A little weather might have delayed our hot takes on the new foods at the Minnesota State Fair, but we persevered for you!
As usual, the Pioneer Press crew started bright and early on Thursday, the first day, to taste through all 33 official new foods. We got drenched and finished attacking the list Friday with fresh palates, rested legs and dry clothes.
Just like last year, we’re ranking the best, the worst and everything on a stick in between. Some foods didn’t make the top 10 or the bottom 10 — eat those at your own risk.
Family, friends and fairgoers offered their taste buds and opinions for our rankings, too.
Here’s what we tried and what we think. What was your favorite new food? Think we screwed up? Let us know at eat@pioneerpress.com.
THE BEST
Counting down to our No. 1 favorite 2024 Minnesota State Fair new food.
10. Ba’bacon Sour Cream + Onion, $14
What is it: Sour cream and onion hummus topped with beef bacon, sumac tater tots, caramelized onions, scallions, French onion creme fraiche, black cumin seeds and chive oil. Served with pita puffs dusted with sour cream and onion powder
• Jess Fleming, Eat Editor: That’s so much better than last year’s taco disaster. It’s really good.
• Jared Kaufman, reporter: The beef bacon is really good. More places should make that!
• Kathy Berdan, former Pioneer Press arts editor: That’s yummy, so much flavor. I’d eat that again.
Our bottom line: This lives up to how delightful we know Baba’s can be.
Find it: At Baba’s, on the east side of Underwood Street between Lee and Randall avenues, just south of Little Farm Hands.
Korean corn dogs at Chan’s, a new vendor at the Minnesota State Fair for 2024. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
9. Korean Corndogs (topped with hot Cheetos), $15
What is it: Hot dog and mozzarella cheese, battered with panko, deep-fried and finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Option to add a coating of fried potatoes or to substitute toppings for hot Cheetos with spicy mayo.
• Jared: The actual hot dog is shorter than I expected based on the size of the corndog. I really like the spiciness of the Hot Cheetos. It’s so rich, though. I probably couldn’t eat this entire thing.
• Jess: That’s nice and crispy, and I like the melty cheese. It’s just at the tip, though. I thought it’d be wrapped around the whole dog.
• Lisa Antony-Thomas, Jess’ friend: It even stains my fingers like Cheetos!
• Kathy: That’s great. It looked kind of scary!
Our bottom line: Really pricey for what it is, but a fun cultural twist for the Fair.
Find it: At Chan’s Eatery, on the east side of Underwood Street between Murphy and Lee avenues.
8. Crab Boil Wings, $20
Crab Boil Wings from Soul Bowl at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Chicken wings marinated in hot sauce, grilled and then fried with corn, chicken apple sausage and potatoes. Tossed in a “crab boil” butter and finished with a lemon wedge and parsley.
• Jared: I love the flavor on those wings. They’re under-salted, but definitely tasty, and the corn is good, too. This whole thing is way too expensive, though.
• Clare Fleming, Jess’ daughter: The potato fell apart in my mouth. So overcooked.
• Jess: Crab boil seasoning on wings is creative, and they’re really good. They should’ve stuck with just wings — we don’t need the rest of this stuff! At the Fair, we’re snacking. Give me a basket of wings, for half the price.
Our bottom line: A bit expensive and too many components for what it’s worth, but you can’t stay mad at those wings.
Find it: At Soul Bowl, in the Food Building, east wall.
7. Buffalo Cheese Curd & Chicken Tacos, $14
Buffalo Cheese Curd & Chicken Tacos from Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos, a new food at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Fried buffalo-flavored cheese curds and chicken topped with blue cheese slaw, drizzled with buffalo sauce, and served in a fried flour shell.
• Jess: That’s everything I hoped it would be.
• Jared: That’s solid, but I just want it all to be more — bolder buffalo, cheesier curds, better chicken. I know they can do better than this; their pickle taco was one of my favorites last year.
