Chopped Cheese
On May 31st, 2025, STL City SC finally broke their 12-game winless streak with a gutsy 2–1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes. The energy at Energizer Park was electric. You could feel it in the chants, in the roar of the supporters’ section, and — for a moment — even in the sizzle of a hot griddle. Because just behind Section 110, the Chopped Cheese stand was working overtime, flipping meat, steaming peppers, and turning heads with the smell of late-night bodega vibes.
But what looked like a hidden gem ended up being... well, maybe something better kept hidden.
Let’s dig into the full breakdown of this mysterious sandwich stop — what worked, what failed, and what left us disappointed in one of the stadium’s most intriguing food options.
First Impressions: Flavor Theater in the Supporters’ Section
This is exactly the kind of stadium food experience I live for. No hiding behind a wall or heat lamp — the Chopped Cheese team was putting on a show. From the moment I got in line, I could see the griddle. Hear the beef sizzle. Smell the sweetness of sautéed peppers and onions. It was loud, it was chaotic, it was alive.
Being this close to the supporters’ section added another level. You’re standing in line, and it almost feels like the crowd is cheering for your dinner as it cooks. It’s that kind of food theater that raises expectations. Unfortunately, the food didn’t rise with it.
Dish 1: The Traditional Chopped Cheese
Price: $17.99
Ingredients: Ground beef, peppers, onions, cheese wiz, hoagie-style roll
🔥 First Bite Reaction:
I was hyped. The build looked messy in the best way: meat packed on the bun, a glistening cheese blanket melting over it all. But the excitement ended there. What I got was a flavor vacuum.
🧂 Flavor Breakdown:
The beef was dry and bland — no seasoning punch, no beefy richness.
The cheese wiz was barely present in taste, just in texture. It felt like an attempt to mask dryness, but it only amplified the lack of depth.
The bread fell apart under its own weight and soaked up all the moisture, turning crumbly and frustrating to eat.
The only saving grace? The onions and peppers. You could tell they were cooked right on that griddle — flavorful, sweet, charred just enough to shine through. But they couldn’t carry the sandwich alone.
📊 Ratings:
Flavor: 1/3
Value: 2/3 – You do get a lot of food for $18. It just doesn’t taste great.
Shareability: 1/3 – Technically possible, but good luck doing it without a fork, 12 napkins, and a sense of humor.
Dish 2: The Korean Chopped Cheese
Price: $17.99
Ingredients: Bulgogi beef (advertised), peppers, onions, white American cheese, gochujang aioli
This one had me hopeful. After the underwhelming first sandwich, I thought the Korean version might be a flavor bomb. I was wrong.
🔥 First Bite Reaction:
Same meat. Same issues. And sadly, no actual bulgogi flavor.
🧂 Flavor Breakdown:
The beef tasted identical to the traditional version — no sign of bulgogi marinade, sweetness, or char.
The gochujang aioli looked promising but was muted and underwhelming.
The white American cheese had a creamier feel than cheese wiz, but again, the sandwich lacked punch.
The most frustrating part? I’ve had proper bulgogi at the stadium — Seoul Taco absolutely nailed it in a previous episode. So when a vendor advertises “bulgogi beef,” you expect something different. This felt more like rebranded leftovers than a true fusion dish.
📊 Ratings:
Flavor: 1/3
Value: 2/3 – Generous portions again, but flavor doesn’t justify the price.
Shareability: 1/3 – Still just as messy and fragile as the original.
Funny Moment: Don't Eat This with Your Hands
We tried. We failed. Twice. Both sandwiches were so structurally unstable that picking them up by hand resulted in an immediate collapse. Meat in the lap, sauce on the pants — it was a comedy of errors. Lesson learned: fork and knife required. And bring napkins. Lots of them.
Hidden Secret or Hidden Mess?
That’s the theme of this episode — and the sandwich lived up to both interpretations. Visually, this stand is a hidden gem. The open-cook layout, the aroma, the energy? All top-tier. But once you dig into the food, the magic disappears. You’re left with flavorless meat, dry bread, and the nagging feeling that you were promised more than what you got.
It’s especially disappointing because chopped cheese has so much potential. Done right, it’s a New York bodega legend — gritty, cheesy, savory comfort food. But this version feels like a ghost of that concept, served up without the love (or seasoning) it deserves.
Food Vibes: What You Need to Know
Ordering Experience: Long lines, but made-to-order. No mobile order — plan to wait.
Atmosphere: Loud, exciting, high-energy — you can smell the food from 50 feet away.
Kid-Friendly? Yes. No spice here.
Best Time to Visit: Aim for non-halftime stretches. Lines build quickly in this high-traffic area.
Membership Tip: No mobile order, but use your membership to earn cashback.
Final Thoughts: One and Done
This might be the first Pitchside Plates episode where I walked away more frustrated than full. It’s a shame because the concept is strong. The price point is reasonable given the portion size. And the vendor’s location and vibe are awesome. But none of that makes up for the fact that both sandwiches were flavor duds.
If you're going to advertise bulgogi beef, serve bulgogi beef. If you're going to build a sandwich around cheese, make sure the cheese delivers. This felt like an idea that never made it out of testing.
Would I Order Again?
No. I’ll skip Chopped Cheese next time and steer friends to one of the many other great vendors nearby. If you’re craving Korean flavor, head to Seoul Taco. If you’re looking for comfort food, Beast BBQ has got you covered.
This one’s a secret I’m okay keeping.
⭐ Overall Episode Score:
CategoryScore (Out of 3)
Flavor: 1
Value: 2
Shareability: 1
Have You Tried It?
Let us know what your experience was with Chopped Cheese at Section 110. Did you get a better batch? Did we miss something? Drop a comment, tag @PitchsidePlates on Instagram, or share your photos with #PitchsidePlates.
