Check back throughout the fair for more entries added daily.
What new fair fare will cause tongues to wag and people to stare? This annual guide is why I am here. I spend time each year reaching out to vendors and prowling the Arkansas State Fairgrounds to determine the menu for each year's event. That means a lot of time watching, comparing, sampling, and photographing. I've been doing it since 2008.
In a day or so, you'll see additions at the top and all through this article, detailing the new and great and crazy things at the Fair. I start with what I know and build it out. I don't wait for Media Day, which comes less than 24 hours before the Midway opens.
For those of you new to the guide, I visit the Arkansas State Fairgrounds multiple times before and during the fair to compile an annual collection of all the dishes I can find, from alligator to yams and everything in-between. I also contact operators in advance to see what they're bringing to share with our hungry fairgoers.
As always, if you're with a website, newspaper, magazine, television station, radio station, or just need some information to use for your website, please cite my efforts. If you need full resolution images, or you'd like to have me come talk about the fair on your show or in an interview, email me at kat@tiedyetravels.com.
NEW ITEMS
The first new thing I heard of this year came from a visit in August to the fairgrounds. L&M Concession plan to bring this monstrosity, the Cream Cheese Oreo Caramel Waffle. It's a waffle topped with cream cheese, crushed Oreo cookies and caramel sauce.
Larry also has a new Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick that's chicken fried without breading and doused with a sweet and tangy sauce.
Sue Sue's Concession (the Makin' Bacon Wagon) has the Yard Dog this year. It's a bacon-wrapped boneless fried chicken section on a bun.
Brandon's Concession is brand new to the Arkansas State Fair. They're bringing absolutely, ridiculously large stuffed baked potatoes and absurdly cheesy grilled cheese sandwiches. They're also offering a S'more Sandwich I'm looking forward to.
H2Que BBQ out of Jonesboro is offering a new take on smoked turkey legs by packing them full of Louisiana-style dirty rice. The popular mac-and-cheese stuffed legs will also be back this year. They also offer the Von Brisket BLT - a BRISKET, lettuce and tomato sandwich I am totally here for.
Paizi's has a new gluten-free Basmati Rice Bowl with rice, vegetables, and your choice of chicken or shrimp. You can also have it with lamb, but it's not gluten-free that way. Still, healthy eating is always part of our state fair.
The Roger Westmoreland funnel cake stand at the center of the Food Court has a new variety this year - Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cakes.
Eggroll Love has returned with a couple of new flavors - the fabulous Blaisian Roll with its Filipino and Soul combination - battered and fried chicken in a roll with "bumpy face juice," mozzarella cheese all in a wheat wrapper for a fabulous combination of flavors. Donny and Lisa also have the Asian Cajun Seafood Shrimp and Crab Roll, packed with seafood and with a spicy Cajun cream sauce, sure to satisfy.
Note - some vendors are charging either a flat $1 fee or a percentage of each sale for credit or debit cards. As always, cash is welcome everywhere.
ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF ALL OF THE FOOD AT THE ARKANSAS STATE FAIR
Foods that have been confirmed are in black. Foods that are not confirmed yet are in green. Foods that have been confirmed but the prices have not been confirmed are in red.
All-Beef Corndogs. Unlike the pork versions, you'll find these on the Midway at the Hot Dog and Nacho Stand for $10. Get a foot long version for $12.
All-Beef Hot Dogs. An all-beef hot dog in a bun with condiments. Chili cheese version two dollars more. Find them at the Hot Dog and Nacho booth between Crazy Mouse and the bumper cars.
Alligator and Bait. Gator and shrimp in a basket for $16 at Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court.
Alligator on a Stick. This Gator-on-a-Stick is succulent pieces of gator battered and fried and served hot in a paper basket. Find it at Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court for $17.
Alligator Swamp Dogs. A Cajun version of the hot dog that you'll find at Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court for $10.
Angus beef in pita. Paizi's Gyros offers prime Angus beef seasoned, roasted and served with fresh vegetables in a pliant pita for $16.
Baby back ribs. You can find them at Gold's Boss Hog near Gate 5, and at the Boss Hog stand at the south end of the Midway. You can get them as half a rack or a whole rack, smoked or fried, or four bones in a dinner with two sides and hot water cornbread.
Bacon funnel cake.
Bacon ranch fries.
Bacon-wrapped tenderloin kebab. Miss Anna's at the Big Show Cafe has them for $12.
Baked potato. Get yours with your choice of butter, sour cream, cheese or spice blends at L and M Concessions in the Food Court.
Barbecue brisket sandwich. H2Que BBQ has them for $14 at its station on the Midway near the entrance to Barton Coliseum, and at the east side of the Food Court as well.
Barbecue cheese fries.
Barbecue chicken nachos. Find them at H2Que BBQ on the east side of the food court or next to the Midway entrance of Barton Coliseum for $13. Mickey's Grill in the Food Court also offers a version for $13.
Barbecue chicken sandwiches. Find them at H2Que BBQ on the east side of the food court or next to the Midway entrance of Barton Coliseum for $13. Mickey's Grill in the Food Court also offers them at this price - and $2 to add fries.
Barbecue Krazy Fries. Paper-thin potatoes - a whole plateful! topped with pulled pork, nacho cheese, and barbecue sauce at the All-American Cafe for $15.
Barbecue pork dinners. Served with a couple of sides at Boss Hog's near Gate 5.
Barbecue pork nachos. Pulled pork barbecue on chips with nacho cheese can be found at H2Que BBQ at the east side of the food court or near the Midway by the entrance to Barton Coliseum for $13.
