We tried over 25 wild foods, drinks at the 2025 NYS Fair, and these 10 are worth every penny
The Empire State Burger from Smash Shack is three smash patties tall, topped with caramelized apples, bacon, sharp cheddar, sautéed onions, dill pickles and spicy brown mustard on a brioche bun. You can find it in The Eatery at the New York State Fair. Sunny Hernandez | [email protected]
But this year, we set out to uncover the biggest, boldest, most over-the-top eats and drinks on the fairgrounds.
From a deep-fried pickle corn dog to a maple-glazed doughnut the size of your head, the fair has no shortage of outrageous options. We sampled more than 25 wild, party-in-your-mouth creations to bring you our top 10 memorable picks of the 2025 fair.
Cajun Crunch Burger Pizza is one of Toss & Fire's exclusive pies for the 2025 New York State Fair. Made with Cajun blackened burger, bacon, dill pickles and a topping of house-made Cajun chips with Dinosaur BBQ drizzle. Sunny Hernandez | [email protected]
Break open the piggy bank or grab a friend to split the cost because these dishes are worth every penny. Here they are, in no particular order:
This massive Orangeman Swirl from Tropical Delights at the New York State Fair is a delicious showstopper, as pictured by the Midway on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Samantha House | [email protected]
Mix and match bao buns
Who: Saucy Bao
Where: Near The West End on Cheyenne Street
How much: $15 cash, $16.34 credit for any three flavors of your choosing.
A bartender at Tiki Turtle pours shots into a pickle shot glass on the opening day of the 2025 New York State Fair on the Geddes fairgrounds on Aug. 20, 2025. Samantha House | [email protected]
Why we loved it: Saucy Bao is sticking around for the entire fair, long after its neighbors in Asian Village close up shop after opening weekend. These fluffy buns are packed with flavor, then topped with a sweet garlic soy sauce and a kick of chili oil.
Lock 1 Distillery's Orange Grand Slam, as pictured on Wednesday, Aug. 2025, is our one of top boozy drinks at the 2025 New York State Fair. Samantha House | [email protected]
Brewzy Brunch Cocktail
Who: Idol Ridge Winery
The Trooper Smash from 1911 Beak & Skiff's location near the horse barn at the New York State Fair. An 8-ounce Wagyu burger sits atop a bed of smashed salt potatoes, pulled pork smothered in BBQ sauce, cheese curds, sour cream and melted butter on a brioche bun. Sunny Hernandez | [email protected]
Where: The Colonnade
Pebble pop - a deep fried block of mozzarella rolled in Fruity Pebbles is one of Fair Deli's latest creations for the 2025 New York State Fair. Samantha House | [email protected]
How much: $18
Why we loved it: This memorable concoction from Idol Ridge is dangerously good. It is a perfect blend of chocolate and coffee with a subtle hint of boozy goodness. You’ll want seconds, so spring for the colorful confetti cup, and you can get $15 refills until Labor Day.
Dubai chocolate cream puff
Dubai chocolate cream puff from New York Cream Puff in the Dairy Products Building at the 2025 New York State Fair. Sunny Hernandez | [email protected]
Who: NYS Cream Puffs
Where: Dairy Products Building
Pork, chicken and beef momo from Saucy Bao at the 2025 New York State Fair. Sunny Hernandez | [email protected]
How much: $10
Why we loved it: The Dubai chocolate strawberry cups are everywhere on the fairgrounds, but this cream puff takes the viral trend to new heights. Stuffed with pistachio cream, crunchy kataifi and fluffy pastry cream inside a giant puff of dough, it’s technically shareable — but you won’t want to.
The Brewzy Brunch from Idol Ridge Winery is good to the last, tipsy drop at the New York State Fair, as pictured on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. Samantha House | [email protected]
Pebble pop
Who: Fair Deli
Where: Between the Poultry Barn and the Midway
How much: $15
Why we loved it: Imagine your classic fruit-and-cheese tray, but fair-style. Giant deep-fried mozzarella sticks on a skewer are rolled in Fruity Pebbles for one of the strangest sweet-meets-savory creations that actually works.
Trooper Smash
Who: 1911 Beak & Skiff
Where: Tonawanda Street near the Horse Barn
How much: $19
Why we loved it: This (surprisingly walkable) dinner in a bowl is for you, meat lovers. Every bite is a delightful surprise, from the juicy burger and tangy pulled pork to the whole cheese curds and classic salt potatoes. Share with a friend: There is easily more than one portion tucked into this dish.
Pickle shots
Who: Tiki Turtle
Where: Colonnade
How much: $9
Why we loved it: Why accept shots from a regular glass when you could instead take one from a hollowed-out pickle? The whiskey and pickle vodka we tried didn’t bite too badly, thanks to the crunchy pickle cup chaser offered by Tiki Turtle.
The Orangeman Swirl
Where: Broadway facing the Midway
How much: $25
Why we loved it: Sure, the massive Orangeman Swirl in a jumbo martini cup is a photogenic showstopper worthy of the ‘Gram. But it is also delicious, refreshing and vegan. Share it with the Cuse fans in your life...and don’t forget to snap a photo before you gobble it up.
Cajun Crunch Burger Pizza
Who: Toss & Fire
Where: Chevy Court
How much: $19
Why we loved it: Toss & Fire’s State Fair exclusives always generate buzz, and we think this creation might be one worth keeping on the menu. The Cajun blackened burger pizza delivers a flavor punch, tasting almost like chorizo and pairing perfectly with smoky bacon and tangy dill pickles. The house-made Cajun chips drizzled with Dinosaur Bar-B-Que sauce on top add a crunchy, craveable finish.
Empire State Smashburger
Who: Smash Shack
Where: The Eatery
How much: $22
Why we loved it: A smashburger this good in the middle of fair chaos feels like heaven. Three juicy patties are stacked on brioche with caramelized apples, applewood-smoked bacon, sharp cheddar, sautéed onions, dill pickles and spicy brown mustard. It’s huge, knife and fork recommended, but worth every bite.
Orange Grand Slam
Who: Lock 1 Distillery
Where: Tonawanda Street, across from the Coliseum
How much: $15
Why we loved it: There’s a reason our colleagues who hunted for the best boozy drinks at the fair finished their whole Orange Grand Slam. It tastes like a tipsy, orange milkshake and features a creamsicle popsicle as a giant, edible garnish. It was perfectly sweet and delightful to sip.
©2025 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit syracuse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