• Talia McWright, reporter: It’s really salty for me.
• Austin Rau, fairgoer from Minneapolis: It’s savory, with the dark meat chicken. The spice level is a bit low for me, but maybe good for people who don’t like spicy. I’d have it again.
Our bottom line: Could stand to be spicier, but Richie’s has quickly established cheese curd tacos as a new State Fair classic.
Find it: At Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos, on the north side of Judson Avenue between Liggett and Clough streets, outside the Sheep and Poultry Barn.
6. Dill Pickle Tots, $8
Dill pickle tots at Tot Boss are a new food at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Fried tater tots tossed in dill seasoning with a hint of vinegar flavor.
• Jess: Take a classic Fair food, put a twist on it that people like, and have it still taste good. Well done! And they’re aggressively dilly, which is a good thing.
• Lisa: Those are good. They should be served with ranch. Or Top the Tater!
• Jared: Oh, yeah. This is what it’s all about. Give me these all day.
• Kathy: Maybe I’m getting tired of dill. A pickle inside the tot would be good, though.
Our bottom line: It’s pickles and tater tots, people. Come on. A bit too salty, though.
Find it: At Tot Boss, on the east side of Underwood Street between Wright and Dan Patch avenues, south of Kidway.
5. Shroomy “Calamari,” $14
What is it: Oyster mushrooms hand-breaded and deep-fried. Served with a side of chipotle sauce.
• Jess: God help me, I kind of like this.
• Jared: That’s good! The batter is spiced really well. This is way better than anything else French Meadow has had in recent years, for sure.
• Brooke Hanson, Kathy’s friend: It’s a bit greasy, but the texture and flavor are good. The sauce it’s served with has a nice, soft heat. And it’s good to have an enjoyable vegetarian option!
Our bottom line: Finally, making a gluten-free and vegan Fair food doesn’t mean making something inedible.
Find it: At French Meadow Bakery & Cafe, on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets.
4. Marco’s Garden, $14
Marco’s Garden at Brim, one of the Minnesota State Fair’s new foods for 2024. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Local rhubarb jam, thyme-marinated locally sourced tomatoes, farmer cheese, jalapeño and honey served with a side of grilled gluten-free flatbread.
• Jared: Great flavor — the cheese and tomatoes are both simple and tasty. The pita bread is a little too crispy, though.
• Jess: It’s so rare to get fresh vegetables at the Fair! This is something I’d actively seek out again.
• Lisa: I like the jalapeños with the tomatoes especially. It is a bit hard to bite the bread.
Our bottom line: A welcome burst of freshness amid greasy Fair fare.
Find it: At Jammy Sammies by Brim, at the North End, northwest section, across from the North End Event Center.
3. Quesabirria Taquitos, $16 for 3
Quesabirria Taquitos from El Burrito Mercado at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Deep-fried, rolled tacos filled with beef marinated in red sauce and cheese, topped with salsa verde and crumbled cheese.
• Clare: Really good! They taste really fresh. Simple and delicious. And it’s a nice contrast to all the sweet foods we’ve been eating.
• Jess: Fresh and juicy. That’s great.
• Jared: Savory, crunchy, snackable. Perfect. This is one of the best things we’ve eaten all day.
• Talia: Yeah. That tortilla and sauce are both great.
Our bottom line: Eat this right now.
Find it: At El Burrito Mercado, in the International Bazaar, south center section.
2. Deep-Fried Ranch Dressing, $12
Deep Fried Ranch from Lulu’s Public House at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Ranch dressing filling made with ranch seasoning, buttermilk and cream cheese in a panko shell, deep-fried and dusted with ranch powder. Served with a side of hot honey.
• Jared: Wow, that rocks. It’s creamy and savory and crunchy, and really clever. I’m sorry I was so skeptical about it! I’ll eat my words.
