For a ballgame experience this is a must, this place also has some great selections when it comes to the food category, and I have pretty much tried them all! First you have plenty of options. Check it out:
AYCE Buffet:
Suppose you have been stranded in the backwoods of Berks County and drifted down the Schuylkill then made your way to the ball park. The problem is you only have $20! Guess what this is not a problem; for this scenario grab yourself a general admission ticket ($8) and get a AYCE ticket for ($12). Just to make sure everyone understands what I am laying down for some reason food related things love acronyms. So for those that do not know, AYCE is All You Can Eat, this is better than a BYOB! Anyway the Reading Phillies AYCE Buffet is a grand slam! First you have access to a soda fountain, which has a variety of Pepsi products (the only negative for me - I prefer Coke). Next you have access to chips and sourdough pretzel nuggets (I know this is something from a bag). Okay not super impressed yet, I know what you're thinking, I could buy a month supply of this so far for $12. While walking through the buffet line you will now notice they have potato and macaroni salad (I prefer the macaroni salad), and then hot dogs, and hamburgers (unfortunately not cheeseburgers) but hey that is okay, because while you are looking at the hot dogs and hamburgers a smell will grab your nose like a baseball player grabs their crotch. That smell is BBQ chicken, and this chicken looks so small (thank God it is AYCE) and you are probably saying to yourself, I spent $12 on this?!? Well after you take 1 piece of chicken, you will be back for more - trust me. It is such a simple recipe, but it is defines a backyard BBQ. For group events my guests will always say "boy that chicken at the game was phenomenal" however I have no idea how they do it with such large quantities. All I know when I get a peak at the guy slaving over the charcoal grill in the background, it looks like he has been making the BBQ chicken at First Energy Stadium since Reading was the minor league affiliate for the Cleveland Indians! So with that being said, the chicken makes the AYCE buffet worth it (if you are a chicken fan!)
Concession Stands
I understand you may come to the park and decide, I want to grab something at the concession stands, that is cool because I do that too! For some strange reason that my heritage will not be proud of I really enjoy the pizza. Now be careful there are two pizza locations in the park that I am aware of. The first will get you as soon as you come into the stadium (1st base gate). The pizza place that I like is the one in the concourse area of the stadium (beneath the infield seats). It is the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor Pizza, and it reminds me of carnival pizza we use to get from the local fire department once every summer. I am sure it is frozen, but the sauce and cheese is great, the crust is crispy. I would have to say this is my guilty pleasure. They have a wide selection of various products, here they are in list order (yes I have eaten all of these):
Walking Taco's (a snack bag of Frito's with taco meat and cheese - quite yummy by the way). This is a good side option.
The Grand Slammer: This is a beast of a burger, Two patties probably a 1/2 lb. of meat on a seeded role, between the two patties is cheese whiz with french fries, and on top of the roll is two pickle slices stuck on with a tooth pick. This thing is a beast, and I couldn't finish it!
French Fries: Delicious with ketchup or cheese (no need to go large, a regular order is plenty in my opinion) These are about the same thickness as McDonald's fries. My wife and I will often split a regular order of fries.
Popcorn Chicken: Very good small fried chicken bites, if I can recall it is about 8-10 pieces? I could be wrong.
Philly Dog: Hot dog with a cheesesteak toppings, yes a Philly Cheesesteak is topped on this dog!
Taco Dog: It is what is sounds like (similar to the Philly Dog), has taco meat, cheese, and tortilla crumbles on a jumbo dog!
Plain Hot Dog: For $2 you can have a plain dog, for $2.50 add cheese whiz.
Soft Pretzels: Super pretzels, oh yeah as with the rest of my stuff throw a cheese cup on for $.50 and it is a great treat.
Nuts for You: This stand makes cinnamon candied nuts (small $4, and a large is $7) they also make kettle corn and popcorn. These nuts are fantastic, they have a choice between almonds, pecans, or cashews. They are addictive, the only thing I wish is they had a variety pack of all three.
I will write additional reviews on this place, but all in all I want to show all of the options. Look for more reviews around the actual game day experiences! I hope you take my word and experience it for yourself! read more