Trying the newest foods at Citizens Bank Park

Phillies Nation had the opportunity to try some of the newest food items available at Citizens Bank Park on Monday. Here are our thoughts as well as some news about returning favorites ahead of the Phillies home opener on Thursday, April 6.

South Philly Disco Fries – Roasted pork, melted sharp provolone cheese, broccoli rabe and roasted red peppers. (Pass & Stow) 

It’s disappointing when the Phillies stash a great dish inside Pass & Stow, a sit-down restaurant near the third base gate that not all fans will get the chance to visit. The good news is that you’re probably not missing out on much. The disco fries are kind of like the Phillies bullpen right now. The stuff (ingredients) is there, but the command (execution) needs to improve. If you order this and the fries aren’t perfectly crispy (and there’s a good chance that won’t happen), the dish just doesn’t work. 

P.J. Whelihan’s Cheesesteak Egg Rolls – A duo of golden fried egg rolls stuffed with Philly’s finest shaved steak and melted American cheese. Served with sriracha ketchup. (Ashburn Alley) 

It’s hard to mess up egg rolls. The Citizens Bank Park press dining serves some of the best egg rolls I will ever have and these come pretty close as quality is concerned. The outside was crispy and there’s a good meat/cheese distribution. The egg rolls themselves were small and my main concern is that the portion size will not be worth the price. I would probably pay no more than eight dollars for an order of these.

1883 Burger Co. – Ribeye-short patty between a Liscio’s bun with a “secret sauce.” 

“A throwback to the year the Phillies were founded, this stand will serve up fresh, never-frozen burgers, chicken tenders, jumbo Phillies Franks and boardwalk fries.” (Sections 109 & 207) 

As someone who doesn’t go out of their way to order a burger, this was pretty decent. Burgers, like a lot of things at the ballpark, are hit or miss. The Phillies experimented with wacky creations in the past like the peanut butter and jelly and donut burgers. That all sounds excessive in my opinion, so if you’re someone who is looking for a great meal that resembles something you have actually enjoyed in the past, this is for you. One writer at the tasting event said this was the best thing he had all day. 

Green and Grains CHK’N Parm Pesto Sandwich – Grilled seitan chicken with vegan mozzarella and marinara pesto.

“The local restaurant chain will serve plant-based, fast and fresh food options.” (Section 125) 

It’s pretty exciting news that the Phillies will have a stand dedicated to great vegan food options with a local flavor. It’s obvious that I’m not a food reporter because I will admit that I’m not really sure what is on this parm pesto sandwich, but it was fantastic and probably the best food item I tried. If you don’t mind a squishy sandwich, get this. You can get this for a meat eater who is anti everything vegan and they probably wouldn’t mind it. 

Federal Donuts Chicken Tenders – Crispy, hand-battered chicken tenders served with an Everything Rooster dipping sauce. (Section 140) 

If you’re a fan of the fantastic Federal Donuts chicken sandwich, you’ll probably want to try the new twice-fried chicken tenders. They’re crunchy, dense and a lot more filling than you would expect. My only complaint is that they were a tad dry and not as flavorful as I expected. The everything rooster sauce is just fine. The best part about this meal is that you can probably get it without having to wait in a ridiculously long line. The Federal Donuts line moves fast and is never too crowded. 

Uncle Charlie’s Steaks – Named after the 2008 World Series champion Charlie Manuel, this new area will feature classic, Philly-style cheesesteaks on freshly baked Liscio’s Bakery seeded rolls served with Herr’s kettle chips. Be on the lookout for Manuel, who will be making guest appearances throughout the season. (Section 109)

Finally, Citizens Bank Park has a really good cheesesteak. Tony Luke’s is not great, Campo’s is tolerable and the cheesesteaks you’ll find at the general concession stands are terrible. Remember when Charlie was hired as the interim hitting coach at the end of 2019 to save the Phillies from John Mallee? It feels like this situation, but apply it to ballpark cheesesteaks.  

I am of the opinion that all great cheesesteaks belong on seeded rolls. This checks one important box. The meat is cut to perfection and they didn’t cheap out on the sharp provolone. It’s true that everything Charlie touches turns to gold. If you’re visiting Philadelphia and looking to have a great cheesesteak at a Phillies game, this is the only thing you should consider getting. 

Food Notes

• Manco & Manco Pizza will now have three locations inside Citizens Bank Park: Ashburn Alley, Liberty Landing (the old Harry the K’s on the 100 level) and section 137. 
• Ryan Howard’s Colbie’s Southern Kissed Chicken (section 120), which debuted in 2022, is back for the 2023 season. 
• The Phillies have made some changes to the old “Boardwalk Eats” near the left field foul pole. The concession stand is now called the “Coca-Cola Corner” and will “showcase seven Philadelphia-area restaurants during each Phillies series. The restaurants will feature one of their well-known menu items paired with the perfect Coca-Cola beverage. Plus, 5% of all purchases of these items will benefit Philabundance to help fight food insecurity.”
• New this year, the Phillies are introducing limited-time, seasonal dishes. The first one you’ll find is the jerk chicken sandwich “featuring pulled jerk chicken served on a brioche roll with pickle slaw and fried plantains,” which can be found in section 143. 
• This year’s souvenir soda cup collection series will feature moments from the Phillies’ 2022 National League championship run. Rhys Hoskins’ bat spike in Game 3 of the NLDS will be in circulation during the month of April. You’ll be able to buy a “Bedlam at the Bank” Bryce Harper 24-ounce koozie all year long at most beer and liquor locations. 

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