New York State Fair Food Ranked Among the Best in America
It's a Food Feast at the Fair.
Sure, the Chevy Court and Suburban Park concerts tend to steal the show at the New York State Fair, but we all have to eat sometime! And some of the best fair food in the country is right here.
Yelp released its Top Ten State Fairs for Food, and The Great New York State Fair is in the top 5.
#5 - Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center – Indianapolis, Indiana
#4 - New York State Fair – Syracuse, New York
#3 - Iowa State Fair – Des Moines, Iowa
#2 - Wisconsin State Fair – West Allis, Wisconsin
#1 - Minnesota State Fair – Saint Paul, Minnesota
Legendary "Dairy" Staples
Hands down, some of the best milk you'll ever taste is at the Milk Bar. Located inside the Dairy Products Building, the milk is sourced from upstate farms.
Traditionally, there is white and chocolate milk available for just 25 cents a cup. But now and again they feature specialty flavors, like strawberry, that don't disappoint.
If you're looking for something a little more filling, try the famous $1 baked potato inside the Horticulture Building. This classic can be ordered as a sweet or hot russet potato and comes with butter and sour cream.
Money Saving Tips
There's an app for that!
It's called the Fair Finder App, which allows users to see all of the dining options and browse what each place has to offer.
Many vendors even offer samples before you buy and bundle pricing perfect for the family.
READ MORE: Eat Your Way Thru the NYS Fair for Less on Tasty Tuesday
Exotic Eats
Every year, at least for me, I try to find the strangest item on the menu just to say I've tried it.
In years past, there has been the Bacon Bomb, Deep Fried Oreos, and Gator on a Stick. "It's A Utica Thing" even brought us "The Thing," which stuffed riggies, greens, and Provolone cheese between 2 pieces of Tomato Pie.
The New York State Fair takes place August 26th through September 7th.
Every Free Concert at the 2026 NYS Fair
Gallery Credit: Credit - Polly McAdams