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 eight of the 12 days each year.

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.

10 best foods and beverages from the 2024 Minnesota State Fair

1. Onion Rings from Danielson’s and Daughters

Outside 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 from 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 from 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 from 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 Saint Paul. They also serve some of the cheapest beer on the fairgrounds. Pair that with a cheeseburger, which historically is around $4, and you’re set.

5. Mint milkshake from 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 from 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 from LuLu’s Public House

West End Market

This is the one new food for 2024 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 from 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 from Produce Exchange

Underwood, across 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 from Deep-fried Candy Bars

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.