The Ultimate Guide To Dining Options In & Around San Diego Padres Petco Park - 2018 Edition

March 26, 2018

The 2018 Major League Baseball season starts this week and that means that San Diegans will be venturing downtown in droves to attend听San Diego Padres games at Petco Park. Each year, the stadium unveils a new lineup of vendors, and this year's premier offerings include Neapolitan & Roman pizza from San Diego's ever-growing Buona Forchetta, fresh seafood from Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill, and craft spirits from Cutwater Spirits, not to mention popular vendors from year's past like Carnitas' Snack Shack, Wonderland, Brigantine, Hodad's and Phil's BBQ. Here we run down our favorite spots to grab a bite or a beer inside and around Petco Park during the 2018 MLB season!

Ballpark food is no longer just hot-dogs and peanuts. Nowadays, it can be healthy, delicious and even upscale, especially in America's Finest City. San Diego Padres' Petco Park is filled with offerings from some of our city's best food and beverage purveyors, so a visitor can get a taste of the area's most popular eateries and sample some of our city's finest craft beer and spirits just by exploring the concessions at the ballpark.

"We are excited to partner with Matteo Cattaneo of Buona Forchetta and Judd & Matt Braun of Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill to bring our Padres fans more local San Diego brands this season," said Padres Vice President & Chief Hospitality Officer Scott Marshall. "From serving world class Neapolitan and Roman-style pizza to fresh seafood that was caught off the shores of San Diego that day, we look forward to delivering exceptional culinary experiences to Petco Park."

Buona Forchetta opened in South Park in 2013 as a result of owner Matteo Cattaneo鈥檚 craving to bring some of his native Italy to San Diego. Their newest concept at Petco Park will be located on the Field Level Mercado behind section 104 and will offer their Neapolitan style pizza, in addition to serving as the debut platform for their new thick-crust Roman-style Pizza. The new Petco Park location will feature a wine selection consisting of a wide variety of California and Italian varietals along with a Vespa gelato bar. It also comes complete with a Stefano Ferrara oven made from Biscotto di Sorrento clay found in Italy鈥檚 Sorrento region. This will be their third location in San Diego following the launch of a second location last year in Liberty Station. The company is also currently building a wine bar and non-profit bakery in South Park and two new locations set to open in Encinitas and Coronado.

Buona Forchetta owner Matteo Cattaneo

"Pizza, wine, gelato and baseball! We are so thrilled to be joining the Petco Park hospitality family and can鈥檛 wait to bring our traditional Italian flavors straight from Rome and Naples, from our family to yours," said Buona Forchetta owner Matteo Cattaneo. "We also encourage fans to keep an eye out for our vintage gelato cart serving homemade gelato, and we look forward to seeing everyone at a ballgame."

San Diego locals Judd and Matt Braun opened Blue Water in Mission Hills in 2004, and have since built a strong reputation for offering an exceptional range of "fresh & local" seafood. Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill is located on the Field Level at section 117, offering fresh fish tacos and sandwiches. A second location, located on the Toyota Terrace level at section 220 as part of The Still by Cutwater Spirits, will offer an expanded menu that includes plates, clam chowder, poke and sashimi. Blue Water is also opening a second location in Ocean Beach later this year.

"As San Diego natives and lifelong Padres fans, having a Blue Water presence in Petco Park is a dream come true," said Matt and Judd Braun, owners of Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill. "We鈥檙e honored the ballpark sought to include us among other local favorites. We can鈥檛 wait to bring fresh, grilled seafood to baseball fans from across the country and show them the incredible food our fine city has to offer."

The "Friar Frank" will also be getting an upgrade this season as Petco Park Executive Chef Carlos Vargas has reimagined the all-beef, nine-inch ballpark-favorite Tarantino hot dog. Joining the new "Friar Frank" lineup will be an array of new options, including the Bacon Wrapped Dog, the Caprese Turkey Dog, the Chili Cheese Dog, Veggie Dog and the Lil鈥� Slugger Dog. The "Friar Frank" will be available throughout the ballpark with the new signature options at Budweiser Ballpark Eats locations.

Petco Park鈥檚 newest dedicated dessert experience, Jack & Craft, will also make its debut in 2018. Located on the Field Level at sections 117 and 226, Jack & Craft will offer freshly made caramel corn and allow fans to pair dessert with a rotating menu of flavorful local San Diego craft beers, including Ballast Point, AleSmith, Iron Fist, Resident, Pizza Port, Mike Hess Brewing, Karl Strauss and Coronado Brewing Company.

