My Fair Food

What do I go back for each year? How do I eat all of this food? Can I get “real” food at the fair? I get asked these questions frequently. This post is for those of you that want to know!

My Must Have Foods

As food vendors change my list of must have foods fluctuates. It may surprise you, but you won’t find cheese curds or cookies on my list; I like both of these foods, but neither is a must have for me. I am able to eat all of this because I share almost everything with others. Here is a list of the items I WILL eat during the fair at least once.

• Corn Dog from Poncho Dog located near the bottom of the Grandstand ramp. I like the batter and the crispy outside!
• Hot Dish on-a-stick from Ole and Lena’s. MN, hot dish, enough said.
• Nitro Ice Cream from Nitro Ice Cream in the food building. I like my ice cream with hot fudge and caramel sauce which this vendor offers they also offer free samples if you want to taste before you buy.
• Elk Burger from Giggles’ Campfire Grill. You can read more about my obsession with Giggles’ below.
• Tacos – let’s be honest, I’ll eat a taco from anywhere and someday I plan to eat a taco from each taco vendor.
• Wild rice burger from Wild Rice Specialties located in the food building. The burger is juicy and delicious.
• Gyro from Demetri’s Greek Food next to the giant slide. Demetri’s also serves a great Greek salad and will package food for you to take home. On my short fair days I often grab a Greek salad to take home for dinner.
• Onion Rings from Danielson’s & Daughters located just outside of the food building. These are thin and crispy onion rings and my Mom and I love these. We often pick these up before catching a show at The Band Shell.
• Tater Tots from Tot Boss  located on Underwood street near the kidway. I like the chili tots and the nacho tots all tots are crispy on the outside and perfect on the inside.
• Fry Bread Taco from OOF-da Tacos located on Dan Patch Avenue & Cooper Street. My go-to fry bread taco vendor is no longer at the fair. This vendor made an appearance recently and has filled the void that was in my fair life.
• Crepe from French Creperie located on Carnes Avenue. I have the breakfast crepe.
• BBQ Baked Potato from BBQ Baked Potato located outside the food building on Cooper Street. This is a serious meal!
• Fries from Fresh French Fries located on Judson Avenue and a second location on Liggett Street.

I am sure I’m forgetting something! What are your must have foods?

Real Food

I spend a minimum of 7 days at the Great Minnesota Get Together each year. During my visit I often want some “real” food. There are a few great spaces to get a meal at the fair. A family favorite is the Salem Lutheran Church Dining Hall on Randall Avenue outside of the Eco Experience building. My Grandfather enjoys this dining hall with the communal tables, friendly service, and opportunity to talk to people. The dining hall serves breakfast and lunch daily. You will find a selection of sandwiches, full turkey dinner with excellent mashed potatoes, and Swedish meatballs.

Meatball Sundae

Extra Gravy

Pictured is the meatball sundae and our mug of gravy received when Mom and I asked for extra gravy!

Another excellent location is also a diner run by a local church The Hamline Church Dining Hall on Dan Patch Avenue. Last year the diner introduced cranberry wild rice meatballs which is now on my must have list. The diner has a new addition to fair food this year The Bananas Foster French Toast which you can read about in yesterday’s post. This diner has kid friendly PB&J available, communal tables, and premium ice cream.

Places to Eat

There are two locations at the fair that I appreciate for the atmosphere and the food O’Gara’s and Giggles. I enjoy grabbing food, a drink, and having a nice shady spot to enjoy my food and some free entertainment.

• O’Gara’s at the Fair is located across from the main gates at the corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Cosgrove street. O’Gara’s has a special place in my heart from my graduate school days at Hamline University – all of the cool kids hung out at O’Gara’s after class each week. O’Gara’s serves breakfast and a wide selection of food and beverages all day. You will find me here for people watching and to cool off on a hot day as the building is equipped with fantastic misters! The location of O’Gara’s provides for prime people watching. The venue offers live music and games. If you are stopping for a drink bypass the food window for the two bar service areas on the outdoor patio. Visit O’Gara’s state fair information here O’Gara’s Info.  
• Giggles’ Campfire Grill is located in The North Woods area of the fair. Giggles’ is a MN family run establishment that focuses on local MN inspired foods with walleye featured in many dishes. Giggles’ has a broad menu of both food and drinks and a large, covered seating area with a bar and live music. This year Giggles’ has a new food item the Turducken Sausage Sandwich. Last year Giggles’ introduced the duck wontons and they make a repeat appearance this year; the duck wontons were one of my favorite new foods from 2017. Giggles’ offers several healthier food options, gluten free buns, kid meals, and many beverages available only at the fair. Pro Tip: I think S’Mores beer is awful. You will find me at Giggles’ often as several of the food items are on my list including walleye cakes, elk burgers, duck wontons, and the turducken sausage. Visit their website here Giggles’ Campfire Grill. You can visit Giggles’ state fair information here Giggles’ MN State Fair link. If you are only looking for a drink skip the lines out front and head to the back patio area for bar service.