This series brought to you in partnership with Wisconsin State Fair. When you’re in need of racing pigs and Cream Puffs, there’s only one place to go. See you at the Wisconsin State Fair, presented by UScellular, July 31-August 10.
There are 96 new foods in which you can indulge at the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair. But which ones are worth trying?
For the ninth year, I spent a good portion of opening day at the Fair working my way through a list of reader-suggested foods, tasting every single one. I've ranked 16 of them from worst to best (16 being the worst). I’ve also included my tasting notes and candid thoughts for your reading enjoyment.
Notes:
- Prices reflect menu pricing; some vendors add a service fee if you pay with a credit card.
- Dish descriptions were taken from the State Fair Food Finder.
- Wondering about the asterisks?
Sporkies contenders are noted with an *
Drinkies contenders are noted with **
16. Pickle Quesadilla
Where to find them: Mexican Grill, South Grandstand Avenue, $15
Description: A grilled tortilla filled with melted cheese and tangy pickle slices, served with a special pickle-infused sour cream.
There was a lot of curiosity swirling around the quesadillas on this year’s new foods list, especially the Pickle Quesadilla and the Peanut Butter Fluff Quesadilla. I knew I only had room for one on my list, so I polled the people. Pickles won.
Unfortunately, what I got was exactly what was promised: a quesadilla filled with melted cheese and scattered bread-and-butter pickle slices. That’s it. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t $15 good. Most folks could make a similar version at home for about three bucks.
To be fair, it was a well-executed quesadilla. The tortilla was nicely crisped, the cheese was hot and stretchy, and the sweet-tangy pickles played along flavor-wise. But unless you’re an ultra-picky eater who’s thrilled by the idea of just pickles and cheese, you’re probably better off spending your Fair dollars elsewhere.
Also worth noting: our order was supposed to come with a “pickle-infused sour cream,” but it didn’t. When we asked, we got a plain scoop plopped on the side instead. Not a dealbreaker—but also not exactly the elevated pickle experience we were promised.
15. Peanut Butter S’mores Sweet Fries
Where to find them: Exotic Meat Grill, South Grandstand Avenue, $13
Description: Peanut Butter S'mores Sweet Fries feature loaded sweet potato fries to bring the ultimate campfire combo of textures and flavors.
I like sweet potato fries just fine. But calling them part of “the ultimate campfire combo”? That gave me pause. Still, I was curious—and mildly terrified—that this would be some Frankenstein version of those overly sweet Thanksgiving sweet potato casseroles… just with chocolate.
Turns out, that’s exactly what it was. But with both chocolate AND peanut butter.
Now, I’m not saying peanut butter on s’mores is a crime (even if it’s not canon), but this combo would’ve been far better suited to a graham cracker than a tiny handful of sweet potato fries. The end result was cloyingly sweet, oddly textured, and a little too precious for the price. Not awful—but not a dish I’ll be singing campfire songs about anytime soon.
14. *Brat Rangoon
Where to find them: Wurstbar, Central Avenue & Second Street, $11
Description: Brat Rangoon are a crave-worthy fusion of Wisconsin comfort and Asian street food.
I’m a sucker for a good crab rangoon—real crab, “crab with a k”, spicy, bland—I’ll eat them all. So the idea of a brat-filled Wisconsin riff? I was intrigued.
Sadly, the execution was a bust. The wonton wrappers weren’t properly sealed, so most of the filling escaped during frying. What I ended up with were sad, underfilled shells drowned in a cloying sweet and sour sauce. I couldn’t even tell you if the brat filling was crave-worthy—I never got enough of it to decide.
My hope is that this was just a first-day flub. But as it stands, this rangoon was all wrapper, no reward. If you’re craving that creamy-crunchy fix, I’d point you toward the Crab Rangoon Tacos instead. Those were a surprise hit.
13. *A Hunk A Hunk Fat Elvis Donut Ice Cream Sandwich
Where to find them: Badger Bites, Central Avenue & Second Street, $10
Description: A Hunk A Hunk Fat Elvis Donut Ice Cream Sandwich is a sweet and savory donut ice cream sandwich that would make The King proud.
It seems like every Elvis-inspired creation that claims it would “make The King proud” ends up doing him dirty. This one was at least a step up from the tragic Elvis Nachos I reviewed last year, but it still didn’t quite meet muster.
Things started promisingly enough: a classic Grebe’s yeast doughnut, sliced in half and filled with banana ice cream dotted with chocolate. On top, a drizzle of peanut butter and chocolate sauces, a sprinkle of bacon, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Visually? A hunka hunka Fair food fun.