Barbecue pork sandwiches. Find it at H2Que BBQ on the east side of the food court or next to the Midway entrance of Barton Coliseum for $13.
Beef barbecue sandwiches. Get yours at Mickey's Grill in the Food Court for $13, or in a combo for $3 more.
Beef burritos. Authentic beef tacos wrapped in flour tortillas with choice of rice, beans, and other fillings at Ormic's Taco King for $17.
Beef kebabs. Get them at Mickey's Grill in the Food Court for $12.
Beef lo mein. Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court has it for $17.
Beef on a stick. Asian-style, find it at Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court for $13, or with rice or lo mein for $18.
Beef quesadillas. Two big flour tortillas with cheese and beef in-between, served in wedges and sold at Ormic's Taco King for $13.
Beignets. Fried fresh at Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court for $10.
Birria Tacos. Spicy, shredded beef melted together with cheese in fresh, puffy tacos at Don Elote's yellow Mexican Food stand near the entrance to Barton Colliseum, right off the Midway, three for $14.
Biscuits and gravy. Every morning, you can get yours at the Midway Cafe at he south end of the Midway for $6.
Black Angus burger. A half pound burger at the All American Cafe in the Food Court will run you $15 with fries.
Black Angus pita. This is a gyro made instead with black angus beef with those vegetables and taziki sauce on pita for $16 at Paizi's Green Foods.
Blooming onion. A whole white onion, sliced through to its bottom, battered and deep fried.
Blue Plate Special. Daily meat-and-two plates offered at Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner for $22.
Boudin balls. These marvelous sausage creations can be found at Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court on the south end of the Food Court for $10.
Boudin eggrolls. Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court has these at the south end of the Food Court for $10.
Boudin links. For traditional boudin links, go to Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court for $10.
Breakfast on a Stick.
Brittle. Juanita's peanut or pecan brittles can be found at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry for $12.
Bug Pizza. Swaim's Pizza on a Stick in the Food Court offers pizza topped with crickets, scorpions or mealworms for $15.
Burgers. Boss Hogg's offers half pound burgers. You can also get one at the Bud Light Pavillion for $8 ($9 with cheese), at Miss Anna's in the Big Show Cafe for $10 ($12 with cheese). And cheeseburgers are $14 at the Busch Light Cooking Shack at the south end of the Midway.
Burritos. Don Elote's Mexican Food is set up near the entrance to Barton Coliseum off the Midway, with a host of different dishes. Get chicken or beef burritos packed with meat, rice, and your choice of vegetables for $12. Ormic's Taco King offers a thick cylinder of fresh hand-rolled tortilla filled with your choice of rice, beans, cheese, lettuce and your choice of chicken, beef or pork for $17.
Cajun catfish. Hand seasoned and cooked up from American catfish at Gold's Concession at the south end of the Midway.
Cajun Asian Crab egg roll. Egg Roll Love by the Blue Ribbon Club has lots of different egg rolls, including this Asian Filipino fusion option that's crabmeat and mozzarella cheese in a wonton wrapper, served with Island sauce. $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more.
Cajun fried ribs. Cajun-spiced deep fried ribs have become a favorite at Boss Hog's near Gate 5, served with Cajun fries.
Cajun nachos. Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court has a plate of these Louisiana-spiced nachos for $15.
Cajun shrimp on a stick. Several Cajun spiced shrimp grilled over open flames and served on a stick at Boss Hog's near Gate 5.
Cake.
Calzone.
Candy. The Busch Light Cooking Shack near the FFA Barn offers various candies for $3 a package, as does the Midway Cafe.
Candy apples. The decades-old classic, it's an apple coated with cinnamon candy and it's available at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry and on the Midway.
Caramel corn crunch waffle cones. A gluten-free waffle cone full of ice cream topped with caramel popcorn makes for one heck of a dessert. Try it from Wonderstick for $9, two locations in the Food Court.
Caramel covered apples. At Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry, you can get an apple on a stick or sliced in a bowl, covered with caramel for $7. Add peanuts or M&Ms for $1 more.
Catfish.
NEW! Chamoy pickle. The spicy pickle is $4 at the Candyland stand between the Midway and Barton Coliseum.
Chocolate milk. The very best deal at the Arkansas State Fair! You can get a half pint for $50 at the Hiland Dairy booth out front of the Hall of Industry.
Champurrado. Don Elote's Mexican Foods near the entrance to Barton Coliseum has this traditional hot chocolate beverage that's made from corn flour and cinnamon-infused water along with cocoa and vanilla. You can get a cup for $5.
Cheeseburgers. See Burgers.
Cheeseburger poutine.
Cheesecake. $10 a slice at the yellow funnel cake stand at the south end of the Midway,
Cheese fries. Find them at the Candyland stand near the Midway and Barton Coliseum for $7.
Cheese on a stick. Think corn dog, but a chunk of cheese instead of a hot dog. That's what you'll get when you order this specialty at Westmoreland Concessions, like the one in front of the Bud Light Pavilion for $7 in either American or Pepper Jack cheeses.
Cheese pizza. Swain's Pizza on a Stick sells it as a large slice for $9, or as a 10" mini pizza for $15.
Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. Egg Roll Love has these hearty, beefy filled wontons at its food truck near the Hall of Industry, $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more.
Cherry limeade. The popular drink is available at the All American Cafe at the northwest corner of the center of the Food Court or the Gyro stand near the south end of the Midway for $8, with refills for $4. Get yours for $9 at McKinney Concessions in the Food Court and at the end of the Midway. Roger Westmoreland Concessions also has cups for $9.
Cherry streudel.
