Minnesota State Fair 2023: A review of some pickle-themed foods

The Minnesota State Fair 2023 is pickle-palooza! 

The highly successful debut of the pickle pizza at Rick's Pizza prompted a flurry of new dishes for this year's fair featuring the tart cucumber.

There are at least six new fair foods that are pickle-themed – and of course, there’s all the old favorites. That’s gherkin crazy – and I’m here for every briny bite!

Related: Minnesota State Fair 2023: This year's hidden food gems

We tried some of the new pickle-themed foods at the fair – and highlighted a few of our old favorites.

New Pickle Picks

'Kind of a Big Dill' Pickle Lemonade

Location: Nordic Waffles, West End Market, south section

To be honest, this lemonade was pretty light on the pickle flavor. But it was still good lemonade.

The lemonade is mixed with dill pickling spices and garnished with a pickle slice.

Dill Pickle Lemonade Paletas

Location: Hamline Church Dining Hall, north side of Dan Patch Ave, between Underwood and Cooper streets

I had my doubts going in, but the dill pickle lemonade paleta was actually pretty good.

It reminded me of a bread-and-butter pickle – except maybe a little sweeter. And certainly creamier.

Miami Mango Pickles

Location: Soul Bowl, food Building, east wall

These pickles might have made more sense alongside of some meat or as a side dish or condiment. As a stand-alone snack? Not so much.

These dill spears are marinated in a sweet mango-flavored punch.

The pickles came in a sealed plastic bag, but the outside of the bag was really sticky. It was hard to fish the pickles out of the bag without making a big mess.

Other new pickle-themed foods include:

• Dill pickle cheese curd tacos: Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos
• Pickle fries: Mike’s Hamburgers
• St. Paul Pickle fudge: Wow Fudge

Old Favorites: Pickle-Themed Foods

There are many classic fair options for the pickle lover that have been around for many years:

Pickle Dogs

Location: Pickle Dog, south side of Carnes Ave. between Liggett & Chambers streets

What is a pickle dog? It a dill pickle spear coated with cream cheese and wrapped in pastrami – what many locals fondly call "Minnesota sushi."

This small booth by the Commissary also serves fire dogs, Reuben pickle dogs, and pickles on a stick. They’ve been selling pickles here for 35 years – far before it was trendy.

Fried Pickles

Location: The Perfect Pickle, West side of Underwood Street at Lee Avenue

The Perfect Pickle is the place to get fried pickles at the Minnesota State Fair. You can get plain fried pickles, Cajun-style, and fried pickle stuffed with cream cheese.

All are served with a side of ranch dipping sauce to keep it saucy and Midwestern. They also serve pickles on a stick.

Related: Perfect Pickle to open second location at the State Fair

Pickle pizza

Location: Rick’s Pizza, West side of Cosgrove Street between Wright and Dan Patch avenues

Last year, the pickle pizza at Rick’s Pizza had fairgoers abuzz. Although it has lost its official new food status, we still wholeheartedly recommend getting a slice to round out your pickle-themed day at the fair.