Reviewing All the New Minnesota State Fair Foods in 2025
Dearest eaters, this marks my final run through the highest of holy days, Day One of the Minnesota State Fair, whilst eating all the new official and bonus foods that we can find. It’s been an honor, a privilege, and a burden to eat upwards of 70 items in one day so that you’ll have this vaunted Get It / Skip It / Your Call guide on the first Friday morning. And hell yeah, it’s been fun!
This year, for the swan song, I brought along a co-writer who has been quietly in the State Fair game for more than a decade. He’s carried bags, he’s chopped peaches, he got lost once before he was old enough to have a phone. My very own kid, Jake von Haken, has often delivered his own hot takes on food (usually live or on the tired drive home) so this year, at the age of 22, he’s earned the right to be part of the record.
What we saw this year might be expressed as the undercooked, the overhyped, and the spectacular spectacular. Here’s hoping that some of the vendors who didn’t seem quite ready to handle the crowds will find their footing over the next 11 days. Overall we saw a lot of hot honey, pizza seemed to be omnipresent, and there’s a lot of coffee on campus this year. No surprise, prices are on the rise. But all in all, we found a lot of great eats this year!
HUGE props to the food team, including Dara who executed her Top Five + on the first day, and Caitlin Abrams, Carl Anfinson, Peter Diamond, and Madison Bloomquist who were posting, snapping, snacking, wet wiping, and providing color commentary along with us.
It’s been a gas, and I’ll see you out there! —Stephanie March
Sweet Squeakers: White cheddar cheese curds coated in a funnel cake batter, deep-fried, and topped with a scoop of fresh lemon whipped cream. Finished with a drizzle of berry sauce. (Vegetarian) At The Blue Barn, located at West End Market, center section. $14.75
SM GET IT: Those are cheese curds that identify as mini donuts, and the lemon whip just gilds that lily.
JVH GET IT: There’s a right way and a wrong way to do sweet cheese curds, and I’m not surprised Blue Barn chose wisely. Must covet these goods from all mischievous mice (they’re squeaking).
Bonus Food: Orange Whip, Campfire Cold Brew, and Backyard Bloody Mary. At The Blue Barn, located at West End Market, center section. $7–12
SM GET THEM: This was our first of many coffee drinks that day, and I would still go back for this one. I like the idea of the Bloody with some Blue Barn eggs in the morning, and Orange Whip? Orange Whip? Three Orange Whips.
JVH GET THEM: Campfire is a super solid option if you need a quick hoist. Sweet and snappy! I mean it’s an orange soda, comme ci, comme ça. And I like my Mary a little more tomato-heavy, but OK.
Caprese Curds: Mozzarella cheese curds breaded with Italian seasoning and deep-fried. Served over a bruschetta-flavored blend of tomatoes and basil, and drizzled with balsamic glaze. Served with a side of crostini for scooping. (Vegetarian) At LuLu’s Public House, located at West End Market, west side. $12
SM SKIP IT, BUT: I have a historical issue with balsamic glaze, and for me having cold tomatoes with the hot curds didn’t really work in the curds’ favor.
JVH YOUR CALL: Feels like a connection that should’ve been made a loooonng time ago. I’d honestly skip the crostinis and just scoop up the toms and curds for equal satisfaction.
Soft Serve Royal Raspberry Beer: A tart American fruited Berliner Weisse, reimagined in soft serve form and served in a cone! At LuLu’s Public House, located at West End Market, west side. $11
SM GET IT: The hands-down winner of the 2025 MN State Fair. Done. Just tart and light, and surprisingly creamy for beer soft serve with no dairy!! So smart to make this with Berliner Weisse to balance out the sweet.
JVH GET IT: My number-one fave gimmick this year, dairy-free delicious soft serve to get ya covertly buzzed.
Bonus Food: Deep-Fried S’mores. At LuLu’s Public House, located at West End Market, west side. $12
SM YOUR CALL: I can’t remember eating this, so maybe I need to go back or maybe that says it all? I don’t think I’m mad at this.
JVH SKIP IT: Chocolate was strange. It didn’t quite land and walked in the shadow of the titans who came before.
