Slows, Marrow, Breadless, Voyager and others will feed fans at Comerica Park this season

Detroit restaurants will bring local flavor to Comerica Park this year for the 2024 Detroit Tigers season, which is jam-packed with fun themed nights, technical upgrades and other things that make going to see a baseball game in the city easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

Ilitch Sports and Comerica Park unveiled details about this year's concessions on Wednesday, and once again highlighted their commitment to local brands. Returning restaurants such as Yum Village, Breadless, Taqueria El Rey and the Lobster Pit Stop will be joined by new additions that include Green Dot Stables, Marrow Provisions and Ferndale seafood hot spot Voyager.

Some will have long-term homes, like Slows Bar BQ, which will serve barbecue burritos at Pitcher's Pub, and Marrow Provisions, offering meaty treats at the Corner Tap Room near section 114.

"I think the burritos are really going to take off," said chef Mark Szubeczak of Delaware North Sportservice, adding that while Slows is brand-new to Comerica Park, Marrow was brought late in the season last year and will have an expanded offering in 2024. "It's all local; we're tapping into all local companies and farms, local beef, chicken and pork. This is in the taproom, so that's a whole new menu down there."

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Other familiar names will be seen in the park on a pop-up basis in section 116 during weekend home games, including Breadless, which kicks things off in April, followed by the Lobster Pit Stop in May, the Kitchen by Cooking with Que in June, Yum Village in July, Voyager in August and El Rey de las Arepas, one of Miguel Cabrera's favorite local restaurants, in September.

Of course this regional cuisine will be joined by classic ballpark fare from Delaware North, including a smashburger, hot honey chicken tenders, cheesesteaks and a five-piece chicken tender meal with fries served in a souvenir bucket.

For those who come to the game early, there's a $5 deal on Miller Lite, Coors Light, Pepsi drinks and Topo Chico canned cocktails for the first hour that gates are open. Fans can also get a bag of Germack peanuts or Lay's Potato chips for $3.

Here are some of our favorites from Wednesday's media tasting preview:

Marrow's Bacon Burger: The bacon flavor really comes through on this double-decker gem, which takes a few cues from a Big Mac with American cheese and a sesame bun, but otherwise is nothing like a fast-food burger. The shredded lettuce, crunchy pickles and creamy "kerch sauce" — Marrow's flagship restaurant is on Kercheval in West Village — add brightness and tang. Marrow's CoPa menu also features a braised barbacoa torta, buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, grilled Spanish sausage and a wedge salad made with beef bacon.

Breadless' falafel bowl: Crispy falafel is surrounded by texture and color with brown rice, black beans, large julienned slices of peppers, caramelized onions and a creamy avocado sauce. While there are a good amount of vegetarian options at Comerica Park, this is one of the few totally vegan dishes.

Slows Bar BQ's vegetarian burrito: This thriving Detroit barbecue brand brings three easy-to-eat burritos to Comerica Park this season. They include a smoky pulled chicken, pulled pork or a vegetarian version, which I liked the best. The plant-based chorizo and chipotle rice made for a nice bit of heat, while the roasted onions and chilis, cheese and crema offered variety in each bite. Those who visit Slows To Go down the road on Cass will be familiar with these burritos.

Detroit Water Ice Factory's tiger blood: A bit of frozen juice may seem like an afterthought when dealing with burritos and burgers, but this was refreshing and very flavorful. Located near the Ferris wheel in Big Cat Court, Detroit Water Ice will serve strawberry lemonade, blue raspberry and orange cream varieties as well as "tiger blood," which is a tropical mix of a few summertime flavors.

Voyager's peel-and-eat shrimp: If you're OK with getting a little messy, Voyager's shell-on cooked shrimp is succulent and jam-packed with seasonings that will stay with you until the bottom of the ninth. It tastes exactly the same as when it's ordered in their Ferndale restaurant and comes with the creamy, savory comeback sauce. Owner Eli Boyer said during Voyager's run during weekends in August (and on Labor Day) they will offer "shacky, coastal" type of fare, including shrimp, hushpuppies, a fried fish sandwich, smoked whitefish dip and maybe a lobster dish.

Other food features will be in conjunction with fun theme nights. Margaritaville Night is June 21, when the Tigers battle the Chicago White Sox. The park will serve a tequila-lime fried chicken sandwich and a special Casamigos margarita in a souvenir cup. Get out your windbreakers for '90s Night on Aug. 2 versus the Kansas City Royals, when Comerica Park will have themed tequila-based drinks on deck like Neon Smash and Saved by the Agave.

The following night, Aug. 3, the ballpark will celebrate former Tigers manager Jim Leyland's introduction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Later that month on Aug. 31, there will be a celebration to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1984 world Series championship team. The first 15,000 fans through the door will get a 1983 replica jersey.

The D Shop will also have a line of merchandise to commemorate both Leland's Hall of Fame entry and the 40th anniversary of 1984.

For details on all the themed nights, heritage celebrations, giveaways and other special events throughout the 2024 season, visit tigers.com/theme.

Melody Baetens is The Detroit News restaurant critic

mbaetens@detroitnews.com