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Lincoln Financial Field has an expanded local food menu as the Eagles welcome back a full complement of fans for the first time in almost two years.
New on the concession roster this year: beer from Two Locals Brewing, Philadelphia’s only Black-owned brewery; fried chicken from NoLibs fave Love & Honey; and cheesesteaks from West Passyunk stand Philip’s.
Spiked by the delta variant, area COVID cases are on the rise as the pre-season kicks off, but the team is not implementing a mask mandate. Instead, face coverings are strongly recommended for everyone when indoors — and for unvaccinated people even when outside. (Masks can’t be kept on when eating and drinking, of course, so keep that in mind if you choose to attend.)
Hand sanitizer stations are now installed all over the Linc, although you shouldn’t have to touch much because the entire stadium has gone cashless.
You’ll flash a mobile ticket at the gate, and buy all merch and concessions with credit, debit, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. You can find cash-to-credit conversion stands in the lobby and behind Sections 105 and 121.
Newly branded areas show the infiltration of gambling into every facet of American sports. The FOX Bet Lounge has a regular and VIP level, and offers views of player arrivals and post-game press conferences. The DraftKings Field Club includes a sideline pen in the north end zone.
There’s also a new Jameson bar, which offers a questionable cocktail called “Tailgate Time.” A mix of whiskey, Pepsi, and cold brew coffee, its name is actually pretty accurate as far as what people ingest outside in the parking lot before games. The best local food is no doubt found there, as people break out entire grilling stations and other fancy cooking set-ups.
Most of the in-stadium eats come from catering giant Aramark, which is the team’s official menu partner, but a handful of Philly-area businesses offer their own unique dishes at Linc concession stands.
The list is always changing, and the 2021-2022 offerings take things up a notch. Here’s how to eat and drink local at Eagles games this year.
Two Locals Brewing Company (new)
Section 132
Brothers Richard and Mengistu Koilor still haven’t found a brick-and-mortar home for what they tout as Pennsylvania’s first independent Black-owned brewery, but their beer is available via online ordering and at Craft Hall on Delaware Avenue.
It’s also now pouring at the Linc. Eagles President Don Smolenski told reporters he saw the company featured in The Inquirer, with one of the brothers wearing a Birds hat — so he reached out, and the deal was done.
Love & Honey Fried Chicken (new)
Section 108
Wife-and-husband chefs Laura and Todd Lyons followed their dream of owning their own restaurant with the 2017 launch of a shop on Front Street in Northern Liberties. It was an immediate hit, and has since landed on several national best-of lists.
Eagles fans will now get a chance to taste the juicy crunch of buttermilk fried chicken, lightly drizzled with honey before serving, and the sides of cornbread with signature honey butter.
Philip’s Steaks (new)
Section 101
With a roadside stand at the southern end of West Passyunk, this family-owned operation is one of the city’s less-touted but still-classic cheesesteak shops. Originally founded by Frank Narducci Sr. it’s now run by Joseph and Philip Baldino, who sling sandwiches 24 hours a day.
After becoming the official cheesesteak of the Philadelphia Union last year, Philip’s is stepping up to the big time and joining the lineup at the Linc.
The Pierogie Place (new)
Section 125
Using biodegradable and compostable packaging, this Jersey Shore spot was successful enough to expand from its original Wildwood location and open a new storefront in Ocean City this year. The family behind the Polish-style dumplings continues the expansion trend with a new stand for Eagles fans.
McNally’s Tavern
Pepsi Plaza
With its combo of griddled beef, salami, tomato, onion and cheese, the Schmitter might be the city’s most famous proper-named sandwich. Born at the 100-year-old tavern in Chestnut Hill, it’s no longer available at Citizens Bank Park, but the legacy lives on at Lincoln Financial Field.
Tony Luke’s
Section 112
With cheesesteaks taken care of by Philip’s, this stand offers roast pork sandwiches instead. One part of the family branched off from the original shop on Oregon Avenue to run franchises, which exist at several Philly stadiums and around the world.
Chickie’s & Pete’s
21 stadium locations
Take a walk around the Lincoln Financial Field concourse and you can hardly avoid the ubiquitous Crabfries from this Northeast Philly-founded sports bar. The signature fried potato strips, which are now also sold in Yankee Stadium and Baltimore’s M&T Bank, are dusted with Old Bay seasoning, and served with white cheddar dipping sauce.
Zac’s Burgers
Section 110
Founded in 1984 with a single location in Crum Lynne, Delaware County, this family-operated biz now has five locations, including the one in the South Philly stadium.