Grandma Doreen’s Dessert Dog: Vanilla ice cream, created by Minnesota Dairy Lab, sandwiched between two pieces of Grandma Doreen’s Coffee Cake. Skewered on-a-stick and drizzled with house-made strawberry rhubarb jam. Garnished with cinnamon toast-flavored crispy treats, whipped cream and sprinkles. (Vegetarian) At West End Creamery, located at West End Market, northwest section. $14.75
SM GET IT: I love coffee cake and I love a grandma story, and this may be the best way to actually do an ice cream sandwich. The jam gave it a homey touch for me; I would do without the sprinkles. Grannies don’t want you to call them “cute” they frikkin hate that.
JVH YOUR CALL: The jam really pulls it together, man. Lots of new ice creams and the West End’s champion is up to bat.
Bonus Food: Death by Chocolate Mini Donuts. At Donut Family, located in the middle of the Mighty Midway. $15
SM SKIP IT: There are better choco mini donuts a few blocks away.
JVH SKIP IT: Among the myriad mini donuts contained within the fair, these did not shine bright within mine eye.
Hula Kalua Pork: Slow-smoked pork collar caramelized with Hawaiian barbecue sauce, inspired by the flavors of traditional Hawaiian Kalua pork. Served atop a charred banana leaf with banana chips and Japanese quick-pickled cucumbers on the side. Finished with a sprinkle of coarse red sea salt. At RC’s BBQ, located on the north side of West Dan Patch Avenue between Liggett & Chambers streets.
SM GET IT: The move here is to not ignore the accoutrements. Eat a bite with a cuke and banana chip for a sweet, porky, fresh, crisp bite. I also feel like I should give you permission to pick this up and eat it with your hands if you want.
JVH GET IT: The meat masters. Perfect pork paired with quick cukes and banana bites makes me smile. Definitely one to tear into from all angles with your crew.
Pizza Cheese Curd Tacos: Pepperoni, sausage and pizza-flavored fried cheese curds in a crispy flour shell, topped with marinara sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. At Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos, located on the west side of Chambers St. between West Dan Patch & Carnes avenues. $18
SM GET IT: I have previously said that we maybe should NOT put cheese curds in tacos because it cheapens them both. But here, in a pizza situation, I might admit: there’s some there, there. It works better in that drunk-bro opening the door and shouting “PIZZA BUDDY” at the delivery guy before awkwardly hugging him kind of way.
JVH GET IT: I haven’t always been on the same side of the force as the Cheese Curd Tacos, but today we united in a common interest: unabashed saucy, cheesy, handheld utility. Felt like the final evolution of a hot pocket.
Bonus Food: Deep-Fried Black Olives. At Fried Fruit & Fried Olives, located west of Nelson St. just south of the Grandstand. $12
SM GET IT: Supes salty D1 black olive fan here.
JVH SKIP IT: You gotta be a D1 black olive champion for this one, supes salty and lacking substance.
Hot Honey Jalapeño Popper Donut: Hand-cut yeast-raised donut frosted with homemade jalapeño cream cheese. Topped with crumbled bacon, pickled jalapeños and drizzled with hot honey. At Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts, located between West Dan Patch & Carnes avenues and Liggett & Chambers streets, south section. $10
SM YOUR CALL: People are either going to love or hate this, and I’m weirdly in between. It’s fun, it’s Fair, I’m glad those jalapeños are pickled! And yet I think it’s a two-bite thing for me, and I didn’t like the baco-bits.
JVH SKIP IT: Gotta give props for drizzling the honey during handoff, but far too messy and the dough itself failed to draw me in for a second bite.
Bonus Food: Frozen Fudge Affogato. At Blue Moon Dine-In Theater, located at the northeast corner of Carnes Avenue & Chambers Street. $10
SM SKIP IT: Soooooooooo, it’s not an affogato.
JVH SKIP IT: Tasty but somewhat forgettable, cookie scoop helps a lot, but it’s still thick fudge.
Uncrustaburger: A 4 oz. hamburger patty with cheese, pickles and special sauce, sandwiched between two deep-fried peanut butter & grape jelly Uncrustables®. At Coasters, located at the southeast corner of Carnes Ave. & Liggett St. $14
SM GET IT: If only for the business of show, if only for the spectacle, if only for the fact that you’ll never eat this again, anywhere. It’s super hot and hard to hold and messy and yes, that’s The Fair too.
JVH GET IT: Pure unadulterated novelty. Just look at it. It’s insane, and it works so long as you approach it with a graceful grip.