Chicken and Waffles on a Stick. More than just pancake dipped chicken pieces, this is chicken dipped in waffle batter and pressed in a waffle iron for a portable version of the classic. H2Que BBQ has them for $13.
Chicken barbecue sandwiches. At Mickey's Grill in the Food Court for $13.
Chicken basket with fries.
Chicken corn empanadas. Three beautiful handheld seasoned chicken and corn hand pies for $12, offered at Don Elote's Mexican Food.
Chicken egg roll. Filled with chicken and vegetables and served up by the Cleveland-influenced Egg Roll Love concession by the Hall of Industry, $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more. You'll also find them at Chan's Chicken on a Stick for $4.
Chicken fries. $8 at Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner.
Chicken gyros. Paizi's offers succulent roasted chicken in a pita with taziki sauce, tomatoes, onions and greens for a healthy bite for $14.
Chicken kebabs. Get them at Mickey's Grill in the Food Court for $12.
Chicken leg quarters.
Chicken on a stick. An Asian grilled version is available for $12 at Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court, or with rice or lo mein for $17.
Chicken pitas. Paizi's offers three different flavors of chicken - rosemary, garlic, and cajun - served up with vegetables and sauce in a fresh fluffy pita for $14.
Chicken salad sandwich.
Chicken sandwich.
Chicken strips or tenders. A basket at the Busch Light Cooking Shack near the FFA Barn is $14 for three strips with fries.
Chicken wings. Egg Roll Love is bringing wings with four flavors - lemon butter pepper, garlic parmesan, sweet heat island sauce, and hot and spicy. Get a combo with fries and your choice of egg roll for $18. You can also get a basket of wings with fries for $14 at the Busch Light Cook Shack.
Chili cheese fries.
Chili cheese hot Cheetoes.
Chili dogs. $8 at Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner.
Chipotle roasted cashews. Spicy, meaty cashews served by the coneful at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry.
Chips. A bag of chips is $3 at the Midway Cafe and the Busch Light Cook Shack. Chips are also available at the Bud Light Center Stage Pavilion for $3.
Chocolate covered bananas. Get one at Wonderstick for $5 or Granny's Cheesecake and More at $7.
Chocolate covered cheesecake. Wonderstick in the food court has chocolate covered cheesecake slices for $8. The funnel cake stand at the south end of the Midway offers slices for $10, as does Granny's Cheesecake and More.
NEW! Chocolate covered strawberries. A new stand on the north side of the Food Court, right in front of Boss Hog's, offers these sweet delights.
Chocolate dipped marshmallow. Granny's Cheesecake and More three trailers away from Gate 1 has them for $5.
Churros. They're 2 for $7 at the Candyland stand near the Midway entrance to Barton Coliseum.
Cinnamon almonds. Served hot in a cone at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry.
Cinnamon rolls.
Cinnamon pecans. Pecan halves roasted with cinnamon and sugar, served in a cone at Ozark Candy and Nuts inside the Hall of Industry.
NEW! Cinnamon sugar pretzel. Get one for $7 at the Candyland stand near Barton Coliseum, or add caramel or chocolate for another $2.
Coffee. A cup is $3 at the funnel cake stand at the end of the Midway or at the Midway Cafe. The funnel cake stand also has flavored iced coffee for $5.
NEW! Coffee beverages. Sip N' Sunshine is setting up atop the hill on the south end of the Food Court and offering medium ($7) and large ($9) coffees and lattes in flavors such as cookie butter, pistachio butter, pumpkin chai, pumpkin spice, pecan pie, caramel apple, and salted cinnamon roll flavors.
Coleslaw.
Collard greens.
Cookies. Get a big cookie at the the Busch Light Cooking Shack near the FFA Barn for $3.
Cool Mint Crunch Dippin' Dots. The ice cream of the future in a refreshing mint ice cream pebble with a crunch to it! Find them at Dippin' Dots for $8 small, $9 medium, or $11 large, in the Food Court.
Corndogs. Chris's Corn Dogs on the south side of the Food Court (little yellow cart) has corndogs for $6. McKinney Concessions has several locations around the fairgrounds offering fresh batter dipped corndogs on a stick. They're $10 for the footlong dogs,
Corn in a cup. Get a cup of plain corn or Mexican-style corn in a cup with your choice of condiments at L and M Concessions in the Food Court.
Corn on the cob. L and M Concessions has fresh hot roasted corn on the cob and spices to jazz up your cob.
Cotton candy.
Cowboy burger. A half pound Black Angus beef burger with swiss cheese, bacon, onion ring and barbecue sauce and fries, at the All-American Cafe in the Food Court for $15.
Crab and shrimp egg rolls. Egg Roll Love's Cleveland-style filled egg rolls include this seafood version, $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more.
Curly fries.
Cutwater Spirits. $10 at the Busch Light Cook Shack.
Deep fried cheesecake. A wonton wrapper makes this delectable dessert possible. Find it on the Midway near the bumper cars, or get yours from a local operation by going to Fried What? near Gate Five for $11.
Deep fried German chocolate brownies. Delectable brownie bites filled with caramel coconut and chocolate frosting, battered and deep fried and glazed with caramely syrup and coconut - these may be the sweetest bite you can find at the fair. It's at the L and M Concession trailer on the south end of the Food Court.
Deep fried mac and cheese. Do you remember when the very idea of deep frying macaroni and cheese was just nuts? Though you can now get them at lots of brick-and-mortar shops, you can find them on the fairgrounds at Fried What? for $10
Deep fried Milky Way. Fried What? across from Gate 5 has them for $9.
