State Fair Flavor Finds in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley

Food & Drink
August 19, 2025

The Minnesota State Fair brings to mind butter sculptures, livestock barns, and an enormous selection of indulgent food—deep-fried specialties, foods served on a stick, and plenty of other fairground favorites. But enjoying those flavors does not have to mean navigating packed crowds, searching for parking, or dealing with unpredictable Minnesota weather. Westopolis—the closest neighbor to downtown Minneapolis, comprised of the fantastic cities of St. Louis Park and Golden Valley—offers a hidden collection of places where those state fair cravings can be satisfied throughout the year.

Across St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, local restaurants serve their own tasty interpretations of beloved fair foods, from savory fried bites to sugary treats. These options suit longtime fair visitors missing their annual tradition, food lovers in search of relaxed and fun dining, and families ready for a flavorful outing. Here is a tour of state fair-inspired food finds throughout St. Louis Park and Golden Valley.

Savory State Fair Favorites, From Fried Classics to More

Much of the state fair food experience revolves around savory, frequently fried specialties. You can enjoy many of those familiar flavors in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley without waiting for the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

New Bohemia

At New Bohemia (8040 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427), visitors will find a feast with genuine fairground energy. Begin with the giant Bavarian pretzel, which is ideal for sharing, then try a basket of mini corndogs. Pickle fries provide a crisp, tangy variation, while the Wisconsin beer-battered cheese curds arrive golden and squeaky.

The menu also includes giant onion rings and an assortment of classic wursts. Those looking for something more adventurous can choose Louisiana alligator bayou, smoked elk, or wild boar with blueberries and merlot—unusual sausage options that recall the Minnesota State Fair’s distinctive food discoveries. Belgian-style fries and nine different dipping sauces let you tailor the meal. For dessert, mini doughnuts with cinnamon sugar complete the close-to-home fair experience.

The Park Tavern

An established local favorite, The Park Tavern (3401 Louisiana Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN 55426) pairs familiar comfort food with carnival-style appeal. Its appetizers include crispy beer-battered onion rings, fried cheese curds, and Pretzel Stix served with queso. Fried pickle chips answer a craving for something tangy, while loaded potato skins offer a more substantial fair-inspired option.

The easygoing setting works well for time with friends and family, and the generous servings help ensure that guests looking for state fair food in St. Louis Park leave satisfied. Visitors can also play arcade games or go bowling.

JJ’s Clubhouse

JJ’s Clubhouse (6400 Wayzata Blvd, Golden Valley, MN 55426) serves elevated bar bites that can also stand in for premium fair fare. Warm, soft pretzel bites pair naturally with cheese sauce, and cheese curds provide another essential fair food choice. Walleye fingers offer a Minnesota specialty in a breaded and fried format. For a different spin on a familiar fair classic, try the loaded sweet potato tots.

With its energetic sports bar environment, JJ’s Clubhouse is a lively place to enjoy state fair food in Golden Valley.

Yard House

Yard House (1665 Park Place Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416) gives traditional pub food a contemporary state fair feel. Its dramatic Onion Ring Tower captures the fair’s “on-a-stick” spirit with a tall presentation of crisp onion rings. The menu also features a shareable jumbo Bavarian pretzel and Wisconsin fried cheese curds with a gooey center.

Parm truffle fries and sweet potato fries can round out the meal, while an extensive selection of wings offers a range of flavors. The restaurant’s broad beer menu contributes to its festive atmosphere, making it a strong choice for state fair food in St. Louis Park.

Bunny’s Bar & Grill

A St. Louis Park institution, Bunny’s Bar & Grill (5916 Excelsior Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416) is known for good times and classic bar food that would feel at home at the fair. Its Wisconsin white cheddar cheese curds are a local favorite, with an irresistible battered coating. The menu also features crispy walleye fingers, signature Bunny’s fries, and Bunny’s Hoops, or onion rings.

Waffle fries and many varieties of wings add to the fried-food selection. Free fresh-popped popcorn is available regularly, bringing an extra celebratory note to the casual setting. Bunny’s is an essential St. Louis Park stop for state fair food cravings.

Schullers Tavern

Schullers Tavern (7345 Country Club Dr, Golden Valley, MN 55427) offers old-school character and dependable pub food in a classic roadhouse setting. Guests can order golden Wisconsin cheese curds, stuffed potato skins, traditional cheese sticks, crispy onion rings, and a broad selection of wings.

For an especially iconic Minnesota bite comparable to any fair discovery, try the restaurant’s version of the Juicy Lucy, a cheese-stuffed burger and local legend. Schullers provides a comfortable, welcoming place to enjoy state fair-inspired food in Golden Valley.

A Sugary Ending: Doughnuts and Other Treats

A state fair-style outing calls for dessert. Although several of the restaurants above offer their own sweet options, one Golden Valley destination especially captures the character of a classic fair dessert.

Funner Brothers Donut Company

Funner Brothers Donut Company (2570 Hillsboro Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427) is known for giant donut holes, and during Minnesota State Fair time, the shop gives them a distinctly fairground treatment. Its signature giant donut holes are served on a stick, with three doughnut holes per stick and a sugary glaze.

The portable treat makes an ideal ending for a local state fair food adventure in Golden Valley, delivering an authentic fair dessert experience without the crowds at the fairgrounds.

Find State Fair Food in Westopolis

The signature flavors of the Minnesota State Fair are not limited to late summer. St. Louis Park and Golden Valley have a year-round selection of restaurants and eateries ready to satisfy fair food cravings, including savory fried favorites and sweet treats served on a stick. The state fair experience is closer than it may seem, right here in Westopolis.