I am on site at the Arkansas State Fair as you read this, verifying prices and locations for each of these delicacies. Be sure to check back throughout the fair to see what else I've discovered.
Alligator Bites. That's right, these chunks of alligator meat are Cajun seasoned and battered, deep fried and served up in a basket. Get it at Larry's Gator House for $9 (labeled as Basket and Bait).
Alligator on a Stick. Chunks of alligator meat, white onions, zucchini and potato on a stick, dipped in a lightly peppered tempura batter and deep fried. Larry's Gator House has it for $9.
Alligator Sausage Sandwich. Another Larry's Gator House offering, this is an alligator sausage link on a hot dog bun.
Apple-Filled Churros. These fried and cinnamon-sugar dusted treats are just as good as pie.
Arkansas's largest deep fried pickle. Probably not what Bernell Austin had in mind when he created the fried pickle. This is a large whole dill, battered and deep fried like a corn dog, served on a stick. Get the ranch dressing.
Armadillo eggs. Unlike the sausage version offered at Main Street Pizza in El Dorado, this is the Texas version, which are bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts. $12 fo three at the Texas Armadillo Egg Stand (Tracy's Concessions).
Arnold Palmer. The popular combination of iced tea and lemonade is available at the Lipton Ice Tea Box stands around the fairgrounds this year. Simple, refreshing, and you won't be scratching your head over the ingredients.
Bacon-wrapped Cinnamon Rolls. $8 for three at Fried What? near the Wendy's Main Stage.
Bacon-wrapped Grilled Corn (new). Forget butter - adding bacon to grilled corn is the salty burst you need, apparently. I suspect this non-deep fried, non-chocolate coated wonder will go over like gangbusters. Roasted throughout the fair on the cool old truck grill (Larry's Redneck Corn) next to Cheeseburger on a Stick in the Food Court, available for $8 an ear.
Bacon-wrapped Jo Jo potatoes. The bacon-cheese-fry without the cheese, each of these thick potato wedges are wrapped in a single strip of bacon before being fried. Yes, you can get it with cheese sauce. Find them at Pat's Kitchen for $8.
Bacon-wrapped Oreos. Yep, Oreo cookies wrapped in bacon. You have now seen it all. They're 3 for $8 at Fried What?
Baked potato. Get a big hefty baked potato (we're talking a pound of potato!) with your choice of sprinkle-ons, or loaded with cheese and bacon, from the guys grilling in the old pickup truck at Larry's Redneck Corn in the Food Court. $6 with butter and sour cream or $8 loaded.
Baked Potato Fries. $11 a basket at Cheto's in the Food Court.
Barbecue Beef Parfait (new). Take a hot beef sundae and bump it up. This is smoked beef brisket with barbecue sauce, mashed potatoes and baked beans all in a cup. Get it Arkansas-style and add coleslaw from the Hot Beef Sundae guy for $8.
Barbecue beef sandwiches. While pulled pork sandwiches with or without barbecue sauce are offered elsewhere on the fairgrounds, Mickey's Grill in the Food Court offers beef barbecue sandwiches for $8. Get it with chips and a drink for $10.
Barbecue nachos. Tortilla chips with cheese and pulled pork barbecue are available in the Hall of Industry Lobby for $6.50 small and $9.50 large.
Bavarian cream funnel cakes (new). Just when you thought there was nothing else you could put on a funnel cake, here we go with Bavarian Cream funnel cakes. The richest dessert you'll find on the fairgrounds. Find it at the Elephant Ear stand in the midway near the entrance to Barton Colliseum for $7.
Bear Claws. Don't get too excited - these are pre-packaged bear claws, but they are available at the Philly Stand next to the excited Turkey Leg guy on the Midway for $3.
Beer. Local beer such as Ozark Beer is available at Arkansas State Fair booths around the fairgrounds. At the stand on the south side of the Food Court, get a 24 ounce beer for $7 or 12 ounces for $4.
Bird Dog. A deep fried chicken breast treated like a hot dog, with your choice of toppings (bacon, cheese sauce, jalapeno peppers, etc.). Introduced at the 2014 Arkansas State Fair. You'll find it at McKinney Food Services near the south end of the Midway and across from the Big Show Diner for $8.
Biscuits and Gravy. Get your brekfast fix on any time of day at the Kountry Korner Cafe at the end of the midway for $4 and $7.
Black Angus Beef Pita. Paizi's Gyros has the with beef and vegetables in a pita for $10.
Blooming onion. Okay, Grater Tater sells these as Flowering Onions, but you get the idea - a whole onion, specially sliced, battered, deep fried and served with dipping sauce. The shape is the novelty (though Outback Steakhouse has been doing these for years). $8 at Grater Tater.
Boudin balls. Want some Louisiana-style sausage? The popular white sausage made from pork is available at Larry's Gator House for $7. Or just get boudin (not balls) for the same price.
Breakfast. Yes, you can get breakfast at the Arkansas State Fair. Sure, the midway doesn't open at the crack of dawn, but there are plenty of people out and about with livestock, events that are being judges and people looking at arts and crafts. At the Kountry Korner Cafe, you can get a breakfast with smoked ham, sausage biscuits and gravy, eggs, fried bologna, bacon and more. The large version is the Big Boss and it's $9. The Lil Boss is $7.
Breakfast sandwiches. Fried bologna, bacon or sausage with egg and cheese, $6 at the Kountry Korner Cafe.
Bucket of fries. Find it at the Texas Armadillo Egg Stand (Tracy's Concessions) in the Food Court. $8 plain, a dollar more with cheese. Or get them at the Fresh Cut French Fry stand near Cattle Barn 3 on the midway, where the bucket is still $8 but refills are $4 (add cheese or chili for $1 more).
Bucket of nachos. They're at the Texas Armadillo Egg Stand (Tracy's Concessions) on the north side of the Food Court. $6 a bucket, or $8 for an even bigger bucket.
Buffalo Ranch spiced nuts. Ozark Candies and Nuts pairs Buffalo seasoning with ranch dressing to create a savory snack. Find it in the Hall of Industry.
