As the Bulls and Blackhawks prepare to play their first home games of the season later this month, the chefs at the United Center hope their new menu will score too.
The new concessions menu unveiled Monday offers true variety. Think of Chicago classics: hot dogs and Italian beef. But also more innovative selections such as tuna nachos, espresso martinis and jalapeno margaritas.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even stop by Queenie’s Super Club restaurant for a herb-crusted prime rib for $63.
“I think it’s above and beyond what you would expect in an arena,” Scott Perez, the stadium’s executive chef, said at a media preview that also commemorated the stadium’s 30th anniversary.
“We really try to showcase all the different variety of food that is available, so there is something for everyone,” he said.
The Vienna Beef Double Dog is a new menu item.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
The revised menu, also available during concerts, includes a new avocado dip from Chicago’s Little Goat Diner. The dish, with baked chips, chili lime seasoning and queso fresco, is available in sections 114 and 230.
There’s also a new Vienna Beef double dog that Perez calls an “homage to the Chicago classic” with a natural casing that “gives it that nice snap.” It’s available at Chicago Dish locations in sections 104, 222, 305 and 322.
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And then there’s the prime rib onion roll, which Perez calls an “elevated sandwich.” It’s made of shaved steak, crispy onions, Dijon cheese and spicy barbecue sauce. Find it at MadWest in section 105.
Giordano’s is introducing a new meatball giardiniera pizza. The restaurant is also bringing back an Italian beef sandwich that the stadium promises is “bigger and juicier than ever.”
Honey Butter Fried Chicken, in section 115, has new crispy chicken strips that are similar to the classic it sells at its location at Elston and Roscoe, but made in a “new juicier, more crispy style.”
The Ora King Salmon is an example of a new innovative food option.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
That menu item, and some of the offerings, come from new partnerships with Chicago-based restaurants. But many of the items were created by Levy Restaurants, the United Center’s food and beverage contractor since 2009. The restaurant group also provides concessions at Wrigley and Soldier fields.
The United Center’s beverage menu also got a refresh.
Anti-Hero, an India pale ale from Revolution Brewing, is available for the first time, according to Nathan Sears, the United Center’s assistant director of operations for premium.
Also new is a nitro espresso martini, made with nitro cold brew coffee. It’s available at the Kettle One Bar in section 104. There’s also the prickly jalapeno margarita, available at the Chicago Pours Bars in sections 201 and 218.
The Blackhawks’ first home game of the 2024-25 season starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday versus the San Jose Sharks. The Bulls begin their regular season home opener Oct. 26 versus the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A corned beef sandwich at the United Center.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times