Deep fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Fried What? has become synonymous with crazy fried creations, having come up with everything from the Dough-Re-Oreo to the fried Key lime pie. This year's entry is even better, a crustless creamy peanut butter and grape jelly creation that's gilded with powdered sugar and a raspberry boysenberry couli called Razorback Sauce. It's the 2023 Tasty Tom winner for Most Creative. Get one for $10.
Deep fried pineapple rings. Caramelized by heat, these golden rings are similar in flavor to pineapple upside down cake at L and M Concessions.
Deep fried Snickers. Yes, they still exist, they're still good, and they're at the Candyland stand near the entrance to Barton Coliseum for $7. Fried What? near Gate 5 also has them for $9.
Deep fried strawberry shortcake. Fried What? has it for $10.
Deli sandwiches. You'll find a stand selling deli cold cuts on bread with condiments and such at the concession stand just inside the Hall of Industry.
Dipped ice cream cone.
Dippin' Dots. The ice cream of the future comes in 10 different flavors - vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cool mint, banana split, cookies and cream, strawberry cheesecake yogurt, rainbow ice, cookie dough and cotton candy. Prices are $8 regular. $9 medium, $11 large, with $8 for a waffle cone. There's a Dippin' Dots in the Food Court next to Mickey's Grill and one on the Midway next to CrazyMouse. Prices are the same.
Dough-E-Oreos. Take the idea of a fried Oreo cookie, and add it to fried cookie dough. Wrap the Oreo in that cookie dough, and you get the Dough-E-Oreo, an award-winning specialty of Fried What?, 3 for $11.
Elote. Don Elote's Mexican Food is offering the cups of corn with mayo and toppings for $8 at its stand in front of Barton Coliseum. You can also get it on a stick for $6.
Egg rolls. Egg Roll Love out of Vicksburg, Mississippi is back this year with so many neat meals wrapped in wonton wrappers and deep fried. The Soul Food Roll, one of last year’s great surprises, was overlooked but deserves attention. It’s collard greens, mac and cheese and chicken, all staples of a good soul food meal, packaged in a way you can walk and eat them. Chipotle chicken, Cajun Asian crab, cheesesteak, and Pizza Love are other varieties offered at the food truck, and you can order batch mix-and-match orders to try them all. They are $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more - so go get some with your friends. Traditional egg rolls are available at Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court for $4.
Elephant ears. They're big, flat, crispy and an alternative to the traditional funnel cake, and they can come topped with cinnamon and sugar, cherry filling, apple filling and more. Find them at the elephant ear trailer in front of Barton Coliseum on the Midway side of the ramp. They're $9 each, plus $2 per topping (apple, strawberry, cherry, chocolate, caramel, whipped cream, Bavarian cream)
Fancy candy apples. These candy apples are dyed pink or blue and come with cutouts, spangles and lollipops at the candy apple stand near the pony rides close to Gate 1.
Flaming Hot Cheetoes all-beef corn dog. Beef weiners encased in a Flaming Hot Cheetoes batter for a spicy version of the traditional corndog.
Flautas. Three chicken flautas, covered with lettuce, tomato, and cheese, $11 at Ormic's Taco King in the Food Court. Also available Don Elote's Mexican Food off the Midway in front of Barton Coliseum.
Flauta Cups. Ormic Taco King is offering three beef flautas in a cup with lettuce, sour cream and sauce, for an easy-to-carry snack for $11.
Floats. Find them at Wonderstick in the Food Court.
Footlong hot dogs.
NEW! Frappes. Sip N' Sunshine is setting up atop the hill on the south end of the Food Court and offering medium ($7) and large ($9) frappes in various flavors.
French fries. Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner has them for $5, or you can get them at the Candyland Stand near Barton Coliseum off the Midway for $6, or $10 a bucket.
Fried brownies. Two dipped and fried brownies with ice cream. Find them at Fried What? near Gate 5, two for $10.
Fried Food Sampler.
Fried green tomatoes. Get a basket of the classic with ranch at the Fried What? stand near Gate 5 for $11.
Fried ice cream. Fried What? offers scoops of batter fried ice cream for $11.
Fried Key lime pie. Frozen wedges of Key lime pie on a stick, dipped in batter and deep fried for a tangy treat. Get yours at Fried What? near Gate 5 for $11.
Fried Oreos. Though these battered and deep fried filled cookies have become so ubiquitous you can find them at brick and mortar restaurants here and there, you can find them six for $10 or a bucketful for $18 at Fried What? near Gate 5; four for $6 at the yellow funnel cake stand at the south end of the Midway, five for $8, or $15 for a bucket of 10, at the Candyland stand near Barton Coliseum.
Fried pecan pie. Wedges of pecan pie on a stick, battered and deep fried, come out gooey and hot. You'll find them at Fried What? near Gate 5 for $11.
Fried pickles. Bernell Austin's creation from the Duchess Drive-In of Atkins, Arkansas has spread from coast to coast, and at our state's largest event, you can find them at Fried What? near Gate 5 served with ranch dressing for $11.
Fried pies. Like Yo Mama's sells all sorts of flavors of fried pies inside the Arts and Crafts Building. They're packed and ready to go, the perfect last minute grab and go thing to take with you when you're heading out.
Fried smoked BBQ ribs. H2Que BBQ is offering bones of fried ribs that are first hickory smoked, then fried, then dunked in a housemade sweet teriyaki sauce for an experience you won't soon forget for $15.
Fried S'mores. A marshmallow and chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers, battered and deep fried, sold at Fried What? across from Gate 5 for $11.
Fried Snickers bar. Battered, deep fried candy bar is molten when bitten into. The chocolate, caramel and pecan delight can be found at Fried What? near Gate 5 for $9, and at the Candyland stand near Barton Coliseum off the Midway for $8.
