What to Eat & Drink at Target Field
Open since 2010, Target Field is a beautiful stadium in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Thankfully, there’s a host of good eats from local chefs, restaurants and breweries, so don’t settle on a wimpy tube steak washed down with watery beer. In honor of the 2014 All-Star Game, here are our top food and drink picks.
Smoked Meat Sandwich with Vinegar Slaw & Cucumber Mint Lemonade
Clearly, I am a little biased on this one, but we spent months perfecting the smoked meat sandwich (that’s what they call pastrami sammies in Canada… it’s basically the same thing). This food offers up perfect contrasts: cold and hot temperatures, soft and crunchy, sweet and savory. Pair with one of our refreshing cucumber mint lemonades, available spiked with vodka if that’s your thing.
Killebrew Root Beer
Harmon Killebrew is arguably the greatest Minnesota Twin of all time. Rumor has it that the Killer was model for MLB’s iconic logo. I did a little digging and it looks like that might be a myth, but so what. I like that story better than the truth. Anyhow, the root beer that bears his name is a stadium favorite. Brewed in Minnesota, I love tossing back a cold one… or pouring a bottle over ice cream for my favorite summer treat, a root beer float (also available throughout the stadium).
Bloody Mary at Hrbek’s
The bloody at Hrbek’s bar takes that whole idea of a meal in a glass to a new level. Sure, you’ve got your regular garnishes like pickles, cheese and celery… but then they go ahead and serve a skewered cheeseburger slider on top. It’s something you gotta see to believe. Well done.
Kramarczuk’s
It pains me to say this, but the general hot dog situation at Target Field is nothing to brag about. That’s why I usually skip the guys schlepping tube steaks in the crowd and head straight for Kramarczuk’s. An eastern European delicatessen open since 1954, the Kramarczuk’s operate stalls in sections 112, 117, 312 and the Legends Club. You can’t go wrong with their classic bratwursts, Polish and Hungarian sausages served with sauerkraut, peppers and onions.
Talenti Gelato & Izzy’s Ice cream
I like the idea of the little malt cup with the wooden spoon, but if I’m being honest, that’s more about nostalgia than taste. My top ice cream picks have to be Talenti Gelato & Izzy’s Ice Cream. Both are locally owned companies and make a superior product.
Local Craft Brews
I mean, if there is one place where a watery, light beer works, it’s at a hot, outdoor ballpark. That being said, the Twin Cities is home to loads of awesome local breweries. Three of the best have to be Surly, Fulton and Summit. You can find the first two in section 141 and Summit in 126, 140 and 320.
Big Ginger
If you’re not a huge beer fan (or gluten free), try a Big Ginger. Made with 2Gingers Irish Whiskey (the brain child of Minneapolis restaurateur and businessman Kieran Folliard), it’s basically whiskey and ginger ale with a squirt of lemon and lime. Molly in my office says it needs to be both citrus fruits or it’s really not a Big Ginger.
Butcher & the Boar’s Rib Tips & Bourbon Punch
‘Cue with pickles from one of the most meat-centric spots in Minneapolis. What’s not to love? People rave about their delicious bourbon drinks, too. Worth a visit.
Honorable Non-food Mention
At every home game, you’ll find Twins organist Sue Nelson perched high atop the stadium. She’s one of few remaining live organists in the MLB, and I friggin’ love her. Think about this: she can get 40,000 people cheering in unison by playing a simple six notes (bah-bah-bah-BAH-bah-BAH… CHARGE!). Best part? You can see her in action from the Twins Pub on the third floor.