Best Sonoma County Fair Foods
Our food editor Heather Irwin headed to the Sonoma County Fair on opening day to find some of the best bites—from tacos to fried cakes—for 2024.
I have a love-hate relationship with fair food. I love having an excuse to eat a carton of curly fries, an ice cream cone, a gallon of lemonade, and a basket of chicken wings all at once while camping under the oak trees of Shade Park at the Sonoma County Fair.
I hate the morning-after regret of a fat, sugary hangover. Who am I kidding? Once a year, I look forward to wandering through the pavilions, along the busy thoroughfares and into the quiet corners, looking for the most interesting food for the fairgoers.
I’m ready to eat this funnel cake for the team.
After a two-year hiatus from my annual mission, I once again picked up my plastic fork, a stack of napkins and a reusable cup to share what I think is the best food at the fair.
One thing to note: The price shock is real. For the first time, I noticed that most of the larger dishes cost between $20 and $25. I recommend creating a buffet to share if you’re going with friends or family, as many dishes are so large that you won’t be able to eat them all anyway. There are still some added values, though, if you’re willing to get creative or make a meal out of Dippin’ Dots.
Best deal
Tacos, Pepe’s in Mexican Village ($4.50 to $5)
A fried fish taco and a meat-filled carnitas taco tick all my boxes. Pepe’s is a local business, they know how to make a taco, and you can satisfy that hunger monster for under $10. Add grilled jalapeños, onions, and hot sauce to top off your plate.
The best corn dogs
Regular Dog, Super Pup ($8)
The classic hand-dipped hot dog. Try the rest, come back for the best.
The best meal served in fruit
Mowie Chicken in a Pineapple, Ricardo’s Hawaiian Feast ($22)
Always a must with a nice portion of teriyaki chicken in a hollowed out half fresh pineapple. It’s filling, easy to share and you get a souvenir half pineapple when you’re done.
The best thing I never got to try
Korean Corn Dog, Sharky’s Fried Fish ($12)
Apparently, Korean corn dogs require a different batter than regular corn dogs, according to the staff at Sharky’s, and on Thursday, they didn’t have any. So, picture this instead: cheese corn dogs (not corn dogs, just cheese inside) topped with diced potatoes, fried, and then topped with a sweet and sour sauce. Another version of the Korean corn dog is coated in panko breadcrumbs. Someone needs to tell me what that’s like.
Best real meal
Islander Jerk Platter, Sonoma Caribbean Flavors ($26)
This local food truck is a family-run business that makes delicious homemade Jamaican food. The Islander Jerk Plate includes four tostones (smashed plantain rounds), pickiz (a spicy Jamaican slaw), jerk beef, and shrimp. It can be made less spicy if you ask. The Vegan Jerk Plate includes the tostones and a vegetable stew.
Best Protein Style
Chicken kebab, chillin and grill ($26)
This massive serving of chicken breast and veggies grilled over hot coals is tasty and incredibly virtuous. Feel free to look down on people eating ice cream cones while you eat all that protein. The Tri Tip Trolley near Grace Pavillion also offers meat-based protein bowls.
Best Handheld Computer
Traditional Gyro, Elegant Greek ($16)
The beef and lamb gyros wrapped in soft pita bread with a tangy tzatziki sauce are tightly packed and perfect for walking around while you dine. The meat portion is generous, if a little salty.
The most traditional
Strawberry Funnel Cake, Pennsylvania Dutch Funnel Cakes ($14)
Fried dough is the main reason everyone goes to the fair, right? Sure, the farm animals are cute, the crafts are clever, and the rides are cool, but the funnel cakes are the ultimate fair experience. The strawberry with whipped cream is the best, but the Nutella is a close second.
Best Fried Dessert
Fried Gansito, Pepe’s ($10)
Strawberry and cream cakes, covered in chocolate, then dipped in batter and fried. It’s a new take on the fried Twinkie, fried Oreo genre. Surprisingly delicious.
Churros at the best price
Churros Cart, Mexican Village, $6
Plain, caramel or Oreo filled, they are a good buy. Don’t be fooled and pay $10 somewhere else.
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