Fried Strawberry Shortcake. Vanilla sponge and strawberries in their own juice, dipped in batter, fried, and topped with whipped cream. Find it at Fried What? near Gate 5 for $10.
Fried Twinkies. It's been well over a decade since this sweet confection in this configuration first hit the scene. They're $5 at the yellow funnel cake stand at the south end of the Midway, and $7 at the Candyland stand near the Midway entrance to Barton Coliseum. Fried What? also offers the Hostess product battered and deep fried across from Gate 5 for $8.
Fries. See French Fries.
Frito chili pie.
Frosted Flake Chicken. Unconfirmed if L and M Concession is bringing these back.
Frozen Lemonade. Swaim's Pizza on a Stick is offering frozen lemonade for $11 for 32 ounces and $20 for 64 ounces - refill not listed.
Fruit punch. You can get a really good fruit punch made from a family recipe at the Lipton Iced Tea Boxes at the south end of the Midway and in the food court for $5 a medium, $8 a large, and $4 a refill. It's also at the Corn Dog stand in the Midway by the Ferris Wheel for $5 for 16 ounces and $9 for 32 ounces.
Fudge. Served in a small rectangular tub with a small spoon in several flavors - chocolate, Snickers, chocolate salted caramel, peanut butter, turtle, and chocolate walnut - $5 a tub at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry.
Funnel cakes. The traditional funnel cakes we all known and love. The cheapest I've found so far is from the yellow funnel cake stand at the south end of the Midway, which offers them for $10 each.
Funnel cake sundae.
Gatorade. Get a bottle at the Busch Light Cooking Shack for $5.
Giant pecan rolls on a stick. A more than double sized portion of the traveler's classic, at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry.
Glow in the Dark Cotton Candy. Allegedly at the candy apple stand in the Kid Zone near the pony rides.
Gravy fries.
Greek salad. The Gyro fry truck near the south end of the Midway sells these complete with lettuce, olives, Feta, black olives, tomatoes, onions, taziki sauce and your choice of meat for $16.
NEW! Grilled cheese sandwiches. Mammoth versions offered this year by the folks at Brandon's Concession on the west side of the Food Court.
Grilled chicken chipotle nachos. Egg Roll Love has these stacks of tortilla chips topped with grilled chicken, cheddar cheese and Island chipotle sauce.
Gumbo. For the person who wants to make sure to be warm both inside and out as the temperatures drop, this Andouille and shrimp gumbo is from Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court for $10, or a seafood version for $11.
Gyro fries. Hot French fries topped with gyro meat, feta cheese and cheddar cheese can be found at the Gyro Fry truck near the south end of the Midway for $16.
Gyros. Fort Smith's famed Paizi's has been bringing its excellent gyros to the Arkansas State Fair for a couple of decades. These fresh beef-and-lamb cone cuts are laid into fresh pita and topped with taziki, tomatoes, onions and are always made to order,. They're $15, with Feta an extra buck.
Gyro platter. A big platter with gyro meat, rice, vegetables and salad is $22 at Paizi's Greek Foods in the Food Court.
Hamburgers. See Burgers.
Hawaiian BBQ Bacon Pineapple Cheeseburgers. Fresh hand-patted beef, grilled pineapple, crispy bacon and barbecue sauce all on a Hawaiian sweet bun, $10 from L and M Concessions.
Hillbilly Bowl. So, it starts with a bed of fries, then a mound of pulled pork barbecue. It's topped with barbecue sauce and macaroni and cheese, then jalapenos and cheddar cheese sauce, and then sauteed onions and peppers. It's a hearty bowl they'll be served up at Boss Hog's/Cheryl's Famous by Gate 5 for $18.
Horchata. Don Elote Mexican Foods offers the popular Mexican beverage. Ormic's Taco King also has it for $5 and $8.
Hot Cheetoes with cheese. Find them at the Candyland stand between the Midway and Barton Coliseum for $6.
Hot Chocolate. When the weather is cool, hot chocolate's just right for sipping. It's $3 a cup at the funnel cake stand at the end of the Midway.
Hot dogs.
Hot Mess Turkey Leg. A smoked, split turkey leg filled with macaroni and cheese, baked beans, tortilla chips, pulled pork, nacho cheese, and jalapenos at H2Que BBQ for $35. Feeds a family.
Hot water corn bread. Rounds of hot, buttery cornbread served on the side for one of the many dinners offered at Cheryl's Famous/Boss Hog's - or you can get a handful on their own.
Hot wings. Boss Hog's does hot wings. Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner has them for $10.
Ice cream - hand dipped. If you're looking for scoopable ice cream, go to the Hiland Kids Zone in front of the Hall of Industry and get Hiland Dairy pints - vanilla, chocolate, Moose Tracks, chocolate chip cookie dough, butter pecan, and Cookies Overload for $3 a pint. You can also get hand-dipped waffle cones at Dippin' Dots in the Food Court for $8 with vanilla, chocolate, butter pecan or cookies and cream.
Ice cream novelties. Get a chocolate covered vanilla ice cream popsicle, a Nutty Royale sundae cone, or an ice cream sandwich for $2 at the Hiland Dairy stand in front of the Hall of Industry.
Ice cream - soft serve. Two Brothers Concession by the Turkey Leg stand in the middle of the Midway offers soft serve chocolate, vanilla, and swirl ice cream for $5 a small or $8 for a large in a cone or a cup, CASH ONLY. Wonderstick in the Food Court sells ice cream in its iconic J shaped cones for $9. They also have waffle cones for $8 and $6 for a regular cone, $8 for a bowl or $6 for a cup, all in vanilla or chocolate soft-serve.
