Introduction to the State Fair of Texas Food
Oct. 1, 2025
Updated Oct. 15, 2025 at 12:03 p.m. CDT
If you feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of food options at the State Fair of Texas, you’re in good company. Even our team of food writers gets decision paralysis from the deluge of choices.
To help you game your dining strategy, we’ve put together this guide to consolidate everything you need to know about the food at the 2025 Texas state fair.
Top New Foods at 2025 State Fair
Love trying the fair food newcomers? Here is a map of new bites to try, and here is a map of this year’s Big Tex Choice Awards finalists and winners.
Eat Drink D-FW
If you ordered all 10 of the 2025 Big Tex Choice Award food finalists, it would set you back $174 (up $20 from last year). Don’t want to spend that much but still want to try some of the top dishes? Along with two local chefs, we tried and ranked all of them to help you decide what to spend your money on.
Dietary Restrictions
Have limitations in your diet? No problem. You can still enjoy yourself at the fair and not leave hungry. Here are lists of fair foods that accommodate different dietary restrictions and where to find them at the fairgrounds:
Affordable Eats
Eating at the fair can be considerably expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are ways to partake in festive fair food without hurting your wallet.
This year, there is a new food stand dedicated to affordability. The Cheap Eats booth sells a menu of classics like burgers, nachos, fries and hot dogs. The kicker is everything is $10 or less. Cheap Eats is located on the Funway.
On Thursdays, food stands across the fairgrounds offer dozens of food and drink deals that are $10 or less. Some of those food deals are under $5. Find a list of the Thrifty Thursday deals here.
Looking for other ways to save money at the fair? Here’s a list of savings strategies.
Timeless Classics
The wacky new fried concoctions are fun, but sometimes you just want the good ol’ nostalgic fair classics. Here are some of the places where you can find them amid the dizzying spread of food:
- Smoked turkey legs — Turkey Legs by Dickel, Texas Steak Out, Get Fried, Magnolia Beer Gardens, Milton’s Turkey Legs and Funnel Cakes, Juicy’s Texas Tailgate
- Corn on the cob — Texas Steak Out, Sweet Connie’s Midway Grill
- Popcorn — Hot Buttered Corn, Bert’s
- Deep-fried Oreos — Eat Crispies, Juicy’s Texas Tailgate, Smokey John’s Deli, Barrera’s
- Deep-fried Twinkie — Juicy’s Texas Tailgate
- Funnel cake — The Dock, Funnel Cake Stand, Gourmet Funnel Cakes, Milton’s Turkey Legs and Funnel Cakes, Funnel Cake Factory
Conclusion
The State Fair of Texas offers a wide variety of food options, ranging from classic fair foods to new and innovative dishes. With this guide, you can navigate the fairgrounds and find the perfect food to suit your taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for something new and exciting or a classic fair favorite, the State Fair of Texas has something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the food at the State Fair of Texas:
Q: What are the most popular foods at the State Fair of Texas?
A: The most popular foods at the State Fair of Texas include classic fair foods like corn dogs, funnel cakes, and turkey legs, as well as new and innovative dishes like deep-fried Oreos and fried butter.
Q: Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available at the fair?
A: Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan options available at the fair, including veggie burgers, salads, and fruit cups.
Q: Can I find gluten-free or dairy-free options at the fair?
A: Yes, many food vendors at the fair offer gluten-free or dairy-free options, including gluten-free bread and dairy-free ice cream.
Q: How can I save money on food at the fair?
A: There are several ways to save money on food at the fair, including taking advantage of special deals and discounts, eating at off-peak times, and sharing food with friends and family.
