Hey New York! If you haven't heard, our sports teams are absolutely killin' it right about now.
And as you might already know, October is a time for free fall festivities. Lots and lots of free fall activities.
Half of our office is lovin' the colorful foliage, fall foodie fests, and sweater weather, while the other half is discussing whether or not to bench a potential sleeper pick in favor of a tried and true average performer and deciding whether or not to buy playoff tickets.
If you're like our half, you'll be getting out your face paint and OBJ or Revis jerseys, and planning an epic tailgate scene for the next home game.
But if you're like the other half, you'll most likely be more interested in what to eat when you're inevitably dragged to a sporting event.
We got you covered.
Here's the definitive guide on what to grab to eat while you're at a game this October in New York City.
1. Yankee Stadium
Not only did the Pinstripes clinch the playoffs last week, but they did so by beating the Boston Red Sox for the franchise's 10,000th win... to a lifelong Yankee fan, that all sounds pretty poetic, doesn't it?
To people who don't have a clue about the bitter rivalry between the two teams, just know it has something to do with a trade, Babe Ruth, and a crazy curse that broke when the Sox won the World Series in 2004.
If you're just here for the food, we got you covered.
Yankee Stadium has an impressive menu of items to choose from.
You've probably heard us laud Parm in plenty of foodie articles. That's because they deserve the praise and our bellies' thank them for their masterful culinary prowess. If you haven't tried them, head to the Great Hall at Yankee Stadium and check them out.
If you're not thinkin' Italian, you need to get to the NY Grill.
Their "Bases Loaded Burger" is an 8 ounce patty that sits atop a King's Hawaiian roll smothered in cilantro ranch dressing, with lettuce, tomato, red onions, American cheese, and (the piece de resistance) fried mac-and-cheese.
Yep, you read correctly. This thing is massive in size and flavor. You can get one of these babies by Section 223.
2. Citi Field
For those of you who don't follow sports, this place is where the Mets play. Don't say Shea, because that's no longer a thing.
One way to tell the difference? Citi Field has a Shake Shack in center field and you can go see a pretty dope baseball game, where as Shea has been dismantled and you won't find the likes of David Wright hanging around. (He plays for the Mets, FYI.)
Like we said: Shake Shack. It's definitely a great option for as stadium food goes. But, really, you can get Shake Shack any ol' time. You're here to watch (or not watch) the Mets take on the Dodgers in game three. You need the goods.
Danny Meyer, the dude behind Shake Shack, has two other joints in Citi Field, Blue Smoke and El Verano Taco, which are both excellent choices for some food, but we're feeling cheesy.
Grilled cheesey, that is. Head over to Pressed by Josh Capon for some grilled cheeses that would put your Mama's to shame (no disrespect to your Mama, or my own...she reads these things).
These gourmet beauties could entice you to purchase some future Mets tix. Have you ever imaged a grilled cheese sandwich with taleggio cheese, roasted tomato jam, and Black Angus short ribs?
Well, Chef Josh Capon did, and you can find it near Section 125.
3. MetLife Stadium
Okay, New Yorkers, we get it. This Stadium is in New Jersey. But TWO New York teams play at the Meadowlands, so we have to give that little slice of land to our west a little credit.
The Giants and Jets are only four weeks into their season, which means you have plenty of time to get on over to Jersey for some pigskin action.
If you have no idea what a touchdown is, let alone why there are two yellow poles at each end of the field, we're pretty sure you'd be more interested in the foodie options.
MetLife has dumped Aramark in favor of Delaware North Company, who has a partnership with The Food Network. So if your friends tell you how much the food sucks at the Stadium, you may want to disagree. The new guys plan on changing the Stadium's menus every four weeks and to match the home team (Jets or Giants) that is playing at the Stadium that week.
If your doubting friend needs proof of some good food, head on over to Nonna Fusco's Meatballs. They're made from the meatball holy trio of meats; beef, pork, and veal. They're braised for hours in tomato sauce to give it that extra umph. These things will definitely warm you up if you're watching a game during the winter months. Find one by Section 315.
Another spot to hit at MetLife is Lobel's Grill. Lobel's "Prime Steak Sandwich" is a NY staple, with a spot in MetLife and Yankee Stadium. You can find their delicious sandwiches near Section 121 and 336.
,4. Madison Square Garden
MSG is home of the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers. (Just so you know, those two teams play different sports.)
MSG is also host to tons of fun shows, concerts, and activities (think: Pope). But we're sporty fans, so we're feelin' the testosterone charged and beer induced atmosphere that could only come from a sporting event.
One of the best eats for either sport is the Carnegie Deli. They're known round town for their corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. And since you currently can't get those sandwiches at their Midtown location, you need to hit up a sporting event for one.
If sandwiches aren't your thing at a sporting event, try Andrew Carmellini's Sausage Boss. His "Italian link pizzaiola with sweet peppers and onions" will warm you up in spite of the chill of the ice rink, or keep you entertained when you're totally over the game.
5. Barclays Center
Just like the Knicks-Rangers combo that MSG has got goin' on, the Barclays Center will host both the Islanders and the Nets for the first time this year.
The Barclays Center and Levi's Restaurants has worked with 55 local vendors to make a unique eating experience for basketball and hockey fans. Of course beer and popcorn will still be readily available (because who goes to a basketball game and doesn't get some snacks and alcoholic beverages?).
One of the great new options is Calexico, which was rated the top Mexican restaurant by Zagat (a pretty dope food and restaurant evaluation group who really know their stuff). You want nachos? Get them here along with their "Baja Fish Taco." They're located in Section 03.
If you're feelin' some Mexican or Cuban but aren't near Section 03, head to Habana in Section 25. It's NY's fist solar powered restaurant. Get their "Grilled Mexican Corn."
If you really want to impress your sporty friend, take them to Section 17 to WFAN Boomer & Carton Kitchen.
WFAN is the only sports radio station that matters in NYC, and Boomer & Carton are two of their biggest radio personalities who created the menu for this restaurant, because they love food. Who doesn't, right?
Just remember to cheer-- between bites, of course.
Check out 9 Finger-Lickin' Good Foods You Gotta Try at Ballparks in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy of Instagram]