Minnesota State Fair · Est. 1994
Fresh. Local. Fair-Famous.
Serving the Minnesota State Fair for over 30 years — real food from a real local kitchen.
As featured on the official MN State Fair website
Shakshuka Lamb Meatballs
Crispy flash-fried lamb and pork meatballs — a blend of locally sourced Minnesota grass-fed lamb and pastured pork — stuffed with a creamy center of house-made herbed goat cheese infused with chives, garlic, and lemon zest. Served in a vibrant shakshuka sauce of spiced tomatoes and roasted red peppers, with toasted chimichurri-spiced sourdough crostini for dipping. Finished with fresh mint, parsley, cilantro, and lemon. Gluten-free crostini available for +$1.
From our kitchen
Made with care, served with pride
Baked Goods
Fresh-baked scones, croissants, cinnamon twists, and Ba-Sants made from scratch every day — our croissants are baked fresh daily. Sweet, flaky, and Fair-famous.
Croissant Sandwiches
Hearty croissant sandwiches made with quality ingredients — from organic scrambled eggs with bacon and basil aioli to our Heirloom Tomato Wild Acres Turkey & Bacon Croissant with local tomatoes and fresh basil aioli. (Gluten-free bread substitution upon request)
State Fair Favorites
Flash-fried Earth Wings, Shroomy Calamari, and Sconuts — hand-breaded and made with house-made sauces. Fair food done right.
Espresso Bar
Barista-crafted lattes, cappuccinos, and cold press coffee using Peoples Organic small-batch beans. Hot or iced, always made to order.
Years at the Minnesota State Fair
A Fair tradition since the early 1990s
French Meadow Bakery and Cafe has been a beloved fixture at the Minnesota State Fair for over three decades. Locally owned and operated, we've built our reputation one delicious plate at a time — serving fairgoers who come back year after year because they know what to expect: real food, made with heart, in a place that feels like home.
What people are saying
Fair-Famous for a Reason
"One of the 15 foods that belong in the Minnesota State Fair Hall of Fame"
— Rick Nelson, Star Tribune food critic
"In 2024 French Meadow Bakery & Cafe celebrates our 30th award-winning year at the Minnesota State Fair."
— French Meadow official site
"A relied-upon first stop for our famous fresh fruit-stuffed hot scones — the specialty that launched our State Fair business in 1994."
— French Meadow fair page
"As the local OG of vegan and organic food… voted Best Vegan in Mpls St. Paul Magazine's Readers Poll!"
— Mpls. St. Paul Magazine Readers Poll
"French Meadow has been one of the very few restaurants on the Fairgrounds specifically catering to breakfast, with an extensive menu of fresh baked goods."
— Fair food review
"We fly home every year to celebrate my birthday and the State Fair and I love me some French Meadow… even yummier than anticipated."
— Customer, social media
"French Meadow is a mainstay ALL DAY at the fair — fresh-baked, innovative, and organic indulgences enjoyed on our adjacent patio."
— French Meadow fair descriptions
Come find us
We're right on the Fairgrounds
1703 Carnes Ave
MN State Fairgrounds, St. Paul, MN
Open during the Minnesota State Fair
Late August through Labor Day weekend
What Fair-Goers Are Saying
Tea
September 19, 2025
1st stop every year. Lavender Coffee is a must
Michael Little
September 13, 2025
Fantastic, you have to try it out!
Tim Bruch
August 30, 2025
Sophorn Pho
August 30, 2025
Kristy Browning
August 29, 2025
Pam Myhra
August 26, 2025
Cinnamon twist roll was amazingly good! A+++ Hot Americano with half n half was also super! ❤️