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The 7 best MLB ballparks for eating

While all 30 major league clubs have invested in improved food offerings in recent years, here are the top seven teams in terms of their ballpark concessions, according to Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com.

Rankings are subjective; however, they factor in the opinions of other ballpark food critics and take heavily into account Mock’s on-site assessments at each of the 30 parks.

Mock has visited all 203 ballparks currently in use for Major League Baseball, spring training and the affiliated minor leagues and operates BaseballParks.com, an affiliate of USA TODAY Sports.

A Giants fan takes full advantage of San Francisco's concessions (Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports)

A Giants fan takes full advantage of San Francisco’s concessions (Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports)

1. San Francisco Giants

The thrilling array of food concessions goes way, way beyond the signature garlic fries, as AT&T Park now offers economical wine on tap, fried pickle chips, beer bratwursts, grilled ahi tuna sandwiches, hot pastrami and Swiss cheese on naan bread (South Asian flatbread) and arguably the most delicious sandwich in the majors, Dungeness crab on grilled sourdough.

A look at some of the notable Dodger concession items. (Joe Mock)

A look at some of the notable Dodger concession items. (Joe Mock)

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

It doesn’t seem that long ago that the only food item sold at Dodgers games was the Dodger Dog. Thanks in part to the $100 million restoration at Dodger Stadium before the 2013 season, most concession stands were enlarged to allow food to be prepared right there behind the counters. These changes allowed executive chef Jason Tingley of Levy Restaurants to create an array of delicious new offerings, including the Brooklyn Dodger Dog (with seasonings reminiscent of the Dodgers’ first home) and Italian favorites at Tommy Lasorda’s Trattoria. Don’t fret: They still sell Dodger Dogs.

Chickie & Pete's crab fries (Chickiesandpetes.com)

Chickie & Pete’s crab fries (Chickiesandpetes.com)

3. Philadelphia Phillies

Kurt Smith scrutinizes every aspect of parks for his Ballpark e-Guide series. His favorite for food? Citizens Bank Park. “No ballpark offers more of the local food icons,” Smith says. “You’ve got Tony Luke’s and Campo’s cheesesteaks, which are both great, McNally’s famous Schmitter sandwich, Chickie’s and Pete’s crab fries that are ridiculously addictive, Planet Hoagie and the amazing Federal Donuts, which offers delicious fried chicken and donuts in one box.” There’s also a Cheesesteak Dog.

A large plank of fresh Pacific cod is the attraction in the Mariners' Fish 'n Chips . (Centerplate)

A large plank of fresh Pacific cod is the attraction in the Mariners’ Fish ‘n Chips . (Joe Mock)

4. Seattle Mariners

West Coast parks have interesting gathering places, and Safeco Field is no exception. The ’Pen is a hot cocktail spot that includes Edgar’s Cantina, where James Beard-nominated executive chef Ethan Stowell developed the menu. Among the offerings is beef-tongue tacos. And, yes, the sushi bar (still featuring the Ichiroll) is there.

The "Shack-cago" dog served at Citi Field. (Handout/Photo by William Brinson)

The “Shack-cago” dog served at Citi Field. (Handout/Photo by William Brinson)

5. New York Mets

One of the great joys of exploring Citi Field is uncovering the assortment of concession stands. From fresh sushi at Daruma in the right-field corner to seafood at Catch of the Day in right field to the ShackBurgers at Shake Shack in center field, the variety is as good as at any park in the majors. They serve Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, too.

Boog's Barbecue at Camden Yards. (AP)

Boog’s Barbecue at Camden Yards. (AP)

6. Baltimore Orioles

Baseball road-tripper Tom Lohr has given a perfect score to the hot dogs at only one park (Camden Yards). “The great ballpark and the great hot dog, with its delicious combinations of meats and very fresh bun, go really well together,” he says. You’ll also find hometown favorite Boog Powell’s BBQ, crab cakes, Jack Daniels’ ribs and chicken and the Crab Mac N Cheese Dog. Lohr also appreciates that the team’s executive chef, Josh Distenfield, emphasizes sustainability as “he keeps all of his suppliers local and (his) operations green.”

At Miller Park in Milwaukee, fans love to attack The Beast. (Joe Mock)

At Miller Park in Milwaukee, fans love to attack The Beast. (Delaware North)

7. Milwaukee Brewers

The food in the parking lots rivals what’s inside many other parks. Yes, Brewers fans can tailgate with the best of them, but inside Miller Park are the best sausages, bratwursts and hot dogs. “If you like encased meats, you’re in the right place,” Lohr says. And, true to the team name, 45 brands of beer are available. And this being Wisconsin, you also can get fried cheese curds.

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