Land of 10,000 Cakes: A Bridgeman’s Marble Sundae of Butter Brittle Ice Cream layered in a cup with a trio of mini Nadia Cupcakes – Creme Brulee, Loaded Pistachio and Chocolate Bliss. Topped with whipped cream and a cherry. (Vegetarian) At Bridgeman’s Ice Cream, located at the northeast corner of Judson Avenue & Liggett Street. $14
SM SKIP IT: Don’t hate, I love me some Bridgeman’s, you know that. But this was more cakes than ice cream and I felt like I had to fish around too hard to get a bite I wanted.
JVH SKIP IT: Ya want a big ol’ cup of cakes at the fair? Then go for it, but it just feels like a food born purely out of the pun.
Deep-Fried Tofuego Bites: Bites of breaded tofu, deep-fried and tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce. Served on a bed of pineapple and napa cabbage slaw. Topped with sesame seeds and scallions. (Vegan) At Snack House, located in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, south side. $8
SM GET IT, VEGANS: If you’re noshing plants and such and are in the mood for a fresh and flavorful bowl with a balanced kick, this is for you.
JVH YOUR CALL: For all the sweet dear vegans brave enough to attend, this is one of the better options. But for the layman? There’s way more fun you could have with tofu.
Tater Kegs: Jumbo deep-fried tots stuffed with savory fillings – in five flavors: Bacon Jalapeño; Bacon Cheddar; Breakfast Skillet; Cheese Bomb; and Reuben. Served with choice of sauces: thousand island, blue cheese, Top the Tater®, maple syrup and ketchup. All Tater Kegs are gluten free. At Greater Tater, located on the west side of Liggett St. between Carnes & Judson avenues, outside the Horse Barn. $10
SM GET IT: Can’t love them more. Hot and crispy little bullets straight to my heart. After being failed a few times that morning, these taters lifted my very salty soul.
JVH GET IT: Honestly might be the new superior tot option at the fair. Exactly the right amount of substance, steam, and squish you want from a deep-fried potato cylinder.
Beans & Beignets: Freshly made beignets (deep-fried pastry dough topped with powdered sugar), plus a variety of iced and hot beverages, including tea, coffee, chai lattes, and espresso drinks. At Beans & Beignets, located at the northwest corner of Judson Ave. & Clough St. $6
SM SKIP IT: There was a massive line from the get-go, so they might have been having volume issues, but the beignets were barely cooked and a bit floppy, and the coffee was only just OK. Not worth the 20+ minute wait.
JVH SKIP IT: Of all the fried dough and caffeinated bevs there was nothing that felt unique enough here to make me return.
Chimney Cakes: A rotisserie-baked Hungarian pastry shaped like a cone, filled with vanilla ice cream and choice of Nutella® or caramel spread and toppings (crushed OREO® Cookies, rainbow sprinkles or frosted flakes). At Magdalena’s Chimney Cakes, located on the north side of Judson Ave. between Clough & Nelson streets. $15
SM SKIP IT FOR NOW: Might go back for a re-do, TBH. They seemed out of sorts. There was no caramel in our cone; the ice cream was melting when they handed it to me; the scoop was perilously perched and came in like a wrecking ball.
JVH SKIP IT: I see the dream, I really do, and I respect it, but the choice of ice cream was far too dense and the pastry cone’s structural integrity was desperately compromised.
Pizza Lumpia: Mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, pizza sauce, and Italian herbs. Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia: French toast strips soaked in ube butter syrup with caramelized bananas, dusted with powdered sugar. At Lumpia City, located on the North side of Judson Ave. between Liggett & Clough streets. $12
SM GET IT: But maybe just the Ube French Toasty bite, which brought all the crisp, and brunchy vibes. Skip the pizza version.
JVH CONDITIONAL GET IT: Love to see Lumpia representation at the fair. The pizza style fell short for me, but the Ube Butter French Toast was an absolute stunner without knocking you out.
Bonus Food: Crispy Chicken Sandwich. At Blue Ox Burger Bar, located on the southeast corner of Judson Ave. & Clough St. $10
SM SKIP IT: There wasn’t much there, there.
JVH SKIP IT: Really bland and weak willed.
Bonus Food: Loaded Breakfast Waffle Stick. At Waffle Chix, located on Judson Avenue between Liggett & Clough streets. $12
SM GET IT: Oh REDEEEMER! I was not a fan of this booth last year, but this little savory sausage bomb won me over this year with her sashay of gravy and cheesy bacon accessories.
JVH GET IT: The champions breakfast blade has been forged and awaits one worthy enough to take up arms. Will you heed the call?
