If you’re planning a trip to Flushing Meadows for the US Open tennis, bring your appetite and a well-stuffed wallet. 

Every year, the tournament rolls out a lineup of food and drinks that spark as much chatter as the matches themselves. From iconic cocktails to luxury chicken nuggets, the menus have become a tradition in their own right.

US Open Fans React to High Concession Prices

The drink most fans talk about is the Honey Deuce. This pink cocktail, made with vodka, lemonade, raspberry liqueur, and honeydew melon balls, has been the signature sip for nearly two decades. 

It’s also one of the most profitable items at the tournament. Last year alone, more than half a million were sold. At $23 a glass, the price might sting, but it comes in a collectible cup that many fans take home as a souvenir.

In many ways, trying a Honey Deuce US Open cocktail is a rite of passage. It’s refreshing, photogenic, and a little bit indulgent. Many people find that one is enough, especially when you factor in the US Open drink costs. Still, it’s the defining beverage of the Open, whether you have one or three.

The Watermelon Slice: a $39 Sip

Even with all that honeydew goodness going on, the new US Open drink will take things up a notch. The Watermelon Slice, cashing in at $39, will be served in a neon green glass shaped like a tennis ball. 

Inside, people will savor champagne, elderflower liqueur, watermelon juice, and lime, topped with a wedge of fresh melon. It’s playful and over the top, which is exactly what the US Open is aiming for with its food and beverage lineup.

Believe it or not, the steep price probably won’t scare away curious fans. Much like the Honey Deuce, part of the appeal is the spectacle of holding such a unique drink while walking the grounds.

$100 Caviar-Topped Chicken Nuggets

Of course, the food options will be just as bold. One of the most headline-grabbing dishes is COQODAQ’s golden chicken nuggets topped with caviar and crème fraîche. Get ready to clutch your pearls because this six-piece box will go for $100. 

It’s an unlikely pairing that’s designed to be flashy and fun. Some call it an outrageous splurge; others call it a must-try; and plenty of fans are happy to debate whether it’s genius or gimmick.

Beyond that, you’ll find everything from barbecue sandwiches to lobster rolls. A brisket sandwich can run you about $26, while a lobster roll hovers near $40. 

Even desserts, like peaches and cream frozen yogurt, can hit $19. If you prefer simpler bites, there are more affordable options, but the overall theme is clear: dining at the US Open is a premium experience.

Sticker Shock and Strategy

If you’re really just going to watch the match and not take out a second mortgage on your house, there are a few ways to play it. Some people bring empty water bottles to fill at the fountains, rather than paying $9 for bottled water. 

Others budget for one splurge item and then seek out the lower-cost meals on site. While outside snacks are technically prohibited, these are the best ways to offset some of the cost.

That said, the sticker shock is part of the tradition. Social media lights up every year with posts about the outrageous menu, and the buzz only fuels more interest. After all, it’s not every day you can order champagne in a tennis ball or chicken nuggets with caviar.

Serving Up More Than Tennis

At its core, the food and drink lineup adds to the atmosphere of the US Open tennis. The tournament isn’t just about watching world-class athletes compete. It’s also about the spectacle, the scene, and the chance to treat yourself to something over the top. 

Whether you raise a Honey Deuce to toast the match or dig into a splurge-worthy meal, you’re part of a larger experience that mixes sport with indulgence. Just don’t be surprised when the bill feels as intense as a five-set tiebreaker.