Buffalo wings. Yep, you can get Buffalo wings at the Arkansas State Fair, one of many flavors offered at the Pavilion near the Big Show Diner. See chicken wings.
Burgers. You can get an old fashioned hamburger or cheeseburger at many places on the state fairgrounds. Here are some of the places and the varieties available.
Bud and Burgers (next to the FFA Ag in Action building): Quarter pounders $4, half pounders $8, double half pounders $12.
Hall of Industry Lobby: $7 for a half pounder, $10 for a double half pounder.
Center Stage Grill: Single $8, double $12, cheese 50 cents, bacon a dollar (see also Mega Burger).
Philly Cheesesteak Stop: 1/3 pound for $8.
Burritos. Oversized burritos are available at the Big Show Diner. You can get bean, beef, supreme or chicken on 12 inch flour tortillas, starting at $3.50 each.
Butterfinger funnel cakes. I need to check this one out. Cheto's in the Food Court carries specialty funnel cakes for $8 and $9.
Cajun Chicken Pita. Packed with seasoned chicken and vegetables for $10 at Paizi's Gyros in the Food Court.
Candy apples. Available at Candy Tower near the Big Show Diner, also available in the Hall of Industry. There are also candy apples at the cotton candy trailers. They're $4 each at the Lemon Shake-Up Stand in the Food Court - and the Candy Apple stand at the south end of the Food Court. They're $5 at the Cotton Candy stand right by Gate 1 or by Guest Relations.
Candy cones. These are plastic cone-shaped bags filled with candy such as gummy worms, Lego sugar blocks and more. Find them at Ozark Nuts in the Hall of Industry.
Carne Asada. Mexican-style steak and onions served with rice, refried beans and salsa at the Big Show Diner for $14.
Caramel corn. The old fashioned fair staple is offered at the Cotton Candy stand near Gate 1 for $5.
Cheese dip. Of course Arkansas's own creation, originally delivered by the Donnelly Faily, makes its appearance every year at the state's largest fair. You'll find the original Arkansas State Fair original recipe blend at the Big Show Diner. Dip comes with chips and is $3.50 for a small or $7.50 for regular size.
Cherry Lemonade. $5 for fresh squeezed at Pat's Kitchen.
Cherry Limeade. McKinney Concession near the Big Show Diner has it for $4, $6 and $12, depending on the size you want. Swain's Pizza on Hiland Hill near the midway is $5.
Chicken and Cheese Crispito. Get one of these flour tortilla fried goodies at Pat's Kitchen for $3.
Chicken Fried Steak. Get it on a sandwich at the Big Show Diner (with fries) for $9.75. Or head to the Kountry Korner Cafe at the south end of the midway and get a gigantic one as a plate dinner for $13 (with two sides).
Chicken Gizzards. I kid you not. Boss Hogg by Gate 5 is offering these up in baskets at Gate 5.
Chicken on a stick. Nothing unusual or crazy about this, but a deep fried chicken breast strip on a stick does make for easier transport and dipping. McKinney Food Services near the south end of the Midway, for $12 at Hogg's near Gate 5 and the south end of the Midway, and at Pat's Kitchen in the Food Court for $7. The Fresh Cut French Fry stand near Cattle Barn 3 has them for $7, too.
Chicken Pot Pie Pockets (new). Take chicken pot pie filling, encapsulate it in pastry, deep fry it. You now have yourself a handpie worthy of being called the best comfort food ever. $8 at Cheeseburger on a Stick.
Chicken Sandwich. Get an oversized bun with either grilled chicken or fried chicken strips in a basket with fries at the Big Show Diner for $9. Or just get the sandwich for $6 at Bud and Burgers. The Hall of Industry Lobby concession has them for $7.
Chicken Strip Basket. Fries and chicken strips - $9 at McKinney Concessions at the south end of the midway or on the south side of the Big Show Diner - which also offers them at 2 for $6, 3 for $7 or 5 for $9 with fries.
The Fresh Cut French Fry stand near Cattle Barn 3 has baskets of just chicken strips (no fries) for $5. A basket with fries is $8.
Chicken Wings. You can find different varieties of chicken wings several places around the fair.
Big Show Diner.: Come in orignal, Buffalo hot, Jala-Mango (Mango Hot-Sweet), BBQ or Garlic Parmesan - 8 for $7, 12 for $11.50, up to 50 for $45.50. Also available with fries starting at 6 for $7.50.
Chicken Wangs in the Food Court has them (when they are open).
The Fresh Cut French Fry stand near Cattle Barn 3 has them for $5 for a basket - flavors include barbecue, Buffalo, sweet red chili and teriyaki.
Chili Cheese Fries. Get them $5.50 for regular size and $7.50 for large at The Big Show Diner, or $5 at Cheeseburger on a Stick. On the midway they're $8 for a small and $12 for a large at Wings and Fries.
Chimichangas. $13 for chicken, $14.50 for fajita steak with two sides and a roll at The Big Show Diner. Or get them a la carte, $6.50 for chicken or $8.50 for beef.
Chipotle glazed nuts. Ozark Candies and Nuts has combined roasted chipotle peppers with sugar and butter to create a perfect coating for cashews and other nuts. Warm but not too spicy.
Chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick. Exactly what it says in the title, this is a slice of cheesecake that's been dipped in chocolate. Eat it quick -- once it warms up, it will fall apart. Find it at the coffee specialty stand near the Big Show Diner.
Chocolate Covered Corn Dog. This year's version of Pig Licker strangeness, it is exactly what it appears to be - a chocolate dipped corn dog with sprinkles. Find it at the Armadillo Egg stand for $6.
Chocolate covered jalapeno peppers (new). Though these may be served cold, these will leave your mounth aflame. Spicy, strong and coated in milk chocolate, these are the bites of courage you'll be challenging others to try. That is, if you're too squeamish to consider scorpion pizza. Get your chocolate covered jalapenos and eat them with a carton of Hiland Dairy chocolate milk to help douse tht fire. $6 a tray at Cheeseburger on a Stick.
Chocolate covered bananas. The coffee specialty stand near the Big Show Diner has them.
Chocolate covered strawberries on a stick. Find them at the coffee specialty stand near the Big Show Diner.
