I’ll never forget the buzz in the air as I stepped into the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for my first-ever 145th US Open. The vibrant energy of Flushing Meadows, the roar of the crowd, and the sheer scale of this Grand Slam event were overwhelming in the best way possible. As a first-timer, I was equal parts excited and intimidated, navigating the grounds and trying to soak in every moment. Whether you’re a tennis fanatic or just tagging along for the vibes, here’s my take on making the most of your first US Open visit, complete with a breakdown of the incredible dining and drink options that make this event a foodie’s paradise. Walking into the US Open for the first time feels like stepping into a tennis wonderland. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the experience like a pro:

1. Get a Grounds Pass for Maximum Flexibility
   A Grounds Pass is your golden ticket to explore the outer courts, catch rising stars, and soak in the atmosphere without being tied to one stadium. I spent my first day wandering from Court 17 to the Grandstand, catching intense matches and feeling the energy of the crowd. Pro tip: Arrive early to snag a spot for practice sessions or smaller matches.
2. Plan Your Day, But Stay Spontaneous
   Check the schedule on the US Open website or Google to know which players are on which courts, but leave room for surprises. You could stumble upon a thrilling five-setter on a side court that becomes the highlight of your day. Download the US Open app for real-time updates on scores and schedules.
3. Dress for Comfort and Weather
   Late August in Queens can be scorching—think 90°F and humid. I wore breathable clothes, comfy sneakers, and a hat, and I was grateful for the sunscreen I packed. Bring a reusable water bottle (no glass!) to stay hydrated at the free water stations.
4. Explore the Food Village
   The Food Village is a central hub with tons of vendors, but it gets packed at lunchtime. I learned to hit it early or late to avoid long lines. More on the food below, because trust me, it’s a major part of the experience!
5. Embrace the Atmosphere
   From the music at the Fan Access area to the celebrity chef pop-ups at Flavors of the Open, there’s so much to see beyond the tennis. I loved the live cooking demos and the chance to grab a selfie with a tennis star during Fan Week. Don’t rush—take it all in.
6. Buy the $5 Daily Brochure
   Its honestly worth the 5 bucks to have an immediate physical map to look at VS scrolling on your phone. Plus, service can be spotty with the cluster of people in one space so it might be a pain if you’re using the website’s interactive map

Dining at the US Open: A Culinary Grand Slam

The US Open isn’t just about aces and volleys; it’s a foodie’s dream with a lineup of New York’s finest chefs and iconic eateries. Here’s how I navigated the dining scene, broken into three categories: The Essentials, Drinks, and Healthy/Nonalcoholic Options. The food at the US Open is a love letter to New York’s culinary diversity, and these vendors are the heavy hitters you can’t miss:

• San Matteo NYC: Their wood-fired pizzas are perfect for a quick, cheesy slice between matches. There are multiple locations so be sure to get a pizza at one of NYC’s most-loved favorites.
• Red Hook Lobster Pound: The lobster roll, packed with fresh Maine lobster on a toasted bun, is a luxurious treat that screams summer. Pair it with their fish and chips for a seaside vibe.
• Carnegie Deli: This NYC legend serves towering pastrami and corned beef sandwiches that are a meal in themselves.
• Dos Toros Taqueria: Mission-style tacos and burritos I heard hit the spot. Or you could go with the carnitas tacos, and the fresh toppings for a standout.
• Van Leeuwen Ice Cream: Their US Open-exclusive Honeycomb Fudge Slam (sweet cream ice cream with honeycomb candy and fudge swirls) will be a lifesaver in the heat.
• King Souvlaki: The gyros, bursting with flavor and served with Greek sodas, brought a taste of Astoria to the grounds.
• Eataly: Think fresh pasta and focaccia sandwiches. Try the trofie al pesto, and the basil-Pecorino combo I heard is divine.
• Hill Country BBQ: The chopped brisket sandwich with cornbread was smoky, tender, and oh-so-satisfying. Their mac and cheese is a must for comfort food fans.
• Korilla BBQ: Korean rice bowls with tofu or beef were a quick, flavorful option. The kimchi and sauce drizzle made it a crowd-pleaser.
• Pat LaFrieda Meat Co.: The Black Angus steak sandwich with caramelized onions and au jus is a carnivore’s dream.
• Fuku: David Chang’s spicy chicken sando on a potato roll was crispy, tangy, and worth the hype!
• Pasta Ramen: This Japanese-Italian fusion spot debuted with a Temomi Shrimp Scampi Ramen that was a bold, garlicky delight.
• Prime Burger: Classic burgers and hot dogs done right.
• Poke Yachty: The spicy tuna poke bowl with cucumber and wonton crisps was fresh and light, perfect for a quick bite.
• Via Roma Gelato: Creamy gelato in daily-changing flavors to cool you down. The pistachio is a creamy, nutty masterpiece.

