Yesterday (March 31), Baseball Roundtable took part in what has become a Roundtable rite of spring – the Twins’ annual food and beverage preview, sponsored by the Twins and Sportservice – the sports hospitality division of Delaware North. This event features a look at (and taste of) the upcoming season’s new Target Field food and beverage offerings.
Now, there are some things I (possibly as a curmudgeon) miss about baseball seasons past; regularly scheduled, Sunday, single-admission doubleheaders; pitchers committed to completing what they started; extra-innings played by the same rules as the rest of the game; And, I think, this season, I’ll miss those crafty hurlers with the ability to “work the edges” and expand the strike zone. Still, baseball is, in my mind, the best and most addictive of sports (for my post on the eleven reasons “Why I Love Baseball” click here).
But I digress. I must also admit, I don’t miss the old-style baseball “menu.” As I’ve noted here before, when I first began attending MLB games, standard fare consisted of (not always piping-hot) hot dogs and (not always ice-cold) beer and soda. For those wanting to step outside the box, there were peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jack®. For the really adventurous, there were frozen malt cups (with a wooden spoon after taste). When pizza, burgers and licorice ropes arrived on the scene, we all thought baseball’s culinary landscape was complete. When helmets loaded with nachos were added, we were sure of it.
The 2026 Target Field food and beverage preview (like those that went before it ) brought home how wrong we were about reaching the ultimate in ballpark fare – and how committed the Twins are to continually raising the ballpark food and beverage (and value) bar.
Here are a few of Baseball Roundtable’s favorite new Target Field offerings for 2026 – as judged by super-taster Bob King and me. Note: At the time of this writing, the Twins had not yet posted prices for the new items, but they should be on Twins.com before the April 3 home opener.
NUMBER ONE
Mac and Yes Please … (Section 113)
“Mac and Yes Please” takes Macaroni and Cheese from the comfort-food category to gourmet ballpark fare. Bob I both ranked this as our number-one new offering – and you can build it to fit your own taste. You start with a generous helping of Cavatappi pasta tossed in creamy white cheddar cheese sauce and toasted breadcrumbs. Then you choose the toppings from a list that includes: Buffalo chicken, brisket, blue cheese crumbles, sliced hot peppers and fried onion crisps. Then, you top the whole thing off with your choice of a Buffalo ranch or BBQ drizzle.
A word of advice: Make sure you ask for the blue cheese crumbles. As Bob noted: “That blue cheese takes this to a whole new level.“ Indeed, they do. Note: A more basic kid’s option is available.
NUMBER TWO
Wicked Corn Dogs … Section 232
Okay, what’s more baseball than a hot dog? Or what’s more Minnesota (think State Fair) than a corn dog, a hot dog encased in sweet corn meal breading and served on a stick? And could be more wickedly wonderful than enhancing those traditional favorites with spicy jalapenos or cheddar and smooth American cheese and offering it at a Twins game? Wicked Corn Dogs start with a quality dog from Manea ‘s Meats in Sauk Rapids. Then each dog is enhanced with jalapeno (a whole jalapeno in each dog) or a well-balanced combination of cheddar and American Cheese. Which one to choose? (Let’s work in some baseball here.) In honor of Twins’ Cy Young Award winner Frank “Sweet Music “ Viola: If you like spicy salsa music, go for the Jalapeno Wicked Corn Dog; If you prefer smooth, cool jazz, it’s the cheese version. Bob, by the way, says he intends make a Wicked Corn Dog his “opening” Opening Day snack.
NUMBER THREE
Mediterranean Bowl (Section 114)
This is a tasty and a refreshing combination of steamed rice topped with chicken shawarma (a vegetarian option is available), diced red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese and a perfect tzatziki sauce. True Mediterranean flavors, right at the ballpark. Perhaps the only thing better than enjoying a Mediterranean Bowl on a sunny afternoon, during a Twins game, would be enjoying one between games of a doubleheader.
ALSO IN THE MIX
Elote (from La Madres) … Section 110
A true Mexican Street Food experience – steamed corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise and coated in a choice of cotija, Tajín or árbol spice, plus Flamin’ Hot Cheetos or hot blue corn chips, and served with lime wedges. This is a tasty treat. Bob and I agreed, an authentic tribute to the Mexican Street Food experience. And, hey, it’s on a stick. We tried all three flavors – and liked them all.