Ballast Point will also debut two new Sculpin IPA Bars located on the Field Level at sections 110 and 226 that will highlight the five iconic Sculpin IPA flavors - Sculpin, Unfiltered Sculpin, Grapefruit Sculpin, Pineapple Sculpin and the newest addition to the Sculpin family, the mango and guava-infused Aloha Sculpin. San Diego-based Cutwater Sprits, the former offshoot of Ballast Point Spirits who last year debuted The Still by Cutwater Spirits on the Toyota Terrace level, will unveil the Cutwater Sprits Rum Bar on the Field Level at section 101 featuring their signature Bali Hai Tiki Gold Rum Mai Tai. Phil鈥檚 BBQ, a staple in the ballpark since 2013, will add a third location at Petco Park in 2018 as it heads to the Western Metal Supply Co. Building Rooftop. The new rooftop location joins the Park at the Park stand and the Field Level section 113 location in serving signature items, including the El Toro Sandwich, BBQ Broham Sandwich and Baby Back Ribs.

"We are happy to once again bring the best of San Diego to Petco Park by introducing Buona Forchetta and Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill," said Susan Hawke-Pfeifer, general manager of Petco Park concessionaire Delaware North. 鈥淲e are delighted to continue to evolve our current hospitality partnerships and create new and innovative experiences for all of our fans.鈥�

Other local favorites that return to Petco Park this season include The Baked Bear, Board and Brew, Brigantine, the Budweiser Loft, Carnitas鈥� Snack Shack, .394, The Craft Pier presented by Ballast Point, Gaglione Bros., Hodad鈥檚, Lucha Libre, Miguel鈥檚, Mister Softee, Pizza Port, Seaside Market, Wonderland Ocean Pub and Yogurtland.

Below we've outlined what else there is and where you can get it inside Petco during the 2018 San Diego Padres MLB Season. Our top picks are marked with an asterix (*).

• 10 Barrel Brewing - 111, 324, 325 - InBev owned beer from Portland and available at a tasting room and restaurant in San Diego's East Village.
• .394 by AleSmith*听- Toyota Terrace Section 217 - Full service bar and restaurant by Alesmith Brewing honoring Tony Gwynn's legacy with a variety of food options.听
• AleSmith Brewing -听107, 211, 229, 305, 328 - Craft beer from a San Diego brewery.听
• Baked Bear*听- 124 - Local ice cream shop that specializes in custom made ice cream sandwiches.
• Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill - 117, 220 - Fish sandwiches and tacos, as well as poke and sashimi.听
• Board & Brew* -听107, 205 - Custom sandwiches and craft beer.
• Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar听- 202, 204 - Fish and chips, clam chowder, fish tacos and other seafood.听
• Budweiser Ballpark Eats听- Western Metal, 104, 115, 116, 135, 211, 233, 305, 310, 315, 324 - Like the name says...
• Budweiser Grill - 110, 113, 131 - Sandwiches, burgers, snacks and crappy beer.听
• Budweiser Beer Loft听- Western Metal - Nuts ane mediocre beer.
• Budweiser Patio - 227 - Food and basic beer.听
• Buona Forchetta*听- 104 -听Neapolitan & Roman pizza and gelato.
• Cardiff鈥檚 Seaside Market*听- 107 - A market inside the ballpark! A great spot for salad, juice, flatbreads, a burgundy pepper tri-tip sandwich, snacks, and hot and fresh comfort foods.
• Cardiff's Seaside Tri-Tip*听- 110, 129, 303 - Famous BBQ tri-tip sandwiches from Cardiff Market, as well as tri-tip nachos.
• Carnitas Snack Shack*听- 128, 228 - A San Diego institution for porky deliciousness, get the famed Triple Threat pork sandwich.
• Carnitas Snack Shack Bar* - 126, 226 - Get a drink to go with your pork belly!
• Craft Beers of San Diego*听-听107, 211, 229, 303, 328 - San Diego is America's finest beer city and this spot rounds them all up.
• Cutwater Spirits Rum Bar - 103 - A bar dedicated to all things rum by a local distillery.听
• Donovan's Wines at the Park*听- 104 - Over 35 selections of wine from a San Diego steakhouse and seafood destination.
• The Draft by Ballast Point听- 207 - Remember when Ballast Point was a San Diego brewery?
• Elysian Beer听- Park at the Park, 326 - Budweiser bought this once-craft brewery awhile back and is now slinging their beers, which are actually pretty good.听
• Estrella Cantina听- Park at the Park, 112, 117, 135, 202, 312 - Mexican eats and beer.
• Gaglione Brothers*听- 124, 319 - San Diego cheesesteaks, garlic fries and a pepper bar.
• Gaglione Brother's Fry Stand听- Park at the Park, 101 - Cheesesteak fries anyone?
• Goose Island听- 306 - Once upon a time, this was a craft brewery from Chicago, but now it's part of Big "Craft" Beer.
• Hodad's*听- 104, 131, 300, 316, 325 - The Famous Ocean Beach burger destination is availablein the park. Get the bacon cheeseburger, fries, onion rings and pretty much anything else.
• Iron Fist Brewing -听107, 211, 229, 305, 328 - Vista craft brewery.听
• Jack & Craft - 117, 226 -听Snacks, caramel corn, and craft beer.听
• Karl Strauss*听- 102 - Grab brews from San Diego's original craft brewer.
• Karl Strauss Red Trolley听- 112, 129 - More beer from the K-Man!
• Lane Field Lemonade听- 102, 119, 133, 206, 215 - Cotton candy, snow cones, Dippin' Dots, churros and, of course, lemonade.
• Lexus Home Plate Bar, Lounge and Restaurant听- behind home plate -听Requires a one-time non-refundable yet transferable membership fee per seat.听Serves as a full service bar and upscale lounge in one of the most sought after sections of the park.
• The Loft by Budweiser听- Western Metal Building - We wouldn't set foot in here so who knows?
• Lucha Libre*听- 119, 120, 227 - San Diego's king of monster burritos is dishing out Mexican fare in Petco.
• Miguel's Cocina*听- 104, 204 - This Mexican concept from the Brigantine Group offers staples like the surf and turf burrito, fish taco, carne asada tacos and more. Ask for extra white sauce.
• Mister Softee - Park at the Park, 104, 117, 128 -听Cool off with some soft serve ice cream or a root beer float!
• Omni Hotel Premier Club*听- 108 - This is an enclosed lounge where fans can eat their hearts out at a buffet.
• Pacifico Bar听- 119, 122 - Get some Mexican beer!
• Phil's BBQ*听- Park at the Park, 113, Western Metal Building - Go for the El Toro or Broham sandwich and maybe some baby back ribs.
• Pizza Port*听- 121, 213, 311, 320 - Specialty pizza and craft beer from a local San Diego brewpub.
• The Porch by Pacifico听- 124 - Mexican beer spot.
• The Rail听- Western Metal Building - Great view.
• Randy Jones Grill*听- Park at the Park, 101, 118, 119, 124, 204, 303, 306, 321 - Named after the Padres' pitching sensation, this barbecue hub is where you want to go for half pound bbq hot dog, pulled pork, brisket, etc.听
• Sculpin IPA Bar - 101, 226 - A bar from Ballast Point devoted to their $1 Billion IPA.听
• Seaside Market Tri Tip Nacho - 204, 308, 322, 327, 309 - "Cardiff crack" is what they call this tri-tip, and you'll realize why when you have it in nacho form.
• Stella Artois - 107 - Beer from Belgium.听
• The Still by Cutwater Spirits*听- Toyota Terrace Section 222 - A fun bar with an amazing view of the ballpark, good cocktails, and food from Blue Water. I once spent an entire game in this spot.
• Tarantino听- Park at the Park - Get your Friar Franks and sausage from a local company.听
• Vegetarian听- 107, 303, 315, 320 - Food for the perpetually Meatless Monday people.
• Wonderland Ocean Pub*听- 307 - Offer a full bar and beer from Resident Brewing, this OB-hotspot is now bringing San Diego food and drink to Petco.听
• Yogurtland听- 104, 105 - Frozen yogurt and all the fixins'.
• Zenbu Sushi*听- 220 - An assortment of sushi rolls from a local company.

