Opening Day is almost here, which means another opportunity to cheer on the Brewers while enjoying the company of friends or a day out with the family. Inevitably, that also means sunny days filled with cold brews, hot dogs and other ballpark-worthy fare.
Whether you’re planning to attend the April 2 home opener (Brewers vs. the Twins) or any other game(s) this season, here’s what you need to know about what’s new and delicious at American Family Field.
Fun fact: This month, American Family Field was named second best MLB stadium for food in "USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards". It's just further proof that the home of the Milwaukee Brewers serves up some of the best food in all of Major League Baseball.
3rd Street Market Hall Annex
New this year is the 3rd Street Market Hall Annex which is located on the right field loge level. The area features a uniquely designed area with both family-friendly activities and vendor stalls offering a range of new foods from fried rice and arepas to tacos and BBQ.
The location for the new addition was strategic, notes Rick Schlesinger, President of Business Operations for the Brewers. Its location is near local craft beer and cocktail stands and offers a great view of the field.
“We know that baseball is the reason why people come here, but it’s not the only reason, “Schlesinger says. “So we’ve really worked to diversify our food offerings, balancing staple ballpark fare with a wider range of offerings that appeal to various audiences. Our goal is to make American Family Field an affordable, novel and fun place to be.”
The Annex boasts four new owner-operated vendor stalls: Anytime Arepa (Venezuelan), Kawa (Asian fusion), Kompali Tacos and Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ.
ANYTIME AREPA
Anytime Arepa, a family-owned business operated by Maria Salas and Leo Farfan, will showcase their handmade Venezuelan arepas and snacks.
Not only are their arepas Venezuelan comfort food at its finest, they are filled to the brim with the love, passion and determination of a family who traveled over 2,500 miles to establish a new life for themselves.
Their menu will feature arepas filled with a choice of black beans, chicken or brisket and cheddar cheese
Mini empanadas
Fried tostones (plantains) and salsa.
KAWA
Kawa is the name behind a collection of excellent eateries – including Kawa Japanese, Kawa Ramen & Sushi and Kawa 3rd Street – that showcase Japanese fare at its very finest. Owned by Selina Zheng, Kawa is the first vendor stall to represent Asian fare at the ballpark.
On their menu, guests will find their popular Godzilla Roll, a tempura-fried roll featuring spicy tuna and avocado and topped with tobiko, scallions, eel sauce, spicy mayo and sweet chili sauce.
Japanese style fried rice with egg, carrots, onion and chicken.
Spring rolls
Crab rangoon
KOMPALI
Operated by Mexican native Paco Vilar, Kompali represents the fare of his hometown in Hidalgo, famous for its barbacoa (barbequed meats).
Their menu will feature tacos with vegetarian, chicken or steak fillings.
Chips and guacamole
SMOKIN’ JACK'S BBQ
Jack Holt's Smokin' Jack's BBQ has come a long way since its first pop-up in September of 2020.
And while guests will have to go to 3rd Street Market to sample his full array of smoked meats, he'll be serving up BBQ sandwiches (served with chips) and snackable smoked meat nachos served with sour cream, pickled jalapenos and BBQ sauce.
Like 3rd Street Market Hall, the Annex also features family-friendly activities including an area with lawn games including Brewers Jenga, lawn dominoes, Four in a Row and ring toss.
Meanwhile, an Atari video game wall allows guests to play a variety of arcade games.
New at the Barrel Yard
J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard has a variety of new offerings for the 2024 season, including BBQ Ribs and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy Bratwurst, a brand new fresh grilling sausage from Johnsonville which is infused with Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy beer, giving the old standard a boost of beer and citrus flavor.
Three versions of the Shandy-infused dog will be available, including one topped with queso and crispy onion strings.
The Barrel Yard will be releasing a new Brew City Lime Mexican Lager in honor of the 2024 Home Opener. Brewed using maize and pilsner malts and crafted with a hint of lime flavor, the beer becomes more and more refreshing with each sip.
Meanwhile, exclusive pilot brews including the Big Eddy Imperial IPA, will be available throughout the season. Guests can even take home 32-ounce crowlers of the brews on non-game days.
More new concessions
Chef-inspired offerings from Black Shoe Hospitality and Bavette La Boucherie that have rolled out over the past two years will continue to be available.
In addition, guests will find a new decked out version of Black Shoe Hospitality’s Tipsy Polish Sausage featuring Polish sausage topped with caramelized brandied onions, brown mustard, french fries, pickled peppers and a flavorful Bavarian sprinkle. Available in sections 110, 118, 127, 213, 224 and 421.
Meanwhile, their Chicken Parm Sandwich, formerly only available on Club Level, will have expanded access this year. The sandwich features Wisconsin mozzarella, marinara and Italian seasoning, served on a toasted potato bun. Available in sections 111, 117 and 123.
There are also fresh spins on the classic stadium hot dog, which will be available in sections 110 and 208. Guests can choose from Dog of the North (apple kraut, yellow mustard, secret stadium sauce, jalapeno mayo, chopped bacon and Bavarian sprinkles), the Dog Gone Fowl (topped with a chicken finger, American cheese, ranch, secret stadium sauce, tater tots and chives), or the Chili Cheese Dog (topped with beanless beef chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream, white onions and chives).
Chili Cheese Tots, topped with beanless beef chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream, white onion, pickled jalapenos and chives will also be available in sections 110 and 208.
For more about the new Brewers season at American Family Field, including scheduling, tickets and more, head to their website.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