Chocolate Milk. Hands down, the most reasonably priced item you'll find at the Arkansas State Fair. Hiland Dairy offers cold sweet creamy treats of all sorts on Hiland Hill, between the Live Wolf Pack and the Moogician. A cup-sized carton of white, skim or chocolate milk, it's just 50 cents.
Cinnabon Stix. $7 and $12 at Cheto's on the north side of the Food Court.
Cinnamon Roll a la Mode (new). Hot baked cinnamon rolls pair with cold creamy ice cream and whipped cream for this decadent delight. Find it at L&M Concessions next to the Center Stage Grill.
Coffee. The second cheapest beverage at the Arkansas State Fair is coffee... available at the Big Show Diner or the Hall of Industry Lobby for a dollar.. It's $1 for regular and $2 for large at the Elephant Ears stand (the purple on) at the intersection of the midway and the driveway to Barton Colliseum. It's $3 for a larger cuppa at McKinney Concessions.
Coffee Drinks (new). Right across the road from the Big Show Diner, you'll find a coffee beverage stand selling cappuccino and other coffee delights. The prices: Coffee $4, cappuccino $5, latte $5, mocha $6, caramo (?) $6. There are also some other crazy drinks - frozen cappuccino for $6, "peach smoothly" for $6, the "crazy mouse" for $8, Euro Slide $8, and the Oreo Express for $8. I have no idea why there's also nacho cheese for $5 and haven't been brave enough to ask yet.
Coke Float. $8 at the Ice Cream shop by the mirror maze.
Cookies. Center Stage Grill, the Hall of Industry Lobby and Bud and Burgers have them for $2 each.
Corn-on-the-Cob. So there are these two guys with this old truck they've converted into a grill - and they're offering grilled corn and baked potatoes out of it, plain or loaded and with all sorts of things to sprinkle on. I mean, this is the deal right here. Roasted in its husk in the Food Court at Larry's Redneck Corn for $6.
Corn-in-a-Cup (Elote). The same guys are offering corn cut off the cob and put it in a cup for $6. Get it Mexican style for $7. Find it at Larry's Redneck Corn.
Chris's Corndogs carries them $4 for small and $6 large in the Food Court.
The Texas Armadillo Egg Stand has them $5 and $7.
They're $4 and $6 at the stand on the midway in front of the Big Show Diner.
McKinney Concessions at the end of the midway has them for $5 and $6.
The Fresh Cut French Fry stand near Cattle Barn 3 has them for $4 with footlong dogs $7.
On the midway by Gate 1 (where we found this poor cotton candy covered chap), it's $6 a bag or $10 for a huge bag.
At the Cotton Candy stand behind Guest Relations, it's $6 a bag or $12 for a big bag.
Cricket pizza (new). Yes, this is a thing - cheese pizza baked with whole dried crickets. They're sorta like Rice Krispies when you bite into it. $10 a slice at Swaim's Pizza on Hiland Hill.
Curly Fries. The curvier version of the potato snack is available at a booth in the midway at the intersection with Hiland Hill. Get a regular order for $5, a plateful for $8 or a bucket for $10. You can also add sour cream, ranch, hot peppers, gravy, chili sauce, cheese or bacon bits for $1 more each.
Deep fried buckeyes (new). The folks with Fried What? always manage to bring something new to the table, and this year it's the popular Ohio confection of chocolate dipped peanut butter balls, battered and deep fried. They're 3 for $8.
Deep Fried Peach Pie. Not just a peach hand-pie, the folks at Fried What?!? top themselves again, battering and deep frying an actual slice of a peach pie. Get yours with plenty of whipped cream.
Deep Fried Pecan Pie. A slice on a stick, battered and deep fried, available at Cheto's on the Food Court for $7.
Dinner plate. The Kountry Korner Cafe is offering a different plated dinner each night for $9 that includes an entree (such as giant country fried steak), two sides and a roll.
Dippin' Dots. The ice cream of the future is at an Arkansas State Fair stand near you -- or at least near the Food Court. Enjoy these pellets of ice cream in several flavors, including Cookies n' Cream, Strawberry Cheesecake and Cotton Candy. Plain cones start at $4 with larger sizes and cups going up to $8.
Dirty Bird (new). This is the Bird Dog from year's past (a chicken breast fillet deep fried and treated like a hot dot with cheese and bacon on top) bumped up a notch with hot freshly made chili for $9.
Dough-E-Oreos. A cookie dough-wrapped deep fried Oreo covered in powdered sugar, available at Fried What? 3 for $7.
Elephant ears. Big sugar and cinnamon dusted pastries as big as your head, $7 at the Soft Serve Ice Cream Stand just south of the Big Show Diner. Make it a sundae for $5 more.
The better deal is at the Elephant Ear stand in the midway near Cattle Barn 3, where they're $6 each. Toppings are an additional dollar.
Espresso shots. Get them at the coffee specialty stand across from the Big Show Diner, $2 for a single, $3 for a double and $4 for a triple. Guess I know where I'm spending my fair money.
Fajitas. Chicken or steak or combo, this is eight ounces of meat grilled with onions, bell peppers and tomatoes and served with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, salsa and cheese and fresh flour tortillas inside the Big Show Diner. They're $13.50 for chicken, $14 for combo or $14.50 for beef.
Floats and Flurries. The Two Brothers Ice Cream Concession is located this year on the edge of the Midway on the road leading up to the Hiland Dairy performance area It offers root beer and Coke floats and flurries with M&Ms, Reeces cups or Oreos.
The Ice Cream shop by the mirror maze on the midway sells Oreo and Reece's flurries for $9 each.
Fried bologna sandwiches. The Kountry Korner Cafe at the south end of the Midway is offering this old-school Arkansas favorite, a thick slice of bologna on white bread. Your choice of mayo or mustard or none at all, along with lettuce, tomato, onion or pickle for $7.
Fried catfish. A southern favorite, you'll be able to order your plateful at the Big Show Diner throughout the fair. It's served with fries in a combo basket, $7.50 for two fillets, $10 for three or $14.50 for five. A jumbo fried catfish sandwich with fries will run you $10.50 there. Or get a catfish dinner with two sides and a roll for $14.50.