Bonus Food: Pickle Pretzel. At Pretzel Factory, located on the west side of Nelson St. between Carnes & Judson avenues. $8
SM SKIP IT: I shall forever mourn the loss of the Pretzel Haus salty butter pretz, and continue the quest to find its equal on the fairgrounds one day. But this is not that day.
JVH SKIP IT: Felt like biting into an extension cable dusty with dill-flavored microplastics.
Cannoli Gelato Nachos: Cannoli chips topped with a scoop of cannoli-flavored gelato. Finished with chocolate sauce, rainbow sprinkles and a cherry. (Vegetarian) At Mancini’s, located on the north side of Carnes Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets. $11
SM SKIP IT: Pfft. A bit too much work and not enough payoff for these.
JVH YOUR CALL: I adore the concept here, but the execution left me wanting. Soft serve feels like it may have been the better choice, as the chips failed as scoops to the dense gelato.
Athena’s Whipped Feta: Whipped feta topped with schug – a Middle Eastern green sauce made with jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, parsley and fresh herbs – drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with crunchy toasted wild rice. Served with deep-fried pita bread tossed in Dino’s signature seasoning. (Vegetarian) At Dino’s Gyros, located on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson & Underwood streets.
SM GET IT: Gah, they actually made a thing I really loved. Dino’s has vexed me year after year, but in this, my final forced tasting, they hit it out of the park.
JVH GET IT: Maybe the best feta at the fair? Super easy shareable, great for a sit-down moment.
Bonus Food: Oreo Crepe, Pickle Roll Crepe, Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew. At French Crêperie, located north side of Carnes Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets. $13
SM YOUR CALL: This Oreo-fication was pretty great! And I love a crepe more than a waffle, so let’s get more on board with this! I didn’t hate the pickle crepe, but if I’m being honest I would just go get a pickle dog instead.
JVH YOUR CALL: Oreo crepe was super fluffy and light as is exactly what you’re expecting to get out of this very serious business interaction. With the pickle crepe, I understand the admiration towards the ever iconic pickle dog, but I just couldn’t rally behind this false prophet.
Freaky Fryday: Chicken-fried vegan bacon served with vegan fried chicken strips infused with bacon flavor. Optional toppings include mini donut cinnamon sugar & maple syrup, pickle seasoning & ranch dressing, spicy buffalo sauce & dragon dust – or a combination of all three. (Vegan) At The Herbivorous Butcher, located in the Food Building, west section, south wall.
SM YOUR CALL: I can see where the fried vegan bacon would work, as it was thin and worked in balance with the breading, but the vegan chicken was a bit too heavy and felt like all bread. The buff sauce was delish and saved the day a bit. Meat eaters need not apply.
JVH SKIP IT: The pursuit of supreme versatility can often land one in social exile. I’ve liked some of the HB meat pretenders in the past, but this one failed to reach me.
Cinna-sugar Crust Tidbits: Freshly baked flaky pie crust strips covered in cinnamon and sugar. Served with a side of whiskey-flavored caramel dipping sauce. (Vegetarian, Vegan upon request) At Sara’s Tipsy Pies, located in the Food Building, northwest wall. $10
SM SKIP IT: Loved the sauce.
JVH SKIP IT: There’s a more nacho-y direction this could work in, but as-is there was def not enough flavor.
Bonus Food: Tamarind Glazed Pork Belly Tacos, Chipotle Barbecued Chicken Sliders. At Tejas Express, located in The Garden, north wall.
SM GET IT: Both of these snacks could have been on the official list. Particularly, the pork belly tacos with the blackberry sauce was giving the perfect elevated bite, without losing the grip that they are at the fair.
JVH GET IT: Double bangers from Tejas, very straightforward and honest. Each dish with strong memorable backbones: the blackberries for the tacos, and the slaw in the sliders.
Chicken-Fried Bacon Fries: Beef bacon strips double-breaded in tempura flour and fried. Garnished with fresh parsley and served in a cup. Choice of two dipping sauces: Cashville Hot, a brown sugar Nashville-style hot sauce; or 24k Gold BBQ, a passion fruit Charleston gold barbecue sauce. At Soul Bowl, located in the Food Building, east wall. $12 for small, $20 for large
SM GET IT: These did NOT match up to the picture from the Fair’s announcement, but we have to be OK with that, because they were delicious little squiggles of beef bacon in a paper cup. It’s a good pivot that I’m sure others will rake on, but you know what? Pound sand.
