I swear every year I spend a little more time at the Minnesota State Fair.
It’s a fun addiction! This year, besides the first two days, when we review all the new food and beverages, I went to the Atmosphere concert on Saturday and sneaked back for a quick dinner and Arrested Development at the Bandshell.
This year, I decided to focus on Fair classics that I’ve never tasted and under-the-radar foods suggested by readers — with the exception of the pickle pizza from Rick’s Pizza, because the ever-popular stand has added another location this year, and there was virtually no line!
And bonus, Jared Kaufman tried an “unofficial” new food that he said was worth noting.
Jalapeno Cheese on a Stick at Fresh Lemonade – Cheese on a Stick, $8
West side of Nelson St. between Dan Patch and Carnes avenues
If you can believe it, I had never tried this State Fair staple before this week. I enjoyed the slightly sweet breading and oozy cheese, but wanted more spice. Although that wish is what fellow reporter Jared Kaufman calls a “classic Jess” wish. I do like it spicy! 8/10, would definitely eat it again.
Onion Rings at Danielson & Daughters, $9
Onion Rings at Danielson & Daughters at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
Between Underwood and Cooper streets, outside south side of the Food Building
These lightly breaded rings don’t look like much — in fact, before I dug in, I predicted they’d be overly greasy. But I was totally wrong. Crisp, oniony deliciousness, and bonus: There’s a coupon for $3 off in this year’s Blue Ribbon Book! 8/10, would eat again, though the portion is pretty small for the price without the coupon.
Wild Rice Burger at Wild Rice Specialties, $10
The Wild Rice Burger at Wild Rice Specialties at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
In the Food Building, northeast section
I’ve been hearing about this burger for years and finally got around to trying it. Though the bun looks too big and dry, I’m here to tell you that this is one juicy, flavorful burger. (It’s not vegetarian; it’s beef and wild rice.) The rice gives it a slightly nutty flavor and makes it a bit lighter than a regular burger. 7/10, will eat again.
Messy Giuseppe at Mancini’s al Fresco, $10
The Messy Giuseppe at Mancini’s al Fresco at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
North side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets
A reader suggested I try this Italian version of a sloppy joe, and what a suggestion! I don’t know that my husband will go to the Fair without ordering one again. The focaccia bun is slathered with garlic butter and toasted, and the messy filling is basically meat and a bright, tasty marinara. 9/10, will probably eat every year from now on.
Chocolate-Covered Nut Roll on a Stick at Fresh Made Nut Rolls, $9
A Chocolate-Covered Nut Roll at Fresh Made Nut Rolls at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
Northeast corner of Dan Patch Avenue Underwood Street
Although this impossible-to-photograph version of the ever-popular Salted Nut Roll isn’t much to look at, the peanuts, nougat, caramel and dark chocolate are a perfect combo. My only complaint is that $9 is pretty steep for a smallish candy bar. 7/10, would eat if someone else paid for it.
Pork Chop on a Stick at Peterson’s Pork Chops, $13
The Pork Chop on a Stick at Peterson’s Pork Chops at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
South side of Judson Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets
I have spent 14 years walking past this stand, which is perched just beyond the media parking lot, without ordering a pork chop. That ended this week, and I have few regrets. Salty, meaty, grill-kissed goodness, though there was a little too much char on one half of it for me. Still, this thing is popular for a reason. 8/10, will eat again.
Grilled Peach with Honey-Herb Goat Cheese at The Produce Exchange, $8
The Grilled Peach with Herbed Goat Cheese and Honey at The Produce Exchange at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
Northwest corner of Carnes Avenue and Underwood Street
I cannot believe it took me this long to try this simple, gorgeous dish of summer. A peach, grilled to perfection, paired with an herb-infused goat cheese and drizzled with honey. I love a good sweet/salty pairing, and in-season peaches are one of life’s greatest pleasures. 10/10, will probably have another one when I go back later this week.
Pickle Pizza at Rick’s Pizza, $9
Pickle Pizza at Rick’s Pizza at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
Two locations: West side of Cosgrove Street between Wright and Dan Patch avenues and west side of Cooper Street between Murphy and Lee avenues
OK, I have had the pickle pizza before and I have loved it. But I haven’t returned for a few years, because it’s my fervent belief that no Fair food is worth a line longer than 20 minutes, and the lines had been ridiculously long. But this year, Rick’s wisely added a second location, and there was virtually no line on Sunday evening. So I couldn’t resist this floppy-crewy-crusted, extra cheesy, pickle-y deliciousness. If you, too, had avoided it because of the line, this is your year! 10/10, will eat every time there’s a short line.
Dan Patch Dip at Hamline Church Dining Hall, $11
Dan Patch Dip is held up in front of the Hamline Church Dining Hall on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on Aug. 24, 2025. (Jared Kaufman / Pioneer Press)
North side of Dan Patch Ave. between Underwood & Cooper streets
This year’s new offering at the oldest Fairgrounds restaurant didn’t make the “Official New Foods” list, but we wanted to try it anyway. The creamy corn dip itself is quite flavorful, and the pineapple-and-onion slaw on top gives it a tangy, punchy freshness. This is a little pricey, but it’s a perfect reprieve from heavy fried fare.
— Jared Kaufman
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