A Winning Food Lineup at Snapdragon Stadium
As the home of San Diego State University football, San Diego Wave soccer, San Diego Legion rugby and much more, the beautiful Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley is San Diego's newest hotspot for great sports and entertainment. And along with the venue's championship lineup of teams and events comes a winning variety of dining and drinking options — all with deep ties to San Diego. From stadium standards to local gourmet favorites, Snapdragon has the bites and beverages to make you stand up and cheer. Here's a roundup of top options.
The Crack Shack
The Dish: Local devotees of chicken deliciousness find poultry perfection at this mini-chain.
Stadium location: North.
Signature item: Coop DeVille with Schmaltz Fries: a fried Jidori chicken breast, pickled Fresno chilis, pickles, lime mayo, napa cabbage, brioche.
Area locations: Little Italy and Encinitas.
The Taco Stand
The Dish: Taco competition is fierce in San Diego, but The Taco Stand packs 'em in with its creative variations on this local standard.
Stadium locations: North, East
Signature item: Two carne asada tacos with chips and salsa.
Area locations: Downtown, Encinitas, La Jolla, North Park, Kearny Mesa.
Hodad's
Stadium locations: East, Southwest, West (upper level).
The Dish: Hodad's is practically synonymous with burgers in San Diego, thanks to its suitably surf-y vibe and heaping helpings. The place has been cheekily described as a "50-year overnight success story."
Signature item: Cheeseburger with fries.
Area locations: Downtown, Ocean Beach.
Best Pizza & Brew
The Dish: This growing local chain stays true to its name with creative and tasty pizzas and more.
Stadium locations: East, Southwest, West (upper).
Signature item: Best White Slice, includes rosemary garlic oil, spinach, ricotta, caramelized onions, roasted garlic with mozzarella and provolone.
Area locations: Cardiff, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Mira Mesa, Oceanside, Vista.
Cali BBQ
The Dish: Celebrating 15 years of serving savory barbecue specialties in San Diego, Cali BBQ, which has made its name here on slow-cooked barbecue, lives by the motto "Slow Food — Fast."
Stadium locations: North, East.
Signature item: Pulled pork sandwich, with choice of wedding beans or potato salad.
Area locations: Spring Valley, Barrio Logan Food Hub, Aztec Food Hub
Gaglione Bros.
The Dish: Philly-style cheesesteaks and subs are the bread and butter of Gaglione Bros., whose popular restaurant is just down the road from Snapdragon.
Stadium location: East.
Signature item: Cheesesteak with grilled onions and American cheese.
Area location: Mission Valley.
Batch & Box
The Dish: Handmade cookies from this beloved bakery make for a sweet addition to your Snapdragon experience.
Stadium locations: Southeast cookie cart, Northwest and West (upper level) in The Markets, as well as three premium clubs.
Signature item: The Classic chocolate chip cookie.
Area location: Del Mar, Westfield UTC.
Everbowl
The Dish: Superfood smoothies, bowls and more are the whole ballgame at this healthy-fare favorite.
Stadium location: Southeast.
Signature item: Acai bowl, with Acai, banana, strawberries, blueberries and granola.
Area locations: Nearly two dozen county locations, including Bonita, Poway, Mission Valley, Rancho Peñasquitos, Santee and SDSU area.
Sandbar Sportsbar & Grill
The Dish: An institution in San Diego’s Mission Beach, the Sandbar brings its local-food flair from the boardwalk to the big stadium.
Stadium location: Southeast. Sycuan Piers (Upper Suite).
Signature item: Fish Taco TKO Style ($13.00) - fried local white fish on a cotija-crusted flour tortilla, chipotle aioli, beer-brined escabeche slaw, lime crema, spicy guacamole, crispy onion strings, fried cilantro.
Area locations: Mission Beach.
Tarantino
The Dish: Gourmet sausages are the name of the game for this San Diego-born company.
Stadium locations: Various (mobile carts)Signature item: Bratwurst or Kielbasa.
Area locations: Otay Mesa.
The Market
The Dish: Pop in for quick snacks and refreshments at these handy stops around the stadium.
Stadium locations: North, South, West (upper level).
Area locations: Otay Mesa.
Food Trucks
The Dish: A rotating lineup of mobile food purveyors offer even more San Diego flavor,
Stadium location: Northeast corner. Different menus from game to game.
A Bounty of Beverages
Besides the stadium's abundance of awesome food, Snapdragon also pours some of San Diego's finest microbrews and more, at bars and beverage carts. A rundown:
- Locals Only Tap House: Sections 101; 104; 109; 114; 134; 138
- Dos Equis Bar: Section 101, plus two mobile carts
- Container Bar: Section 139
- Nova Easy Kombucha Bar: Section 104; Upper Piers
- Bud Light Seltzer Bar: Section 110\
- 1800 Tequila: Lower Piers
- AleSmith Beers Under the Piers: Lower Piers
- The Still by Cutwater: Section 334
- Ballast Point Mobile Can Cart (various locations)
- Michelob Ultra Classics (various locations)
- Lemonade Orchard (various locations)