But then came the bite. The doughnut was dry, and there wasn’t enough ice cream to soften the blow. The banana flavor barely registered, drowned out by the toppings, and the whole thing felt more like a missed note than a chart-topper. A decent idea—but in the end, the King deserves better.
12. Dubai Funnel Cake
Where to find them: Sweet Factory, South Grandstand Avenue, $20
Description: A classic funnel cake topped with pistachio and chocolate.
There might be few things more classic at a carnival or state fair than funnel cake. With a history dating back to fried batters created by medieval Persian and Arab cooks (and later, the sweet versions made by the Pennsylvania Dutch), these treats are now ubiquitous street fare at a variety of festive events.
So, I loved this concept: a mash-up of classic funnel cake and the TikTok-famous Dubai Chocolate trend promised big, indulgent flavors. And visually, it delivered. A golden, generously sized funnel cake came drizzled with chocolate sauce and heaped with pistachio butter and a tangle of crispy toasted kataifi.
The first bite? A little greasy, but promising. The crisp funnel cake played well with the crunchy kataifi, and the combo of nutty pistachio and sweet chocolate had potential. But by the third bite, things got murky. The funnel cake was less golden-fried perfection and more deep-fried napkin. The pistachio butter, once intriguing, turned pasty fast. And the Hershey’s drizzle? Let’s just say it brought all the sugar and none of the depth. A darker chocolate might’ve saved it—but I suspect this one was designed more for the ‘Gram than the palate.
Assuming the funnel cake isn’t always a greasy gut bomb, this treat could be fun to share with a crowd (which is good, considering the $20 price tag). But it was tough to consider the proposition of plowing through it with as few as two or three people.
11. Badger Mary Funnel Cake
Where to find them: Badger Bites, Central Avenue & Second Street, $14
Description: Badger Mary Funnel Cake is a wild Wisconsin twist on the classic Bloody Mary, reimagined as a cheesy, savory funnel cake.
Speaking of funnel cake, this was a riff that flipped the script entirely. It was savory, cheesy and inspired by a Bloody Mary. In other words: peak State Fair energy.
I loved the creativity here. Turning a classically sweet treat into a savory snack (and brunch reference) is bold, and this one had me genuinely curious. The "funnel cake" turned out to be mozzarella whips, battered in funnel cake dough and fried. It was unexpected, totally over-the-top, and oh-so-Wisconsin. The toppings leaned into the theme: celery salt, chopped pickles, bacon, and a creamy sauce with just a whisper of horseradish. Bloody brilliant? Not quite. But fun? Absolutely.
As I dug in, I appreciated the briny, salty, and mildly piquant notes from the toppings. But the absence of tomato felt like a missed opportunity—one that might’ve tied the flavors together more cohesively. The real letdown, however, was the mozzarella whips. Though not raw, they were noticeably under-fried, lacking the golden crispness that would’ve elevated the dish. Instead, they reminded me of that limp first batch of fries from a fresh vat of oil. The cheese pull was lovely, but the batter—soft and soggy—failed to deliver the crunch that could’ve made these truly craveable.
10. *Gochujang Smash Burger
Where to find them: Blue Moon Tavern at the Park, Grandstand Avenue & Main Street, $13
Description: Gochujang Smashburger with Kimchi Bacon Jam is a mouthwatering Korean-inspired burger bursting with heat, umami, and crunch.
Burgers are notoriously tough to pull off well at high volume, so I approached the Gochujang Smash with cautious optimism. And while it didn’t quite live up to its bold description, it was a step above your average festival burger.
The smash patties lacked the crispy edges that define a true smash burger, but the texture was still satisfying and the beef carried solid flavor. A generous helping of fresh kimchi topped the sandwich, though its flavor was milder than expected. It was less “bursting with heat” and more a whisper of fermented funk. Fresh cilantro added a bright, herbal note that helped round things out.
The sweet, untoasted bun was a bit of a letdown, especially since the juicy toppings left it soggy in spots. Bacon jam offered some welcome salty balance (and a bit of structural integrity), but couldn’t quite save the soggy bottom.
With its banh mi–esque flavor profile, the Gochujang Smash didn’t break new ground, nor did it pack the creative punch I look for in standout Fair food. Still, it’s an approachable, flavorful intro to Korean-inspired flavors and a respectable option if you're craving something beyond the basics.
9. Dill Dawg Dorito Bombs
Where to find them: Mashed Potatoes On-a-Stick, Badger Avenue & Center Street, $13
Description: A juicy hot dog stuffed inside a zesty dill pickle, dipped in golden cornbread batter and fried to crispy perfection.