• Jess: It doesn’t taste like ranch all that much, but it’s really good. Without that hot honey, though, I think it would be too one-note salty.
• Jared: Oh, I disagree, I prefer it without the hot honey.
• Talia: It’s kind of cream-cheesy, like a wonton. The fried coating is a little thick, though, and kind of overpowers it.
• Clare: The filling is also a bit chunkier than I thought it would be. The flavor is so familiar and nostalgic, though.
Our bottom line: An unexpected home run. This is how you do a a Fair food right, by taking a Minnesota staple and putting a clever but still delicious twist on it.
Find it: At LuLu’s Public House, at West End Market, south of Schilling Amphitheater.
1. Koshari, $15
Chicken Koshari at Koshariba Egyptian Cuisine, a new vendor at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Rice, pasta, chickpeas, lentils, tomato sauce, garlicky vinegar “dakkah” sauce, and topped with fried onions; served in three varieties — chicken, beef and vegetable.
• Jess: Oh yeah, I’m going to eat so much more of this.
• Jared: Such a delightful, comforting flavor. This is quite good. And the crunchy onions are perfect. I’m getting this every single year now.
• Kathy: It’s Egyptian hotdish!
• Ravyn Silva, Kathy’s friend: That would fill me up — for a good price! — without making me feel horrible.
• Imani Cruzen, reporter: That’s a good mix of textures, between the chickpeas and the rice and the onions. And it’s not too acidic, either, despite the tomato.
Our bottom line: It’s Egyptian hotdish, we can’t put it better than that. We love seeing more ways Minnesotans can bring delicious food to the Fair.
Find it: Kosharina Egyptian Cuisine, south of the Grandstand Building under the Grandstand Ramp.
THE BOTTOM TEN
Counting down to our absolute least favorite 2023 Minnesota State Fair new food.
10. Afro Poppers, $6
Afro Poppers from Afro Deli at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Bite-size pastries infused with an African blend of spices — ground vanilla, cardamom, ginger, cloves and nutmeg – deep-fried and coated with choice of coconut flakes, sugar or served plain. Topped with choice of drizzle — mango chutney, caramel or chocolate.
• Ed Fleming, Jess’ husband: Tastes like what you’d expect: A fritter. Not too much more, really.
• Clare: I’m getting some chai flavor in there. I like them.
• Jess: Pretty unremarkable, honestly, but at least they’re well-executed.
• Jared: They don’t look like the promo picture at all, really. I’m happy, but I know Afro Deli is better than this.
• Talia: They’re kind of inconsistent. Some have more sauce than others.
Our bottom line: A fun take on fried dough, but there’s room for improvement.
Find it: At Afro Deli, located in the Food Building, east wall.
9. Turkey Kristo, $16
Turkey Kristo from Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Minnesota-made Texas toast from Pan-O-Gold Bakery, sliced Ferndale Market turkey, CannonBelles white cheddar cheese, apple butter made from locally sourced Westcott Orchard apples, and house-made spicy brown mustard mayo, dusted with powdered sugar.
• Jess: I’ve had better Monte Cristos in a diner. The turkey is just OK.
• Jared: I don’t get much of either the apple butter or spicy mustard at all — that mustard would really help cut the sweetness. It’s really all texturally one-note. Kind of an unexpected miss from the farmers.
• Calli Olson, fairgoer from Minneapolis: It’s good, but it’s a one-time thing. Not in a bad way, necessarily, just that I go to the State Fair once a year and there are other foods I’d rather be eating.
Our bottom line: We love the Farmers Union Coffee Shop, but this is not worth it.
Find it: At Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop, on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove streets.
8. Swedish Ice Cream Sundae, $8
What is it: Vanilla ice cream covered in lingonberry jam, sprinkled with Swedish ginger cookie crumble, and garnished with a ginger cookie heart.
• Kathy: It’s just vanilla ice cream, and not even good vanilla ice cream. It’s like they just took jam from their fridge and ice cream from their freezer.
