The U.S. Open is one of the most exciting professional tennis tournaments. This year, the U.S. Open runs from the end of August to the beginning of September, and it is sure to be thrilling. If it’s anything like it has been the last few years, then you’re going to need some food energy to power you through the ups and downs of the tournament. Here are some tennis themed party food ideas to serve up at your U.S. Open homegate.
🎾 How to Throw a U.S. Open Party FAQ
Hosting a U.S. Open watch party is the perfect way to blend sports, style, and summer flavors — whether you’re setting up on the patio, by the pool, or tailgating near the courts. Here’s how to make sure your celebration serves up a Grand Slam experience.
What to serve at a U.S. Open party?
Think classy yet casual — like your own courtside picnic. Classic U.S. Open foods include lobster rolls, shrimp cocktail, sliders, and gourmet popcorn. Add a few tennis-inspired touches like “Match Point” fruit skewers or “Rally Wraps” to make your spread pop. For a tailgate twist, bring these dishes in coolers and set up a shaded serving station so guests can grab and mingle between matches.
What is the drink they serve at the U.S. Open?
The official cocktail of the U.S. Open is the Honey Deuce, a refreshing mix of vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur, garnished with honeydew melon “tennis balls.” It’s the must-have drink for any themed party. You can even make a large-batch version to serve from a pitcher or cooler for easier tailgate-style entertaining.
How much does a lobster roll cost at the U.S. Open?
At the actual tournament, lobster rolls are famous — and pricey — with costs averaging around $25–$30 each. For your own U.S. Open party, you can recreate them for a fraction of the cost by using fresh lobster (or even shrimp as a substitute) and serving them in buttery toasted buns. Prep them ahead of time, wrap in foil, and keep warm in an insulated container for tailgate-style serving.
What are the two drinks that tennis players drink?
During matches, players mainly stick to water and electrolyte drinks like Powerade or Gatorade to stay hydrated and maintain energy levels. For fans at your U.S. Open party, these drinks also make great non-alcoholic options — especially when served ice-cold in personalized cups or coolers with fruit garnishes for a festive touch.
From Honey Deuce cocktails to lobster rolls that rival the real thing, throwing a U.S. Open party is all about bringing the fun, flavor, and flair of the tournament to your own tailgate setup. So grab your favorite gear, cue up the matches, and toast to a championship-level celebration.
1. The Best Lobster Rolls
If you could pick the fanciest and most delicious tailgate food in the entire world, what would it be? Our guess is that Lobster rolls would be at the top of the list! Lobster rolls are a favorite at the U.S. Open because they are fresh, filling, and a little fancy. This recipe is really indulgent as it uses both mayonnaise and butter. Serve on hot dog buns and garnish with chives. Your guests will love them!
insidetailgating.com
Lobster Rolls Recipe: Easy, Delicious & Ready in 10 Minutes
Accompanied by a creamy dressing, which is a blend of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chives, these are the best lobster rolls ever!…
2. Honey-Fried Chicken
Another favorite at the U.S. Open is Honey Fried Chicken. This tailgate party food recipe is inspired by the famous chicken sandwich at Fuku by Chef David Chang. No one knows the secret to his amazing chicken, but we do know that it is loaded with spices and honey. This recipe for honey-fried chicken is about as close to the real thing you can get. Serve it on a bun with extra pickles and spicy mayo and you’ll see why everyone raves about this sandwich! Note: You’ll want to use chicken breasts if making this into a sandwich. You could also leave the recipe as is and the chicken makes great (albeit a little messy) finger food.
3. Pat LaFrieda’s Filet Mignon Sandwich
Another famous sandwich you can find at the U.S. Open is Chef Pat LaFrieda’s filet mignon sandwich. This hearty steak sandwich by this renowned New York butcher has been a staple at the U.S. Open for years. It’s hearty with a blend of sweet and salty pair beautifully with this delicate cut of meat. This tennis party food idea is perfect for all the meat lovers on your tailgating team.