Fried cheese (no stick). Find it at the Fresh Cut French Fry stand near Cattle Barn 3 on the midway.
Fried cheese on a stick. Grater Tater offers these with bacon. Cheto's offers them without. Grater Tater's version is $5 and comes in either bacon cheddar or mozzarella.
Fried cheeseburger on a stick. Ground beef and cheese are packed together on a stick, dipped in corn dog batter and deep fried. Surprisingly good, especially with ketchup or mustard. This will sound crazy, but you can find it at the Cheeseburger on a Stick stand (look for New Food Dude) in the Food Court for $7.
Fried cheesecake on a stick. Exactly what it says it is, a sweetly battered and deep fried slice of cheesecake on a stick. Holds together better than the regular chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick. At the Hawaiian Ice stand at the end of the Midway for $7.
Fried green beans. Get a boatful at Gold's Concession, the turkey leg stand next to Fried What? for $6.
Fried Key Lime Pie. $7 at Fried What? near the Wendy's Main Stage.
Fried Milky Way. Another twist on deep fried candy bars -- this one's $7 at Fried What? or at Grater Tater for $5.
Fried Oreos. Yes, in addition to the bacon-wrapped fried Oreos, red velvet fried Oreos and who knows what else, you can get regular, "old fashioned" fried Oreos for $5 at the Two Brothers Concession (the Ice Cream Parlor) at the base of Hiland Hill and the midway. Fried Oreos are also $5 at the Hawaiian Ice Stand uphill from the end of the midway. They're $6 at the Elephant Ear stand (the big purple concession) in the midway at the intersection going up to Barton Colliseum. They're $7 at the Soft Serve Ice Cream Shop in the midway south of the Big Show Diner - make it a deep fried Oreo sundae for $5 more there.
If you REALLY like deep fried Oreos, get a bucketful at Fried What? for $12. Refills of that bucket are $10.
Fried Pickles in crumb batter. They're $5 for a basket of spears at Pat's Kitchen in the Food Court.
Fried pickles in tempura batter. Much closer to the original Bernell Austin version, these are tempura battered pickle spear chunks fried and served with ranch dressing. My favorite choice for fried pickles at the fair. Find them at Grater Taters for $5.
Fried Pineapple Rings (new). Almost as if doughnuts decided to eat pineapples - these are the best of both worlds. Best hot. $7 a tray at Cheeseburger on a Stick in the Food Court.
Fried pies. Apple, cherry, apricot, peach, chocolate and coconut varieties from Letha's Fried Pies are available at the Big Show Diner or Bud and Burgers for $2.75. Deep fried pies are $7 each at Cheto's in the Food Court.
Fried Pop-Tarts. Yep, someone went there - namely, the ice cream guys near the Hiland Milk booth, They're $5 each.
Fried Ribs. Get a basket of them at Boss Hogg's at Gate 5 or south end of the midway for $10. They come with sweet and sour sauce and fries.
Fried Snickers bar. Yes, they're still around. Get one at the south end of the Midway at the Hawaiian Shaved Ice stand or at Fried What? or Grater Tater for $5.
Fried Twinkies. Since someone figured out you can deep-freeze a Twinkie, batter and deep fry it for something truly devilish and light, these have become a fair staple. The cheapest ones at the fair are at the Hawaiian Shaved Ice stand at the end of the midway for $5. Fried What? has them $6 each. You can also find them at Cheto's in the Food Court.
Fries. Like French fries? Get a basket of them $4 or $7 at McKinney Concession near the Big Show Diner or at the south end of the Midway. Cheese fries are a dollar more, and you can also add chili or extra cheese for another buck. The Turkey Leg stand next to Fried What? also sells fries for $6 - fresh cut.
The Big Show Diner sells bowlfulls for $3.50 and $5.50.
The Fresh Cut French Fry stand near Cattle Barn 3 has them for $3 and $5, with buckets that cost $8 with a refill for $4.
Bud and Burgers next to the Ag in Action booth offers bowls of fries for $3 and $5.50. You can add cheese, chili and taco meat for a bit more.
Frito chili pie. Similar to nachos, these tortilla strips bear chili and cheese. Get one at Bud and Burgers for $5 or $7 with onions, cheese, chili and jalapenos - or grab one at the Hot Beef Sundae stand for $6. Center Stage Grill also has them for $5.50 for a small and $8 for a large. The Big Show Diner also has them at that price.
At the Hall of Industry Lobby, get a small for $5.50 or a large for $8.. If you want to add three tamales, go for the smaller size - it's $8.50 ($3 more) compared to $13 ($5 more) on the large.
Frosted Flake Fried Chicken (new). Why settle for cornmeal batter when you can have your chicken fried in a coat of Tony the Tiger's favorite cereal? As you can imagine, THEY'RE GREAT. $8 at Cheeseburger on a Stick.
Fruit Punch. A recipe dating back to the 1850s is still in use at the Big Show Diner (a throwback from when Mexico Chiquito operated the State Fairgrounds location). Deep red and redolent of pineapple juice, it's a favorite that comes back year after year. $3 for 20 ounces, $5 for 32 ounces, $3 for a 32 ounce refill.
Fudge: A great sweet to grab on your way out to take home for later. Find it in the Hall of Industry at Ozark Nuts for $5. It comes in Belgian chocolate, chocolate peanut butter swirl, pecan turtle, sea salt caramel, bacon maple walnut and cookies and cream varieties.
You can also get them for $6 at the Elephant Ears stand in the midway near Cattle Barn 3 (within eyeshot of the entrance of Barton Colliseum). Toppings are a buck.
Funnel cakes are $7 each at the Hawaiian Ice stand on the hill at the end of the midway.
They're $7 each at the Soft Serve Ice Cream Cone stand in the center of the midway just south of the Big Show Diner. Toppings (strawberries, chocolate sauce) are two dollars more. For $5 you can get a sundae atop your funnel cake.
Funnel cakes are $8 at the Jones Concession stand in the Food Court.