JVH YOUR CALL: Nothing wrong with these, but I just don’t get the hype. They failed to hook me, which is convenient because I was feeling very fishy today and they looked a lot like deep-fried worms.
Green Apple Sucker Ice Cream: Tart green apple ice cream with swirls of sweet caramel – flavored like a caramel apple lollipop – served in a cup. Created by A to Z Creamery. (Vegetarian, Gluten Free) At Granny’s, located on the north side of Dan Patch Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets. $8
SM GET IT: Weirdly JUST like the green apple caramel pops from your childhood. Like I’m immediately on a bike with a banana seat, fresh from my cousin’s pool and cruising to the corner store to get one. No notes.
JVH GET IT: I mean this is just a delightful nostalgia scoop no matter the generation of its consumer. The clearest victory of accomplishing an existing desired flavor this year.
Afro Bean Pops: Savory deep-fried bites of ground black-eyed peas, onions, jalapeños, cilantro and seasonings. Served with a spicy red chili sauce atop a bed of mixed greens. (Vegan, Gluten Free) At Afro Deli, located in the Food Building, east wall. $8
SM SKIP IT: A bit too dry and I expected more of a punch than I got. Sexy little disco box, tho.
JVH YOUR CALL: Tasty sauce, but the bean pops themselves were dry and unexciting. Did not step above the other items at Afro Deli but this could be a definite win for Camp Vegan.
Smashadilla: Smashed seasoned ground beef and Gouda cheese grilled on a flour tortilla. Served folded and dressed with caramelized onions, lettuce, pickles and Gass Station Grill’s homemade burger sauce. At Gass Station Grill, located West side of Cooper St. between Dan Patch & Judson avenues, outside southeast corner of the Food Building. $14
SM SKIP IT: I really wanted this to be wonderful, but it was undercooked and a bit, well, flaccid. The problem of making a social media–viral food is that everyone coming for it knows what it’s supposed to look like.
JVH SKIP IT: Did not live up to the hype, and was dressed less than cute.
Chocolate Strawberry Cups: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup (layered with Belgian-style chocolate, pistachio butter, kataifi and pistachios); Matcha White Chocolate Strawberry Cup (layered with matcha white chocolate and melted chocolate topped with marshmallow sauce); Chocolate Strawberry Cup (covered with melted Belgian-style chocolate); and Chocolate Strawberries & Cream (covered in melted chocolate and topped with a tower of whipped cream and chocolate drizzle). All strawberry cups are gluten free, except the Dubai chocolate cup. At Chocolate Strawberry Cup, located on the Southwest corner of Dan Patch Ave. & Cooper St. Dubai cup is $20; price varies
SM YOUR CALL: I know you gotta get it for the ‘gram, but this is the only thing I’m having a hard time justifying the $20. The strawberries are ripe and beautiful the chocolate is good, but I would stay with the classic and skip the Dubai version we tried. For some of you this will be worth it, and maybe that’s me tomorrow.
JVH SKIP IT: I denounce the hype-train. If you’re gonna ride the buzzwords like that, I feel like it needs to have a beautiful and special presentation.
Bonus Food: Dan Patch Dip. At Hamline Church Dining Hall, located on the north side of Dan Patch Ave. between Underwood & Cooper streets. $11
SM GET IT: Guys, it’s not pretty, but it eats like someone brought the right goldarn thing to the potluck and you’re unable to leave the picnic table for all the scoopin’ yer doin’. Cheesy corn dip with pineapple slaw and dip chips, K?
JVH GET IT: No deceit detected in this dip. Best eaten among tired peers, which happens to be very achievable.
Bonus Food: Minnesota Maple Shake-Up by Ginkgo Coffee. At Hamline Church Dining Hall, located on the north side of Dan Patch Ave. between Underwood & Cooper streets. $8
SM GET IT: Again, a coffee drink from the Hamline Church Dining Hall did save our team. This. Is. Delightfully. Boosted.
JVH YOUR CALL: Old reliable cold coffee, definitely sweet but not in the way that made me excited to keep drinking it.
Pot of Gold Potato Dumplings: Cheesy garlic mashed potatoes folded into flaky dumplings, by Twin Cities–based Saturday Dumpling Co., and deep-fried. Served with a side of Top the Tater® “The Original” Chive Onion dip. (Vegetarian without dip) At O’Gara’s, located on the southwest corner of Dan Patch Ave. & Cosgrove St.
SM GET IT: I think we asked for more Top the Tater at the fair, and we got it this year! I’m not mad at the mash in the middle.
