By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Mar 27, 2018 at 4:01 PM

We’re less than a week away from the Milwaukee Brewers' 2018 home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park. And that means renewed optimism for the Brew Crew and a slew of new ballpark foods for fans.

Last year, Miller Park invested in a $20 million concession makeover, adding new full service bars, craft beer and food from local brands like Zaffiro's Pizza, which joined AJ Bombers, Smoke Shack and Holey Moley doughnuts on the concourses.

This year, the stadium will feature a number of new stands and dishes, each of which contributes to the stadium's goals of serving up some of the best ballpark fare around.

"We're one of the only ballparks to feature a fresh smashed burger among our offerings," says Executive Chef Seth Vanderlaan. "And we do that because we want to get it right. It's also why we feature all nature smoked meats, an increasing number of locally sourced products."

Sausages

This year, the park welcomes a new partnership with Johnsonvillle, the Sheboygan Falls-based company that has taken on the title of the official sausage of Miller Park. And Johnsonville sausages, including bratwurst, a beer cheese brat, Italian sausages and Polish sausages, will be a staple throughout the park. Hot dogs will be provided by Hebrew National.

Pierogies

On field level in the First Base Ward just behind section 113, fans will find a trendy new offering: potato and cheese pierogies.

The pierogies will be available topped with a parmesan garlic sauce, sliced Polish sausage, sauteed onions and peppers.

They’re also available topped with sweet bacon dressing, chopped applewood smoked bacon and warm sauerkraut.

Jumbo Pretzels & BBQ Mac

Giant soft pretzels will also be available at a variety of locations on Field, Loge and Terrace levels. They’re available plain or topped with salt, sweet and smoky seasoning or cinnamon sugar.

There will also be barbecued pulled pork mac and cheese featuring Smoke Shack pulled pork at all barbecue stands on Field, Loge and Terrace levels as well as at the "Carvery" stand on the PNC Club Level.

New Beverages

Jim Beam has also joined the Miller Park fray, and fans can enjoy a brand new Jim Beam Bourbon Bar, as well as a variety of new beverages.

Take, for instance, the "Beamade" featuring Jim Beam Honey with lemonade and selzer. The Kentucky Mule is made with your choice of Jim Beam, Jim Beam Apple, Jim Beam Honey or Jim Beam Vanilla mixed with ginger beer and lime juice. There’s also the Beam Orchard Twist with Jim Beam Apple, cranberry juice and seltzer.

Also new this year, Anodyne Coffee will feature a variety of coffee-based beverages at a stand on the Field Level near the First Base Ward.

Fans can also find a very special Brewers Old Fashioned on tap at the craft beer bars around the stadium. (Pro Tip: Get one. They’re made in Milwaukee).

Healthful & gluten-free options

Marketplace locations on both Field Level and PNC Club Level will also feature numerous "healthy ballpark choices" presented by Aurora Healthcare. Among them are a caprese sandwich with a gluten-free bun, fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil pesto and balsamic glaze; and a turkey avocado club on a gluten-free hoagie with turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato and mayo.

On the salad side, there’s a baby kale and berry salad with berries, red onion, almonds and goat cheese and a Thai salad featuring greens, red cabbage, cucumbers, brown rice, edamame, carrots, bell peppers, quinoa, peanuts and a Thai-style dressing. There’s also a minted fruit cup featuring chopped seasonal fruit and fresh mint leaves. Fresh whole fruit will also be available at a variety of locations.

PNC Club Level

They’ve also made unprecedented changes to the PNC Club Level, renovations which Brewers Chief Operating Officer Rick Schlesinger called "the most extensive in the park's history."

In addition to a slick new look, new seating and the installation of numerous giant televisions that allow Club Level attendees a birds’ eye view of the game, there’s also a Nachos & Tacos stand where fans can enjoy made-to-order guacamole and customizable street tacos.

A Club Level Chips & Links stand features bratwurst, Italian sausages, veggie dogs and (new) Hebrew National hot dogs, along with two varieties of loaded kettle chips.

Buffalo chicken chips include house-fried kettle chips topped with marinated chicken, buffalo sauce and blue cheese sauce.

Meanwhile, the steak and cheese features kettle chips, slow cooked beef sirloin, braised onions and Sargento cheese sauce.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

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.