The Minnesota State Fair. Just hearing those words conjures images of butter sculptures, livestock barns, and, most importantly, an endless array of deep-fried, on-a-stick, and delightfully indulgent “fair food.” But what if you could capture that magic without battling the crowds, finding parking, or enduring the unpredictable Minnesota weather? Well, get ready, because Westopolis—the closest neighbor to downtown Minneapolis, comprised of the fantastic cities of St. Louis Park and Golden Valley—is a hidden gem for satisfying those intense state fair food cravings all year round!
From savory delights to sweet treats, St. Louis Park and Golden Valley offer an impressive lineup of local establishments serving up their own delicious takes on beloved fair favorites. So, whether you’re a seasoned fair-goer missing your annual fix, a foodie looking for fun and casual dining, or a family seeking an adventure, prepare your appetite. We’re about to take a delicious tour of state fair food finds in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley!
From the Deep Fryer and Beyond: Savory Fair Food Staples
The heart of any state fair food experience lies in its savory, often fried, delights. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for the Great Minnesota Get-Together to enjoy these classics right here in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley.
New Bohemia
Step into New Bohemia (8040 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427) and prepare for a true fair-like feast. This spot goes beyond the ordinary, offering a wide array of options that echo the adventurous spirit of the fair. Start with their state fair-worthy giant Bavarian pretzel, perfect for sharing. Then, dive into a basket of mini corndogs, a quintessential fair snack. Their pickle fries offer a tangy, crispy twist, while the Wisconsin beer-battered cheese curds are perfectly golden and squeaky.
Don’t forget their giant onion rings and a variety of classic wursts. For the truly adventurous, they offer exotic sausages like Louisiana alligator bayou, smoked elk, and wild boar with blueberries and merlot, reminiscent of unique food finds at the fair. And with Belgian-style fries and a choice of nine different dipping sauces, you can customize your experience just like you would on the fairgrounds. As a bonus, they even offer mini doughnuts with cinnamon sugar for dessert, completing your “close to home” fair experience.
The Park Tavern
A long-standing favorite in the area, The Park Tavern (3401 Louisiana Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN 55426) delivers on classic comfort food with a fair-like twist. Their menu is brimming with appetizers that scream “carnival treat.” You’ll find crispy beer-battered onion rings, perfectly fried cheese curds, and their yummy Pretzel Stix with some queso for dipping. Craving something tangy? Their fried pickle chips hit the spot. For a heartier fair-inspired bite, dig into their loaded potato skins. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great spot to gather with friends and family, and their generous portions ensure you won’t leave hungry when seeking state fair food in St. Louis Park. Bonus: you can even play a few arcade games or go bowling!
JJ’s Clubhouse
JJ’s Clubhouse (6400 Wayzata Blvd, Golden Valley, MN 55426) offers a fantastic selection of elevated bar bites that easily double as premium state fair-esque fare. Their pretzel bites are soft and warm, just begging for a dip in some cheese sauce. Of course, they have delicious cheese curds, a staple for any fair food enthusiast. For a taste of Minnesota, try their walleye fingers—a regional delicacy perfectly breaded and fried. And for a unique twist on a fair classic, their loaded sweet potato tots are a must-try. JJ’s Clubhouse provides a lively sports bar atmosphere, making it a fun destination for enjoying state fair food in Golden Valley.
Yard House
For a modern take on classic pub fare, Yard House (1665 Park Place Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416) brings some serious state fair vibes. Their show-stopping Onion Ring Tower truly embodies the “on-a-stick” spirit of the fair, presenting a towering display of perfectly crispy rings. They also offer a jumbo Bavarian pretzel, perfect for sharing, and, naturally, Wisconsin fried cheese curds that are wonderfully gooey inside. Round out your fair-inspired meal with their parm truffle fries or sweet potato fries, and choose from an extensive menu of wings in various flavors. Yard House’s vast beer selection also adds to the festive, celebratory feel, making it an excellent spot for enjoying state fair food in St. Louis Park.
Bunny’s Bar & Grill
A true St. Louis Park institution, Bunny’s Bar & Grill (5916 Excelsior Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416) is synonymous with good times and classic bar food that often feels right at home at the fair. Their Wisconsin white cheddar cheese curds are a local legend—perfectly battered and irresistible. You’ll also find crispy walleye fingers, their signature Bunny’s fries, and Bunny’s Hoops (onion rings) that deliver on that satisfying crunch. Waffle fries and a wide variety of wings complete their extensive menu of fried delights. Plus, the constant offering of free, fresh-popped popcorn adds to the casual, celebratory atmosphere that mirrors the fair. Bunny’s is an essential stop for satisfying your state fair food cravings in St. Louis Park.
Schullers Tavern
For a taste of old-school charm and reliable pub grub, Schullers Tavern (7345 Country Club Dr, Golden Valley, MN 55427) is a classic roadhouse that perfectly captures the no-frills deliciousness of fair food. They serve up all the essentials: golden Wisconsin cheese curds, hearty stuffed potato skins, classic cheese sticks, crispy onion rings, and a great selection of wings. But for a truly iconic Minnesota experience that rivals any fair find, be sure to try their own version of the Juicy Lucy, a cheese-stuffed burger that’s a local legend. Schullers offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy these state fair-inspired treats in Golden Valley.
A Sweet Fair Finish: Doughnuts and More!
No trip to the state fair experience is complete without a sweet finish. While many of the places above offer desserts, one spot truly embodies the spirit of a quintessential fair dessert.
Funner Brothers Donut Company
Remember those giant donut holes we talked about from Funner Brothers Donut Company (2570 Hillsboro Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427) in our previous sweet tour? During Minnesota State Fair time, Funner Brothers take it up a notch by offering their signature giant donut holes on a stick! You get three on a stick, making it the ultimate portable, sugary glazed fair treat, right here in Golden Valley. It’s the perfect way to cap off your local state fair food adventure, providing that authentic fair dessert experience without the fairground crowds.
Get Your State Fair Food Fix in Westopolis!
You don’t have to wait for late summer to enjoy the iconic flavors of the Minnesota State Fair. The vibrant cities of St. Louis Park and Golden Valley offer an incredible array of restaurants and eateries that deliver on all your fair food cravings, year-round. From savory fried delights to sweet on-a-stick sensations, the state fair food experience is closer than you think.
Discover more delicious dining options and plan your next culinary adventure right here in Westopolis!