JVH YOUR CALL: Cheesy and mashy, that’s for darn sure, feels like ya toss one or two of them down and move on. Great for a group, maybe not for a solo venture.
Birthday Cake Cookie Dough On-A-Stick: Cake batter cookie dough made from scratch and covered in a crunchy cake confetti shell. Topped with rainbow sprinkles and served on-a-stick. (Vegetarian) At Kora & Mila Cookie Dough, located on the south side of Dan Patch Ave. between Cooper & Cosgrove streets.
SM SKIP IT: Not a fan. If you cooked this, would it really be a cookie?
JVH SKIP IT: The bane of my taste buds. I think this was a coup staged on a stick.
Bison Meatball Sub: Bison and bacon meatballs, from Minnesota-based Eichten’s Bison and Hidden Stream Farm, topped with bison gravy, quick-pickled cucumbers, crispy fried onions and sour cream. Served on a toasted wild rice hoagie bun. At Farmers Union Coffee Shop, located on the north side of Dan Patch Ave. between Cooper & Cosgrove streets.
SM GET IT: BUT we all kind of agreed that maybe you can just skip the bun. Like get the meatballs on their own with that kicky cuke mix with onions and have it like a salad. There’s no shame in the scrape.
JVH GET IT: Was very excited about this one going in today. It didn’t live up to the lofty ideals I had but was still delish. Def didn’t need the bun.
Bonus Food: Oreo Fried Pop-Tart. At Deep Fried Twinkies, located on the east side of Cooper St. outside the Merch Market. $7
SM SKIP IT: Floppy and hard to eat and stop getting all over my shirt and no.
JVH YOUR CALL: There’s a time and place for this without a doubt, and I guess it’s gotta be the fair. Deep-Fried “____” on a stick is like the hero’s journey here, so why not let an Oreo Pop-Tart play protagonist?
Bonus Food: Walking Pretzel Caramel Sundae. At Goertze’s Dairy Kone, located on the east side of Cooper St., next to the Merch Market.
SM GET IT: Give me a bag of Snyder’s salty pretz with good vanilla ice cream and caramel poured on top of them and let me walk around like I’m getting away with something? OK!
JVH GET IT: Favorite delivery system of the day. Hell yeah, I want a sliced baggy with treats in it.
Bonus Food: Reuben Pizza. At Spaghetti Eddies, located on the east side of Cooper St. outside the Merch Market. $9
SM GET IT: WHAT? Of all the Reubenified things on campus, this one was the best. A righteous slab of pizza with all the notes.
JVH GET IT: Always down for some kraut, no matter how the high courts see fit to deliver it to me. Oh, you made a reuben pizza? Yuppers.
Croffle Cloud: Croissant pressed in a waffle iron and topped with fresh whipped sweet cream, a drizzle of fruit purée and a cloud of cotton candy. Choice of Banana Caramel, Yuzu Meringue, or Coconut Cream. (Vegetarian) At Spinning Wylde, located north of Wright Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove streets, at Family Fair at Baldwin Park.
SM GET IT: Just a moment of whimsy and delight awaits! PRO TIP: You are supposed to fold the waffled croissant up around the cotton candy to make a magical sandwich of the whole thing. I loved the yuzu, because I love yuzu, but the coconut was no less dreamy.
JVH GET IT: Perfect combo of interactive fun and tasty treat. Playing with your food in the best way possible.
Hot Honey Pizza Ballzz: Three pizza dough balls stuffed with cheese curds, pepperoni, herbs and Parmesan cheese. Brushed with garlic butter and topped with more pepperoni, herbs and Parmesan cheese. Finished with a drizzle of hot honey sauce. At Green Mill, located on the east side of Cooper St. between Randall & Wright avenues, at Family Fair at Baldwin Park. $10
SM GET IT: Holy hell these worked. And what a value at three for $10? Thought they were going to be little impenetrable boulders, but there were surprisingly light and airy: filled with pepp and cheese in smart amounts. Hot honey strikes again.
JVH GET IT: A delight! A key player in the pizza sub-theme of this year’s narrative, as well as the hot honey movement. Romeo AND Juliet all rolled into one.
Timber Twists: A savory mixture of Italian sausage, mozzarella, cream cheese, and barbecue rub piped into three large manicotti shells, then wrapped in bacon. Cooked in a wood-fired smoker for an infusion of smokey flavor. Served with a side of Giggles’ signature barbecue sauce. At Giggles’ Campfire Grill, located on the southeast corner of Lee Ave. & Cooper St. at The North Woods.
