Gyros are just one of the can't-miss foods at the Preakness. (Photos by Victoria Garofalo unless otherwise noted)

The Preakness Stakes is among the top five racing weekends that I get to attend, and the food is probably a solid 50 percent of the reason (plus the incredible energy, the possibility of a Triple Crown contender, awesome people, etc.).

There is absolutely no shortage when it comes to things to eat during Preakness week and, while I’ll admit to not trying too many things at Pimlico (what can I say, the crab cakes are so good I don’t really want much else), I’ve asked some friends what their favorite Preakness bites are so I can share with our fabulous readers.

So the left crab cake might be burnt a tad, but it was still yummo.

Crab Cakes: This is the most obvious “must-eat” at Preakness being as it’s pretty much the unofficial state food of Maryland. As soon as I started writing this piece, I got extremely overwhelmed with excitement because I can’t wait to have a few (A TON of) meals that consist of crab cakes with a side of crab cakes. If you can’t make it out for the second jewel, fear not – I interviewed Maryland's unofficial coronated crab cake queen - Pierport Restaurant's owner and chef, Nancy Longo, on how to make her award-winning crab cakes.

Photo by Penelope Miller

Crab Pretzel: Brian Spencer, racing analyst at Fair Grounds and Arlington Park, told me this is his favorite Preakness bite. I told him I would try to eat one of these in his honor since he won’t be at Preakness this year, but let’s be honest, soft pretzels are my jam, we all know I love crab, plus it’s covered in cheese and sprinkled with Old Bay Seasoning – I might have to give up one crab cake meal and have this instead, you know, for the team.

Gyro and butterfly fries: The gyro was good – nothing too special or different from your average fair fare, but the butterfly fries give Chick-fil-A waffle fries a run for their money in my book. They’re a chip/fry hybrid and, let’s face it, who doesn't love a continuous spiral ribbon of crispy, fried, thin-cut potatoes?

Lobster: The Lobster Hut’s lobster rolls are delicious. They sell them at Churchill for Derby weekend, Belmont Stakes and are available the whole Saratoga meet (which is where I’ve had one), but on my first trip to the Preakness I tried the lobster mac and cheese from a food truck and boy, oh boy, was that stuff rich, cheesy and delicious.

Photo by Fashion Was Here, an ABR guest at last year’s Preakness who said the lobster roll was one of the highlights of her day.

I know this is about all of the delicious food, but I’ve got to give two adult beverages honorable mentions: the grapefruit crush and black-eyed Susan.

Grapefruit crush: 

My friend Downtown Diane introduced me to the grapefruit crush during my first trip to the Preakness, and I may or may not order it on the “reg” during warm months. It’s grapefruit juice, vodka, orange liquor and a splash of sprite – the perfect tart, yet refreshing, summer beverage.

Black-eyed Susan:

The black-eyed Susan is the official drink of Preakness and the 2014/2015 version is, by far, my favorite take on the concoction. Here’s a video I did on how to make them at home!

This list doesn’t even cover half of the things you can chow down on at Preakness. There are also polish sausages, cheese steaks, jumbo hot dogs, cheese fries, chicken fingers, burgers, barbecue and so many more goodies to fill your tummy.

Check out the Preakness Flavors of Maryland page to see what other concessions will offer in the infield this year.

Let me know what your favorites are – I’ll take one for the team (and because I love food) and try some of them out!