1. Kansas City Chiefs
The food on display outside of Arrowhead Stadium is second to none when it comes to tailgate grub. Here you’ll find a wide variety of food ranging from ribs to brisket to even lobster, although barbecue is king since Kansas City is home to some of the finest barbecue in the nation.
2. Green Bay Packers
Packers fans love to eat and as a result, they prepare some of the best tailgate food you’ll find anywhere. The brats and cheese curds at Packers tailgates are to die for meaning you’ll enter Lambeau feeling full.
3. LSU
One of the most notable aspects of tailgating at LSU is the food that many will share; jambalaya, gumbo, multiple types of seafood, or even alligator if Florida is in town. It is definitely in your best interest to come to an LSU tailgate hungry and ready to party.
4. Oklahoma State
At Oklahoma State, you’ll find a broad range of cuisine ranging from Southwestern food to barbecue and much more. Typically people commit to a different theme each week, which means if you have something to share then you’ll likely be able to experience a little bit of everything
5. Chicago Bears
The first thing needed for any tailgate is good food, and when it comes to food, Chicago is almost unbeatable! If you’re in the mood for hot dogs then you’ve come to the right place, just make sure they are Chicago-style with a poppy seed bun, tomato, mustard, onion, sweet relish, dill pickles, sports peppers, and some celery salt. After polishing off a hot dog to get you started, you can move on up to a polish sausage or Italian beef. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you should opt for the Chicago tailgating specialty, Grilled Krispy Kreme donuts! Just replace a traditional hamburger bun with two donuts, and you will have a unique Chicago tailgating experience.
6. Buffalo Bills
Chicken wings are the official tailgate food of the Buffalo Bills. Wings served up by Buffalo Bills fans will usually be tossed in Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, and if they are not they probably belong to an out-of-towner or a new fan. Chicken wings are not the only food staple of Bills tailgating, however. If you’re feeling a little bit more adventurous than traditional chicken wings, opt for beef on weck.
7. North Carolina
Food plays a big part in a Tar Heels tailgate as there are plenty of wares on display on game days here. Some of the most popular items are the Carolina burger and of course barbecue. The Carolina burger is a delicious burger topped with chili and cole slaw, which is sure to make your mouth water just thinking about it. Tar Heels fans put out quite the spread, so make sure to bring your appetite to a UNC tailgate.
8. Oklahoma
When tailgating at Oklahoma, you’ll smell the delicious aromas of some of the best barbecue in the nation as well as many other tailgate favorites including burgers, chicken, and much more. The nearby Campus Corner also offers plenty of excellent bars and restaurants to check out as well.
9. Phildelphia Eagles
When tailgating before an Eagles game come prepared to enjoy some local favorites including cheesesteaks, Italian sausage, and soft pretzels. You can make these dishes yourself or buy them and bring them to the tailgate depending on your cooking expertise. If you’re looking to grab a good cheese steak before the game, you can’t go wrong with Pat or Gino’s, and you won’t find a better pretzel than those made by the Philadelphia Soft Pretzel Factory.
10. Clemson
The food at Clemson is second to none as you’ll see a wide variety of food ranging from KFC to whole pig roasts. The fans here are very friendly and observe Southern hospitality making a Clemson tailgate one big party where everyone is welcome. Bring some beers and some barbecue, and you’ll make friends quickly.
11. Kansas City Royals
Similar to Arrowhead, Kauffman Stadium is home to some incredible tailgate food. The barbecue here is outstanding, and you’ll also find plenty of traditional favorites like hot dogs and burgers as well.
12. South Carolina
Gamecocks fans love to tailgate and kick things off five hours before kick off. When you arrive, you’ll find the lots covered in garnet and black with the smokers fired up and ready to prepare some of the finest barbecues you’ll ever eat.
13. Cincinnati Reds
Before heading to a Reds game is the perfect time to try Cincinnati’s famous Skyline Chili. If chili isn’t your thing, then you’ll find plenty of other excellent options at other downtown Cincinnati eateries like Tin Roof.
14. Texas
One of the best places in the country for Texas brisket is outside of Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Even if brisket isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of delicious Texas favorites on display at a Longhorns tailgate.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
A Steelers tailgate offers fans the opportunity to enjoy not only tailgating staples like hot dogs and burgers but also the chance to experience some traditional Pittsburgh cuisine. Here you’ll find a wide variety of local favorites including pierogis, hoagies, kielbasa, chipped ham barbecue sandwiches, hoagies, and much more.