SM SKIP IT: I wanted to love these so hard, but I couldn’t find any smoke and the sausage mix was a wee bit bland. I would pick Duck Wontons over these every day, and twice on Tuesday.
JVH SKIP IT: I was so immediately demoralized and downtrodden.
Urban Glow Mocktails: Dirty NoTini (lemon, dill pickling spices & olive brine); Nojito (minty-lime with a hint of molasses); CosNo (cranberry, orange & lime); Grilled Peach No Fashioned; Autumn Mule; Pineapple Upside Down Cake; Bonspiel Blue; and Nitro Cold Brew. Plus Cheweenies (mini Kramarczuk’s hot dogs in Hawaiian rolls). At Urban Growler, located at the North End, northwest section, across from the North End Event Center. Cheweenies $8; mocktails $8
SM GET SOME: What a refreshing stop. Down right wholesome! I will be back for the Nojito and its minty-lime ways. Many of the others were too sweet for me, and I was an outlier liker of the Dirty NoTini. Also, Cheweenies? Pop some googly eyes on those cute pups and get them with the dill mustard, princess. Love you!
JVH GET IT: I’m absolutely a champion for NA bevs as being more than a sober alternative and these winners held their flag high today. Among the most refreshing options across the day. And two snappy sausages with tasty mustard are a good sidecar.
Triple Chocolate Mini Donuts: Chocolate mini donuts dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with chocolate icing, and topped with chocolate sprinkles and mini milk chocolate chips. Served in a bucket rimmed with more chocolate icing and sprinkles. (Vegetarian) At Solem’s Cheese Curds & Mini Donuts, located at the east side of Underwood St. between Murphy & Lee avenues. $12
SM YOUR CALL: LOOK. This is probably the best thing to come out of this booth, for me, in years. There is a very lot of chocolate and sometimes you need that when you’re tired of the classic minis, but let me be clear: You have to commit.
JVH YOUR CALL: It’s probably the best version of “let’s over-chocolate the mini donuts” I’ve seen at the fair, but this still feels like an ill-fated pursuit to me.
Bonus Food: Iced Coffee (with or without Ube milk foam or Pandan milk foam). At Chan’s Eatery, located on the east side of Underwood Street between Murphy & Lee avenues. $13
SM SKIP IT: The straws are too small for the boba, the Ube and Pandan toppings felt like they came from those frosting spray cans—you know, like the EZ cheese but frosting?
JVH YOUR CALL: Honestly my favorite coffee of the day, but even then, the delivery method and the access of toppings made for a challenge rather than a delight.
Fawaffle: Falafel pressed in a waffle iron, topped with tahini butter, cherry tomatoes, traditional hummus, green shatta, mint and toasted sesame seeds. (Vegetarian) At Baba’s, located on the east side of Underwood Street between Lee & Randall avenues, just south of Little Farm Hands. $11
SM GET IT: We harbored fears that this could be dry, but nay. Dear friends, this waffle is a beauty. A perfectly lawful fawaffle, topped with the best brightest green sauce, and tahini butter (which we all need more of on the daily.) We fought over last bites.
JVH GET IT: I’ve never loved a waffle so much in my life; easily my number one this year. It’s so fun and well-executed that I’m quite upset that I’m gonna lose access to this after the fair.
Bonus Food: Lobster and Banh Mi Croissant. At Scenic 61 by New Scenic Café, located at Street Eats at Randall & Underwood, located on the northwest corner of Randall Ave. & Underwood St. $15–$20; $30 for both
SM YOUR CALL: I think they’ve finally found the right prep for these two mixes (the eclair thing didn’t work for me last year), but I might not spend my dollars here unless I was really into having a lobster roll at the fair. I’d hold on a banh mi until I get off the grounds—there’s some pretty great ones in the surrounding blocks.
JVH YOUR CALL: If you’re wanting lobster at the fair, (you must be having a strange day but I get it) then this is honestly a really safe and tasty option. The banh mi did not win my affection, ask me again at prom.
Dill Pickle Iced Tea: Brewed black tea infused with dill pickle flavor and served with a dill pickle spear. Garnished with a rim of chamoy, Tajín, salt and dill. (Vegan, Gluten Free) At Loon Lake Iced Tea, located on the west side of Underwood St. between Wright & Dan Patch avenues. $7
SM YOUR CALL: It didn’t hit me in the pickle like I wanted it to.
