THE RENEGADE DOG IS TOPPED WITH PIEROGIES, POT ROAST, PICKLES AND CARAMELIZED ONIONS | PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

During every baseball game at PNC Park, the Pirates Pierogies race around the field. You’ll also find them on a foot-long frankfurter.

Head to section 133 for the gut-busting Renegade Dog, which, in addition to tiny potato pockets, is topped with pot roast, pickles and caramelized onions. It’s one of the new menu items available for the 2024 Pirates season. You can cheer on the Buccos — including Pittsburgher of the Year Andrew McCutchen — in between bites starting April 5, when the team hosts the Baltimore Orioles for the home opener.

I struck out on my diet during the What’s New at PNC Park media event.

Other over-the-top munchies that knock it out of the park are Big Mozz sticks made from whole milk mozzarella, cheddar-and-chive bratwurst with peppers, onions and brown mustard, a sweet cheese pierogi covered with chocolate and powdered sugar and a candied bacon sundae served on a Belgian waffle with chocolate-covered pretzels, vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

DESSERT PIEROGI AT PNC PARK | PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Local restaurants are helping the Pirates beef up their food offerings, too. Caliente Pizza & Draft House dishes out its brand of pies, along with onion rings and chicken wings in sauces ranging from Buffalo and Bar-B-Que to Honey Sriracha.

WINGS AT PNC PARK | PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

In partnership with Strip District-based Coop De Ville, the ballpark serves a fried chicken sandwich with honey butter, chorizo gravy and house pickles on a flaky biscuit. If the Renegade Dog isn’t enough to satisfy your appetite, Smallman Street Deli came up with the Pitt Dog, a weenie on a Martin’s Potato Roll with capicola, provolone cheese, vinegar slaw and potato sticks.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Follow your nose to the Coca-Cola Patio, located near section 138, and grab grub from Robinson’s LowKey Taco, including birria beef nachos, caramel-stuffed churros, roasted corn on the cob, guacamole and salsa.

Although pirates are historically associated with rum, the Pittsburgh Pirates are all about whiskey.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

In 2022, Owner Bob Nutting bought Wigle Whiskey and its sister company Threadbare Cider & Mead. (The Strip District distillery has a great burger!)

The Wigle Bar, located on the ground level along Federal Street, has replaced Taps & Taco. It serves food, cocktails and beer seven days a week. The Pittsburgh Baseball Club Level, or PBC Level, has been given a whiskey-fueled makeover. The three, high-end rooms, which are available to rent for private events, include Wigle Reserve, Wigle Whiskey and City of Champions Bourbon bars.

Even if you’re not a fan of baseball, you’ll find a reason to cheer at the concession stand.