Funny Bones. They’re just a funny name for something else -- chocolate peanut butter injected deep fried Twinkies. As if a fried Twinkie wasn’t sweet enough. Seriously, though, the on-a-stick creation from the folks at Fried What? is a cross between a deep fried Twinkie and a deep fried Reeces Peanut Butter Cup. You’ll find Fried What? near the Wendy’s Main Stage. Funny Bones are one for $4 or two for $6.
Giant pulled pork sandwich. This oversized sandwich contains more than half a pound of pulled pork. You choose whether to add the barbecue sauce. You can get one at Boss Hog's stand near the end of the Midway or near Gate 5 for $9. A smaller version is available in the Hall of Industry Lobby for $7.50.
Giant pretzels. Salty, chewy dough? Here's your fix. Find them at Swaim's Pizza stand on Hiland Hill for $7. Also available in pizza pretzel variety for $7.
The Fresh Cut French Fry stand near Cattle Barn 3 calls these butterfly chips and sells them for $8.
The Curly Fry vendor on the midway at the intersection with HIiland Hill has the Super Mega Spud Plate, a plate piled high with these ribbon chips, for $10. You can also add sour cream, ranch, hot peppers, gravy, chili sauce, cheese or bacon bits for $1 more each.
Greek Salad. Paizis' has them -- your choice of beef, chicken, seafood or gyro meat on a bed of lettuce, tomatoes, black olives and Feta cheese. Healthy and huge! You'll find them at the Paizis' stand in the Food Court for $14.
Greens. Get 'em at Boss Hogg's by Gate 5, complete with chunks of ham.
Gumbo. Larry's Cajun Shak (yes, that's how it's spelled) serves up a serving in a cup for $8.
Gummi Kebabs. Gummi candy on a big stick for $4 at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry.
Gyros. Paizis' is back with their traditional yet wonderful Greek fare. Choose from lamb, Cajun chicken or rosemary chicken, grilled shrimp or Black Angus beef or a hot vegetable version, all wrapped in a pita for $10 - or get My Big Greek Gyro for $13 with more fillings and more feta cheese. Veggie-only version is $8.
Ham. Get a big ham sandwich at the Kountry Korner Cafe for $8. It comes with fries.
Hot Beef Sundae. So simple but so good, this concoction of beef in gravy over mashed potatoes with cheese "sprinkles" and a cherry tomato on top is this year's Tasty Tom winner for best tasting new fair food (a version has previously appeared at the fair). $8 at the Hot Beef Sundae stand in the Food Court
Hot Chocolate. The cheapest cup of hot chocolate at the Arkansas State Fair is at the Elephant Ears stand (the purple one) in the midway near Cattle Barn 3 - that's the road leading up to Barton Colliseum. It's $1 for regular or $2 large there. Hot chocolate is also available at the Hot Beef Sundae stand for $3 and $4 at McKinney's Lemonade Stand. Deluxe hot chocolate is at the coffee specialty stand south of the Big Show Diner for $5. You can also get it at the Ice Cream stand near the mirror maze for $5.
Hot dogs. Several locations around the fair serve hot dogs. Here's where to get yours:
Bud and Burgers near the Ag in Action Barn: $3 plain, $4 with chili and cheese.
The Fresh Cut French Fry stand near Cattle Barn 3 has them for $3.
Center Stage Grill and the Hall of Industry Lobby (hot dogs contain beef and pork): $3.50 regular sized, $5 jumbo, $7.50 footlong, a dollar more for chili and cheese.The footlong also comes with The Works for $9.50.
Hot Tea. Available at the specialty coffee stand south of the Big Show Diner for $4.
Hot Red Link. The original Petit Jean hot dog with the bright red skin, $4.50 at Center Stage Grill or Hall of Industry Lobby (50 cents more with cheese).
Soft serve is available at the Soft Serve Ice Cream Cone stand just south of the Big Show Diner for $4 a vanilla cone or $6 a sundae.
The Ice Cream stand by the mirror maze and Hillbilly Funhouse on the west side of the midway loop is offering soft serve vanilla, chocolate, twist or flavor burst in waffle cones for $6. You can also get a dipped cone there for $6. Nuts are a buck more.
The Dippin' Dots stand in the Food Court does chocolate, vanilla, cookies and cream and butter pecan cones for $4 and $5 each.
Ice Cream by the carton. Hiland Dairy has several varieties of its ice cream available in pints - including vanilla, Tin Roof Sundae, butter pecan, Moose Tracks, Cookie Overload and chocolate - for $3 each at the dairy's stand on Hiland Hill.
Iced Tea. Drink healthy at the fair is to consume refreshing, unsweetened iced tea. Available at the Lipton Tea Boxes, located in the food court and at the end of the midway, Oh, there's sweet tea there, too. And fruit punch. The prices are $3 medium, $5 large and $12 buckets - with a $3 refill. on the smaller sizes and $6 on the bucket refill.
Indian fry bread. The puffy rounds can be topped with cinnamon and sugar for $6 or strawberries and cream for $8. Find yours at Pat's Kitchen.
Iron Mike Spicy Wings (new). One of nine fried chicken wing varieties, this one will knock you out, just like Iron Mike. Get it? Get yours at Chicken Wangs in the Food Court.
Italian sausages. You'll see these in big coils in the window at a number of places, sizzling away all day on a grill with peppers and onions. Get a big section of one at Gold's Skillet in the Food Court or the Philly Cheesesteak Shop on the midway for $8.
Jala-Mango Wings (new). The Big Show Diner is offering a new variation on spicy wings with this sweet, chili-infused version. I like 'em.
Jalapeno and Cheese Stuffed Sausages. Get them for $4.50 at Bud and Burgers near the Ag in Action Barn.
Jambalaya. Louisiana-style with andouille sausage at Larry's Gator House in the Food Court for $9
Jumbo pickles. They're big, they're salty and sour and they're $2 each at Center Stage Grill or Bud and Burgers or $3 at Mickey's Grill.
Kebabs. Beef, chicken or pork, you'll find meat on a stick at Mickey's Grill, where there's always something sizzling on the blackened grill. $9 for one or $16 for two, served on a flour tortilla (ie, edible plates!).