Drinks: Sip Like a Champion

The drink scene at the US Open is as vibrant as the tennis, with cocktails, beers, and signature sips to keep you refreshed:

• Spritz Bar: Aperol Spritzes are everywhere—club level, South Plaza, and the Apé Truck near Court 5.
• Baseline Cocktails: These rotating craft cocktails at various bars kept things exciting.
• Terrace Bar: Outside Arthur Ashe Stadium, this spot serves wines and cocktails with a view. The people-watching here is perfect with a crisp rosé.
• Open Bar: Scattered across the grounds, these bars offer everything from beers to spritzes. Grab a quick wrap and a cold Heineken here.
• Honey Deuce: The US Open’s signature cocktail (Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, raspberry liqueur, and honeydew melon balls) is a must. I got mine in a commemorative glass—3 million sold since 2007, and I see why.
• Heineken: The Red Star Patio Café is a beer garden vibe with Heineken drafts. You can even enjoy a nonalcoholic version to stay refreshed.
• Mojito Restaurant and Bar: David Burke’s Cuban-inspired spot serves a killer mojito alongside dishes like sea scallop Veracruz.
• Racquet Bar: On the terrace outside Ashe, this bar offers cocktails and wines by the glass. Try a gin-based drink that hit all the right notes.
• Loft Bar: A chic spot for premium cocktails. Splurge on a Dobel Tequila Ace Paloma here.
• Dobel Tequila: The Dobel Tequila Club near Armstrong serves frozen margaritas and tequila flights. Pair with a margarita with Oyamel’s cochinita pibil tacos—truly bliss.

Healthy and Nonalcoholic Options: Fuel Up Smart

For those looking to keep it light or skip the alcohol, these vendors offer fresh, wholesome choices:

• Lavazza Coffee: The Coffeetail Bar in the Food Village had me hooked with their Blue Foam Iced Cappuccino and Zesty Espresso Martinis (nonalcoholic versions available). Perfect for a midday pick-me-up.
• Glatt Kosher: Near Court 12, this spot serves kosher brisket sandwiches, turkey wraps, and vegan options. I heard try the sweet Italian sausage.
• Farm to Fork: This vendor focuses on fresh, local ingredients. Grab a salad with seasonal veggies that feels like a reset after indulging on drinks.
• The Migrant Kitchen: Middle Eastern-Latin fusion with falafel bowls and halloumi fries.
• The Nourish Spot: Smoothies and salads galore, all dairy-free and gluten-free friendly. The Berry Crazy Smoothie (berries, honey, coconut water) is a go-to for a refreshing boost.

Final Thoughts: Making It a Grand Slam

My first US Open was a whirlwind of incredible tennis, delicious food, and unforgettable vibes. Getting to see Novak Djokovic do it live, one of the true greats, while sipping on a #HoneyDeuce—few things in life can compare. The key is to pace yourself—both with the matches and the eats, and stay hydrated with H2O (even though vodka is a seemingly better option). Grab a Grounds Pass, explore the courts, and don’t skip the Food Village or the signature drinks.

Whether you’re indulging in a Carnegie Deli pastrami sandwich, cooling off with Van Leeuwen’s ice cream, or sipping a spritz while cheering on your favorite player, the US Open is as much a culinary event as it is a sporting one. I’m already counting down to next year—see you on the courts everybody!

(post generated with Grok AI Prompt)