Royal eats: New dishes and returning fan faves this season at Kauffman Stadium

New to Kauffman Stadium: Joe’s KC Z-Man BBQ sandwiches // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Attending a Royals game is not just a sporting event, it’s a cultural experience. From the game itself to the fireworks, the BBQ and beer to the condiment races and kid activities–not to mention themed days–there’s something to engage anyone. In fact, my go-to method for enjoying a game does not require spending a lot of money on “good” seats, but buying whatever cheap-ish seats are available and spending most of the time walking around. Last season’s changes to the pitching clock, however, improved the game’s pacing and thus its ability to keep my attention.

Attendees of Royals games have myriad options for sustenance– from traditional popcorn and hotdogs at most concession stands, to local barbeque or plant-based options at specialty stands.

And speaking of the classics, Royals COO Jason Sinnarajah proudly announced the return of the value menu this season, offering expected stadium eats at a lower price point. This includes $5 beers (limited selection), $4 hot dogs, plus $3 popcorn, pretzels, and soda available at eight locations throughout the stadium.

New this year, and coming in at a higher price point but offering a KC-culture staple, is the addition of Joe’s Kansas City BBQ. It is located in the “BBQ Pit”, near the outfield experience. There, the Z-Man sandwich is available in both slow-smoked beef brisket and smoked pulled chicken, with Joe’s BBQ sauce, smoked provolone, and two onion rings on a toasted Kaiser roll. With a side of onion rings added, it comes in around $20. 

At this week’s preview event, I didn’t bother trying the Z-Man because I’ve ordered it many times. The new Kauffman Fried Chicken Quesadilla (available at the KC Cantina) was a different story. 

New fried chicken quesadilla at Kauffman Stadium // Photo by Sarah Sipple

This Midwest-leaning handheld is filled with crispy fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, cheddar cheese, and green onions, and served with a creamy dipping sauce. As long as I’m truly hungry at the next game I attend, I will enjoy this one again.

A new over-the-top dessert is available at Craft & Draft. Back to Blueberry features two liege waffle buns holding basque cheesecake and blueberry compote, rolled in Fruity Pebbles. I found the waffles to be dry and dense, but it did help the structure of the handheld dessert. The cheesecake, blueberries, and cereal were great–I ditched the waffles and used my fork to devour the innards.

Back to Blueberry dessert at Kauffman Stadium // Photo by Sarah Sipple

The one dish that I cannot recommend is the Cheese Frenchee–a vegetarian sandwich available at Rivals near the outfield. This decked-out grilled cheese has cheddar and provolone on Texas toast and then is battered in Cool Ranch Doritos before being deep-fried. The crispy-meets-melty texture was satisfying, but it was missing any oomph in flavor. It could use a more distinct cheese or extra Cool Ranch seasoning to punch it up and be a worthy companion to a beer or seltzer. 

Boulevard Brewing Co. has a few features at concession stands that customers have come to expect, such as Quirk and beer varieties. 

Two Royals-inspired bevvies are available, like the returning Quirk Blueberry Slam and the brand new Boulevard Crown Town Ale–a light, crisp ale in a playfully-illustrated Royal blue can. Also new this year at The K is Boulevard’s Quirk Hard Teas. Similar to Quirk hard seltzers, the canned beverage is light and refreshing with little sugar and a lower ABV. 

Check out the full listing of Kauffman Stadium foods here, and go Royals!