—SOMETHING FOR THE SWEET TOOTH—
Justin’s Candied Popcorn Bar … Section 106
You simply can’t go wrong with anything that served in a baseball helmet, whether it’s nachos or ice cream sundaes … and especially if it’s fresh-popped popcorn complemented by your choice of toppings including Reese’s Pieces; M&M’s; crushed Oreos; chocolate-covered pretzels; yogurt-covered pretzels; Nerds clusters; cookie crumbles; miniature marshmallows; and chocolate, white chocolate or caramel sauce. A great shareable with that special mix of salty and sweet. The helmet full will keep two or three adults smiling. (If you buy it for the kids, it’ll keep them busy for three to four innings, but be ready for an energetic ride home.) Professional (well, semi-professiual ) tip, rinse out the helmet before you try it on.
Chocolate Fish on a Stick … Truly On Deck and Keeper’s Heart Town Ball Tavern
This Japanese-inspired dessert – from Minneapolis-based chef Mathew Kazama – features a fish-shaped waffle plumped with a sweet filling and served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. It’s rich, so eat it slow – and take a picture before you bite into the fish’s tail (not sure if it’s a Walleye.)
No Gluten Way (Section 112):
There’s a new section dedicated to fans following a gluten-free diet. Among then gluten-free offerings:
- Beef burger with white American cheese, grilled onions, bacon and bistro sauce on a gluten-free bun;
- All-beef hot dog with grilled onions on a gluten-free bun;
- A variety of gluten-free snack items;
- Tasty gluten-free cookies from Minneapolis’ family-owned Atuvava Bakery; and
- A selection of gluten-free beers, seltzers and nonalcoholic beverages.
—BEVERAGES—
Niko Niko …. Section 120
Expanding on the successful 2025 introduction of Boba Tea at Target Field, Niko Niko expands the experience with new Boba flavors and Dirty Sodas, as well as Boozy Boba adult-beverage options . They’ll all put a sparkle in your game day experience.
Dirty Sodas: Peachy Dew; Creamy Pepsi; Pink Cream Soda.
Boba Tea: Strawberry Lemon Fizz; Signature Milk Tea; Hawaiian Fruit Tea.
Boozy Boba: Tequila Sunrise; Peach Palmer; Rum and Jam.
Summertime Shandies … (Several stadium bars, restaurants and clubs)
Target Field mixologists (mixologists at the ballpark, another sign of the upgrading of food and beverage offerings) have put together several flavors of this popular Midwest summer drink. (I can endorse the raspberry.)
More Mocktails …. Truly On Deck, Keeper’s Heart Town Ball Tavern, Hrbek’s)
Plenty of new, fun non-alcoholic options, themed for the baseball fan. We particularly liked the Bullpen Breeze and Moon Shot.
—-Some VALUE-able Tips—-
Here are a few 2026 Target Field Bargains that may bring you out to the ballpark early.
- $2 pregame beers: Available before every game for MyTwins Choice and Reserved Members 21+; and for all fans 21+ before every Friday and Saturday game (12-oz. cans of Summit Twins Pils, Budweiser and Bud Light)
- Friday Happy Hour: Every Friday home is a party, with pre-game $2 beers, $2 hot dogs and $2 snacks, plus music from a band or DJ.
- Free Sunday Ice Cream for the Kids: All kids 12 and under get a free ice cream at every Sunday home game, as part of Kids Day presented by Target! (Sundays also include half-price kids’ meals, presented by U.S. Bank.)
- Tuesday Dollar Dog Day: Dollar Dogs are back, presented by Sheboygan Sausage Company.
Note: Pregame value deals are available from the time the gates open through the scheduled first pitch at select concession stands. $2 beers are available to fans 21+ with a valid ID.
So, there’s a look at some of The Roundtable’s favorites from among Target Field’s new offerings. Enjoy the 2016 baseball season and Go Twins/Go Saints!
Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.
Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here.
I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT. Follow me for new blog post notifications.
Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.
Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.
P 1159
