Wondering what to eat at the BNP Paribas Open? We've got you covered

When you come to the BNP Paribas Open and you're watching some of the most physically fit humans in the world, it's natural to think one thing: Where can I get a big old sloppy chili dog and fries?

We're here for you. Our tennis reporters Andrew John and Shad Powers give you some pro tips on some of the food options available on the grounds at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden from the healthy to the ... less so.

Something new

Andrew John: Admittedly, I'm not a huge hog dog fan. But when I do have one, it's usually out at a sporting event. Of all the ballpark dogs, Pink's has to be up there with some of the best. The legendary Hollywood joint, in its first year at the BNP Paribas Open, offers some of the most original hot dog offerings anywhere. There's a reason the place has been churning out good eats since 1939. Check it out on the outside of Stadium 2.

Shad Powers: Outside of Stadium 2 is a new spot this year called Pacha Mamas, and it is right up my alley. It's from award-winning chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken and while they focus on organic ingredients and sustainable practices, nothing deters from the taste. They specialize in meat-and-vegetable-filled skewers and fresh ceviche. It's a nice alternative to traditional stadium food. Give it a shot.

Guilty pleasure

Andrew: Now located on the second level of Stadium 1 is Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, which offers a variety of frozen treats to cool you down on a warm day in Indian Wells. The flavor combinations at this place are hard to beat. It's definitely worth a try.

Shad: If I'm putting the calorie-counter on the shelf for a day, I'll probably head over to Fuku. That's the famous fried chicken spot that is part of the famous Momofuku Restaurant Group. Chicken sandwiches are the specialty, but they have other fried chicken offerings, too. And one well-kept secret that will come in handy as the temperatures warm up throughout the event is that Fuku also has slushies.

Local flair

Andrew: My go-to local spot at the tournament is Sherman's Deli. From corned beef to pastrami to turkey sandwiches, this Coachella Valley spot offers a variety of delicious options. Located inside Stadium 1, you must have a lower bowl ticket to access Sherman's. But the line typically moves quickly and it's possible to grab some food and get back to your seat without missing much of the action.

Shad: Have you ever tried boba tea? You should go for it. It might be your new favorite drink. And there's a local spot making its debut at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden this year called Dragon Lili Boba Bar. They created three fruit-tea inspired boba drinks specifically for the BNP Paribas Open and also serve traditional boba milk tea, Thai tea, coffee and even engage your sweet tooth with some macarons. You can find them outside Stadium 1 by the B-Gate.

Healthy option

Andrew: Looking to stay on your diet while at the BNP Paribas Open? There are surprisingly quite a few options to help you do that, but my spots are Melissa's Market and Melissa's Fresh. It's the same menu only Melissa's Market is located on the second level of Stadium 1 and Melissa's Fresh is inside the food village. Both offer salad and sandwich options and acai bowl and other fruit offerings. The Chinese Chicken Salad is my favorite.

Shad: Pass. You're asking the wrong guy. Does getting pretzel bites without a dipping sauce at Wetzel's Pretzels count?

Sit-down restaurants

Andrew: One thing that you should try is watching a match inside Stadium 2 while inside Nobu. The world-class Japanese restaurant, which is now open to the public year-round, offers a dining option that is unique to the Coachella Valley. It also allows guests to watch some of the top tennis players in the world. A cool experience.

Shad: Bistro 88 is the latest venture to fill the luxury spot inside Stadium 1 where patrons can dine and sip wine while watching the top players through the large glass front that overlooks the court. Celebrity chef Jet Tila, who I'm watching right now as part of the Food Network's "Tournament of Champions," is the man behind Bistro 88.

Shad Powers is the sports columnist at The Desert Sun, where he covers all sports and arts and entertainment for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at shad.powers@desertsun.com.

Andrew John covers the BNP Paribas Open for The Desert Sun and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at andrew.john@desertsun.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: BNP Paribas Open: What to eat at Indian Wells? Palm Springs' picks