JVH SKIP IT: To paraphrase Rod Kimble, I wanted this to be legit. It could’ve been too legit to quit, but it was not legit. It was unlegit. And for that reason, it must quit.
Bonus Food: Mr. Peg Sandwich. At The Peg, located outside on the southeast side of Agriculture Horticulture Building. $14
SM GET IT: WHY is this not an official food? And why do so many people put eggs on burgers but not chicken? Is it the Inception? Get over it, says Mr. Peg. This is some saucy abandon.
JVH GET IT: The crowned king, noble faction leader of the hot honey armada, Mr. Peg has claimed victory as the superior chicken sandwich and restored peace to the realm.
Pimento Cheese Puffs: Pimento cheese – a blend of cheddar, mayo and pimento peppers – wrapped in puff pastry and deep-fried. Served with a side of pepper jelly. (Vegetarian) At Shanghai Henri’s, located at the International Bazaar, north section.
SM SKIP IT: Unless you have dire, I say dire, pimento cheese needs. The pastry was too thick.
JVH SKIP IT: Felt like the Temu version of the deep-fried ranch. Still tasty, but lacked heart.
Midtown Global Market’s Oasis Grill & Hoyo Sambusa: Cones of mini sambusas & full-size sambusas (beef or lentil) with choice of sauce; and slushies in Vimto or watermelon. (Aug. 21–26 only) At the Midtown Global Market booth, located at the International Bazaar, east wall.
SM GET IT: Hey, cute cone of sambusas that you can dole out like gold stars to those who do not disappoint you!
JVH GET IT: Tasty triangles in a triangle trumpet, oooh boy!
Somali Street Fries: A blend of Somali Beef Suqaar – spiced beef, vegetables, cheese and herbs – piled atop a bed of french fries. Topped with white garlic sauce and green jalapeño hot sauce. At the Midtown Global Market booth, located at the International Bazaar, east wall.
SM GET IT: What a beautiful mess of flavor. A loaded fries for the ages! Ask them to hit it HARD with that green sauce. 10/10 would house with a Summit.
JVH GET IT: My lack of gut space today made me the saddest after tasting these fine fellows. Really just great to keep in the arsenal.
Tandoori Chicken Quesaratha: Spiced tandoori chicken layered with Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheese and a mixture of sautéed onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, corn, cilantro and green chilis. Folded inside paratha bread and griddled on a flat top grill. Served with avocado cilantro lime sauce. At Holy Land, located at the International Bazaar, southeast corner.
SM GET IT: This had everything I want and paratha bread is better than a tortilla, feel free to fight me on that. But you won’t because you’ll be busy dipping into that avocilantrolime sauce like a princess.
JVH YOUR CALL: Wasn’t Tandoori-y enough for me. I like a commitment to those tasty spices and didn’t find that here.
Shrimp & Pork Toast On-A-Stick: A mixture of ground pork and shrimp combined with Hmong aromatics – lemongrass, ginger, garlic, shallots and Thai chilis – seasoned with fish sauce, spread on Texas toast and deep-fried. Served on-a-stick with a side of apricot jelly hot sauce. At Union Hmong Kitchen, located at the International Bazaar, south wall, west corner.
SM GET IT: This slaps. No notes.
JVH GET IT: Supremely delicious in an entirely unique way from everything else I tried today. Not gaudy, just goody.
Flauta Dippers: Seasoned shredded chicken stuffed in rolled corn tortillas and fried. Served in a cup filled with mild tomatillo salsa, sour cream, and crumbled cotija cheese. At El Burrito Mercado, located at the International Bazaar, south wall. $15
SM GET IT: And when you do, please smoke it like a cigar, because life is short. Also drink that tomatillo salsa for the same reason.
JVH GET IT: Just a fun one, simple, saucy, spicy, Covergirl.
Bonus Food: Cookie Butter Cheesecake Vanilla Malt or Sundae. At the Dairy Building, located on the corner of Judson Ave and Underwood St. $9
SM GET IT: I’m done lying, these malts usually fail me (which is why I drink at the Moo Barn) but this year, this one, hit different. I wasn’t mad at the cookie butter, and maybe I was sugar drunk, as this was the last bite of the day, but it was a bit charming.
JVH GET IT: C’moooon, you’re getting ice cream at the fair, you know what this is gonna be just by reading the name, and you know it’s gonna work wonders.
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