Kettle corn. Sweet and salty, ready to eat hot or take home, you can get yours at Michener's Kettle Corn, the big brown pork rind stand outside the Hall of Industry, $5 a small bag or $9 for a large.
Kinky Cocktails. 24 ounces of this popular cocktail in blue or pink will cost you $7 at the stand at the south end of the Food Court. Bring your ID.
Koolickle. Kool-Aid pickles for those who like a tangy yet slightly sweet treat. Get one for $5 at the Philly Steak stand next to Fried What? near the Wendy's Main Stage.
Tankers are $20 each at Swain's Pizza on Hiland Hill, with refills for $10.
Get lemonade without a bucket at Jones Concession, $6 for a large and $4 a small. Or at Randy's Superdog for $5/3. Or at McKinney Concessions for $4, $6 or $12. Honestly, you can't swing a cat without hitting a place that sells lemonade at the fair.
Limeade. Yes, you can indeed get a limeade at the Arkansas State Fair... at Jones Concession in the Food Court, for $6 for a large or $4 for a small.
Mac and Cheese Burger Fries (new). The Texas Armadillo Egg Stand (Tracy's Concessions) has these advertised, and I've never seen them at the Arkansas State Fair before. I will have to investigate.
Maple Bacon Corn Dog. Sweet and savor is part of why corn dogs are so popular, especially those with a sweet cornbread mix on the dog. Add in maple syrup and bacon shavings, and you get this - a sweet, savory, slightly drippy and so salty blend of everything you probably ever wanted in a fair food. Be careful - add chocolate and you've hit the chocolate-bacon-deep fried trifecta. Find it at the Armadillo Egg stand for $6.
Maple Bacon Funnel Cake. Utilizing a maple buttercream and plenty of fresh bacon bits, this thick funnel cake is dinner and dessert in one setting. Get yours at the Hawaiian Snow Shaved Ice stand up the hill from the end of the Midway for $9.
Margarita. Get a yard (a three foot party beverage holder) of margarita for $12 at several stands across the site, including Buds and Burgers near the FFA building and the booze booth on the south end of the Food Court.
Mealworm pizza (new). You read that right - pizza made with dried mealworms for added protein. It is indeed a thing, one that costs $10 a slice at Swaim's Pizza on Hiland Hill.
Mega Burger. The oversized monster burger from 2013 has again returned. Will you join those who have consumed its chili-laden awesomeness? Head to the Center Stage Grill. Share it with a friend. The burger consists of four beef patties, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickle and onion and an onion ring on top and sells for $23.50. As of this writing, no one's tackled it this year.
Milkshakes. Your choice of vanilla, strawberry, chocolate or cappuccino for $8 at the Ice Cream shop near the mirror maze.
Mini Donut Sundae (new). I still need to figure out what this is.Whatever it is, it's $10 at the Ice Cream shop near the mirror maze.
Moon Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches. Just $2 at the Hiland Dairy stand atop Hiland Hill (by the Moojician).
Nachos. Almost everywhere at the Arkansas State Fair, you'll find nachos. They come in all shapes and sizes. Here's a rundown.
Bud and Burgers: $4 small, $6.50 large, add chili or taco meat for $1 more.
Center Stage Grill and Hall of Industry Lobby: $4.50 small, $7 large, $1 more for chili and cheese.
Big Show Diner: Same as Center Stage Grill. Also Supreme for $8.50/9, Fajita Chicken for $7/9.50 and Fajita Beef for $7.50/10.
Mickey's Grill: $5 for cheese, $5.50 for cheese and chili, extra cheese another 50 cents.
Pat's Kitchen: $5 for cheese, $6 with chili too.
Cheeseburger on a Stick: $5 for small, $7 for large.
Oreo funnel cakes. I won't believe this one until I see it, but Cheto's in the Food Court (north side along the path to the Hall of Industry) claims to have an oreo funnel cake for $8 and $9. We'll see.
Peanut butter bacon bombs. Fried What? may have gone a little crazy with its Bacon Bomb, but this simplified version is, according to Grav, phenomenal. Inside each battered and deep fried ball lies a web of bacon surrounding a molten peanut butter center. Get it with ice cream.
Peanuts. Get a small bag for $2 at Center Stage Grill.
Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. A lot of places serving these around the fairgrounds. Hot grilled beef with onions and peppers, usually served with provolone or swiss cheese. Find them at Pat's Kitchen in the Food Court for $8 each. Also at the Turkey Leg stand next to Fried What? by the stage next to the Hall of Industry, for $10, as well as Gold's Skillet at the corner of the Food Court for $10. And of course, you'll find them at the Philly Cheesesteak Stand on the corner of the midway at the entrance to the wee kids rides (heading towards the Food Court) for $10.
Philly fry bowl. A bowl of Philly beef, Monterey jack cheese, onions and peppers with fries at Boss Hogg's near Gate 5 for $10.
Pineapple whip. Cool, creamy soft serve combined with pineapple juice make this a must-have state fair treat. The only vendor selling them this year is the ice cream stand next to Bud and Burgers near the Ag in Action Barn, and it's $3 and $5 for regular and large.
Where to get it:
Leimon's Pizza in the Food Court - $4 a slice or $27 a whole pizza.
Swain's Pizza (base of Hiland Hill near the midway): $6 a regular slice, $8 for stuffed pizza, $8 for a 10 inch pizza mini.
Classic Italian Pizza on the midway: $5 a slice or $25 a whole pizza.
Pizza - on a Stick! (new). It was just a matter of time - but unlike the corndog-like or battered versions conjured at other fairs, this is a bonafied baked pizza on a paddle-like stick. $12 at Swain's Pizza at the base of Hiland Hill near the midway. Various toppings available. Be warned - these are the same folks who are serving scorpion pizza.
Polish sausage. Cheapest version is at Bud and Burgers near the Ag in Action Barn, where they're $3.50. They're at the Hall of Industry Lobby for $5.50 and $6.50.
Get links at Gold's Concession, the Turkey Leg stand next to Fried What? for $8.
Also at Center Stage Grill: $5, or $6 with jalapenos nnd cheese; Gold's Skillet in the Food Court for $8; and the Philly Cheesesteak place on the midway for $8.