Ice cream sandwiches. Pick up an ice cream sandwich at the Hiland Dairy stand in front of the Hall of Industry for $2.
Iced tea. The Lipton Iced Tea Boxes are back, both in the Food Court and by the Swine Barn at the end of the Midway. They're $5 a regular, $8 a large, and $4 for refills. They also have Tea Buckets available for $18 with a $9 refill. You can also get sweet and unsweet tea at the Westmoreland Concession locations. Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court has iced tea for $8.
Hot tip (or cold tip): The Lipton Iced Tea Box by the Swine Barn has flavored syrups you can add to your iced tea or hot coffee!
Italian Sausage. Long rolled sausages can be found here and there on the fairgrounds, usually cooked in a big skillet or on a hot griddle with onions. Get them on a stick or in a bun, depending on where you go. Big sections are available at Gold's Skillet across from Boss Hog's.
Jalapeno poppers. Fried and filled with cream cheese at Fried What? six for $10 with ranch dressing. See also Texas Twinkies.
Jumbo pickles. You can get them for $3 at Mickey's Grill in the Food Court. You can also find a big pickle at the Lipton Iced Tea Boxes for $4.
Jumbo pretzels. Swain's Pizza on a Stick offers huge pretzels studded with large grain salt. You can even get them covered in cheese for $11 and pepperoni or jalapenos for $12.
Jungle punch. Get a bottle of this kiddie drink in lemon, orange or fruit punch for $2.
Kettle corn. Get sweetened just-popped popcorn from the Michener concession by the Hall of Industry (look for the red and blue trailer). $6 for a regular and $10 a large.
Kids Meal Specials. The All-American Cafe in the Food Court has a kid's meal with hot dog and fries for $15.
Kool-Aid. H2Que BBQ has red and grape Kool-Aid for $5 a 32 ounce cup - that's cheaper than the squeezed lemonade everywhere around the fairgrounds.
Krazy Fries. An entire plate of fresh-sliced paper-thin skin-on potato slices, covered with bacon and cheese at the All-American Cafe in the Food Court for $15.
Lemonade/Lemon Shake-Ups. Prices around the fair:
Chen's Concessions on the west end of the Food Court has cups for $8 with no additional charge for cherry, blueberry, or strawberry flavor. Refills are $5.
Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner has 20 ounce cups for $4.
Sip N' Sunshine has lemonade for $5 a medium and $7 a large with dozens of add-in flavors.
Mickey's Grill has lemonade $5 for a regular cup or $8 a large.
Gator's has fresh squeezed by the cup for $8.
Corky Westmoreland Concessions in front of the Bud Light Pavilion: $9 fresh squeezed in souvenir cup.
Swaim's Pizza on a Stick: $9 for 32 ounces with a $5 refill, $18 for 64 ounces, $2 for added flavors.
The Candyland stand near the entrance to Barton Coliseum has them for $9 for 32 ounces, in a strawberry cup for $10, and $5 for a refill. 64 ounce pails are $18 and 64 ounce tankers are $25, each with a $9 refill.
Limeade.
Loaded baked potato. New upstart Brandon Concession, just west of Paizi's in the Food Court, has massive 3-5 pound baked potatoes loaded with a number of different items, from pepperoni and cheese to pulled pork. These Barry's Baked Potatoes are going to get a lot of notice this year. You can also get a more traditional baked potato at L and M Concession in the Food Court with butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and other toppings.
Loaded shrimp Cajun fries. Egg Roll Love is offering plates of fries topped with grilled garlic shrimp, cheddar cheese, Island chipotle sauce, onions, peppers, mushrooms and mango salsa.
Loaded shrimp Cajun nachos. Egg Roll Love is offering plates of tortilla chips covered with grilled garlic shrimp, cheddar cheese, chipotle sauce, onions, peppers, mushrooms and mango salsa.
Loaded fries.
Loaded tater tots.
Lotus Energy. These new energy beverages come in a host of different flavors and are offered by Sip N' Sunshine at the top of the hill on the south end of the Food Court for $8 and $10.
Love Boat of Fries. Egg Roll Love by the Hall of Industry is offering "The Love Boat of Fries," a basket of fries topped with your choice of sauce (barbecue, lemon pepper, island sauce or garlic parmesan) for $10.
Mac and cheese loaded baked potato. Get yours at L and M Concessions in the Food Court.
Mac and cheese stuffed burgers. It's two quarter pound patties with mac and cheese stuffed in-between. You can find it at the black Burgers and Poutine stand near the funhouses on the Midway.
Meatballs. They're offered by Sweet-T's, the Pork Tenderloin stand on the Midway, next to the turkey leg guy. They're $14. That may also be the price for a meatball sandwich.
Meat the Mac. H2Que's epic meal-in-a-cup layers pulled pork barbecue, baked beans and barbecue sauce along with its creamy macaroni and cheese to give you a complete and portable barbecue feast, all in a cup for $13.
Mexican Street Corn Pizza. Swaim's Pizza on a Stick offers this creation, which is kernels of corn, cilantro leaves, and cheese on a homemade white sauce base, for $12 a slice.
Milkshakes. You can find them at Two Brothers Concession at the intersection of the Midway and Marine Hill or at the south end of the Midway. Wonderstick has them in chocolate or vanilla.
Mini pizzas. Personal pan pizzas are available at Swaim's Pizza on a Stick for $15.
Mustard greens. Served by themselves or as a side at Cheryl's Famous, part of Boss Hog's at Gate 5.
