Here on SideDish, we talk about the best and the worst State Fair of Texas foods, but we never talk about those weird in-betweens. You’ve got to admit there’s a lot of junk at the fair every year. You only have so many coupons, a little amount of stomach space, and so much time. You don’t have a minute to waste.
Well, lucky for all you eaters out there, we’ve gagged, burped, slurped, and giggled down everything from deep-fried chocolate chip burritos to Fletcher’s classic corny dogs. We’ve tried a good number of things under the Fair Park sun.
In the spirit of being helpful, we’ve put together a list of foods and drinks that really stick out. There’s not a rhyme or reason to it. Actually, it’s pretty random. Don’t judge us and we won’t judge you.
Let’s put aside our differences, unite in the name of Big Tex, and judge the food together, shall we?
1. The Best New Fried Food Item That Didn’t Win Any Awards Already: Deep-fried spaghetti and meatballs
It’s shaped like a baseball, and it comes with parmesan cheese, marinara, and herbs. If you love this classic dish, you’ll fall instantly in love. [Find this at the Food Court for 12 coupons.]
2. The Best Fried Food Item at the State Fair, Period: Deep-fried grilled cheese sandwich
I raved about this last year, but I don’t care. I’ll do it again. I love the ooey gooey cheese that comes out of this perfect fried sandwich. Crunchy on the outside, melty on the inside. It comes with potato chip crumbs that you can dip into this tomato-soup-sauce thing. Kills me every time. [Find this at The Dock inside the Embarcadero.]
3. The Biggest Turkey Leg at Fair Park: Turkey legs by Dickel
So these “Texas-sized turkey legs” look like they probably ate dinosaurs for breakfast. We didn’t have the stomach room to try one, but we know you will. [Find these at Cotton Bowl Plaza (CBP-7F) for 20 coupons.]
4. The Food That Makes Us Gag Every Time We See Someone Eating It: Deep-fried bubblegum
Can anybody please tell me what the judges were smoking right before they declared this disgusting food item the “Most Creative” winner in 2011? Barf. It looks someone threw up these pastel-colored balls. [Find this NOWHERE. We’re not telling you where to find it!]
5. The Most Overrated Big Tex Choice Finalist 2013: Texas fried fireball
All you can taste is a lot of heat. Plus, each ball is about the size of a quarter. No bang for the buck. [Find this at the Food Court.]
6. The Best Fries That Aren’t Fries: Funnel cake fries
These fries are beignet-like, soft, and even BETTER than a funnel cake. [Find this at the Taste of Cuba stand inside the Cotton Bowl Plaza.]
7. The Most Asian Food/Drink at the State Fair: Bubble tea at Benz Foods Co.
For the most expensive boba you’ll ever find, get this drink for 14 coupons. It comes in taro, black milk tea, strawberry slush, fresh pineapple slushie, and raspberry black tea. The bubbles aren’t great, but hey, we gotta support diversity. The State Fair is getting more Asian, one drink at a time. [Find this at the Cotton Bowl Plaza (CBP-1F).]
8. The Food That Tastes Most Like Fall: Crumbscious’ sweet potato pie shake
This may look innocuous, but everyone who tried this baby couldn’t stop cooing. It’s blended with sweet potato and a ginger snap cookie crust. [Find this at the Food Court.]
9. The Greasiest First Bite: Deep-fried Cuban Roll
Yes, this tastes really good. And, yes, we highly recommend it, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t super greasy. We still love it, though. [Find this at the Magnolia Lounge.]
10. The Weirdest/Grossest Thing We Couldn’t Bring Ourselves to Try: Deep-fried cool ranch pizza
Um, yeah. Cool ranch belongs on Doritos, not pizza. [Find this at 1200 Admiral Nimitz Circle (N-12F), the same stand as the deep-fried Nutella.]
For more State Fair of Texas 2013 coverage, check out these links:
Eat Up, Y’all: Our Guide to the New Fried Foods at the State Fair of Texas 2013
Eat Up, Y’all: Our Guide to Healthy Food Options at the State Fair of Texas 2013
State Fair Fried Food Feedback
Don’t Eat This Now: Deep-Fried Nutella at the State Fair
