10 best Minnesota State Fair foods, 2017 edition

This is the 2017 edition of Give Me The Mike’s top Minnesota State Fair foods.

Click here for the top foods going into the 2021 Minnesota State Fair.

All of Give Me The Mike’s Minnesota State Fair coverage can be found here.

So the 2017 Minnesota State Fair is one for the record books. Literally. Two daily attendance records were broken.

As for me, I spent 11 days at the Great Minnesota Get Together. I ate a lot. Everyday, I made a game plan for what I would consume and tried nearly 30 foods making their debut in 2017.

As things wrap up, here’s my revised list of foods you need to eat which are a little more off the beaten path. Oh, for the record — those buckets of cookies y’all wait in line for are overrated.

1. Wild Rice Cheeseburger

Wild Rice Specialties, Food Building

Again, the wild rice cheeseburger tops my list. Don’t let ‘wild rice’ bother you; this is a juicy hamburger. It has a plain sesame seed bun, and in this case, simple is best. Make sure you get cheese. I add on onion for good measure. All the people at the State Fair stink anyway.

2. Cinnamon Roll

Cinnamon Rolls, Food Building

For $5, this cinnamon roll is a steal. The best part is the ooey-gooey middle. And wait until you see them slab all that frosting on top. It’s a great item to share. You know when a booth does something well when they only have two items on their menu. The other thing they serve? Stromboli. That may just be my sleeper hit for 2018.

3. Mint Milkshake

Gopher Dairy Bar attached to the Cattle Barn, Judson Avenue

The most refreshing thing you’ll get on the Fairgrounds is the mint milkshake from the Gopher Dairy Bar, attached to the Cattle Barn. Run by the University of Minnesota, the college kids running that stand have a spring in their step, meaning you won’t encounter a line. I never have, and trust me, I’ve been to that booth many times.

4. Fish Taco

San Felipe Tacos, Food Building

I assumed State Fair officials knew a thing or two about foods you can try, so I asked one to share her favorite thing to eat. Her answer: the fish taco at San Felipe Tacos. And goodness, is it good. The tilapia isn’t deep-fried or breaded, making it light, yet filling. The cost for what you get is spot on.

5. Mini Donut Beer

Ball Park Cafe, outside of Food Building on Underwood Street

Surprisingly not too sweet, the mini donut flavored beer at the Ball Park Cafe is a must-have. They rim the cup with sugar. Come on now. And I will admit it — I sipped on a mini donut beer while eating mini donuts. I have no shame.

6. Polish Sausage Corndog

Hand-Dipped Corndogs, on Cosgrove across from Education Building

Combine the pronto pup with its wimpy hot dog with a Super Dog and its obnoxious size. What do you get? A Polish sausage corndog. The meat is hearty, the breading isn’t too sweet, and it really fills you up. And at $7, it’s a great price.

7. Giant Egg Roll On-a-stick

Que Viet, on Cooper Street just south of Dan Patch

Another new food in 2017 that’s making my must-eat list for 2018 is the giant egg roll on-a-stick from Que Viet. A new vendor in 2017, Que Viet only sold four items (the egg roll, garlic cream cheese wontons, amazing Vietnamese iced coffee and bubble tea), and they were amazing. This egg roll is packed with pork and has more substance to it than a typical egg roll. And it wasn’t too crispy. I hate when all you get in your bite is the shell. Want this fix outside of the Fairgrounds? Check out Que Viet locations in Brooklyn Center and Northeast Minneapolis.

8. Australian Battered Potatoes

Australian Battered Potatoes, on Judson Avenue between Clough and Liggett

Don’t let the $12 price tag fool you, these potatoes are one of the best values at the Fair if you’re with a group of people. You’ll get full after eating two, and they come eight on a plate. You can pour sour cream, nacho cheese, bacon, chili and more on top. They’re warm, cheesy and delicious.

9. Vanilla Malt…But From One Particular Spot

Sadies, on Judson Avenue between Clough and Nelson

For years, I’ve had a special spot in my heart for the vanilla malt from Sadie’s, located across the street from the Miracle of Birth Center. But paying $8 for a malt is a lot. So during the 2017 State Fair, I refrained from getting it until day nine. Once I had my first one for the year, I remember why I love them so much. It’s hard to explain. But they’re definitely worth it.

10. Deep-fried Cookie Dough

Sonny’s, Food Building

Deep-fried cookie dough beats out the buckets of cookies you’ll find on the Fairgrounds. They’re gooey, warm and even have powdered sugar on top. Grab two friends to try these — you’ll be done after one. And unlike the cookies, you won’t have to carry a bucket with you for the rest of your day at the Fair.

Honorable mentions

Blue Cheese and Corn Fritz

Blue Barn, West End Market

Chilled bread pudding

Blue Moon Drive-In Theater, corner of Carnes and Chambers

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