Based on the description, I was expecting a full-sized pickle-wrapped corn dog. But what I got—bite-sized “bombs”—turned out to be a surprisingly delightful twist. The addition of crushed Doritos was another unexpected move, adding an extra hit of flavor and crunch to each bite.
If you’re a fan of a good frickle (fried pickle, for the uninitiated), these will likely be right up your alley. Each crispy little nugget features a hot dog tucked inside a briny pickle, wrapped in corn dog batter, and finished with a golden Dorito crust. A side of ranch for dipping seals the deal with creamy, herby goodness.
I still miss the delicious deep-fried olives from the Fried Fruit & Olives Stand, which seems to have made a permanent departure from the Fair. But the Dill Dog Dorito Bombs are a near-perfect stop-gap for that salty-briney deliciousness, especially if you’re enjoying them with a Champagne of Beers alongside.
8. Cranberry Cannoli
Where to find them: Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers, Wisconsin Products Pavilion, $3 each
Description: A traditional cannoli with a twist - Wisconsin cranberries.
If you’re in the mood for a sugar rush wrapped in Wisconsin-grown whimsy, the Cranberry Cannoli might just be your fairground fairytale. Imagine a chewy oatmeal tuile—rich with brown sugar and studded with tart cranberries—curled gently around a swirl of berry-pink frosting that’s sweet enough to make your teeth hum. A dip in chocolate seals the deal.
It’s loud, it’s lovely, and it doesn’t pretend to be anything but dessert in its most unapologetic form. Best enjoyed slowly, perhaps with one of the clever cold brews that have become a popular offering at the Fair.
7. **Purple Rain Refresher
Where to find them: Rock & Roll Beer Garden, Wetley Way, $10 ($16 with vodka)
Description: Inspired by the glam and grit of rock legends, the Purple Rain Refresher is a show-stopping drink that captures the magic of a live show.
Yes, I’m a sucker for sparkly, Instagrammable things, so the Purple Rain Refresher had me at glitter. I expected a drink that shimmered as hard as it sipped, and this one delivered.
With a pleasantly grape-like flavor that was sweet, but not cloying, it was the kind of drink that begs to be sipped on a sun-drenched 85-degree day. Add that splash of vodka and you’ve got yourself a real showstopper. The edible glitter added just the right amount of drama: a swirling, whimsical shimmer with every tilt of the cup. And the sidecar of Pop Rocks? Pure performance art. Dropped into the drink, they fizzed and snapped, giving the whole thing a live-show energy that Prince himself might’ve appreciated.
It’s flashy, fizzy and fun, just like the description promises.
6. *Pretzaroni Pizza Brat
Where to find them: Gertrude's Pretzels, South Grandstand Avenue, $15
Description: Pretzaroni Pizza Brat is the delicious fusion of a pretzel, a pizza, and a bratwurst.
Gertrude’s has been on a roll for the last couple of years. First with the Peño Pretzel Popper Brat in 2022, which was both the Sporkies Champion and number one on my fair foods list. Last year, the Loaded Gyro Bratzel, (with a gyro brat made by Joe’s Country Market in LaCrosse), was also a winner from start to finish: creative, sizeable and indulgent.
The basics did not disappoint. The pretzel was perfectly soft with that classic toothy chew, hugging a brat that packed a solid punch of savory flavor. The balance between bread and meat? Just right. But beyond that, the Pretzaroni fizzled.
The pepperoni was sliced thin and scattered sparingly, delivering only a timid whisper of that iconic pizza zest, never quite hitting your taste buds with every bite. The dipping sauce was underwhelming, more bland than bold, and didn’t do much to bring the brat to life.
And the cheese situation? Disappointingly minimal. A sprinkle of dried Parmesan dusted on the outside barely made a dent. I kept thinking: “Where’s the melty mozzarella?” Wrapped inside alongside the pepperoni, it would’ve sealed the deal and truly captured the spirit of this pizza-pretzel-bratwurst fusion.
In the end, it’s a decent bite with solid foundations, but it just doesn’t quite live up to Gertrude’s high bar for creative, crave-worthy fair eats.
5. Crab Rangoon Tacos
Where to find them: Tropics, Wetley Way & First Street, three for $25
Description: A playful mix of creamy seafood dip and handheld taco ease.
As I’ve mentioned, I’m a sucker for crab rangoon. But seafood at the Wisconsin State Fair? Let’s just say I approached with caution.
Surprisingly, these taco-style rangoons turned out to be one of the fair’s sleeper hits. First off: real crab—not the imitation stuff. Likely backfin, it had a mild, fresh flavor that played nicely with the cream cheese. A scatter of scallions and a drizzle of sweet and sour sauce added brightness without overpowering the filling. Crispy tortilla strips brought crunch, contrasting the soft flour tortillas in just the right way.
