The State Fair of Texas only rolls into town once a year, and let’s be honest, a month is never enough time to get your fill of fried foods, quirky eats, and Texas-sized portions. But don't worry—Irving has you covered year-round! From a bold Nepali sausage on a stick to an oversized soft pretzel dunked in beer fondue, we’ve scoured the city to find the most mouthwatering, Fair-inspired dishes that’ll satisfy your cravings long after the fair has packed up and left. Ready for some fried, fun-filled indulgence? Let's dig in!
Korean Style Corn Dog + Funnel Cake at Unicorndog
3048 N Belt Line Rd | (469) 565-2157
If you thought corn dogs couldn’t get any better, Unicorndog is here to prove you wrong with their variety of Korean-style corn dogs. These crunchy, golden delights come stuffed with everything from cheese to sausage, coated in a crispy batter, and topped with everything from sugar to hot Cheeto dust—taking the classic corn dog to a whole new level. And it doesn’t stop there! Pair it with a light, fluffy funnel cake dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet treat that’ll have you dreaming of the State Fair all year long.
Soft-Baked Pretzel at Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill
350 W Las Colinas Blvd. | (214) 496-0400
If everything’s bigger in Texas, Thirsty Lion’s mega soft-baked pretzel is here to prove it. Fresh out of the oven, this pretzel is golden, pillowy, and practically begging to be devoured. But the real game-changer? It’s served with a trio of dipping sauces: made-from-scratch beer fondue, spicy jalapeño jam, and sweet mustard sauce. One bite and you’ll be hooked—trust us, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Mac & Cheese Bites at Wayback Burger
6421 Riverside Dr. | (972) 290-0709
Mac and cheese is already a fan favorite, but deep-fried mac and cheese bites? Now we're talking state fair-level indulgence! These golden, crispy bites of cheesy goodness are savory, crunchy, and just downright delicious. If you can think of anything that doesn’t taste better fried, let us know—we’ll wait. Pair these deep-fried delights with Wayback Burger’s Rodeo Burger, a two-patty masterpiece topped with cheddar cheese and a signature crispy onion ring, and you’ve got yourself a winning combo!
Fried Seasonal Pies at The Ranch
857 W John Carpenter Fwy | (972) 506-7262
Fried pies? Yes, please! And The Ranch takes them to the next level by using only seasonal fruits, making each pie a fresh and flavorful treat. For September, it’s all about apples and cinnamon—stuffed into a light, flaky dough, fried to golden perfection, and served with a decadent caramel rum dipping sauce. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, this is one dessert you won’t forget. Pro tip: keep an eye out for their famous red velvet fried pies. They’re a crowd favorite, and for good reason!
The Captain's Tenders at Reservoir
330 W Las Colinas Blvd. | (972) 805-5507
Chicken tenders meet childhood nostalgia in the most delicious way at Reservoir. Introducing the Cap’n Crunch Chicken Tenders, where your favorite cereal adds a playful twist to a classic. These tenders are dipped in Cap’n Crunch, fried to golden perfection, and served with your choice of garlic parmesan or sweet potato waffle fries. Each bite is the perfect mix of sweet crunch and juicy chicken. Ready for something unique and fun? Head to Reservoir and treat yourself to this crispy creation—it’s one you won’t want to miss!
Sausage on a Stick at Cafe Mandu
3711 N Belt Line Rd | (469) 647-5067
Cafe Mandu brings fair vibes to the table with their irresistible sausage on a stick. This crispy delight is packed with Nepalese flavors and just the right amount of heat, thanks to a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. And don’t skip the dipping sauce—it’s the perfect flavor boost. This dish is all about easy, mess-free enjoyment, making it a perfect grab-and-go option that’s big on taste and light on fuss. If you’re craving State Fair vibes, this is the bite you’ve been looking for!
