Mayo Ketchup
Puerto Rican Flavors in the Heart of the Stadium – A Full Review of Mayo Ketchup at Energizer Park
📅 Date Visited: April 13, 2025
⚽ Match: STL City SC vs Columbus Crew (2–1 Loss)
🍴 Vendor: Mayo Ketchup
📍 Location: Section 110, Energizer Park
✍️ Published: May 3, 2025
“I Tried Puerto Rican Food at a Soccer Game… and I Was Shocked”
That was my honest reaction when I stopped by Mayo Ketchup during a recent STL City SC home game. This vendor brings the flavors of the Caribbean—especially Puerto Rico—to Section 110 of Energizer Park. As a food reviewer, I’ve tried plenty of stadium bites, but Mayo Ketchup stood out just for what it offered.
But did it deliver?
I reviewed three dishes: a Cubano Sandwich, a Beef Empanada, and Cheese Tequenos. Here’s what happened.
🥪 Cubano Sandwich – $15.99
First Impressions:
The Cubano came out on a tray, pre-cooked but packed. This thing was dense. Ham, pork, swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles layered between toasted bread—classic Cubano ingredients.
Flavor Experience:
The sandwich hit hard in the portion department but missed the mark in balance. Every few bites, the mustard became overpowering. And while the meats were well-prepared, I found myself scraping off excess sauce halfway through.
Ratings:
Budget Friendliness: 3/3 – For $16, it's a filling meal, but not a steal.
Shareability: 3/3 – Easy to slice and share.
Flavor: 2/3 – Too much mustard, not enough Caribbean depth.
Verdict:
I wanted more spice, more warmth, more Puerto Rican identity. Instead, I got a mustard-heavy sandwich with good texture but limited personality.
🥟 Beef Empanada – $6.49
First Impressions:
Beautiful golden crust, crispy and hot. Served solo in the tray, it looked plain—until I spotted the sauce station nearby.
Flavor Experience:
This was the dish that won the night. The beef was seasoned with Caribbean spices, flavorful but not too spicy. The dough was perfectly flaky and not greasy at all.
Ratings:
Budget Friendliness: 3/3 – One of the most affordable bites in the stadium.
Shareability: 2/3 – You can split it… but you won’t want to.
Flavor: 3/3 – Flaky crust + warm spiced beef + sauce = win.
Verdict:
I’d come back for this. In fact, I might just get two next time.
🧀 Cheese Tequenos – $7.49 (for 5 pieces)
(Price appears to have increased to $8.99. I will update after the next home game)
First Impressions:
Visually? A+
Three thick, golden fried sticks filled with white cheese. These looked like next-level mozzarella sticks wrapped in dough.
Flavor Experience:
On their own, they were mild. But the dough was perfectly fried—crispy, not greasy—and once dipped in either of the sauces, they transformed into a fun and flavorful snack.
Ratings:
Budget Friendliness: 3/3 – Good value for three filling pieces.
Shareability: 3/3 – Perfect for splitting with friends.
Flavor: 2/3 – The sauces carry the flavor; otherwise, it’s texture-driven.
Verdict:
Not mind-blowing, but enjoyable. Great for cheese lovers who want something warm and familiar.
⚽ The Atmosphere at Section 110
Located right next to an entrance gate and just steps from the supporter section, Mayo Ketchup is surrounded by stadium energy. You can hear the chants, feel the excitement, and still be close enough to the field to catch key moments.
Tip:
Lines get long, especially right before kickoff. I recommend mobile ordering, or visiting 30–45 minutes before the match starts. And don’t forget—if you’re a City SC member, pay with your app to apply your discount at checkout.
👨👩👧👦 Is It Kid-Friendly?
Yes—if your kids are a bit adventurous. There aren’t any kid-specific meals here (like chicken nuggets or fries), but the empanada and tequenos are simple and approachable enough for younger fans to enjoy.
🍹 What to Drink
You’ll want something refreshing to balance the rich, fried textures. I’d go for a cold lemonade, agua fresca (if available), or even a beer or cocktail if you're looking to pair like a pro.
🎯 Final Verdict
The food at Mayo Ketchup is solid, filling, and full of potential. But if I’m being honest? The Beef Empanada is the only thing I’d go back for without hesitation.
My post-game satisfaction score: ✅ ✅ ✅
Would I recommend it to families on a budget? Absolutely—especially if you're trying to feed a group without overspending.
📢 What’s Next?
🔗 Watch the full video review here: https://youtu.be/zvRsziNhejU
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🌐 Explore more reviews at: https://pitchsideplates.com
Thanks for reading—and remember: At Pitchside Plates, we help you score a feast on a budget every matchday.
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