My Big Fat Greek Gyro. Paizi's oversizes everything about its traditional gyro.
Nacho cheese fries.
Nachos. You can find all sorts of varieties of nachos across site:
Mickey's Grill in the Food Court: $7, or $8 with chili.
Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner: $8 for cheese, $10 for meat.
Candyland Stand by Barton Coliseum: $8, or a bucket for $10.
Nerds Frozen Lemonade. Swaim's Pizza on a Stick offers this frozen lemon variation for $14 for a 32 ounce cup.
Nutty Royal Cone. A vanilla, peanut, and chocolate ice cream cone novelty offered for $2 at the Hiland booth outside of the Hall of Industry.
Onion rings.
Oreo funnel cake. Get a big funnel cake topped with Oreo cookie topping and frosting at the Roger Westmoreland concession in the center of the Food Court.
Parfait.
Pecan patties. Juanita's lovely praline-like pecan patties are available at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry.
Pecan rolls. The classic automobile travel snack once popularized by Stuckey's and other gas station chains have been refined and are created with fresh pecans by Ozark Candy and Nuts, which sells them in the Hall of Industry, $4 for regular and $9 a large.
Pepperoni pretzel. Big, fat, doughy, crisp, and topped with mozzarella and pepperoni, these oversized pretzels are sure to delight. Find them at Swain's Pizza on a Stick for $12.
Pepsi products. The Arkansas State Fair has a contract for Pepsi products, so Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Starry are available site-wide.
Philly bowls. Boss Hog by Gate 5 offers one with shaved ribeye, fries, Monterrey jack cheese, peppers and onions for $18.
Philly steak sandwich. You'll get a bun full of hot beef, sauteed peppers and onions, and Swiss cheese at Gold's Skillet at the corner of the Food Court.
Pickle pizza. Served on a white sauce based pie with mozzarella, this puckering combination is available by the slice at Swaim's Pizza on a Stick for $12. You can also get a version with pickles and bacon for the same price.
Pickles. Mickey's Grill has big pickles for sale for $5 each.
Pineapple whip.
Pink candy apples.
Pizza. You can get it by the slice at Swain's Pizza on a Stick - $9 for a big slice of pepperoni or cheese, $12 for pickle pizza, $15 for a stuffed slice and $15 for a bug pizza slice.
Pizza bread. This is bread similar to cheese sticks, either with just cheese or with pepperoni. $11 at Swaim's Pizza on a Stick.
Pizza on a stick. It's what Swaim's has become known for - big paddles of pizza dough with sauce, cheese and your choice of toppings. Pepperoni sticks are always ready to go, but you can choose your own toppings for an additional wait time. Each stick $18.
Polish Boy eggrolls. Egg Roll Love has these polish sausage and mozzarella filled eggrolls - $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more,
Polish sausage. These heavily spiced pork sausages are cooked with peppers and onions and served on a bun. L and M Concession offers theirs for $9. The stand next to the cheese curd shop in the Food Court has them for $10 in a bun. Get them at Gold's Skillet, the huge skillet behind the All-American Cafe in the Food Court.
Popcorn.
Pork chops. Boss Hog's near Gate 5 and Gold's Concession at the end of the Midway both offer whole pork chops grilled over flames. They run $14, $16 and $16, depending on size. You can get the whole pork chop dinner with two sides and hot water cornbread for $12 more.
Pork rinds/pork skins. Michener's concession next to the Hall of Industry has fresh fried pork skins for $7 for plain, barbecue, or Cajun flavors.
Pork tenderloin. The All-American Cafe operated by Bennett Concessions in the Food Court offers a massively huge pork tenderloin on a rather normal sized bun, with fries, for $15.
Pork waffle. You've heard about chicken and waffles, for sure. How about pork waffles? The great folks from Jonesboro's popular H2Que BBQ are serving up a Belgian waffle with pulled pork in the batter, topped with pulled pork and a bourbon-infused syrup on top for an easy to share, slightly messy turn on the classic that's sure to cause lots of commotion on the Midway, for $13.
Poutine.
Pralines. Pam's Homemade Pralines are available at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry for $5.
Praline pecans. Sweet, roasted pecans flavored just like the traditional New Orleans confection, served up by Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry.
Pretzels. Get a soft pretzel at the Bud Light Center Stage Pavilion for $6. You can also find them for $6 at the Candyland stand by Barton Coliseum uphill from the Midway, with cheese on them a buck more. Swain's Pizza on a Stick has large, doughy, soft pretzels for $11. Get one with pepperoni for $12.
Quesabirria Tacos. Spicy, shredded beef melted together with cheese in fresh, puffy tacos. You'll find them at Don Elote's yellow Mexican Food stand near the entrance to Barton Colliseum, right off the Midway, three for $14.
Quesadillas. At Ormic's Taco King, you can get an oversized tortilla filled with cheese and chicken, beef or pork for $13. Don Elote's Mexican Food by the entrance of Barton Coliseum has chicken and steak quesadillas for $12 each with salsa and sour cream.
Raja con Queso Tamales. Something hearty for the fair, but without meat? Go with Don Elote's handmade tamales packed with poblano peppers and cheese for a satisfying packet of love.
Rattlesnake Rattlers. L & M Concessions takes corn on the cob, steams it, splits it in four, then dusts and dunks the corn quarters into spice mixes to serve up hot.
Red beans and rice. Get a bowl at Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court for $9.
Red velvet funnel cake.
Reuben sandwiches. Massively large Reubens served on rye bread can be found at the concession with the Gold's gigantic skillets behind the All-American Cafe.
