Over its 12 day run, the Minnesota State Fair will draw around two million people, with nearly 250,000 coming through the gates on the busiest days. Most of them make their way to the Fairgrounds later in the day, which is why I always recommend you head out to the fair early when the fairgrounds are clean(er), lines are shorter and the weather is cooler. Plus, you can get breakfast.

The State Fair offers a brochure of vendors who serve up breakfast at the Fair. It’s available at information booths (you may have to ask for it). For some reason, they don’t post the guide on their website.

I was on KSTP-TV’s Minnesota Live with three spots serving up great breakfast.

Best breakfast at the Minnesota State Fair

The Peg

Outside of the Agriculture-Horticulture Building

The Peg is the State Fair’s only full-service restaurant and has been on the Fairgrounds for more than 40 years. You’re able to sit down for a few minutes and order off a menu at your own table.
The Peg Muffin is the staple menu item. It’s their take on the Sausage Egg McMuffin with the addition of a tomato. That is on their menu all day.
Their new food for 2025 which didn’t make the Fair’s official foods list (I’m not sure why) is called the Mr. Peg. This sandwich is nearly one pound and has a deep-fried dill pickle, chicken tender, bacon, fried egg, sauteed peppers and onion, gravy and house-made coleslaw all on an English muffin. It’s finished with a drizzle of hot honey.
Their full breakfast menu, which goes from 7-11 a.m., includes French toast, pancakes, eggs,and other diner fare. Tell Brett and his team that Mike Marcotte says hi!

Minnesota Farmers Union

Near the Main Gate on Dan Patch

The Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop is now known for its annual collaboration with farmers and local restaurants.
In 2025, they teamed up with Patisserie 46 to create two pastries (I tried the apple and really liked it, but honestly, it was too fancy for the State Fair).
They also serve coffee (the Maple Cream Nitro Cold Press is worth it) and can make lattes, mochas and more.

Hamline Church Dining Hall

Near Visitors Plaza on Dan Patch

The Minnesota State Fair once was full of dining halls run by local churches. Now, only two remain. The Hamline Church Dining Hall originally opened at the Fair in 1897 and continues to draw in big crowds with new foods, church basement charm, and friendly volunteers.
They team up with Al’s Breakfast, a Minneapolis institution, to serve Al’s blueberry pancakes on the fairgrounds.
You can also get their Holey Hamloaf Breafkast Sandwich. I’ll break that down for ya. Hamloaf is like meatloaf, but with a mix of ground pork and ham instead of beef. Then, you add on caramelized onions, cheese, a tangy glaze and then wrap that around fried egg-in-a-hole toast for a warm, satisfying breakfast.

Blue Moon Drive-In Theater

Corner of Carnes and Nelson

The Blue Moon Drive-In has some of the heartiest breakfast platters you’ll find at the State Fair.
My former coworkers at the TV station enjoy the cheesy potatoes that you can get as part of their Throwback Combo, which comes with an egg bake and gorilla bread.
They also serve up breakfast sandwiches.

The Blue Barn

West End Market

The Blue Barn is from the same team that brings you Longfellow Grill, Highland Grill, The Freehouse and other restaurants throughout the Twin Cities.
Steph Shimp and her team have a fantastic menu throughout the day. I would recommend you get there early for breakfast before the lines get too long.
The Chicken in a Waffle is a favorite with chicken tenders and sausage gravy served in a waffle cone. They also serve French toast bites, a breakfast gnocchi and a farm handwich with beef, potato, egg and a spicy cheese sauce.

French Meadow Bakery & Cafe

On Carnes, near Ye Old Mill

French Meadow has a decent coffee bar.
It is one of the best places on the Fairgrounds for those looking for gluten-free and vegan options. They have gluten-free bread on the menu and the Peoples Organic nitro cold brew on tap is gluten-free and vegan.
They also have a good selection of breakfast croissant sandwiches.