Popcorn. Well of course. Available many places around the fairgrounds.
Center Stage Grill and Hall of Industry Lobby: $2, $4 and $6 sizes.
Candy Apple stand at south end of Food Court: $3.
Cotton Candy booth at Gate 1: $4 and $6.
Popcorn chicken. Pat's Kitchen has basketfulls for $5.
Pork burger. Making a return visit to the fair, this is ground pork in a burger. Get yours at the Kountry Korner Cafe or at Boss Hogg's at the end of the midway for $8.
Pork BBQ sandwich. A hefty serving of barbecue sauce soaked pork from Boss Hogg's for $6. Or get a jumbo pork barbecue sandwich with fries at The Big Show Diner for $9.75.
Pork chops. They tend to come big, and they're grilled over hot coals. You'll find them at Boss Hogg's near the south end of the Midway and by Gate 5. They're $12 for large ones and $10 for the small. Make it a dinner for $8 more. Get them at the Big Show Diner, eight ounce for $11.50 or two for $14.50 with two sides and a roll.
Pork rinds/pork skins. Apparently the skin of a pig is best served freshly fried and dusted with spice. You can get them hot or in a bag to take home at Michener Kettle Corn, a booth right outside the Hall of Industry. They come in BBQ, Cajun and plain and are $5 a bag.
Pork tenderloin sandwich. This Iowa or Indiana favorite is a breaded pork tenderloin slice served on a bun. Find it at Gold's Concessions near the Hall of Industry, for $8. Also $8 at the Philly Cheesesteak stand on the midway and $9 at the Kountry Korner Cafe at the end of the midway.
Poutine (new). For the first time at the Arkansas State Fair, this Canadian favorite hits the midway. Enjoy brown (meatless) gravy and shredded mozzarella cheese over curly fries. $8 a plate or $10 a bucket at the Spiral Spud stand on the Midway (halfway down). Yes, I tried these personally.
Praline pecans. Ozark Candies and Nuts is once again offering these praline-coated pecans, which take the south Louisiana favorite to a good place. You'll smell these the moment you walk into the Hall of Industry.
Pretzel Covered Deep Fried Brownie. Hot, this guilded lilly combines the crunch of pretzel with the smoothness of caramel and the utter chocolate delight of brownie. Marvelous. This year's Tasty Tom winner for Most Creative New Food, you'll find it at Fried What? for $6.
Pumpkin-filled funnel cakes. Funnel cakes with real pumpkin folded into the batter, lightly spiced and with cream cheese frosting on the top. Moist, too. I approve of this funnel cake alteration. Find them at the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Stand at the end of the Midway for $8.
Pumpkin Spiced Mixed Nuts. While other applications of the spice have mixed results, this is the combination everyone's been waiting for. The folks at Ozark Candy and Nuts have their fingers on the pulse of this nutty, nutty world. Find them in the Hall of Industry.
Red beans and rice. The most filling meal at the Arkansas State Fair, you can find it at Larry's Gator House for $7.
Red velvet dipped deep fried Oreos. I think this is what the Kool-Aid covered Inside Out Cherry Chocolates folks wanted to create years ago, but didn't do so well at. These small morsels from Fried What? are simply Oreos dipped in red velvet cake batter, deep fried and served with cream cheese frosting. They're flavor-packed. Share with friends at Fried What?
Red velvet funnel cakes. They're at the Hawaiian Ice stand between the end of the midway and the Ag in Action Barn and they're $8 each.
Reuben sandwich. Get a big one hot out of a skillet at the Reuben sandwich stand near the Food Court for $10.
Ribeye steak. Boss Hogg's on the Midway has them.
Ribs. Rack or half rack, pork ribs are grilled over hot charcoal at several places across the fairgrounds. Find them at Boss Hogg's near the south end of the Midway or by Gate 5, $24 a full rack or $14 a half rack. Make it a dinner for $8 more.
Roast Beef Sandwich. Get one at The Big Show Diner with fries for $9.75.
Root Beer. Find a bottle at the Lemonade Stand on Hiland Hill. It's $6 for 24 ounces or $4 for 12.
Root Beer Float. Get one at the Ice Cream Parlor (Two Brothers Concession) at the base of Hiland Hill just off the midway for $5. You can also get one at the ice cream stand next to Bud and Burgers by the Ag in Action booth. It's $8 for one at the Ice Cream shop near the mirror maze on the east side of the midway.
Rosemary Garlic Chicken Pita. Find it at Paizi's Gyros with vegetables, too for $10.
Salad on a Stick. I wasn't joking when I brought this up years ago, and I'm glad to see its introduction at the Arkansas State Fair. This is exactly what it says it is - lettuce, tomato, cucumber and a little cheese on a stick, drizzled in salad dressing. Who says you can't eat healthy at the fair? $6 for two sticks.
Salsa. Get fresh tomato salsa with tortilla chips at The Big Show Diner, $3 for regular or $6.50 large.
Salt-water Taffy. Ozark Candy and Nuts inside the Hall of Industry carries this old-fashioned fair classic in a variety of flavors and colors.
Sausage on a stick. Pat's Kitchen and Cheeseburger on a Stick both have them for $7.
Sausages. In addition to jalapeno and cheese filled, Italian, Polish and Cajun sausages, you can get sausages wth peppers and onions at Gold's Skillet, near the Hall of Industry in the Food Court, for $8. Pat's Kitchen also has them for $8 each.
Scorpion pizza (new). Wait, what? Yes, scorpion pizza (cheese pizza with scorpions on top) is the craziest new fair food of the year. The stingers have indeed been removed. See if your friends will share this with you. Grav tried it. See his reaction below. $10 a slice at Swaim's Pizza on Hiland Hill.
Shrimp. Get a combo basket with fried shrimp and fries at the Big Show Diner, $7.50 for five or 10.75 for nine. Or get a dinner with 10 shrimp, two sides and a roll for $14.50.
Shrimp Pita. Get it at Paizi's Gyros packed with grilled shrimp and vegetables for $10.
Shrimp Po'Boy Sliders. Larry's Gator House has these for easy take-and-eat dining at the south end of the Food Court for $8.
