San Francisco, CA: AT&T Park

City: San Francisco, CA
Foodie: Diana Iakoubova, Yardbarker and The Sports Biotch

Venue: AT&T Park
Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza San Francisco, CA 94107
Team: San Francisco Giants

Diana’s Taste:

I’m an Oakland A’s fan, and I completely accept the fact that our stadium sucks. Do I really care that much? No. Because I am there to watch a game, hang out with friends, drink beer, and eat food made of random animal parts. Giants fans, however, are much too “sophisticated” for such peasant-like behavior. They pay up the John David Booty for their tickets only to escape from the cold, foggy weather to a fine dining establishment such as the Acme Chophouse.

The Chophouse is located within the stadium walls, though you don’t need a ticket to get in. You do need a well-padded wallet, however. I have to admit that I have eaten here once (I definitely wasn’t the one paying), and the food wasn’t bad. But people, you’re here for a baseball game. Sure, a giant slab of red meat is appropriate for such an occasion, but the words “grass fed steak tartare” should never appear on a menu within the confines of a stadium. Ever.

What do I recommend instead? Some stinky, greasy Gordon Biersch garlic fries. “Amazing” is the only word that can be used to describe these, um, aromatic delicacies. You can find them at concession stands around the stadium, or at the Gordon Biersch brewery/restaurant, located about a mile north on Embarcadero. Pretty much anything you get at the restaurant is guaranteed to be delicious, and be sure to ask for samples of all their beers. They’ll keep ‘em comin’.

Finally, for a more “mom and pop” feel, hit up the South Beach Cafe on Embarcadero and Townsend, across the street from the stadium. I believe it’s run by a very nice Italian family (complete with hot Italian waitress, gentlemen) and has delicious, authentic Italian food. Try a pizza topped with prosciutto or some meaty lasagna - bomb. It also has a few outdoor tables where locals can be found sipping on their capuccinos, relaxing after their morning runs and pilates classes as their yellow labs nap underneath their chairs. A pleasant setting for a pre- or post-game meal…if you can stand the intense stench of yuppy, that is.

ATT Park photo credit: Diamondback75