Along with farm animals, carnival rides and formerly famous musicians, a vital pillar of any respectable state fair is big, dumb, (preferably fried) food, and this year’s menu at the Florida State Fair does not disappoint.
Once again, the Florida State Fair returns to Tampa from Feb. 8-19, and it’s outdoing itself with nearly a dozen extreme gut bombs up for grabs, like pickles covered in Pop Rocks, fried Spam grilled cheese, and hot dogs doused in beans and bacon.
Here’s what’s on the menu at this year’s fair, with descriptions from their mad-genius creators.
Temperamental Hog Funnel Cake
Funnel cake mix is combined with cornmeal and BBQ seasoning rub to create a crunchy delicious funnel cake that is topped with pulled pork. YOU pick which temperament you want on your cake: Happy – sweet, Angry – hot, Furious – super hot. Then we smooth it down with cream cheese.
Location: The Best Around Credit: Photo via Florida State FairBang Bang Tacos
Fried Cauliflower, Oyster Mushroom or Vegan Shrimp tossed with Bang Bang sauce on Flour or Corn Tortilla filled with Asian slaw Topped with Vegan creama, Cilantro, Green Onion and Chili pepper.
Location: Seasoned Green Credit: Photo via Florida State FairOreo Cookie Cinnamon Bun
A unique combination that melds the flavors of a classic Oreo cookie with the delightful taste of a cinnamon bun.
Location: Cinnamon Saloon Credit: Photo via Florida State FairBacon Waffle Cheeseburger
100% All beef patties topped with cheddar cheese and applewood smoked bacon in between two Belgian waffles with pearl sugar baked into the waffle.
Location: Macken’s Sliders Credit: Photo via Florida State FairChocolate Dipped Strawberry Iced Tea
Freshly brewed iced tea, flavored with two delightful tastes, strawberry & chocolate. Topped with 3 chocolate dipped strawberries.
Location: Tiki Tea Credit: Photo via Florida State FairPop Rock Pickle
Kosher pickle wrapped in a Fruit Roll-up dipped in chocolate rolled in your choice of Pop Rocks, Fruity Pebbles, or Flaming Hot Cheetos.
Location: Shockley’s Food Service Credit: Photo via Florida State FairBBQ Fried Burrito
BBQ Pulled Pork and Mac N Cheese Stuffed Burrito then Fried to Perfection!
Location: Low N Slow Catering Credit: Photo via Florida State FairBanana Cream Pie Funnel Cake
Fresh hot funnel cake topped with banana pudding, whipped cream and graham cracker crust.
Location: Ryals Concessions Sweet Shop Credit: Photo via Florida State FairCampfire Dog
An all beef hotdog topped with baked beans and applewood bacon.
Location: DeAnna’s Donut Burger Credit: Photo via Florida State FairStrawberry Shortcake Kebab
Mini Donuts & Fresh Strawberry kebabs topped with icing, fresh lemon zest, whip cream, & Lemon infused Honey. Feeling adventuresome!? Dip it in chocolate!!
Location: DeAnna’s Fried Banana Pudding Credit: Photo via Florida State FairHoney Bunny Curd Burger
A flame-grilled fresh-ground burger covered with a melted blanket of ooey-gooey cheese curds nestled between two Honey Buns.
Location: Shockley’s Food Service Credit: Photo via Florida State FairSpicy Korean Corndog
Hot dog dipped in buttermilk batter, layered with cheese, and rolled in crushed spicy hot Cheetos.
Location: Seivers Smokehouse Grill Credit: Photo via Florida State FairPickle Ranch Loaded French Fries
Cheddar, Bacon, PICKLE Ranch Loaded French Fries!
Location: Chester’s Gators & Taters Credit: Photo via Florida State FairWaffle Chicken Sandwich
Two waffles, pepperjack cheese for that spicy kick, chicken tenders and two eggs. Pair this with a Cuban coffee and you’re set!
Location: The Bean Bar Co Credit: Photo via Florida State FairLemonade Funnel Cake
Your FAIR FAVORITE with a new twist: Classic funnel cake with a sweet lemon-flavored topping.
Location: Topscan Funnel Cakes Credit: Photo via Florida State FairBacon, Caramel, Peanut Butter Apple Fries
Apple fries topped with crispy bacon, Ghirardelli caramel and peanut butter powder. Fairgoers have the option of adding ice cream.
Location: Apple Fries Credit: Photo via Florida State FairPoutine Burger
A flame-grilled burger with fresh cut fries, warm cheese curds and topped with gravy served on a homemade bun.
Location: DeAnna’s Donut Burger Credit: Photo via Florida State FairJalapeño Lemonade
Famous fresh squeezed lemonade made the right way with a surprise hint of jalapeño to give it a pleasant touch of zest. Sweet and slightly spicy.
Location: Coastal Concessions Credit: Photo via Florida State FairBarbie Funnel Cake
Funnel Cake with Powdered Sugar, Barbie Pink Icing and 2 kinds of Sprinkles.
Location: Paulette’s Food Service Credit: Photo via Florida State FairFried Spam Grilled Cheese
A delicious twist on the classic, featuring crispy pan-fried spam layered with gooey melted cheese between toasted bread. The result is a delightful blend of savory and cheesy goodness.
Location: Showstopper Concessions Credit: Photo via Florida State Fair