Many popular eateries from the 2017 season are no more at Petco, including Bumblebee, Mission Brewery, Rimel's Rotisserie, Zenbu Sushi and others.

Being that Petco Park gives ticket holders in-and-out privileges (must have ticket and go through metal detector), here are some suggestions for places right around the park to grab a drink and a bite before, during or after the game:

• - Excellent food from Chef Anthony Sinsay on street level and a rooftop pool bar with food at its sister concept .听
• 听- Tasty grub and local beer.听
• 听- Connecticut-style Pizza.
• 听- Upscale Mexican food.
• - Legit BBQ paired with lawn games and a full bar at this country-themed spot.听
• 听- Stone beer right next to the park with pizzas and more.
• 听- Brewpub in a really cool repurposed Victorian home setting.
• - Wild bar and eatery with tasty sandwiches and wings.听
• 听- Nice bar/restaurant with a porch damn near in Petco's Park at the Park.
• 听- Great seafood tacos.
• 听- Rooftop lounge atop the Marriott looking down into Petco.
• 听- Upscale seafood spot with raw bar.
• Mariscos German Beyer - Mexican seafood, ceviche, tacos and more.听
• - Fresh and healthy place to grab a drink and a bite before the game.听
• Pendry San Diego - This hip luxury hotel has numerous spots to grab a bite, including Lionfish, Provisional, Nason's Beer Hall, and its rooftop Pool House.听

The Padres offer frequent听听and听theme games, weekly Taco Tuesday specials (reduced price tickets and $2.50 tacos), as well as frequent special events like College Night (tickets starting at $15), Party in the Park, Beerfest, Cocktailfest, WineFest, Taste of Petco Park, KidsFest, Postgame Fireworks, Postgame Laser Show, and more.

Petco Park is located at 100 Park Boulevard in downtown San Diego. For a comprehensive listing of Petco Park food and beverage offerings and to get tickets to games, visit听.