Going to a Mariners game right now is the hottest ticket in town. Fresh off last year’s AL West title and postseason run that had the city buzzing in October, Seattle fans are flocking to T-Mobile Park to watch winning baseball, but the food on the concourse is just as much of a draw.

Over the years, the stadium has quietly evolved into one of the city’s best casual dining hubs for sports fans, pairing the action on the field with excellent local restaurant collabs. So if you’re heading to the stadium this season (and who isn’t), you are in for some serious local culinary upgrades.

Here is how to map out your eating strategy like a true Seattleite.

All Aboard!

The breakout star at a recent press preview was the celebration of two Pacific Northwest icons: the Mariners’ 50th season and the 75th anniversary of Washington State Ferries. Fans can now order their gameday snacks served inside a souvenir replica of a Washington State Ferry boat. And yes, it does float. 

The Rookie Class: New Local Heavyweights

This season brings some heavy hitters from our local food scene right into the stadium. The most exciting call-up is Piroshky Piroshky (Section 132). The Pike Place Market legend is baking up its famous Eastern European pastries on-site. You can grab traditional savory turnovers like beef and cheese, or go sweet with chocolate cream hazelnut.

Over in the T-Mobile ‘Pen, El Rinconsito makes its ballpark debut. While the Guzmán family opened their very first location in Kent back in 1997, they have since set up shop in various locales across the region – which now includes T-Mobile Park. They’ll be serving Mexican street food, from loaded birria burritos and asada quesadillas to refreshing, scratch-made horchata and hibiscus aguas frescas.

If you want heavy comfort food, look for Rolling Smoke BBQ. This local favorite is dishing out tender rib platters, pulled pork sandwiches, and rich, loaded mac and cheese.

The Veterans: Returning Legends

The new kids on the block join an already elite group of returning local favorites. You can still track down square-cut Detroit-style slices from MOTO Pizza, fresh seafood from Nakagawa Sushi (Section 132), and Hawaiian-Korean fusion from Marination in the ‘Pen.

If you are looking for a creative bite, Tamari Bar is frying up curry donuts with a signature savory dip, alongside hearty Miso-Katsu bowls. Meanwhile, over at Great State Burger, you can grab the new Great State Dog (a Hempler’s all-beef dog topped with signature sauce, pickles, cheese, and lettuce) or their organic veggie burger.

For dessert, you should check out Salt & Straw. New to their offerings this year is the “Tacolate,” a crunchy, dark-chocolate-dipped waffle cone taco stuffed with cinnamon-ancho ice cream and puffed quinoa. If you prefer a ballpark classic with a twist, head to Mister Softee for the Chocolate Mousse Moose, which tops a chocolate cone with moose-shaped cookies.

Quality Without the Sticker Shock

Stadium food gets a bad reputation for being expensive, but the Mariners have built one of the best budget dining programs in professional sports. This year, the value menu is bigger than ever.

In a great shift for fans, the savings are no longer confined to generic hot dog stands. Major local vendors are offering their own designated value items. You can find high-quality, budget-friendly portions at heavy hitters like Ivar’s, Ballard Pizza, Great State Burger, Tamari Bar, Sumo Dog, Marination, and El Rinconsito. From hot dogs and nachos to craft beers and local tacos, you do not have to break the bank to eat well.

Pro Tips for the Concourse

If you want to spend more time watching the game and less time standing in lines, download the MLB Ballpark app and use the stadium frictionless Walk-Off Markets. You just scan your payment, grab your local craft beer or snacks, and walk right out. It is the easiest way to sample the best our city has to offer without missing a single pitch.