Kroger Field has three new concession stands for UK football this season. We tried them all.

Kentucky football fans have a lot to look forward to in 2022: High expectations reflected in preseason polls, a potential Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback and the promise of a regular season that could end with UK’s first SEC East championship.

But there’s also food to look forward to.

For UK’s eight home games this season at Kroger Field, there are three new concession stands for fans: City Barbeque (near section 17), LaDonna’s Candy Kitchen (near section 6) and The Empanada Queen (near section 226).

The new offerings provide different and distinct culinary options for UK fans to eat during games, whether as part of an early-season contest against an overmatched opponent or a Governor’s Cup showdown against Louisville.

During Kentucky’s home opener on Saturday night against Miami (Ohio), I went to each of the new concession stands and tried some of their menu items.

Here’s what I found.

Disclaimer: My food preferences are not your food preferences. I prefer salty to sweet, dinner over dessert, etc. You might try these same items and have a totally different taste experience.

City Barbeque

As a native Texan, there’s two basic ways I judge the value of barbecue: pulled pork and potato salad.

If you can do those two things well, then you get a seal of approval. If you don’t, then you don’t.

I was underwhelmed by the pulled pork sandwich and potato salad from City Barbeque, both of which I felt were plain and lacked distinct flavor.

The cup of barbecue sauce that accompanied the order provided some flavor to the sandwich, but another one of my core barbecue beliefs is that if the sauce is needed to provide the flavor, then the smoked meat itself is lacking.

Cost: $13 total for a pulled pork sandwich ($9) and potato salad ($4), with cup of barbecue sauce.

Rating: 2/5.

Other menu items: Pulled chicken sandwich ($10), BBQ nachos with pulled pork ($11), BBQ nachos with pulled chicken ($12).

The Empanada Queen

The standout food from my excursion around Kroger Field was found in the second level of the stadium at The Empanada Queen concession stand.

The individual empanadas are large and come in individual bags placed in a paper tray, a convenient carrying method.

These savory pastries contain a ton of flavor, with several fillings to choose from.

I opted for a chicken and a vegetable empanada, each of which was bursting with flavor. The balance between crispy dough on the outside and warm, juicy chicken and tender vegetables on the inside was a well-worked combination.

A small cup of sauce that came with the order added flavor in a way that wasn’t overpowering or spicy, and frankly isn’t even necessary if sauce isn’t your thing.

I will be stopping by prior to each UK home game this year to have more.

Cost: $10 for an order of two empanadas.

Rating: 4/5.

Other menu items: Empanada fillings: Beef, chicken, jalapeno, shrimp and vegetable ($10 for an order of two empanadas, which don’t have to be the same filling)

LaDonna’s Candy Kitchen

As listed in the disclaimer above, I’m not a massive candy or sweets person.

But with that said, LaDonna’s Candy Kitchen delivers on providing what you’re in the market for.

The fudge flavor options are plentiful, and I opted for a traditional order of chocolate fudge, a standard-bearer that provided a welcomed sugar boost ahead of some late-night work in the press box.

There’s even some action to watch when ordering from the stand, as the roasted nuts are made right in front of you.

The fudge comes in clear packaging with a small plastic knife inside, which is appreciated for cutting and sharing purposes as the fudge is thick.

I’m not sure how high fudge ranks on my ideal list of foods to eat while watching football, but it delivers on the promise if you’re in the mood.

Cost: $8 for a half-pound of homemade fudge (flavor options include chocolate, cookies and cream, Kentucky celebration and peanut butter).

Rating: 3/5.

Other menu items: Roasted nuts ($7 each or three for $20, with options of almonds, cashews or pecans), giant cookie ($3, with chocolate chip and peanut butter among the options).

This story was originally published September 6, 2022 at 6:30 AM.

Cameron Drummond

Lexington Herald-Leader

859-242-5257

Cameron Drummond works as a sports reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader with a focus on Kentucky men’s basketball recruiting and the UK men’s basketball team, horse racing, soccer and other sports in Central Kentucky. Drummond is a second-generation American who was born and raised in Texas, before graduating from Indiana University. He is a fluent Spanish speaker who previously worked as a community news reporter in Austin, Texas. Support my work with a digital subscription