State Fair Classics

The Minnesota State Fair has everything from carnival rides, to home improvement gadgets, to music, to farm animals, to international crafts. But for me, it’s all about the food. There are the classics like cheese curds, pronto pups, Martha’s cookies, all-you-can-drink milk, the french-fry booth, and more. And there are always the new fair foods and I always try as many as my stomach allows. Because I broadcast the “Podcast on a Stick” Podcast episode every day in 2018 and 2019– I consider myself well-versed in what you must eat at the Fair. Here are some of my favorite State Fair classics that are must-haves:

The Gizmo – West Side of Cooper Street between Murphy & Lee Avenues

What’s a gizmo you ask? The Gizmo harkens back to the 1920’s loose meat sandwich and it is oooey, gooey and delicious. The Gizmo is going strong after 73 years and is made of beef and pork in a hoagie bun, topped with red sauce, mozzarella cheese, and baked. I love the Gizmo and make it one of my first fair stops every season.

Turkey To Go- 1256 Clough Street Next to the All You Can Drink Milk Booth

Turkey To Go Concession has been serving up turkey since 1958 at the Minnesota State Fair and have since expanded to Target Field. The meat is so flavorful and tender. Add a pump of BBQ or horseradish sauce to make it saucy.

The Ballpark Café’s Onion Rings – Ball Park Café, east side of Underwood Street between Dan Patch and Carnes Avenues

This fun little spot—a place to see and be seen—is becoming a mecca for craft beer lovers on the fairgrounds but don’t overlook the Onion Rings.

Light and Fluffy but Giant sized and served with a stone ground mustard sauce, they pair perfectly with their various craft beers.

Giggles Campfire Grill Walleye Fries – 1521 Cooper Street

A boat of fried walleye fingers in a crispy flavorful batter topped with lemon and tarter sauce. I always find this is one of my first fair foods.

Minneapple Pie – Judson and Underwood Outside the Dairy Building

Beautiful flaky apple pie with ice cream and that delicious finishing syrup. This year their blueberry pie is destined to be a stunner.