For me, the real appeal of going to Nats Park is the food (sue me). Nationals Park recently added seven new local food and drink vendors for the 2025 season. We went on a field trip to try them all and ranked them worst to best.
7. Mush (Section 137):
This is one of the only vegan options in the park, and we wanted to love it. But, sadly the oyster mushroom fried tenders we got were dry, visually unappealing, and had an off aftertaste. Most were left uneaten.
6. Electric Cool-Aid (Sections 102 and 147):
We tried the spicy chili mango boozy slushie. It was huge and vibey, but that’s where the positives end. It had a distinct grassy flavor we couldn’t shake. We finished it, but only because it was $$$.
5. Taqueria Picoso (Section 117):
This Mexican food stand was a mixed bag. The Sonoran hot dog — wrapped in bacon, covered in beans and salsa — was one of the best bites of the day, but the nachos had a mysterious liquid lurking at the bottom that we didn’t care for. Buy at your own risk.
The pork belly banh mi from Phowheels. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
4. Lucky Danger (Section 238):
Next up was Chef Tim Ma's American-Chinese takeout joint. The menu is more limited than other Lucky Danger locations but they do have their famous orange chicken and veggie lo mein. The mapo chili hot dog is also a must try.
3. Cotton & Reed (Section 109):
Union Market’s favorite rum distillery. We got the queen of the underworld with pomegranate and hibiscus. It was tasty and refreshing, but, it was over $20 and mostly ice, which knocked it down a peg.
2. Kam & 46 (Section 105):
This Hawaiian and Filipino street fare vendor used to be a food truck so they’re no strangers to doing lots with a small space. Try the sisig nachos for an upgrade to the classic stadium snack. Yum.
⭐ 1. Phowheels (Section 140):
Coming in at number one is this Vietnamese street food vendor even though it was one of the last we tried. The pork belly bahn mi was absolutely delightful: juicy, crunchy, fresh, and could easily feed two.
🤔 Final Thoughts:
For me, it’s hard to beat concession stand chicken tenders and fries (so cultured, I know). But, if you’re craving something different and don’t mind a bit of risk, then these are definitely worth a try, especially the bahn mi at Phowheels and the sonoran hot dog at Taqueria Picoso. For drinks, I say stick with a couple tall boys.
