Hawaiian Specialty Spam Dog

Though the meat could really use a hard sear to crisp those edges (we had the same quibble with the Spam dog at the State Fair), the Hawaiian Specialty Spam Dog makes a convincing case for leaving well enough alone. Crunchy slaw, peppers and a sweet-savory sauce balances the dog’s saltiness, making the whole much better than its parts. There’s also a plain Spam dog and a rotating version inspired by each week’s visiting team.

Spam, Sections 132 and 341, plus the Sukup Club, Little Six Casino’s Gold Club and TCL Club

Raid Burger

It’s a burger-heavy year at U.S. Bank Stadium and we tried quite a few decent versions that should hit the spot. But the one that stood out was the Raid Burger from Long Lake’s Birch’s on the Lake, a tower of two beef patties, bacon, onion rings, Buffalo cheese curds and a drizzle of ranch. There’s a lot going on, but who wants subtlety anyway?

Birch’s on the Lake, Section 101

Hawaiian-style Shave Ice

The State Fair is barely over, and Minnesnowii’s Hawaiian-style shave ice is sending us right back. Ice is shaved to order on a vintage-looking machine, then topped with your choice of flavors. Add “snow cream” (sweetened condensed milk) for an extra hit of sweetness, or spike it with booze.

Minnesnowii, Section 304

Loaded Nachos

Centro gives a stadium classic a bit of a foodie upgrade with the chips themselves, which are puffy, crisp and clearly made in-house. It’s a big step up from the commodity corn chips filling paper boats from stadium to stadium. The toppings get equal care.

Centro, Sections 105 and 311

Fries with Benefits

Wells Roadside is also debuting this year with a solid smash burger that was just like the St. Louis Park drive-in original. But sharers will appreciate the Fries with Benefits. Take that burger, pound it to bits and toss it over a bowl of fries, so everyone can grab a fistful.

Wells Roadside, Section 103

Dirty Sodas

Soft drinks get dressed up with flavored syrups, becoming colorful, effervescent mocktails. Our favorite from this Minnesota-based vendor was the Mango Tango, which combines Starry with mango, passion fruit, lime, Chamoy and Tajin, though the blue raspberry and cherry Berry Blitz and the peach and strawberry Peach & Petal ought to find their fans, too.

Sweet Habits, Section 119

Jumbo Pretzels

Indiana-based Ben’s Pretzels makes its Minnesota debut with jumbo pretzels that they’ll be twisting and baking fresh during the game. And jumbo is accurate: these things are huge. Choose from original with cheese sauce or cinnamon sugar with icing for dipping.

Ben’s Pretzels, Sections 129 and 317

Brisket Sliders

Each sandwich gets a helping of tender brisket two ways: the fall-apart pieces are chopped up and heaped on the bottom, and they’re topped with a thick, juicy slice. The sauce was a tad sweet and vinegary for our tastes, but the meat itself is quality stuff, making these sliders smoky and substantial.

Old Southern BBQ, Sections 122 and 344

Ranch Cheese Curds

Curds & Cakes has a new ranch flavor this season, coating its already enormous cheese curds in ranch seasoning. They’re salty, ranchy and huge — less of a squeaky little curd, more of a hefty hunk of fried cheese.

Curds & Cakes, Sections 143, 114A, 310, 339

Question is, will you need to take out a loan to eat more than one of these?

Guess they decided to skip on the light and healthy menu items!

No walleye…? 😡

I've never been an 'eat at the stadium guy', usually hit brunch hard before kickoff and then walk to the stadium. Have a couple beers, yes, but not as I've gotten older as I'm looking to watch the game, not hit restrooms constantly peeing. 😜 Pregaming is the way IMO. Usually buzzed by the time I've found my seat with nervous energy and cheering kicking in to carry me through. Nothing to do with the cost, nobody should get sticker shock at an event, its expected.

Some of that looked REALLY good however.

JR44 wrote:

Guess they decided to skip on the light and healthy menu items!

Those don't market as well.

StickierBuns wrote:

I've never been an 'eat at the stadium guy', usually hit brunch hard before kickoff and then walk to the stadium. Have a couple beers, yes, but not as I've gotten older as I'm looking to watch the game, not hit restrooms constantly peeing. 😜 Pregaming is the way IMO. Usually buzzed by the time I've found my seat with nervous energy and cheering kicking in to carry me through. Nothing to do with the cost, nobody should get sticker shock at an event, its expected.
Some of that looked REALLY good however.

Same. I typically don't eat or drink at stadiums. I don't like to waste money and time. If I take the kids to a Jr Hockey game, I will get a few snack items, but can't afford to "feed the family" at those prices. And standing in line while the game is on really isn't where I want to be.

I'm more of a snack guy (vs full meal) at these things...

Savory or Sweet? Plenty to choose from, sometimes both.

I''ll let myself calorie splurge (just a bit) at a game.