Minnesota State Fair Food Guide

At the Minnesota State Fair, you can probably find your favorite food deep-fried or on a stick somewhere on the fairgrounds. By no means is this a full listing of vendors but rather a few recommendations you don't want to miss, plus a few other tidbits of useful information.

What-On-A-Stick?!

Nothing quite says the Minnesota State Fair like food on a stick. What once was a source of creating convenient and portable snacking has turned into a quirky, one-of-a-kind tradition to the annual gathering.

When everything is on a stick, you’re bound to come across a few that are less than traditional. Notable finds include alligator sausage, deep-fried hot dish and deep-fried scotch eggs—all of which are actually quite popular.

Big Fat Bacon

If you prefer your pork with a little more fat and grease, you’ll want to order up a slab of ¼ pound of maple-glazed bacon dusted with a blend of seven peppers and sea salt (served on a stick, of course). Great at breakfast and pretty darn fantastic at any other time of the day, too.

Fresh French Fries

If there’s anything as recognizable as the Sweet Martha’s cookie bucket, it’s the red and yellow stripes of Fresh French Fries. Fresh cut and served piping hot, they’re a simple, salty delight everyone can enjoy.

Ice Cream from the Dairy Goodness Bar

You can’t do much better than ice cream whipped up by the Midwest Dairy Association itself. Located in the Dairy Building (that’s how you know it’s legit), the Dairy Goodness Bar is your spot for tasty malts, sundaes and cones.

Fried Pickles

Dill lovers flock to this bright green stand in hopes of devouring The Perfect Pickle.

Choose between:

  • The Perfect Pickle: The original deep-fried pickles with a side of Ranch
  • The Cajun Pickle: Spicy Cajun-seasoned pickles with a side of Ranch
  • The Gourmet Pickle: Deep fried pickles with cream cheese in the middle with a side of Ranch
  • The Naked Pickle: A giant, crisp, and unfried pickle on-a-stick

Mouth Trap Cheese Curds

What could be better than fried Ellsworth cheese? Venture to the bustling Food Building to taste a boat (or bucket-load) of these fresh-fried golden nuggets.

Peterson's Pork Chop On-a-Stick

One of the more conventional foods you’ll find skewered for on-the-go eating, Peterson’s pork chops are a popular choice for those seeking a little protein in their Fair diet.

Pronto Pups

There are a lot of misconceptions about what makes a Pronto Pup different than the more commonly understood corn dog, and a lot of loyalists on each side who debate which is superior. To make a very long story short, it’s really just a matter of sweet or savory—corn dogs have a touch of sweetness, Pronto Pups do not. With multiple booths of both, you’ll have ample opportunities to conduct your own taste test.

Sweet Corn from Corn Roast

Name a more iconic duo than the State Fair and sweet corn—we’ll wait. Not only is a fresh ear delicious, but you can also go back over and over again without triggering the sluggish stomachache of some of the fair’s guiltier pleasures (or spending a fortune).

Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar

No matter the time of day, you won’t go more than ten feet without seeing someone indulging in chocolate chip cookies piled high in Sweet Martha’s iconic bucket. Order a cone for a smaller serving or splurge on the pail and make some new friends.

Turkey to Go

Serving tasty turkey at the Minnesota State Fair since 1958, Turkey to Go—ironically located across the street from the Poultry Building—is most known for its signature Giant Juicy Turkey Sandwich. Jazz it up with savory toppings like cranberry and brie or buffalo sauce and bleu cheese.

#MYSAINTPAUL Ties

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the numerous Saint Paul businesses that are a part of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. If you’re looking for a taste of the Capital City, plan a stop at these spots.

History On-A-Schtick

Location: Schilling Amphitheater, West End Market, G23

Brought to you by the Saint Paul-based Minnesota Historical Society, History On-A-Schtick packs all of Minnesota's history into a fun-filled 30-minute performance. Shows run daily in the West End Market's Schilling Amphitheater.

International Bazaar

Location: T-31

Some of Saint Paul’s best stores bring the best of other cultures to the city, and you’ll also find them in the International Bazaar. El Burrito Mercado and many others are represented throughout the market.

Mancini's al Fresco

Location: Carnes between Nelson and Underwood, P-26

West 7th’s Mancini’s Char House is an icon and their State Fair location, Mancini's al Fresco, lives up to the reputation. Early morning fair-goers should take advantage of fresh Italian breakfast options, but everyone should make a stop for cannolis.

Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar

Locations: North side of West Dan Patch, between Ligget & Chambers, K-24; South side of Carnes between Nelson & Underwood, P-27; West side of Underwood between Lee & Randall, R-13

Did you know Sweet Martha herself hails from Saint Paul? Support one of our hometown heroes with a cup—or a bucket.

Ball Park Cafe

Location: East side of Underwood St. between Dan Patch & Carnes, R-25

How could we write about Saint Paul at the fair and not include the craft beer scene? Summit, Urban Growler, and more of your local favorites are sure to be represented at one of the fair’s best beer stops, the Ball Park Café.

Blue Barn

Location: West End Market, east side, south of the History & Heritage Center, H-24

Whether you prefer Groveland Tap for a late-night beer or Highland Grill for a hearty brunch, the Blue Plate Restaurants are an integral part of the Saint Paul dining scene. Blue Barn is the group’s State Fair establishment, known for serving up some of the most beloved dishes on the grounds.

Fan Central

All bunch of capital city sports teams in one place. Gear up at Fan Central with the Minnesota RollerGirls, St. Paul Saints and United FC (plus many other Minnesota teams, too).

Lip Esteem

Tameka Jones brings her plant-based, gluten-free lip glosses and lip sticks from her Saint Paul shop to the Fair! Find her at the second floor of the Grandstand area.

More to Explore