plate, they serve big Italian hero sandwiches, antipasto, and desserts
*Blue Smoke, Section 414: Located in the Promenade Food Court behind home plate, this is a satellite of Danny Meyer's famed Manhattan barbecue joint serving Kansas City spare ribs, a smoked bologna sandwich, a pulled pork sandwich, beer and desserts.
*Box Frites: Located in the Promenade Food Court behind home plate, it's a French fry concession selling fries with a variety of dipping sauces.
* Two Boots, Promenade Food Court: New this season, mini pizza chain Two Boots is offering a slew of their famous pies to Mets lovers. They'll be serving their classics pies and special stadium only pie called "Meat the Mets."

Also widely available throughout the stadium: Nathan's hotdogs, Sausage Premio, Carvel Ice Cream, Subway sandwiches, beer, and from a place called Nachos Grande. Coolhaus ice cream sandwiches are available in the VIP clubs.