Ribeye steaks. Get a fresh, hot, flame-grilled ribeye at Boss Hog's near Gate 5.
Ribeye steak sandwich. A hot ribeye steak served on a bun, at Boss Hog's near Gate 5, for $16.
Ribs. Smoked or fried, you can find them at Boss Hog's near Gate 5 and at the south end of the Midway. The full rack will run you $38, a half rack is $22, and an order of three bones with fries is $14. Get a full dinner with two sides for $12 more.
Rice bowls. Looking for a complete meal that's not bacon-wrapped or deep fried? Paizi's offers golden rice topped with both sauteed and fresh vegetables, your choice of protein and a slather of taziki sauce for $16.
Salted caramel cashews. Fresh cashews with a lovely sweet and salty coating, served up in a cone at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry.
Salted caramel pecans. Same as above, but with pecans.
Sausage with onions and peppers.
Scorpion pizza. Yes, it's still available. A slice at Swain's Pizza on a Stick runs you $16.
Seafood gumbo. Get it at Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court for $11 a bowl.
Shaved Ice.
Shrimp fried rice. $17 at Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court.
Shrimp lo mein. Get yours for $17 at Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court.
Shrimp on a Stick. Boss Hog's has the Cajun seasoned and battered deep fried shrimp on a stick for $12.
Shrimp pitas. Love gyros but want something lighter? Paizi's has seasoned and seared shrimp served with vegetables in a pita waiting for you for $16.
Slushes.
Smoked sausage on a stick. You can find a lot of vendors around the fair with smoked sausage, but H2Que's version takes prime sausage and smokes it over hickory for extraordinary flavor for $10.
New! S'mores sandwich. A new menu item at Brandon Concessions on the west side of the Food Court.
Snocones.
Soda prices - bottles (Pepsi products)
Busch Light Cooking Shack: $4
Michener Concession: $4 (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Mug Root Beer)
Soda prices - fountain drinks (Pepsi products)
Busch Light Cooking Shack: $4 for 24 ounces (Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper only)
Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner: $4 for 20 ounces.
Chen's Concession has soda for $5.
Mickey's Grill has Pepsi products $5 for a regular cup or $8 a large with $5 refills.
Soul Food Roll. This egg roll from the Egg Roll Love concession is filled with collard greens, mac and cheese and barbecue chicken. Truly an unusual way to experience these three flavors. $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more.
Spiral spuds.
Steak sandwich. Traditional breaded beef patty at Miss Anna's at the Big Show Cafe runs $10.
Strawberry lemonade. Chan's Chinese Foods has strawberry lemonade, $8 for 32 ounces with a $5 refill.
Street Tacos. Three chicken or steak tacos in corn tortillas with onions and cilantro for $11 at Don Elote Mexican Foods near the entrance to Barton Coliseum.
Stuffed mac and cheeseburgers.
Stuffed pizza. Get a hearty slice of three meat stuffed pizza at Swain's Pizza on a Stick for $15.
Stuffed smoked turkey leg. H2Que BBQ has them packed with spicy rice or mac and cheese for $25.
Sucker.
Sundaes. They're at the Funnel Cake and Elephant Ear stand near Crazy Mouse and Guest Services for $7.
Sweet tea. Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner offers 20 ounce cups for $4. All American Cafe and the Gyro stand near the south end of the Midway offers theirs for $8, with refills for $4. Chen's Concession has tea for $8.
Tacos. Authentic Mexican street tacos can be found at Ormic's Taco King at the heart of the Food Court. They're offered in chicken, beef and pork and are $13 for three tacos plus cilantro, lime and onions. Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner has two crispy tacos for $10.
Taffy. The old fashioned confection comes in more than a dozen flavors. You can take home a big bag from Ozark Candy and Nuts inside the Hall of Industry. Traditional and sugar-free taffy is $3.75 for a quarter pound bag.
Tamales.
Twinkie Sundae. The Candyland Elephant Ear stand between the Midway and Barton Coliseum offers this dish for $9.
Turkey legs. Mickey's Grill in the Food Court has them for $18. Boss Hog's at the north end of the Food Court and at the south end of the Midway sells them for $20. H2Que in the Food Court offers them for $20.
Vegetable fried rice. A plate is $13 at Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court
Vegetable lo mein. Get a plate at Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court for $13.
Veggie pita. Looking for meat-free eats? Paizi's offers its vegetable pita with or without taziki sauce in fresh, pliant pita bread for $13.
Von Brisket BLT. A BLT, but with hickory smoked brisket, $14 from H2Que BBQ.
Waffle Cheeseburger. L and M Concessions offers their burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion with a little syrup drizzle between two waffles. It's $10.
Walking taco. A large snack bag of Dorito's nacho cheese chips with all the fillings you'd expect in a taco -lettuce, sour cream, tomato, sauce and your choice of protein at Ormic's Taco King for $8. Don Elote Mexican Foods offers this as well for $13.
Water. Prices at various stands:
Mickey's Grill in the Food Court: $3 a bottle
Busch Light Cooking Shack - $4 a bottle
Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner - $4 a bottle
Michener Concession: $4 a bottle
Candyland stand - $5 a bottle
Watermelon lemonade. A true taste of summer! Roger Westmoreland concession trailers carry this variation on the traditional fair drink.
Wonderstick. It's back - the gluten-free J shaped corn tubes filled with soft serve ice cream for $9.
Yams. Cheryl's Famous at Boss Hog's offers sweet candied yams as a side or on their own.
NEW! Yard Dog. A bacon-wrapped fried chicken filet on a bun served by the folks at Sue Sue's Concession.
