Minnesota State Fair 2024: Don't forget these long-running food stands

Sure, new foods are new, but old foods are tried and tested.

Author:
Haley Nelson
Publish date:
Aug 24, 2024

Many Minnesota State Fairgoers adopt a similar food-eating strategy: Striking a balance between trying new foods and eating the old favorites like corn dogs, sweet corn, and Sweet Martha’s Cookies.

But there is so much great food at the Minesota State Fair beyond the heavy hitters – and beyond the new foods that get all the attention.

You’ve probably walked by some of these booths dozens of times but haven’t stopped because you’ve got your food plan mapped out.

Well, this is the year to try something new and old at the same time.

Here are a few of our food booth picks that serve delicious food – but may not get much press or attention.

Fresh Made Nut Rolls

Location: Northeast corner of Dan Patch Ave. & Underwood St.

Minnesota loves its nut rolls, and this long-standing food booth is definitely worth stopping at.

Pro tip: If you’re full from a day of eating new foods at the fair, consider picking up one or two nut rolls on your way out. These treats will keep for a few days and can be frozen.

OOf-da Tacos

Location: Northeast corner of Dan Patch Ave. & Cooper St.

OOF-da Tacos serves delicious fry bread tacos topped with the usual fixings: Seasoned ground beef, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, etc. The shining star of the dish is the warm, freshly fried bread that practically melts in your mouth. They fry fresh bread for every taco order.

Corn Fritters & Fried Green Tomatoes

Location: South side of Dan Patch Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets

This stand serves just two food items and you can’t go wrong with either: The hot, slightly sweet corn fritters served with honey butter and the crunchy breaded fried green tomatoes served with ranch.

Oven Fresh Brownies

Location: Southwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue & Cooper St.

Sweet Martha’s Cookies get all the attention – but did you know there’s a booth at the fair that serves fresh baked, warm brownies – without the line?

Believe it. Oven Fresh Brownies serves fudge-frosted brownies with or without walnuts and turtle brownies topped with caramel, hot fudge, and whipped cream.

Ollie’s Crab Fritters

Location: West side of Cooper Street between Murphy and Lee avenues

When I’m not filling up on a new foods, a stop at Ollie’s Crab Fritters is a must for me. The fritters are crispy on the outside, hot on the inside, filled with a seasoned crab mixture, and served with a southwest dipping sauce.

Island Noodles

Location: On the northwest corner of Carnes Avenue and Chambers Street

Wouldn’t the fair be better while noshing on a take-out container full of fresh, hot stir-fried noodles?

Get a generous portion of freshly wok-fried soba noodles from Island Noodles. Add grilled chicken for just $1 more.

Ragin Cajun

Cajun fries — Haley Nelson for Bring Me The News

Location: In The Garden, west wall

If you don’t frequent The Garden, you probably haven’t been to Ragin Cajun, a long-standing Cajun food vendor that serves up favorites like Po Boys, crawfish, beignets, and gumbo-topped fried potatoes (gumbo frites).

Pro tip: Get their Cajun chicken wings – they’re known to sell out!