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There's no reason to settle on a mediocre hot dog or $8 Coors Light — there are plenty of great options out there, if you know where to look. If there's time to spare before the game, try a wild boar dog at Biker Jim's Dogs or enjoy a selection of 150+ beers at Falling Rock Taphouse. The stadium has a few solid bets as well, including the Wok in the Park food truck and Helton Burger Shack. Guests at Coors Field are also permitted to bring food into the stadium, so check the list of permitted items and consider grabbing something extra delicious on the way to the game.
In honor of the first day of the 2012 baseball season, here's a guide for what to eat at and around Coors Field.
Five Ballpark Area Standouts
Falling Rock Taphouse, 1919 Blake Street.: Named one of the top 100 beer bars in American by Draft Magazine, Falling Rock Taphouse offers 75+ beers on tap and 130+ bottled beers. The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, burgers and appetizers.
Breckenridge BallPark Pub, 2220 Blake Street: The pub recently closed for some renovations, and as of April 3rd, it's back in full swing. Breckenridge BallPark Pub serves a long list of local brews, and the food menu doesn't skip any ballpark essentials. Look for the brewery's barrel-aged cocktail offerings.
Wynkoop Brewing, 1634 18th Street: It is Colorado’s first brewpub afterall, so it's definitely a staple pregame destination. Wynkoop's specialities include mighty red gumbo, mashers and bangers (Scottish sausage, mustard sauce, kraut, mashed potatoes), stout braised pot roast and buttermilk fried chicken. Anything ordered at Wynkoop will match well with one of their signature beers.
Biker Jim's Dogs, 2148 Larimer Street: For anyone in search of a truly above average dog, Jim's is your place. It's also an Eater 38 essential. Dog options include elk jalapeno cheddar, wild boar, rattlesnack & pheasant, duck cilantro and many, many more. Top your dog with awesome things like caramelized onions, cream cheese, harissa roasted cactus and wasabi aioli. Jim's offers a selection of craft beer and a few cocktails as well.
Marco's Coal-Fired Pizza, 2129 Larimer Street: Pizza isn't hard to come by inside of Coors Field, but really good pizza should be pursued outside of the stadium. Marco's is definitely worth the short walk, and it's also an Eater 38 essential. Get down on a pizza Napoletana, a New York-style pizza or build the ultimate dream pie. Marco's also offers gluten-free crust — it's supposed to be pretty good, too.
* indicates special Eater recommendations
Main Concourse
*Mountain Ranch Bar & Grille: A full restaurant inside Coors Field, serving a menu stacked with a decent selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and entrees. Reservations are encouraged and guests can arrive up to an hour and an half early. (right field corner)
*Wok in the Park: Believed to be the first on-site stadium food truck, Wok in the Park dishes out noodles and egg rolls. (near section 150)
Aliki Pizza: Typical stadium fare, including beer, soda, ice cream, pizza, pretzels, Cracker Jacks, candy, peanuts and sunflower seeds. (section 119)
Buckaroos: An excellent option for those with kids. Buckaroos features tiny tot hot dogs, mini burgers, kid's pizza, dinger nuggets, lil'l pretzels and nachos. (section 148)
Blake Street Burrito: Just as the name implies, this is the place to satisfy burrito cravings. They serve chicken, steak and pork green chili. Beer and margaritas can also be found here. (section 134)
Fan Fare:All concession needs, including polish sausage, super dogs and pizza. (sections 109, 129, 139, 157)
Gluten-Free: Yes, there's gluten-free options at Coors Field, including gluten-free chicken sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, brownies, cookies — even beer! (section 142)
Grille Works: Concession favorites are covered at Grille Works. Plus, there's Hebrew National Rockie Dog and those novelty baseball sundaes. (sections 114, 126, 144)
*Helton Burger Shack: Ah yes, the Helton burger. It's been coined one of the best burgers in baseball, topped with grilled onions, pickles and a special sauce. Paired with some onion rings and a shake, it's a win. (section 153)
Madeline's (151): When it's hot, and soft serve is a must, Madeline's is the place.
Monster Nacho: Standard concessions, plus large nachos. (sections 109, 129, 139)
Blue Moon Brewing Company @ the Sandlot (section 111): A place where Blue Moon really gained a fan base, Blue Moon Brewing Company also specializes in baseball-themed beers. The pub will debut Blue Moon Farmhouse Red Ale this season, a sour beer available at The Sandlot and at select Coors Field vendors.
Wazee Market (section 137): Pizza varieties galore, wrapped hot dogs, pork sandwiches, spicy Italian sausages, chicken parmesan sandwiches, and brisket sandwiches.
Wazee Bar: Full service bar with liquor, wine, and beer. (section 135)
*Xtreme Dog: Serious ballpark franks dressed with the good stuff. Examples include the Rockies bacon blue dog (blue cheese crumbles and dressing, bacon, red onion) and the Denver dog (cheddar, green chili sauce, jalapeno). (sections 130, 144)
Right Field Greens: It is possible to avoid fried food, nacho cheese, hot dogs and greasy burgers at the ballpark. Right Field Greens offers a build-your-own salad bar. (section 120)
Club Level
Aliki Pizza: Typical stadium fare, including beer, soda, ice cream, pizza, pretzels, Cracker Jacks, candy, peanuts and sunflower seeds. {section 205)
Club Grill: Located in multiple places around the stadium, the Club Grill has standard ballpark grub covered: beer, margaritas, Rockie dogs, footlong dogs, bratwurst, burgers, chicken, pizza and nachos. (sections 218, 226, 239, 243)
Club Level Bar: Full service bar with liquor, wine, and beer. (sections 219, 238)
Java City: Coffee, candy and ice cream. (section 223)
Upper Concourse
Aliki Pizza: Typical stadium fare, including beer, soda, ice cream, pizza, pretzels, Cracker Jacks, candy, peanuts and sunflower seeds. (sections 312, 327)
Fan Fare All concession needs, including polish sausage, super dogs and pizza. (sections 301, 306, 313, 319, 328, 340, 344)
Grille Works: Concession favorites are covered at Grille Works. Plus, there's Hebrew National Rockie Dog and those novelty baseball sundaes. (sections 317, 325, 335)
Cheesesteaks: The place to find the Denver cheesesteak and the chicken philly. (section 328)
*Xtreme Dog: Serious ballpark franks dressed with the good stuff. Examples include the Rockies bacon blue dog (blue cheese crumbles and dressing, bacon, red onion) and the Denver dog (cheddar, green chili sauce, jalapeno). (section 331)
Yard Ball Yogurt: Just a few offerings here, including Ice cream, beer and soda. (section 330)
Clocktower Bar: Full service bar with liquor, wine, and beer. (section 331)
Cocktail Bar: Full service bar with liquor, wine, and beer. (section 315)