4. Mario Carbone’s Italian Sandwiches
Finally, to round out your sandwich platter, we look to Chef Mario Carbone for inspiration. Mario serves a similar sandwich at the US Open of Tennis. His sandwiches are loved by tennis fans and food lovers because they’re loaded with delicious Italian cold cuts. Chef Carbone’s sandwiches will fill you up and get you excited for the game, making them a great choice for your homegate menu!
insidetailgating.com
Italian Sandwich Recipe Inspired by Chef Mario Carbone
We look to Chef Mario Carbone for inspiration on this delicious Italian sandwich. Mario serves a very similar Italian-inspired sandwich at the US Open of Tennis…
5. US Open’s Chicken Tikka Masala
Another favorite at the match comes from the Executive Chef at Emirates Airlines Ravi Nage. Now we don’t exactly think of airline food as tasty, but this award-winning chef begs to differ. His authentic chicken tikka masala is a hit on and off the course. Spicy, savory marinated chicken is smothered in a fresh yogurt sauce over rice. It’s exactly what you need to mix it up while you are watching mixed doubles.
6. Heirloom Tomatoes And Watermelon Salad
For a little lighter fare, this fresh salad made with seasonal ingredients is a great option for your homegate. Blending the sweet taste of watermelon with the umami of tomato, this heirloom tomatoes and watermelon salad is very refreshing on a hot day. The creamy salty flavor of the burrata makes this dish even more flavorful. Serve as a side or as a feature dish for vegetarians and gluten-free guests.
7. Skirt Steak Pinwheels
If you’re looking for a tennis party food idea for an appetizer or dinner with more appeal than a bowl of chips, pinwheels are great. This steak skirt pinwheel stuffed with cheese, lemon zest, and parsley is a great choice for any get together because it tastes delicious and it looks like you spent a lot of time on it. You have the option to grill, bake, or pan-sear it, and since you can prepare it in advance, you’ll have more time to spend with your friends instead of being stuck in the kitchen. And it’s a US Open favorite!
8. Macaroni Pie
Imagine being able to serve spaghetti without the mess at your next homegate. That’s where spaghetti pie comes in. Macaroni pie is a favorite at the U.S. Open. It’s a baked pasta dish using spaghetti that you can serve by the slice. It’s a delicious way to enjoy pasta without having to use up all your napkins!
9. Tennis Ball Doughnuts
Looking for a dessert to round out your tennis party food ideas? These tennis doughnuts are great. Decorated to look like tennis balls, these make-ahead treats are perfect to serve to complete your U.S. Open meal. The best part is that you don’t have to be a decorating expert to make these look good. Anyone can do this design.
10. Tennis Ball Cupcakes
Don’t put away the cake decorating bag just yet! Another sweet treat for your dessert menu are these tennis ball cupcakes. Soft and fluffy, these cupcakes will round out your tailgate meal, adding a playful touch to your spread that’s sure to make both tennis fans and dessert lovers giddy.
11. The Honey Deuce
It wouldn’t be a tailgate party list without a few tasty cocktails to serve. The Honey Deuce is a famous cocktail and has been considered the tennis US Open’s signature cocktail. The Honey Deuce is essentially a boozy raspberry lemonade filled with melon balls. Be careful with this one. It’s so fruit and tasty, it’s easy to overindulge!
12. Orange Pimm’s Cup Cocktail
If vodka isn’t your thing, then maybe you’ll love this cocktail inspired by the Pimm’s Cup at Wimbledon. Using Strawberry and Arbol Chile Infused Pimm’s No. 1 Liqueur and bourbon, this cocktail packs more of a punch than the classic Pimm’s Cup. It’s perfect to serve with the filet mignon sandwich or steak pinwheels. It’s also a great cocktail to relax with while you watch the match.
Double your strawberry fix with another Wimbledon fave: the Wimbledon Strawberries and Cream!
These tailgate party foods and treats will power you through the entire week of matches at the U.S. Open. We share tons of great tips, tailgate party food recipes, and menu ideas for all your upcoming tailgate and homegate parties.
Let us know in the comments what you plan on serving at the U.S. Open!
More tennis tailgates to plan? Bring Paris to your party with our French Open–inspired tennis-themed snacks, from mini croissant sandwiches to portable charcuterie boards.
