So much for peanuts and Cracker Jacks, baseball snacks in Seattle are way different than they once were, but that’s a good thing! Since 2010, Chef and restaurant owner Ethan Stowell has been consulting for the Seattle Mariners, helping to bring local products and restaurant quality food into the stadium, and each year fans look forward to the new menu lineup as much as they do to opening day. We recently got a sneak peek (and taste) of this year’s new stadium menu. Scroll down and get ready to dig in!
photo: Safeco Field
Ethan Stowell
Since 2010, chef Stowell has consulted with Centerplate on the Safeco Field food and beverage program. This collaboration has won Safeco Field a reputation for serving locally inspired restaurant-quality food in a ballpark setting. In addition to Dynamite Chicken, Ballard Pizza Company, Holy Smokes BBQ and Sound Seafood, Stowell originated the “Northwest Mex” concept for the popular Edgar’s Cantina and Edgar’s Tacos. He has also created menu items featured at Safeco Field Sausage Company, Hit it Here Café and in the Private Suites.
photo: Safeco Field
Dynamite Chicken
Conceived from Ethan Stowell’s Bramling Cross restaurant in Ballard, Dynamite Chicken’s menu is updated this year with a new Spicy Chicken Sandwich ($12) that can be enjoyed either with or without Stowell’s spicy sauce. Also on the menu are hot wings (also with spicy sauce), jalapeno poppers and tater tots kicked up a few notches with Beecher’s cheddar cheese, bacon, garlic and spicy yellow peppers on top. Also, the fan favorite garlic fries are new and improved with Parmesan cheese.
Find it: The ‘Pen
photo: Safeco Field
Jack’s BBQ
The SODO neighborhood favorite is coming to The ‘Pen serving up Central Texas-inspired BBQ creations from Jack Timmons. As a native Texan, Jack knows a thing or two about the craft of BBQ like the “low and slow” cooking method over hardwoods. Safeco Field will be offering Jack’s Beef Brisket Sandwich ($13) that includes his signature salt and pepper rubbed brisket (that's roasted for 12 hours) served on a brioche bun and Jack’s mild or spicy sauce. Other choices include Buttermilk Hush Puppies ($7) seasoned with cayenne pepper and jalapeno peppers and served with tartar sauce and the Frito Pie ($8) featuring Jack’s smoked brisket chili served in a mini bag of corn chips topped with cream cheese and sour cream. Finally, the Cheddar-Jalapeno Beef Hush Dog ($8) is especially good. Dipped in buttermilk hush puppy batter and deep fried, it’s like a corn dog but way, way better. Or experience the similar Cheddar-Jalapeno Beef Smoked Sausage on a Pioneer Bakery bun ($12).
Find it: The ‘Pen
photo: Safeco Field
Din Tai Fung
Taking over the Intentional Wok space is Taiwan-based Din Tai Fung. This hot spot will be serving up Spicy Pork Wontons ($15) which consist of pork and bok choy wonton dumplings with spicy sauce, Pork Buns and Veggie Buns ($9) which are traditional steamed Chinese bao buns with either a pork filling or bok Choy, tofu, mushrooms and vermicelli noodles. Garlic string beans, chicken fried rice, hot and sour soup and boba tea with tapioca pearls round out the menu.
Find it: Intentional Wok, Section 132, Main Level
photo: Safeco Field
Sultan of Sandwich
The sandwich staple shop is adding three new selections to their menu this year all for $13 each including the Meatball Sandwich (made with pork meatballs and topped with house-made marinara sauce, Parmesan and mozzarella cheese), the Cubano Sandwich (pulled pork smothered in a house-made mojo sauce and topped with ham and Swiss cheese) and the Reuben Sandwich with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing and stone ground mustard.
Find it: Near Section 105, Main Level
photo: Safeco Field
Holy Smoke BBQ
While a bit on the pricey side, you won’t find a tenderer house-smoked longbone beef rib ($18.50). It’s served on a bed of coleslaw with a choice of Jack’s mild or spicy sauce. Psst...it’s a meaty meal and some of the best barbecue we've ever tasted!
While you might be familiar with Sound Seafood’s True Cod Fish and Chips and Dungeness Crab Sandwiches, you will be amazed by their new Lobster Rolls ($20). Served on a King’s Hawaiian sweet role, the tender lobster claw meat is dressed with a garlic celery aioli.
Find it: Club Level, Section 249
photo: Safeco Field
The Trattoria
The Trattoria is adding three new sandwiches to their Italian-inspired menu this year which includes the Turkey Provolone (with green leaf lettuce, garlic rosemary spread on focaccia bread), the Mortadella (served with pistachio pesto and tomato on focaccia) and the Grilled Veggie Sandwich (with zucchini, yellow squash, red onions, red peppers, and eggplant tapenade on dark wheat bread.) Returning favorites include pasta with garlic bread, assorted salads and a meat and cheese tray. The Trattoria also features Italian beer and sodas.
Find it: Club Level, 216
photo: Safeco Field
On Deck Donuts
It’s a donut lover’s dream. For $8 you get a bunch of Mini Donuts or Jumbo Donut Bites with a choice of dipping sauces which elevate the common donut to a whole new level. Sauces and toppings include caramel, maple syrup, chocolate frosting, sweet bacon bits, sugar and cinnamon, powdered sugar and colorful sprinkles. Yum-o!
Find it: Near Frozen Rope Ice Cream Sandwiches, Section 132, Main Level
photo: Safeco Field
Juma Ventures
Juma Ventures, an innovative program that puts low-income and minority high school students on a path to college, careers and hopes for a better life, operates coffee and other beverage stands at several locations at Safeco Field. New this season is Boba (Bubble) Tea with or without tapioca pearls in a variety of fruity flavors.
Find it: Club Level, 214 and various stands around the ballpark.
Good to Know
Washington’s own Chateau Ste. Michelle is the new “house wine” at Safeco Field. The award-winning 14 Hands varietals are available at concession stands, First Base Vine (Main Level, near Section 126) and clubs and restaurants throughout the ballpark and include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet and Rosé available by the glass or full bottle carafe. Safeco Field also boasts an outstanding selection of beer including drafts from craft breweries from around the Northwest and barrel aged and cask conditioned ales as well as domestic and premium brews on tap and in cans. In addition to Happy Hour in The ‘Pen, which offers 16 ounce beers for $6.50 up until game time, 10 locations around the ballpark will offer a selection of 12 ounce cans for $5 and $6.
For a complete list of food choices and their locations, visit Safeco Field’s website.
Safeco Field
1250 1st Ave S.
Seattle, Wa 98134
206-346-4000
Online: mlb.com/mariners
Which of these new menu options at Safeco Field are you most excited to try? Dish in the comments below!