I’ve only been there 10-ish times and usually after my friends bought seats, unfortunately. I moved to LA just before it was built so basically told my friends “buy tickets, let’s go to a game!”
I don’t even think I’ve seen a day game at Petco for that reason.
As far as bars and eating, it’s the gaslamp. Bars and eateries change as quickly as the seasons, just pick a spot and sit down.