A food lover’s guide to the Washington State Fair

Everyone already knows about the second stomach reserved for dessert, but the Washington State Fair might have you wishing for a third, or even fourth, to make room for all the deliciously battered, fried, and flavored food on offer.

While it may not be possible to hit every stop in one visit, you can still make a pretty good dent with the right plan. Here’s a look at some sweet and savory fair classics, some international specialties, and drink options to get you started.

And for those visiting on a weekday, select food vendors are participating in the Fair Value Menu, offering $12 meals and $8 snack deals, along with 25-50% off smaller bites.

A family stands in front of DOH! Sweets & Treats. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Fair)

Sweet treats

No state fair food roundup would be complete without Fisher Scones, so why not make it your first stop? With a location in all four corners of the fairgrounds, you definitely won’t miss it. Fisher Scones have been a fixture of the fair for generations and are best enjoyed with a smear of whipped butter and raspberry jam.

Duris Concessions has two more fair favorites covered between its warm, buttery elephant ears and cool, refreshing Dole Whip. You’ll be able to find both at multiple locations throughout the fair, including the food court and Showplace Way.

For something a bit more unexpected, stop by DOH! Sweets & Treats at the 1900 Food Hall. With a menu curated by James Beard-nominated chef Mitch Mayers, DOH! serves whimsical versions of several traditional fair desserts, including birthday cake elephant ears, spumoni ice cream brioche donuts, and cinnamon roll monkey bread with cream cheese frosting.

The Fruit Caboose, located near Orange Gate, is keeping things cool with an assortment of ice cream, froyo, and frozen fruit available. Menu items include Banana Fosters pie, brownie splits, dipped cones, and more.

A photo of the Piggly’s BBQ sign. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Fair)

Piggly’s BBQ is one of the fair’s new additions this year, bringing barbecue beef, turkey legs, and sausages to the food court. According to Piggly’s operations manager, Mason Wang, you definitely won’t want to miss the pulled pork, which has been a fan favorite so far.

Another new addition, Blue Bayou, is serving Southern specialties inside the Mattress Firm ShowPlex. Its menu includes a crawfish mac and cheese with fried green tomatoes, which is also available as part of the fair’s weekday value menu.

For a meal that truly embraces the scale of fair food, Earthquake’s Biggest Burgers is back, serving its namesake giant burgers alongside jumbo curly fries and hot dogs at Showplace Way.

Upper Crust at the 1900 Food Hall offers another familiar favorite, with individual pizza slices making for a quick, convenient snack between rides.

A photo of food from Bao Box. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Fair)

International bites

At Berryhills Gyros on Grand Avenue, you’ll find Greek classics including chicken, beef, and lamb gyros, along with Greek fries. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, too.

Aurora’s Autentica Comida Mexican, also on Grand Avenue, has tacos, taquitos, elotes, burritos, and burrito bowls. Of course, meals also include a side of rice and beans, so you won’t be walking away from this stop hungry.

Bao Box offers a taste of Asian and Southeast Asian flavors with soup dumplings, wontons, noodles, and BBQ pork bao. You’ll find it along Arena Avenue, making it a good option for refueling after you spend some time with livestock — just remember to wash your hands!

HGG Tanghulu has brought traditional Chinese street food to the fair, with fresh strawberries, grapes, mandarins, and mixed fruit coated in a thin, glossy candy shell. Give it a try at Blue Gate Plaza.

A photo of beer taps at The Cider Bar. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Fair)

Drink spots

For a caffeine boost, Bean Hut Espresso, near Gold Gate, serves both hot and iced coffee along with Lotus energy drinks.

The Cider Bar is also new this year and offers a selection of regional ciders, highlighting local makers and brands. It also gives you a reason to slow down, linger near Green Gate, and take some time to digest before setting off toward your next stop.

Brew Park is another spot that invites guests to sit down for a while. Covered picnic areas, DJ sets, and 24 Washington-made drinks on tap will keep you in the fair spirit while you give your feet a break.

Located in Showplace Way, Brew Park is also near Bobaholic Cafe, so kids can grab a fun drink of their own while parents recharge.

To see which vendors are participating in the value menu and explore even more fair food goodness, visit the Washington State Fair’s food finder.