Top 7+ must-try hidden gems at NYS Fair that even the regulars don’t know about
A smoked turkey leg from Porky's Pork Palace at the 2025 New York State Fair.
Geddes, N.Y. — Every August, more than hundreds of thousands of people swarm the New York State Fairgrounds with a game plan: hit the classics, try the new fried thing and maybe grab a beer along the way.
But tucked between the sausage stands and wine slushie huts are foods you’ve probably walked by a hundred times without ever noticing.
Even the most seasoned fair veterans might not realize what they’ve been missing. That’s where we come in.
Reporters Charlie Miller and Madison Kemeny kicked off Opening Day by scouting the fairgrounds for under-the-radar eats and drinks that deserve a spot on your must-try list. With one of us (Chuck) making a career out of tasting Central New York and the other (Madison) making a hobby of it, we’ve combined forces to bring you a seasoned guide to this year’s hidden gems.
Breakfast at Stephen’s
Who: Stephen’s Greek Cuisine
Where: The Eatery
How much: $12
What’s so good: Most people know Stephen’s for gyros, but the insiders know it as a breakfast joint before 9 a.m. The frittata with toast is a true state fair bargain if there ever was one. Stephen Nicolaos grills three eggs and mixes in fresh tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, bacon, sausage, broccoli, pepperoni, roasted red peppers and potatoes. He then tucks it all in under a blanket of cheese.
For a half hour in the morning, the Eatery turns into Stephen’s own little diner. He knows what he’s doing because he’s been at it for 40 years. If you don’t believe me, ask the dozen state troopers in line waiting for their breakfast.
Mapleccino
Who: New York Maple Pure
The Picklewich is among the hidden gems of the New York State Fair.
Where: Horticulture Building
How much: $6
What’s so good: The maple soft-serve ice cream mixed with maple coffee is the kind of dairy treat that makes you forget common sense. I should know better: I’m lactose intolerant. Any restrictions I face go right down the toilet when it comes to this ice cream. The maple syrup makes it taste like summer melting into fall. I’ll deal with the consequences later.
The veggie dinner from Pickle Barrel is among the hidden gems of the New York State Fair.
Pulled Pork BBQ Parfait
Who: The Pig and The Potato
Where: Eatery Building
How much: $12
What’s so good: The Pig and The Potato has been tricking fairgoers’ eyes — and filling our bellies — for more than a dozen years with its pulled pork parfait. It looks like an ice cream sundae, layered in a cup with fluffy scoops of mashed potatoes, barbecue sauce and a cherry tomato on top. But this isn’t dessert; it’s an entree. The masterminds behind the mash-up are Dennis and Catherine Yost, who also happen to own School & Vine, a cozy fine-dining spot in Jamesville.
Spicy Chicken Riggies
Who: JJ’s
Where: Restaurant Row
The spicy chicken riggies at JJ's with a Peroni beer are among the hidden gems of the New York State Fair.
How much: $11 (plus $7 for a bottle of Peroni)
The Mapleccino at the maple stand in the Horticulture Building is among the hidden gems of the New York State Fair.
What’s so good: This bowl of chicken riggies has a story behind it. Years back, when Joe Todisco was opening his stand at the fair, he came across a bunch of recipes left behind from Doc Cerio.
The frittata at Stephen's Greek Cuisine is among the hidden gems of the New York State Fair.
“I thought it looked good, so I tried it out,” he said today. “It’s been our bread and butter ever since.”
This year, he started cooking the sauce on Saturday. He gave it enough time for the hot cherry peppers to really seep into the crushed tomatoes. For riggie purists out there whining that these are way too red, I’m going to respectfully disagree. I’m pleased Joe didn’t use too much cream. I like riggies that’ll slap you on your behind when you try to eat too quickly. “Thank you, sir. May I have another.”
The "Mapleccino" at the maple stand in the Horticulture Building is among the hidden gems of the New York State Fair.
Veggie Dinner
Who: Pickle Barrel
The pulled pork BBQ Parfait from Pig & Potato is among the hidden gems of the New York State Fair.
Where: Next to Beer Garden, and beside Expo Center near Restaurant Row
How much: $6
What’s so good: Of all the places that serve good ol’ fashioned grilled beef, Pickle Barrel might be best known. The beef tips are the best meat at the fair. But the real shocker here is the veggie plate. Forget dainty sides. This is a full-on feast. For just $6, you’ll walk away with a mountain of smashed red potatoes (skins and all) weighted down by a heap of marinated whole mushrooms. It’s rich, filling and somehow manages to feel both indulgent and wholesome. Order it, grab a beer from the Beer Garden across the way, and see if you don’t start wondering why anyone bothers with the beef.
Italian Picklewich
Who: Tiki Turtle
Where: Colonnade
How much: $10
What’s so good: With the Picklewich from Tiki Turtle, you get all crunch and no sog. This year, we went with the Italian. In its usual sub form, the pickle is merely a small component, but with the Picklewich, it’s the tangy star of the show.
Sandwiched between an oversized dill pickle is a generous deli meat stack of pepperoni, salami and ham. To round it out, there’s tomato and provolone and a smear of yellow mustard. If you’re looking to get your pickle fix, you can’t go wrong.
Oh, if you still need more pickle in your day, do one of their pickle shots. You have your choice of infused vodkas or Irish whiskey poured into a hollowed-out dill that’s been seasoned with an appropriate spice.
Smoked Turkey Leg
Who: Porky’s Pork Palace
Where: Just outside Colonnade before Restaurant Row
How much: $17
What’s so good: You’ll spot turkey legs on nearly every corner of the fair, but the true caveman feast comes from Porky’s Pork Palace, a couple doors down Restaurant Row. For $17 you get a smoked drumstick that’s basically a dumbbell with bones. Hours in the smoker turn the skin mahogany and crunchy, while the meat stays tender and smoky enough to make you want to grunt and swing it around like a club. (And that’s exactly what we did!)
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Charlie Miller finds the best in food, drinks and fun throughout Central New York — no freebies, no pay-to-play, no favors, just honest eats. You can call or text him at (315) 382-1984 or email [email protected]. Follow @HoosierCuse on Instagram and X, and sign up for his Where Syracuse Eats newsletter here.
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