I've been going to the Minnesota State Fair since the 1980s, and I've been covering new fair foods for Bring Me The News since 2018. Needless to say, I'm a little obsessed with the fair—especially the food! Here I'm sharing my Top 10 favorite MN State Fair eats, the ones I think are truly worth your time (and your appetite).
Thanks to my Bring Me The News food writing assignment, I get to go early on Day 1, sample a bunch of new foods, and write about it. Dream gig!
So much of my focus is on trying new foods, but I'll be honest: My favorite part of the fair is eating my tried-and-true favorites that I only get to eat once a year.
Here, I'm sharing my all-time favorite foods from the Minnesota State Fair.
#1: Fried Pickles
If I'm taking one of the park-and-ride buses to the fair, my first stop is at The Perfect Pickle – not far from the bus parking lot.
The fried pickles are SO good, you guys. They're always served fresh and hot. The exterior has a perfect crunch and it served with a generous side of ranch, for dipping.
Where to find: The Perfect Pickle, Southwest corner of West Dan Patch Ave. & Liggett St.
#2: Garlic Fries
Usually I don't bother ordering French fries at the fair, but the garlic fries are something special.
I mean, just look at this photo. The fries are the perfect size – not too thick, not too thin – and they're covered in garlic.
Where to find: Ball Park Cafe, East side of Underwood St. between Dan Patch & Carnes avenues
#3: Corn Dogs
No surprise here, corn dogs (& cousin pronto pups) are on my and everyone else's favorite fair food list.
FYI, Auntie M's makes a killer gluten-free corn dog.
Where to find: Dozens of vendors sell regular corn dogs. Find a gluten-free corn dog at Auntie M's, South side of Judson Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets, just west of Adventure Park.
#4: Cider Pops
The frozen cider pops from the Agriculture Horticulture Building are a great break from the heavy fried foods that are so common at the fair. The cider pops are made from apple cider. That's it. Refreshing, tart, and fruity.
Where to find: In the Agriculture Horticulture Building, south side
#5: Hummus Bowls
The hummus bowls from BABA's are filled with lots of foods and flavors. The mini pita rounds serve as a great scooping-up agent, and also make it a good dish to share.
Where to find: At Street Eats at Randall & Underwood, located on the northwest corner of Randall Ave. & Underwood St.
#6: Oof-Da Tacos
Full disclosure: This isn't my #1 favorite at the fair, but my sweet boyfriend asked me to include it because he is VERY enthusiastic about the Oof-Da Tacos!
The fried bread base is really good… topped with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
Where to find: Northeast corner of Dan Patch Ave. & Cooper St.
#7: Something From Sausage Sister And Me
When I'm needing a break from the fried food, I head to Sausage Sister And Me in the Food Building for some delicious protein.
I've tried many of their foods and have enjoyed them all, including the jalapeño poppers, the Up North Puff Pasty, and the Piggy Pals On A Stick (pictured).
Where to find: In the Food Building, east wall
#8: Pie
There are at least 2 great pie stands at the Minnesota State Fair: Minneapple Pie (pictured) and Sara's Tipsy Pies.
If you like warm, homemade pie, you can't go wrong with either pick. Minneapple makes a great apple pie. Sara's Tipsy Pies have interesting, booze-infused flavors.
Where to find:
- Minneapple Pie: South side of Judson Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets
- Sara's Tipsy Pies: In the Food Building, northwest wall
#9: Basil Hummus With Spicy Walnut Topping
I tried the basil hummus when it was a new food in 2023 – and since then, it's become a favorite.
The hummus is so fresh and bright tasting, thanks to the basil. This is another dish that's good to share. The crunchy garlic parmesan fried pita chips are a nice contrast to the creamy hummus. Love it!
Where to find: Holy Land, At the International Bazaar, southeast corner
#10: Gluten-Free Scone
Before I leave the fair, I always stop by the French Meadow food booth and pick up one of their gluten-free scones. I'm always super full at this point, so I pick up a scone to eat the next day.
This scone was apricot, but I believe they have different flavors every year. Any way, you can't go wrong!
Where to find: French Meadow, North side of Carnes Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets
Minnesota State Fair-Inspired Recipes
The only thing I don't like about the fair is that it only lasts 10 days.
As a kitchen experimenter, I have learned to make some of my favorite fair foods at home, copycat style. Here are some recipes I've tried:
- State Fair Deep Fried Candy Bars
- Copycat State Fair Cookies (Sweet Martha's)
- Homemade Deep-Fried Cheese Curds
- Apple Cider Pops
- Corn Fritters With Maple Butter
