Hannah KirbyMilwaukee Journal Sentinel
3rd Street Market Hall Annex is the star of the show when it comes to new food offerings at American Family Field this season. But, concessions and the Barrel Yard are also bringing a few fresh items to the table as well.
The new annex — located on loge level in right field — features four local vendors from 3rd Street Market Hall's downtown location: Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ, Kompali Tacos, KAWA and Anytime Arepa. The Milwaukee Brewers teamed up with Omar Shaikh, co-owner/founder of 3rd Street Market and owner of Carnevor, to bring the idea to life in their home stadium.
"One thing our fans know is food, and what they like is different varieties and different options," said Rick Schlesinger, Brewers president of business operations. "This is a chance for us to offer more than just the staples."
Am Fam Field was just named the second best MLB stadium for food by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.
This is the third season the ballpark's food service provider Delaware North has teamed up with Black Shoe Hospitality — the restaurant group behind Blue's Egg, Story Hill BKC, Maxie's and Buttermint Finer Dining & Cocktails — on concession concepts.
"We haven't changed a lot because the food has been so successful," said Loren Rue, American Family Field's executive chef.
While burgers and nachos will be staying the same, he said, expect unexpected twists on hot dogs, brand new chili cheese tots and a Club Level sandwich that will make its way down to Field Level.
Here's a look at what's new when it comes to food at the home of the Brewers:
3rd Street Market Hall Annex
"If you take a look at 3rd Street Market Hall downtown, almost any day you come down there, you'll see it's a cultural melting pot," Shaikh said. "That was kind of the idea, that we wanted everybody to come in. Everybody to feel welcome. Everybody to just have a sense of community. So, we're hoping that that happens here, which I do think it will. ... Good food really brings people together."
When you enter the annex area, it looks like a mini version of 3rd Street's downtown location. These are its ballpark vendors:
Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ
- The Texan sandwich: 14-hour smoked brisket, pickle chips and Smokin' Jack (Texas) BBQ Sauce on a brioche bun.
- Hog 1860 sandwich: 12-hour smoked pulled pork, slaw, pickle chips and Smokin' Jack (Texas) BBQ Sauce on a brioche bun.
- Smokey Bird sandwich: Smoked and grilled chicken thighs, pickle chips, Bama slaw (red cabbage, Parmesan cheese and Alabama white sauce) and Smokin' Jack (Texas) BBQ Sauce on a brioche bun.
- Smoked meat nachos: Choice of chicken, pork or beef with tortilla chips, aged nacho cheese, tomato, jalapeno, chives, Smokin' Jack BBQ Sauce and sour cream.
- Sea salt kettle chips
Kompali Tacos
- Steak tacos: Two steak tacos topped with chopped white onion and cilantro.
- Chicken tacos: Two grilled chicken tacos topped with pico del gallo.
- Veggie tacos: Two marinated cactus tacos topped with pico del gallo.
- Guacamole and chips: Avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro and lime topped with queso fresco. Served with tortilla chips.
KAWA
- Sushi - Godzilla Roll: Spicy tuna and avocado roll tempura fried, topped with eel sauce, spicy mayo and sweet chili sauce.
- Fried rice: Chicken and rice wok fried with carrots, scallions, onions and soy sauce.
- Crab Rangoon (3 piece): Deep-fried wonton filled with crab, carrots and cream cheese.
- Spring rolls (3 piece): Cabbage and carrots wrapped in rice paper and deep fried.
Anytime Arepa
Arepas are Venezuelan corn griddle cakes.
- Beef arepa: Beef brisket and cheddar cheese.
- Chicken arepa: Shredded chicken and cheddar cheese.
- Black bean arepa: Black beans and cheddar cheese.
- Mini empanadas: Three traditional Venezuelan empanadas, one ground beef, one chicken and one cheese.
- Tostones: Salty fried green plantains.
Each Anytime Arepa dish is served with your choice of spicy, avocado or garlic salsa. One salsa is included.
The annex's bar is also offering some new cocktails, Rue said, including:
- Jack Apple Mule: Jack Daniel's Apple, lime and ginger beer.
- Strawberry Smash: Skyy Vodka, elderflower liqueur and strawberry lemonade.
Fun fact: When country superstarLuke Combs plays the ballpark on April 12 and 13, a drink called the Honey Comb will be available for purchase, Rue said. It'll feature Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey and lemonade made in house.
Just like the downtown market hall offers a variety of games, so does its ballpark edition. There's a turf area with Brewers Jenga, giant connect four and more. Plus, a spot for video games.
Where to find 3rd Street Market Hall Annex: Right field Loge Level
Twists on classic stadium hot dogs
Dog of the North: Rue described it as a riff on a loaded hot dog, topped with apple kraut, yellow mustard, secret stadium sauce, jalapeno mayo, chopped bacon and Bavarian sprinkles. Those sprinkles give off a "very Germanic, herb profile," he said.
Dog Gone Fowl: Topped with a chicken finger, American cheese, ranch, secret stadium sauce, tater tots and chives.
Chili cheese dog:Topped with a Texas-style beanless beef chili that's made in house, cheddar cheese, sour cream, white onions and chives. It's a "traditional" chili dog, Rue said, but with "heightened quality."
Where to find these: Sections 110 and 208
A revamped Tipsy Polish Sausage
The Tipsy Polish Sausage has been revamped this season.
It's now topped with Bavarian sprinkles and French fries in addition to its caramelized brandied onions, brown mustard and pickled peppers.
Where to find this: Sections 110, 118, 127, 213, 224 and 421
Previously a Club Level exclusive, the chicken parm sandwich will be available on field level this season
The Buttermint stand on Club Level offered a chicken Parmesan sandwich last year. Now, the sammie will also be available on Field Level.
Rue described it as a chicken cutlet with house-made marinara, Italian seasoning and sliced Wisconsin mozzarella cheese on a potato roll.
"Really delicious sandwich," Rue said. "You can't get any better."
Where to find this: Sections 111, 117 and 123
Chili Cheese Tots
Chili Cheese Tots: Topped with beanless beef chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream, white onion, pickled jalapenos and chives.
Where to find this: Sections 110 and 208
What's new at J. Leinenkugel's Barrel Yard
- Limited-edition Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy Bratwurst: A Johnsonville fresh grilling sausage infused with Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy Beer.
- BBQ ribs
- Exclusive pilot brews, including theBig Eddy Imperial IPA,will be available throughout the season. Thirty two-ounce crowlers are available for purchase on non-game days.
