Best Food at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

Creative concessions have been one of the highlights of Nationals Park, home to the Washington Nationals in southeast Washington, D.C., since the ballpark first opened in 2008. While the team itself has finally become a draw for fans all on its own, new food and drink options continue popping up, as well. It’s a good thing, too, because favorites such as Ben’s Chili Bowl, Shake Shack, and Box Frites could keep you waiting for innings.

Here’s a guide to the top new concessions to check out during your next visit to Nationals Park.

Shawafel

Originally a Lebanese restaurant located on H Street, Shawafel has now brought its fare to the ballpark as well, replacing barbecue joint Red Hot & Blue. Expect to find Lebanese pita wraps with a variety of shawarmas, falafel, fried cauliflower, and their own unique fries made with za’atar seasoning. Definitely a change of pace from standard stadium food.

Fluffy Thoughts Cakes

Fluffy Thoughts Cakes will have a kiosk opening in Nationals Park in May. The kiosk will offer jumbo cupcakes, boxes of mini cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and assorted baked treats, including baseball sugar cookies. The bakery, located in McLean, Virginia, was founded by Lara Stuckey, whose cakes have since been seen on shows like “Best in Show Cakes” on the Food Network.

Turkey Hill & Papa John’s

Along the lines of more typical concession fare, Turkey Hill and Papa John’s have replaced Breyers and Flippin’ Pizza, respectively.

Gordon Biersch

While not technically in the ballpark, the new Gordon Biersch location will be a major waypoint for fans coming and going from a game. Located right atop the Navy Yard Metro station at 100 M. St., they have a great new space, including an outdoor patio. Be sure to check out their latest seasonal brew.

More Options

Other new establishments in the immediate vicinity around Nationals Park include Park Tavern, which just opened and features a huge outdoor space and a variety of fun house cocktails, and Kruba Thai, serving both Thai food and sushi. Coming soon, expect to see Bluejacket Brewery, Buzz Bakery, Osteria Morini, and Nando’s Peri-Peri.

Some of those Nationals Park mainstays have new dishes on the menu for the 2013 season, and there’s plenty of talk about new local watering holes on the horizon, as well. So whether you come for the baseball and stay for the food and drink or vice-versa, you’ll be all set.

A full list of concessions at Nationals Park and their locations in the stadium can be found on the team’s official website.

*This article was first published on Yahoo News on April 22, 2013