• Jess: Ours came with a broken heart cookie, and that’s how I feel — broken-hearted that we waited in line for this.
• Jared: That’s nothing special.
Our bottom line: If you’re going to keep it simple, you’ve got to make sure it’s good, too.
Find it: At Salem Lutheran Church Dining Hall, on the north side of Randall Avenue, just south of the Progress Center
Savory eclairs in two varieties are sold at Scenic 61 by New Scenic Cafe at the Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
7. Savory Éclairs in Two Varieties, $25 for both
What is it: Choux pastry éclair shell; one banh mi-inspired and filled with pork confit, chicken liver pâté, pickled carrot and daikon, cucumber and sriracha mayo, garnished with micro cilantro, and the other filled with lobster meat, celery, mayo, Cholula hot sauce, lime, chives and salt and pepper, topped with dried corn and micro cilantro.
• Lisa: The banh mi is good, but it’s missing jalapeño!
• Jess: The éclair is nice, the pork is juicy, but I do want spice. And I’d prefer a regular lobster roll over this. For $25, I expected much more.
• Kathy: Why would you eat any seafood other than walleye at the State Fair?!
Our bottom line: The fillings are nowhere near good enough to justify the extraordinary price tag.
Find it: At Scenic 61 by New Scenic Café, on the east side of Underwood Street between Lee and Randall avenues, just south of Little Farm Hands.
6. Lady’s Slipper Marble Sundae, $10.50
Lady’s Slipper Marble Sundae from Bridgeman’s Ice Cream at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Bridgeman’s strawberry ice cream, lemon marshmallow cream and ladyfinger cookies layered in a cup and topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
• Talia: I actually kind of like it, but I don’t think I could eat the whole thing.
• Jess: At least it’s lemony, but it’s definitely overly sweet. I don’t think it lives up to Bridgeman’s stellar rep from the past few years.
• Clare: I was hoping the ladyfingers would be soft, like in tiramisu.
• Jared: I wish it were just a cupful of this strawberry ice cream. I also don’t love the texture of the lemon cream.
Our bottom line: The flavors are strong, but a cup is the wrong serving vessel and the cookies sink the ship.
Find it: At Bridgeman’s Ice Cream, located on the northeast corner of Judson Avenue and Liggett Street.
5. Walking Shepherd’s Pie, $10
Walking Shepherd’s Pie from O’Gara’s at the Fair, a new food at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Two handmade hot pastries filled with braised ground beef, mashed potatoes and a blend of onions, carrots and peas tossed in herb gravy.
• Jared: There’s no substance! Or flavor, really. The filling is barely there, and it’s mostly just under-seasoned mashed potato.
• Clare: Not exciting. That’s kind of bland.
• Jess: Yeah, bland and mushy.
Our bottom line: This is not that good.
Find it: At O’Gara’s at the Fair, on the southwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Cosgrove Street.
4. Strawberries and Cream Waffle Stick, $10
Strawberries and Cream Waffle Stick from Waffle Chix, a new food at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Belgian waffle filled with strawberry shortcake cookie dough, topped with whipped cream and strawberry sauce, and served on-a-stick.
• Clare: Well, it tastes like a waffle with strawberries … oh, but apparently when you put a waffle on a stick, it doesn’t cook all the way through.
• Jared: It just doesn’t need to exist. It’s sticking to my mouth in a way I do not love.
• Jess: I can see kids liking this. It tastes sort of artificial.
Our bottom line: Unnecessary and undercooked.
Find it: At Waffle Chix, located on Judson Avenue between Liggett and Clough streets.
3. Patata Frita Focacciawich, $12
Patata Frita Focacciawich from West End Creamery at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
What is it: “Patata Frita” kettle chip-flavored ice cream created by Minnesota Dairy Lab, sandwiched between focaccia bread from Wrecktangle Pizza. Topped with a blend of honey butter, kettle chips and herbs.
