During the 2026 Minnesota State Fair, I stopped chasing after “official” new foods. Most of the time, they turn out to be fads and you won’t see them on menus the following year. They end up being replaced by the next big deal.
Instead, I focused my time on foods that don’t get the attention they deserve. They’re are booths that have been on the fairgrounds for generations. I tried foods that I’ve never had before, and I’ve been going tothe fair every year since 1991.
I created caterogies, because this list cannot be ranked. Leave a comment with what you believe is missing!
35 foods worth eating at the Minnesota State Fair
Hall of fame
- Fries from Fresh French Fries
- Pronto Pup
- Cheese curds from The Mouth Trap
- Corn on-the-cob from Corn Roast
- Cookies from Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar
Gotta have at least once
- Chocolate milk from All You Can Drink Milk
- Deep-fried pickles from The Perfect Pickle
- Mini donuts from Tom Thumb Donuts
- About a Foot Long Hot Dog from Hansen’s
- Malt from Gopher Dairy Bar
Most underrated
- Onion rings from Danielson’s & Daughters
- Wild rice cheeseburger from Wild Rice Specialties
- Deep-fried cookie dough pie from Minneapple Pie
- London Broil steak sandwich from Butcher Boys
- Hummus bowl from BABA’S
Highest-rated
- Pickle pizza from Rick’s Pizza
- Donut from Peachey’s Baking Company
- Giant egg roll from Que Viet Concessions
- Mini donut beer from Ball Park Cafe
- Australian Battered Potatoes
Hidden gems
- Cup of sliced peaches from The Produce Exchange
- Liquid nitrogen ice cream from Nitro Ice Cream
- Original pickle dog from Pickle Dog
- Pork chop on-a-stick from Peterson’s Pork Chops
- Deep-fried cookie dough on-a-stick from Sonny’s Fair Food
Best bets on a hot day
- Apple cider popsicle from Minnesota Apples
- Hawaiian sunset shave ice from Minnesnowii Shave Ice
- Frozen grapes from Bayou Bob’s Gator Shack
- Flavor of the Fair from Dairy Goodness Bar
- Free water from Culligan
Honorable mentions
- Beergarita from Tejas Express
- Garlic cream cheese wontons from Que Viet Concessions
- Deep-fried ravioli from Vescio’s
- Deep-fried ranch from LuLu’s Public House
- Deep-fried tilapia taco from San Felipe Tacos
Best spots to be social
- Midway Mens Club (order a cheeseburger)
- LuLu’s Public House (sit upstairs)
- The Blue Barn (tables on the north side)
- O’Gara’s at the Fair (hidden bathrooms in the back!)
- Hamline Church Dining Hall (at the fair since 1897)
If you’re looking for more suggestions on navigating the Minnesota State Fair, check out Give Me The Mike’s entire Minnesota State Fair guide here.
While you’re here, take a moment to read how I adapted after losing both parents before I was 25 years old and my journey with epilepsy.
