Damn Fine Hand Pies

Damn Fine Hand Pies Review – The Hand Pie I Should Have Tried Months Ago

There are certain food spots inside the stadium that you walk past over and over without really noticing. They might be tucked into a corner, under a loud section of the stands, or hidden behind the crowd flow. For me, Damn Fine Hand Pies was one of those spots. Located under the supporter section at Section 118, it’s easy to miss if you’re just cruising through with the masses. But on this particular game night against Orlando City, I finally stopped, and now I’m wondering why I waited so long.

This game ended in a 4-2 loss, but the how was the food?

Chicken, Bacon, Cheddar Hand Pie – $16.99

I’ll start with the one I expected to like the most: the Chicken, Bacon, Cheddar Hand Pie. It comes with a side of ranch dipping sauce, and here’s the thing, I’m not really a ranch person. I know, it’s practically a crime in the Midwest to say that, but I feel like ranch can hide the real flavor of what you’re eating.

The first bite immediately wiped away my skepticism. The crust was perfectly flaky, holding together without being too hard. Even after I took the time to grab videos and photos, the inside was still warm but not scalding hot. The chicken had real texture and flavor instead of turning into that mushy filler you sometimes get with stadium food. The bacon came in small, flavorful pieces that made every bite pop. The cheddar didn’t take over the dish and it was subtle, blending into the background to balance the richness of the meat.

And the ranch? Sure, it was good for what it was, but the filling didn’t need it. I dipped a couple of bites just to try it, but the pie’s own flavors were far too good to cover up. At $17, it didn’t seem huge at first glance, but it ended up being surprisingly filling.

Caprese Hand Pie – $16.99

I’ll admit, I wasn’t excited about this one. Roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, garlic, basil, and a pesto aioli dipping sauce, but it did not have any meat. As a Midwesterner, if I’m paying more than $15 for something, I expect some protein.

And then I took a bite.

The tomatoes were roasted to perfection, soft enough to melt in your mouth but still holding a bit of texture. The mozzarella was fresh and melted just enough to blend with the garlic and basil. The aroma alone made me think of what I imagine a small Italian café smells like. Every bite was layered, flavorful, and surprisingly hearty for a meatless option.

The pesto aioli dipping sauce was excellent, though honestly, the pie didn’t need it. This hand pie was the biggest surprise of the night, and maybe the season. Unfortunately, this is where the heartbreak comes in. They no longer serve this hand pie because of customer complaints. It’s a loss, because it was easily one of the best dishes I’ve had at the park.

Blueberry Lemon Donut – $8.99

This was my impulse buy. I didn’t think I needed a donut with my meal, but the blueberry lemon combo was calling to me. It’s a cake-style donut. So, it is dense, rich, and studded with blueberry flavor, not whole blueberries because they recognize no one wants exploding blueberry on their jerseys. The lemon glaze was light and sweet, but for my taste, it could have used a stronger lemon punch to balance the richness of the cake.

At $9, it’s pricey for a single donut, and while I enjoyed it, the value just wasn’t there compared to the hand pies. Still, if you’re craving something sweet, it’s a nice treat to split with a friend.

Ratings Recap

Here’s how each item stacked up in our Pitchside Plates rating system:

Funny Moments

No wild spills or strange encounters this time — just me quietly realizing that I had been walking past one of the best surprises in the park all season.

Tips & Tricks

Bring utensils and plenty of napkins. The crust is flaky and the fillings are generous, so you’ll want to be ready for a little mess. If you’re sharing, cut it cleanly to keep that crust intact.

Kid-Friendliness

There’s no kids’ menu here, but none of the hand pies I tried had any spice, so kids should be fine with them. Just know they aren’t designed for small appetites — they’re rich and filling.

Suggested Improvements

Bring back the Caprese Hand Pie. It was a standout, and I think more people would love it if they gave it a chance.

Likelihood of Ordering Again

I’ll be back, no question. This vendor changes their menu often, so I’ll be checking every game to see if the Caprese makes a return or if they roll out another unique flavor combination.

Best Time to Visit

The lines here ebb and flow. Since it’s right in the heart of the supporters section, you can expect a wait right before the match starts. I went after halftime and walked right up with no line.

Post-Meal Satisfaction

I didn’t leave hungry, but I definitely left wanting more. Not because I needed the food — just because it was that good.

If you’ve been walking past Damn Fine Hand Pies like I was, make this the game you finally stop. Whether you go for the hearty chicken and bacon, hope for a return of the Caprese, or just want a sweet donut to end the night, you might just find your new stadium favorite.