Best BBQ at State Fairs

Where can you find the best BBQ? At a sit-down restaurant? At a dive bar with a smoker outside? How do you feel about state fairs? All around the country, state fairs offer not only some of the best BBQ, but also some really unusual dishes you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Here are some interesting things we found while scouring state fairs for the best BBQ.

• Deep-friend everything is a staple at the fair. From Twinkies to barbecued meat on a stick, it seems like every food vendor at the fair is trying to find something new to stick into the deep fryer. We think maybe the best thing we’ve heard of when it comes to deep-fried fair foods is the Minnesota State Fair’s blue cheese and corn fritz.
• If you’re into meat, and plenty of it, the state fair is a great place to indulge. From beef brisket sandwiches, to fried ribs, to bacon-wrapped turkey legs, the food at the fair is sure to satisfy your carnivorous cravings. If your state fair features food trucks from local restaurants, you have a great opportunity to sample and see who has the best BBQ.
• The Minnesota State Fair features more than one lobster option. You can get deep-fried lobster on a stick or a delicious Caribbean lobster roll. We’re not sure whether this is going to become the norm at other state’s fairs, though.
• Sometimes, dessert at the fair seems almost like a dare. You can get deep fried Rice Krispy treats or cupcakes, beer gelato or deep-fried buckeyes. Want to try something truly outrageous? Brave the Twinx- a Twix bar inside a Twinkie, wrapped in bacon, then deep fried. Just don’t tell your arteries that we were the ones who pointed you in that direction. Barbecue pickle ice cream? We think we’ll pass.

Here’s a secret: you can also find some of the best BBQ around, right in your local grocery store! Tony Roma’s brings the best BBQ right to your table in just about 20 minutes of prep time. To find Tony Roma’s at a grocery store near you, visit the store locator on our website. To connect with the online community, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our mouthwatering Pinterest boards.

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