Best Food: NHL, What Arena Holds the Key to Your Heart

As a hockey fan, player, and food lover, I know there’s not much that compares to sitting down at the bar with your buds, drinking a cold beer, and watching some puck. As an American and a Canadian, we have different food traditions for watching the game. Here in the U.S. we usually eat hot wings, burgers, or hot dogs, in Canada we prefer poutine, steamies (steamed, not grilled hot dogs), and smoked meat sandwiches. While there are many different cuisine styles around the U.S. and Canada, what arena has the best to offer when it comes to game time grub?

If you know anything about hockey, you know that the Canadiens de Montreal are historically the best team in the NHL. With 24 Stanley Cups, they have a lot to brag about, and we aren’t just talking about silverware. The Bell Centre in Montreal showcases some of the best French Canada has to offer. Lester’s Deli, a Montreal staple for over 60 years, has their featured smoked meat sandwiches on the menu, and draws a massive crowd to their stands inside the arena. Obviously, since it’s Quebec, expect poutine in droves, the gravy soaked, curd covered fries are made fresh every game day.

Nationwide Arena, in Columbus offers arena patrons a wide variety of food and drink, but has some great specialties. The arena is one of only a few hockey arenas in the country to offer fresh Cuban sandwiches, sushi, and a full Mexican cantina. Nationwide offers their patrons special food and special beer, another hockey staple. The wide variety of craft beer pays homage to Ohio and the Columbus area’s proud brewing heritage. Great Lakes Brewing and Fat Head’s Brewery are some of the fan favorites. Lastly, Nationwide is one of the only places in the country a fan has a signature sandwich. The “Dancing Kevin” is named for a Blue Jackets Fan named Kevin, famous for his wild, dancing antics during stoppages and intermissions. The sandwich is a pork lover’s dream, pulled pork, ham, and bacon are piled high on a pretzel bun, and then topped with gooey mozzarella sticks. A true testament to a midwest hockey legend.

The Los Angeles Kings have dominated the Pacific division in recent years, with Stanley Cup championships in the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 seasons. While the Staples Center may be better known for the Lakers and Clippers, the Kings have really cemented their position as a Cup contender each and every year. Since LA is LA, you have to expect the Staples Center has more than just basic fare for the everyday Kings fan, and Staples does not disappoint. Fresh nachos and hot dogs are still available and tasty, but the real slapshot is the sushi that is made fresh for every game, and utilizes some great Pacific fish. If you’re on a health kick, but still want to grub with your buddies at the game check out the roasted beet salad or the sesame crusted tuna. The Staples Center combines the healthy vibe of SoCal, with the down and dirty of classic hockey grub.

Sticking out west, but much farther north, the Rogers Arena in Vancouver offers some spectacular food to go along with one of the best cities to visit in North America. Vancouver offers some of the best seafood in Canada, and the Lobster and Salmon roll sandwiches are really special. You can pick up a perogy dog, topped with potato and cheese perogies and sauerkraut, or get a taste of French Canada with the croque monsieur dog loaded with fresh shaved ham and melty gruyere. Carving stations with fresh roasts and prime rib are throughout the arena, but will run you $13 extra dollars per ticket, which might seem worth it for the quality of meat. Even better, most concession stands had Negroni on tap, which can be a great alternative to the usual swill. The Canucks revamped their food and entertainment value in recent years, giving fans a reason to justify the high cost of tickets.

Finally, we arrive at the Mecca of the NHL’s best food. Nashville, Tennessee, home of the Predators and Bridgestone Arena. The Preds have broken out in the Central division in the past few years, and with a solid lineup headlined by stellar goalie Pekke Rinne, all-around powerhouse defenseman Shea Weber, and young Swedish superstar Filip Forsberg, the Nashville club has some great years ahead of them. Nashville is known for many things, beautiful river views, great music, and most importantly; amazing BBQ. Bridgestone Arena offers up some the freshest BBQ in the NHL, and backs it up with some signature Nashville dishes. Nashville Hot Chicken, and smoky, spicy brother to classic fried is a fan favorite alongside their Fried Catfish baskets aka Tennessee Shark. They’ve also added a Mongolian style grill and Mexican style fare to their menu in recent years, giving the arena a step above the regular game time grub.

The possibilities are endless for NHL teams to keep adding amazing food to their game day menus. Each region has their own signature fare, and with each year, teams are getting more and more creative, and steering farther away from basic snacks and food. With full bars and restaurants being added to arena’s fans have the opportunity to experience their favorite sport and favorite team like never before. The ceiling is high for the future of the NHL’s best food.