It’s an annual tradition for me to publish a list of the top 10 foods and beverages I have at the Minnesota State Fair. I have worked at the Fair every year since 2005, working at least 8 of the 12 days each year.
If you’re planning a trip to the 2025 Minnesota State Fair, you’ll want to plan ahead, especially when it comes to what you’ll eat. Scroll below for what I selected as my 10 favorite foods and beverages of 2024. If you’re a State Fair newbie, make sure you also check out the foods on this list. For more of my hacks for exploring the Minnesota State Fair, click here.
The 2025 Minnesota State Fair runs August 21 – September 1, 2025.
10 foods and beverages to get at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair
1. Danielson’s and Daughters Onion Rings
Where: Danielson’s and Daughters, outside of the Food Building
The best vendors at the State Fair are the ones who sell one thing. French fries. Cheese curds. And onion rings. Located outside of the Food Building, Danielson’s and Daughters Onion Rings delivers some of the best onion rings I have ever had. They don’t have too much breading, and the onion doesn’t just come out of the batter. Sprinkle a little salt on them. It’s worth the wait in line. The staff here typically include a coupon in the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book, too.
2. Beergarita
Where: Tejas Express, The Garden
This is the most refreshing beverage I have had at the State Fair. It’s margarita mix combined with Leinenkugel’s beer. I get the original (the strawberry was too sweet for me). Hot tip: if you’re just ordering beer or beergaritas at Tejas Express, there’s an express line on the left side of their booth.
3. MinneCookieDough Pie
Where: Minneapple Pie, outside the Dairy Building
Served with your choice of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, this deep-fried cookie dough pie is incredibly good. The Minnesota-owned booth also serves other flavors, including deep-fried apple pie, chocolate pie, and blueberry pie.
4. Beer and a Cheeseburger at Midway Men’s Club
Where: Midway Men’s Club, near Visitor’s Plaza
The Midway Men’s Club is my go-to spot for happy hour. Behind the booth, you’ll find patio chairs and tables and an area that isn’t as loud. Plus, you’re really close to a newer bathroom. The Midway Men’s Club, which is run by volunteers, supports organizations around St. Paul. They also serve some of the cheapest beer on the Fairgrounds. Pair that with a cheeseburger, which historically has been around $4, and you’re set.
5. Mint milkshake
Where: Gopher Dairy Bar, outside the Cattle Barn
There may not be fresh fruit in the milkshakes served at the Gopher Dairy Bar, but there never is a line. The mint milkshake was back in 2024 and is so refreshing.
6. Wild Rice Cheeseburger
Where: Wild Rice Specialties, Food Building
It wouldn’t be the top 10 list without including the wild rice cheeseburger. Wild rice is mixed inside the burger patty, and its topped with cheese and grilled onions. The booth did raise the price this year ($10) and made it smaller. Plus, line management was tough the day I stopped by. But it’s definitely worth it.
7. Deep-fried Ranch Dressing
Where: Lulu’s Public House, West End Market
This is the one new food for 2024 that is making my list. If you like cream cheese wontons, this food is for you. It’s not over-the-top ranch at all due to the cream cheese filling. Pairing it with Cry Baby Craig’s hot honey makes it an instant hit. While you’re at Lulu’s, the Bang Bang Chicken Tenders are also worth it. Make sure to sit upstairs to escape crowds. Plus, you’ll find water misters and a short line to order a beverage.
8. French fries
Where: Fresh French Fries, multiple locations
Again, another vendor who sells just one thing. Fresh French fries have been at the State Fair for 50 years, and they know what they’re doing.
9. Peaches at Produce Exchange
Where: Produce Exchange, across the street from the Food Building
When you need a break from deep-fried, the Produce Exchange is the place to go. You can order huge Colorado peaches whole, sliced up in a cup, or grilled with goat cheese and honey. The peaches in a cup were a hit with the kids — and us.
10. Deep-fried Oreos
Where: Deep Fried Candy Bars, on Carnes
The deep-fried Oreos makes the final spot on my top 10 list. This year, they had an unofficial new food: deep-fried red velvet Oreos. They’re actually not too sweet. One order can easily be split with your group.
Honorable Mention
Fried Bee-Nana Pie
Where: Sabino’s Pizza Pies, Coliseum
Ba’Bacon Sour Cream + Onion
Where: Baba’s, near Little Farm Hands
Messy Giuseppe
Where: Mancini’s al Fresco, near Giant Slide
Mini Donut Beer
Where: Ball Park Cafe
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