Food is an integral part of the football world, creating a unique fusion of culture and competition. Whether it's tailgating traditions, stadium concessions, or regional specialties, here are some top game day foods to eat in each football team’s city.
Atlanta
When cheering for Atlanta, eating comfort food is a must. The most popular option you’ll find at tailgates and all over the stadium are Southern Hushpuppies – small, savory deep-fried balls made from cornmeal; you won’t be disappointed.
Baltimore
Baltimore sits on the Chesapeake Bay, with a history of seafood dishes, including ever-popular crab. Cold game days are an ideal time for crab cakes or traditional crab soup. On warm days, cool off with a lemon stick: a peppermint stick “straw” stuck into a fresh lemon.
Buffalo
Buffalo is renowned for its wing sauce bearing its name with flavors that taste great on wings, burgers, or in a creamy buffalo chicken dip. Of course, buffalo wings are not complete without a side of bleu cheese or ranch to battle the heat.
Carolina (Charlotte)
Game day in Charlotte may come with a debate of pulled pork vs. whole hog barbecue. Try both, and then make your voice heard for the next game day food discussion. Whichever you decide, finish it off with an ice cream float made with cherry cola.
Chicago
While Chicago is known for loaded deep dish pizza, another game day favorite is the Hot Italian Beef Sandwich. It’s typically made with slow-cooked sliced beef and topped with giardiniera (pickled vegetables) - this Chicago classic is both super tangy and spicy.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati is famous for its chili parlors and spaghetti chili is the perfect game day grub. Its savory, aromatic meat sauce uses Mediterranean flavors like cinnamon and allspice. The sauce is poured over noodles and topped with cheese and onions.
Cleveland
Cleveland fan favorites include popcorn balls and Polish dumplings, called pierogies. You also must try corned beef piled high on a sandwich for the full Cleveland experience.
Dallas
With over 10 million cows calling it home, The Lone Star state reigns supreme when it comes to beef. If you find yourself in Dallas on game day, try Texas-style smoked brisket, simply seasoned with salt and pepper.
Denver
Denver is home to some of the best green chile in the country, so on gameday in Denver you need to grab yourself some green chile nachos at the game. Don’t forget the salsa and guacamole.
Detroit
A version of the coney dog originated in Michigan and has been a fan favorite ever since. The beef hot dog comes with bean less meat chili, white onions, and yellow mustard. And you can’t visit Detroit without eating its iconic square pizza.
Arizona (Glendale)
Local Navajo tribes inspired Arizona’s fry bread. A Navajo taco loads it with minced meat, peppers, cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, and lettuce. Also try Sonoran hot dogs wrapped in bacon and topped with pinto beans, onions, and tomatoes.
Green Bay
Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland, and Green Bay fans are cheeseheads, so football parties aren’t complete without fried cheese curds, beer brats, and frozen custard for dessert.
Houston
Houston is inspired by its southern neighbors, with game day dishes including fajitas, tamales, and tacos. Another favorite is a gameday brunch tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, potatoes, and bacon.
Indianapolis
Game day in Indianapolis comes with fried pork tenderloin sandwiches. The tenderloin is seasoned, breaded, fried, and served on a bun with various toppings. This favorite is so popular that it can be found on many local menus, from high end restaurants to takeout spots.
Jacksonville
The camel rider sandwich hails from Jacksonville and is a testament to the city’s vibrant Arab American community. Typically made with a variety of lunch meats, doused in Italian dressing, and served in pita bread, it’s often accompanied by tabbouleh and cherry limeade.
Kansas City
Kansas City’s distinctive barbecue style starts with beef, pork, or chicken slow smoked with a combination of hickory and oak woods. The meats are then typically served with a thick, sweet, and tangy sauce.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a hotbed for fusion cuisine. Restaurants across the valley feature unique pairings such as Japanese Italian, Latin Asian, and Mexican combined with Italian, Korean, or Chinese. You can pick a new cuisine every game day without being disappointed.
Los Angeles (Rams/Chargers)
With two teams calling Los Angeles home, the city has many fans to feed on gameday. Local favorites include a bacon-wrapped hot dog and a burrito that is almost too big to hold, but the go-to tailgating food in LA is absolutely fish tacos.
Miami
Miami has several culinary options, including Cuban cuisine. Cuban Ham Sandwiches make a delicious tailgating dish. For a snack, try fried green plantains, called tostones.
Minneapolis
A long time ago, a customer asked a restaurant owner to put their cheese inside the burger instead of on top of it and Juicy Lucy was born! The cheese-filled burger is a local tailgating essential in Minnesota.
New England (Foxborough)
A New England gameday staple is none other than hearty and delicious, New England Clam Chowder. It’s the best in the world and it can help warm up any cold football fan on gameday.
New Orleans
New Orleans has a rich history of jazz music, festivals, and distinct food. Watch the game and enjoy a local favorite: The Muffuletta, an Italian sandwich with cured meats, cheese, and olive dressing – all on a hearty round loaf of Italian-style bread.
New York (Jets/Giants)
On gameday, don’t miss eating a giant slice of cheesy New York-style pizza – enjoy it plain or with any of your favorite toppings. If you’re getting an early start on gameday, make sure to try an everything bagel with lox and cream cheese.
Philadelphia
The glorious Philly cheesesteak sandwich has a crusty roll topped with sliced beef and provolone, American, or canned cheese. Another game day favorite is a moist Philly soft pretzel in a figure eight shape with salt melting into it.
Pittsburgh
For something special in Pittsburgh on gameday, find yourself a chipped ham sandwich, which is unique to Pittsburgh. It might not be a bad idea to throw on some of that Pittsburgh Kielbasa Sausage if you’re there.
San Francisco
For people who know, San Francisco has some of the best burritos in the country. On gameday in San Fran, grab a mission style burrito with grilled meat, beans, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, wrapped in foil to go.
Seattle
Dungeness crab is king in the Pacific Northwest! Crab legs on gameday are a Seattle tradition or enjoy it in a warm piquillo and crab dip that is perfect for a cold winter day of football.
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay has a strong Cuban community and a food scene to match. For example, a deviled crab is a deep-fried croquette with fresh crab, spices, mayonnaise, and breadcrumbs. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a Cuban-inspired guava pastry.
Tennessee (Nashville)
Nashville’s hot chicken sandwich features crispy fried chicken brushed with cayenne pepper sauce on a toasted bun with pickles and creamy coleslaw. The sandwich has grown in popularity and can be found in many cities around the country. Most important, it’s the perfect size for tailgating on gameday!
Washington, D.C.
A popular gameday dish is a tray of Salvadoran pupusas, thick corn tortillas with savory fillings like cheese, meat, and veggies. Another must have in D.C. on gameday is a half-smoke, a fresh sausage topped with chili and cheese. Don’t forget to dip practically everything in DC Mumbo sauce.
Football lovers and foodies align when it comes to the enjoying different dishes on gamedays. Whether you’re trying to watch your favorite team or sample dishes from many different cities, football season is one of the best times of year for you.