• Jess: That’s so hard to eat, and the flavor combo is just not that great.
• Jared: It’s impossible to cut, and even harder to pick up and eat like an ice cream sandwich. The ice cream itself is fine, I guess, but that focaccia texture just does not make sense here at all.
• Alyssa Kaufman, Jared’s sister: Is the focaccia herby? What is that?
• Talia: This feels like a drunken mistake.
• Clare: It tastes like I mixed up my leftovers.
Our bottom line: Hard to eat, and not enjoyable when you do.
Find it: At West End Creamery, at West End Market, northwest section.
2. Raging Ball, $14
Raging Ball from Herbivorous Butcher at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Deep-fried sesame mochi dough ball with vegan cheeseburger filling. Made with house-made vegan burger mix, vegan cheddar cheese, grilled onions and pickles. Topped with bacon-flavored powdered sugar.
• Talia: The plant-based meat isn’t bad, but I don’t know what that white stuff is. You could not convince me to be vegan with this.
• Ed: The cheese — is that supposed to be cheese? — has a weird gelatinous texture.
• Jess: It tastes better than it looks or smells, but there’s an odd, off-putting sweetness I’m not loving.
• Jared: Stop it. This turns ME into a raging ball.
Our bottom line: Nope.
Find it: At The Herbivorous Butcher, located in the Food Building, south wall.
1. Strawberry Lemonade Donut, $10
Strawberry Lemonade Donut from Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Hand-cut yeast-raised donut frosted with lemon buttercream, rolled in strawberry lemonade crunch, and garnished with lemon gummy candy and freeze-dried strawberry slice. Served with a strawberry lemonade-filled pipette to squeeze in more flavor.
• Jess: Bad doughnut, awful frosting.
• Clare: Tastes like something you’d get at a gas station.
• Jared: The doughnut itself isn’t very good … I think you can get better at a gas station.
• Talia: The lemon is not coming through like it should. Tastes artificial. It looks happy, but it tastes sad.
Our bottom line: An already bad doughnut made worse with overly sugary, unpleasant-tasting frosting.
Find it: At Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts, located between West Dan Patch and Carnes avenues and Liggett and Chambers streets, south section.
THE MIDDLING MIDDLE
Not the best; not the worst. Simply… the rest. These are listed in alphabetical order.
3 Piggy Pals On-A-Stick, $12
Piggy Pals On-A-Stick from Sausage Sister & Me at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Three smoked sausage slices wrapped in bacon, filled with a cream cheese mix, and drizzled with barbecue sauce. Topped with a jalapeño slice and served on a stick.
• Ed: Better than I thought it would be. It’s very bacony.
• Jess: That’s good. It’s spicy meat, but well-executed spicy meat.
Find it: At Sausage Sister & Me, in the Food Building, east wall
Blazing Greek Bites, $8
Blazing Greek Bites from Dino’s Gyros, a new food at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Deep-fried bites made from a blend of chickpeas, tomato, roasted red pepper, scallions and cayenne pepper. Served with a side of roasted red pepper hummus.
• Brooke: I like the flavor, but I’m not big on the texture. It’s like eating deep-fried hummus, though. Too mushy.
• Jared: I feel like they’re trying to do a spin on falafel, and I wish they’d done a better job.
• Jess: Hey, this is halfway to actually spicy! Finally!
Find it: At Dino’s Gyros, on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson & Underwood streets.
Chile Mango Whip, $12
What is it: Mango Dole Soft Serve in a cup rimmed and topped with chamoy and Tajín. Garnished with a tamarind candy straw.
• Jared: That spice is really nice with the mango whip. I’m on board with this.
• Jess: Light, refreshing, great on a summer day. We’ll take our fruits and veggies where we can get them.
• Kathy: I personally am not sure it’s necessary to have the hot sauce. But I typically don’t like mixing spicy/savory with sweetness.