Slushies (new). This year, you'll be able to make up your own blend of cold, frozen delights with an on-site mix and match Slushee stand. They're $5 at the Ice Cream shop near the mirror maze on the midway. At the Family Zone slushee stand or U-M8K-It on the midway, it's $4 for a small, $7 medium and $9 a large, with flavors such as lime, strawberry, fruit punch, blue raspberry, watermelon, grape, sweet tea, lemonade, cherry and Coca-Cola. You buy the vessel and fill it with any combination you wish. Refills are $4.
Slush Puppies. Available in cherry or blue raspberry at the Lemonade Stand just south of the Barton Colliseum driveway on the midway (in front of the big loop-de-loop).
Smoked Mac and Cheese. A side item with the flavor of barbecue - at Boss Hogg's next to Gate 5 or at the south end of the midway.
Smoothies. Available in mango, strawberry, banana and lemonade flavors at the coffee specialty stand near the Big Show Diner.
S'mores Fries. I kinda wish I was making this one up. Don't know anyone who's tried this yet, but at the Curly Fries stand in the midway at the intersection with Hiland Hill, you can get an order of fries topped with marshmallows, chocolate sauce and graham crackers, for $9.
Last Resort Snow Cones is offering a couple dozen flavors, from sour apple to tiger's blood, for $4-6 a cup outside the entry to the Hall of Industry. They're $5 at the Cotton Candy stand by Gate 1 or by Guest Relations but only come in lime, blue raspberry or cherry there.
Soul Food. Boss Hogg's by Gate 5 offers dinners with yams, greens, and all sorts of things, two sides when you order pork chops, chicken on a stick or any other meat special on the menu.
Southern Blue Plate Special. If you're looking for a full-sized sit-down meal, you can get it at the Big Show Diner. The choices include the giant chicken fried steak, roast beef, fried or grilled chicken breast, chicken tenders or hamburger steak with two sides and a roll. Sides include mashed potatoes, red potatoes, fries, sweet baby butter carrots, corn on the cob or corn kernels, beans, black eyed peas, green peas, Spanish rice or coleslaw. It'll run you $13.
Spaghetti and Meatball Burgers (new). Take your favorite Italian dinner and reconfigure it, and you have this dish - beef meatball patties soaked in marinara, covered in parmesan and mozarella cheeses and served between two slices of Italian bread with garlic and butter. Oh man. $10 at Pat's Kitchen.
Spaghetti and meatballs on a stick. Back for a third year, these are big beef meatballs with spaghetti noodles, battered, deep fried, dusted with Parmesan cheese and served with marinara. One stick makes a meal. At Pat's Kitchen in the Food Court for $8.
Superdogs. There are corn dogs all over the fair -- some pre-made, some hand-dipped, none finer than those brought by Randy's Superdog, which has been coming to the Arkansas State Fair for 39 years now. Long, longer and longest, they're good meat dogs dipped fresh and deep fried. Listen for the clanging bell -- that's when they're being pulled from the grease and are ready to go. They're priced at $5 for a regular corndog, $9 for a super and $13 for a mega, yard-long corndog.
Taco Fries Supreme. A bowl of fries topped with taco beef, cheese dip, chili, salsa, lettuce, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, shredded cheese and sour cream at Bud and Burgers by the Ag in Action building. I love this. $8.
Tacos. Get them at the Big Show Diner. For $13, get three ground beef or fajita chicken tacos in soft or hard shells. Fajita beef is another 50 cents. Or get them a la carte, $3 for beef or fajita chicken, $3.5 for fajita steak.
Taco Salad. At the Big Show Diner with chips, beans, salsa, cheese dip, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, taco beef, bell peppers, chili, cheese and sour cream, $6.50 regular or $8.50 large.
Tamales. The Arkansas Delta favorite comes covered in chili and cheese at the Big Show Diner, $8 for three and $10 for five. Also available with beans and rice. At the Hall of Industry Lobby, it's $8.50 for three and $10.50 for five.
Thanksgiving Tacos (new). The winner of both the best tasting and most creative categories at this year's Tasty Tom awards, this is a soft flour tortilla (larger than this example shown here) filled with smoked turkey, dressing, turkey gravy and cranberry sauce. This is what fall harvest should taste like. $8 at Pat's Kitchen.
Turtle funnel cake. The winner of the 2016 Tasty Tom award for Best Tasting Dish, this is a standard funnel cake topped with caramel and nuts. You can have chocolate on it, too. It's at the Lemonade and Funnel Cake yellow trailer in the Food Court.
Twisted churros. Leimon's Pizza carries these twisted cinnamon dough bits in the Food Court.
See what was new, great and popular over the last ten years here.
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Where is the Thanksgiving taco at? Thx for your review! I look forward to it every year!
ReplyDeleteIt's at Pat's Kitchen, next to Paizi's Gyros in the Food Court.
DeleteI’m looking forward to having the fried pineapple rings, the “Thanksgiving Taco”, and the Frosted Flake chicken. However, I’m disappointed that the Chinese food booth didn’t return this year! What happened? The lady and her husband who ran it were very nice people and I loved getting food from them every time I came to the Fair!
ReplyDeleteThere's a new midway this year that requires vendors to contract through them. We lost quite a few older vendors but gained three new ones and the new midway shops.
DeleteIs the hub cap burger wagon still there??
DeleteSadly, Burger Wagon is not at the fair this year. The Cheeseburger on a Stick folks have the chocolate covered bacon, though - and there are burgers elsewhere on the fairgrounds.
DeleteHad lunch at the fair today and got a favorite that isn't mentioned in your list. That is the Roast Beef Sundae, served by a vendor in the food area near the Hall of Industry. It is a double scoop of mashed potatoes topped with excellent roast beef and gravy, and with some cheese mixed in. It is topped with a small tomato, to look like the cherry on an ice cream sundae. It is also one of the more reasonably priced items at the fair -- $8.00. Any of you going there over the final weekend may want to check that out.
ReplyDeleteHe didn't leave it out. It's number 120 on the list. But, there's over 200 items, so you may have overlooked it. It's good you saw it to get to try it because it was delicious.
Delete