In the end, these hit all the right notes. They felt fresh and modern but still tapped into that rangoon nostalgia I crave. Thoughtfully executed and full of flavor, these tacos absolutely delivered.
4. Brisket Cheese Curd Taco “Rodeo”
Where to find them: Richie's Cheese Curd Tacos, Wetley Way, two for $18
Description: Brisket Cheese Curd Taco "Rodeo" brings rodeo flair to Wisconsin with smoky sliced brisket and golden fried cheese curds tucked into a crispy tortilla.
As a rule, I’m a fan of Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos. Maybe it’s the crackly, golden flour shells that transport me straight back to my Chi Chi’s chimichanga days (shameful? maybe—nostalgic? absolutely). But it’s also due, in part, to the flavorful, breaded fried cheese curds from Wisconsin's Ellsworth Creamery, which not only make these tacos a great fit for the Dairy State’s Fair, but a delicious way to ingest your daily requirement of Wisconsin cheese.
This version was pretty darned delicious. Composed of those lovely fried taco shells filled with thin, flavorful strips of tender, lightly sauced barbequed brisket and a generous portion of deep-fried cheese curds, they didn’t lack flavor. And they were complemented by a smattering of fresh, crisp cabbage and a creamy, slightly piquant taco sauce to bring everything together.
They were crispy, smoky, cheesy, and fres, basically everything you’d want in a Fair taco.
3. Sheboygan Brat Pasty
Where to find them: Sheboygan Pasty Company, Wisconsin Products Pavilion, $8
Description: Blueberry Peach Dessert, Italian Sausage, Sheboygan Bratwurst, Beef or Breakfast.
When Lara emailed to suggest I try one of the pasties from Sheboygan Pasty Company, her enthusiasm was so genuine I couldn’t say no. And I’m glad I didn’t.
Even if she hadn’t recommended the Sheboygan Bratwurst Pasty, it seemed the most logical to include in a list of Fair foods. And it turned out to be a lovely choice. The filling featured tender potatoes, onions, melty cheddar cheese and flavorful bratwurst, while the pastry was light, flakey and almost buttery in flavor.
“Amazing,” Lara called it. I’d have to agree. No Fair gimmicks here, just honest, well-made comfort food. And at $8, this generously sized hand pie feels like one of the better values at the Fair, hearty enough to count as a full meal.
2. Honey Butter Mozza Kdog
Where to find them: GoldenKdog, Sue Whetley Court near the “Neigh”borhood Corral, $12 (+$4 for honey butter)
Description: Mozzarella Kdog dipped in honey butter sauce and coated in honey twist crumbs.
Kdogs—the Korean twist on corn dogs—have a fascinating backstory rooted in global food trends and cultural mash-ups. And frankly, they’ve always struck me as a major upgrade from the American classic. So when I spotted a new Kdog vendor at the State Fair, my excitement was real.
And the Honey Butter Mozza Kdog? Quite possibly the best fried cheese I’ve had in ages.
Imagine stretchy, melty mozzarella encased in an ultra-crisp crumb coating, then drenched in sweet, golden honey butter. It’s salty, sweet, rich, and crunchy, basically everything you want in a bite of Fair food and then some. If you’re a fan of those addictive Honey Butter Chips from markets like H-Mart, this needs to go straight to the top of your must-try list.
1. *Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia
Where to find them: Lumpia City, Grandstand Avenue, two for $12
Description: Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia mashes up deep cultural roots and modern flavor made with caramelized bananas, syrup-soaked French toast, and rich purple ube butter.
The women behind Lumpia City have a serious gift for fusion. They’ve proven it with creations like Fruity Flakes Cheesecake Lumpia, Ripped Lumpia (think cheesy ramen noodles, fried Spam, kimchi), and the gloriously chaotic Ube Boobeh (a buttery cookie bar, rainbow sprinkles, white chocolate, condensed milk, and ube jam). So it’s no surprise their Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia is another win.
Crispy, golden, and just sweet enough, this lumpia triggers instant flavor nostalgia. Maybe you’ll think French toast. Maybe Bananas Foster. Maybe the mellow vanilla-meets-pistachio notes of ube, the vibrantly purple Southeast Asian yam that’s gone global thanks to social media.
Whatever flavor memory it sparks, the end result is the same: a deeply comforting, familiar blend of sweet, salty, and fruity that feels both inventive and warmly nostalgic.
I thought I loved last year’s Dirty Chai Cinnamon Roll Lumpia. But this one? This one’s on a whole new level.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