Find it: At Tasti Whip, on the northwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street.
Cookie Butter Crunch Mini Donuts, $12
Cookie Butter Crunch Mini Donuts at Mini Donuts & Cheese Curds, a new food for the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Vanilla-flavored mini donuts coated with vanilla sugar, topped with Biscoff cookie butter drizzle and cookie crumbles, and served in a bucket rimmed with cookie butter and cookie crumbles.
• Lisa: I kinda don’t hate them! Maybe too messy to be worth it.
• Jared: That’s really enjoyable, actually. I’m a little frustrated by the bucket being rimmed with cookie butter and sugar, because it’s drippy and kind of wasteful.
• Jess: I am going back for a second one, so I don’t know what that says. I feel like all the cookie butter is on the rim and not on the actual donuts.
• Kathy: All the drizzle is on top. The ones on the bottom aren’t that different from regular mini donuts.
Find it: At Mini Donuts & Cheese Curds, on the east side of Underwood Street between Murphy and Lee avenues.
Deep-fried Halloumi Cheese, $10
Deep-fried Halloumi Cheese from Holy Land Deli, , a new food at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Halloumi cheese, crafted from a blend of sheep and goat milk, wrapped in pastry dough and deep-fried. Served with a side of sweet chili sauce.
• Jess: Spongy, salty, creamy goodness enclosed in a nice crisp wrapper. A+ Fair food.
• Clare: Not sure how I feel about the texture of the cheese.
• Jared: Shrug. Halloumi deserves better than this.
Find it: At Holy Land Deli, located at the International Bazaar, southeast corner.
Fried Bee-Nana Pie, $6
What is it: Handmade pie filled with Minnesota honey, fresh banana and Biscoff cookie butter; battered and deep-fried.
• Clare: Not bad. I honestly thought it would be a lot sweeter than it is. And banana flavor is usually overpowering, but not here.
• Jared: What? That’s so sweet. I do like that you can taste the flavor of the good quality honey they’re using, though.
• Jess: I fully expected to hate this, but I’m pleasantly surprised. It’s cheap, too.
• Talia: It’s just good! I agree, I don’t really notice the banana right away.
Find it: At Sabino’s Pizza Pies, in the Lee and Rose Warner Coliseum, north side.
Grilled Purple Sticky Rice, $10
Grilled Purple Sticky Rice from Union Hmong Kitchen, , a new food at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Purple sticky rice grilled over an open flame until crunchy, then topped with choice of shredded Hmong beef jerky or pickled mushrooms. (We chose the pickled mushrooms.) Garnished with fresh herbs and finished with Union Hmong Kitchen’s Krunchy Chili Aioli.
• Talia: The flavor is really good, and the cilantro makes it really fresh.
• Jared: There are good components, but it’s too dry overall.
• Jess: I love the texture, nutty flavor and pickle-y mushrooms, but the rice might be undercooked and it could definitely use more sauce.
Find it: At Union Hmong Kitchen, located at the International Bazaar, south wall, west corner.
Ham and Pickle Roll Up on a Potato Skin, $8.75
Ham and Pickle Roll Up on a Potato Skin from Route 66 Roadhouse Chicken at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Three fried potato skins filled with a blend of sour cream, cream cheese, chopped pickles and ham. Topped with potato chip crumbles.
• Clare: Tastes like a dill pickle chip! These are good.
• Jess: Not exactly a dill pickle rollup, but pretty tasty nonetheless.
• Ed: Tasted like I expected it to.
Find it: At Route 66 Roadhouse Chicken, located in the Food Building, northwest corner.
Mocha Madness Shave Ice, $10
What is it: Fluffy shaved ice with caffeine-free coffee flavoring and an overflowing caramel macchiato cold foam center. Drizzled with chocolate syrup and garnished with dark chocolate espresso beans.
• Jess: Light and fluffy and coffee-y. I could crush this.
• Jared: That sweet inside is fun, and I love how chocolatey it is.
• Ravyn: I might not have bought this on my own, because I usually like fruit shaved ice more, but I’m glad I’m eating it. I really like it.
Find it: At Minnesnowii Shave Ice, on the west side of Nelson Street between Dan Patch and Carnes avenues.
PB Bacon Cakes, $12.75
PB Bacon Cakes from Blue Barn at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Thick-cut bacon dipped in pancake batter, griddled and topped with peanut butter whipped cream, grape jelly and banana chips.
• Clare: Ooh, that’s good. There’s a lot of that whipped cream, but it’s not too sweet — really smooth and buttery.
• Jess: Honestly, they kind of nailed it. It’s more bacon than it is pancake. Overall, can’t complain.
• Alyssa: Oh, I think the whipped cream is just… fine.
•Jess: Whoops, I got whipped cream on my camera lens.
Find it: At The Blue Barn, at West End Market, south of the History and Heritage Center.
Swedish ‘Sota Sliders, $10
Swedish ‘Sota Sliders from Hamline Church Dining Hall at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Hamline Church Dining Hall’s Cranberry-Wild Rice Meatball formed into patties, paired with dill Havarti cheese and a red relish of beets, red onions, red peppers, lingonberries and cranberries, served on two brioche buns.
• Jess: That meatball is good. I never say this, but I think the cheese is unnecessary!
• Jared: I’d eat that relish on toast, it’s so good. The meatball patty thing itself is just OK.
Find it: At Hamline Church Dining Hall, located on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets.
Sweet Corn Cola Float, $12
What is it: Minnesota-made sweet corn cola and sweet corn ice cream in a cup, finished with whipped cream, popping candy and house-made frozen caramel.
• Jared: I love this. I’ve always liked their corn ice cream, and the corn pop is weirdly good. This feels like a fun, clever Fair food. I got a glob of frozen caramel, though, and that feels like a mistake.
• Talia: It doesn’t really read “corn” to me overall. Maybe savory ice cream flavors just don’t work.
• Clare: I would drink a cup of just the cola. The pop rocks are fun, too.
• Jess: Ew. The cola makes it better, but I think it’s too sweet.
Find it: At Blue Moon Dine-In Theater, on the northeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Chambers Street.
Sweet Heat Bacon Crunch
Sweet Heat Bacon Crunch from RC’s BBQ at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Double-smoked slab bacon tossed in RC’s red barbecue sauce and topped with hot honey and chili crunch, served over a bed of white rice, and garnished with green onions.
• Jess: It’s a bit spicy but not crazy. The bacon is well-done, cooked properly. And smokey, too! I think it’s great.
• Carol Gaupp, fairgoer from Coon Rapids: I love the crunchy bits on top. It tastes more like rib meat, which I was not expecting, but it’s tasty.
• Fred Burgos, fairgoer from Bloomington: I do like the sauce, but for me, it could be crunchier.
Find it: At RC’s BBQ, on the north side of West Dan Patch Avenue between Liggett and Chambers streets.
Wrangler Waffle
2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Wrangler Waffle Burger from Nordic Waffles.
What is it: Fresh all-beef patty and signature Whataburger Patty Melt Sauce layered with American cheese and served in a caramelized onion-infused Nordic Waffle.
• Jess: The waffle looks so pale and flaccid, but the caramelized onions in there actually make it pretty good. I wish the cheese was more melty.
• Jared: The sauce is also a bit spicy, which I like, but I do wish the waffle were crispier or at least a little more substantial.
• Alyssa: The point of the waffle as the “bun” is for a sweet-and-salty thing, though, and I’m not sure I’m getting enough of that balance. It’s basically a patty melt.
• Cathy Kaufman, Jared’s mom: But the packaging is good; it’s easy to carry around.
Find it: At Nordic Waffles, at West End Market, south section.
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