Tis the season for fried delights, but the Panhandle South Plains Fair has gone beyond the classic funnel cakes and corndogs this year.
The Avalanche-Journal review team reunited to determine the best eats and drinks for the 2025 fair season, which runs through Saturday, Sept. 27, at the fairgrounds at Avenue A and Broadway.
There are more than 35 non-profit vendors offering all sorts of options on the faigrounds. It’s hard to go wrong with any of them as the food is great and supports even greater causes.
But here are a few of our recommendations:
Mini pancakes, funnel cake and agua frescas are the best: Alana Edgin’s picks
My love for the funnel cake from West Carlisle Volunteer Fire Department is no secret. I think I’ve mentioned it in columns several times, along with crowning it as a top contender for the 2024 season. However, there was a new contender this year: mini-pancakes piled high with toppings.
Harvest Christian Fellowship’s stand is new to the fairgrounds this year, and they definitely stood out with their selection of mini-pancakes. People could choose from several options, or craft their own through fruity and sweet topping. I got The Monster, a sweet treat with 16 pancakes topped with whipped cream, Oreos and cookie dough pieces. The day’s heat melted the cookie dough to the perfect soft consistency, allowing a complete bite of perfection.
When Wonder Bar’s stand team saw my pancake selection, they called me over and sold me on an agua fresca. Actually, they sold pretty much the entire A-J team on their agua frescas. Three of us walked away with large cups filled with cold, fruity relaxation. I got a mix: half pineapple, half strawberry. This was the best drink to walk around the fair with. As much as I love lemonade, it does not keep me hydrated in the heat. If you want to stay refreshed as you roam, hit this wonderful spot.
I still adore the WC funnel cake, and I need to add that the rib dog was a savory option that was worth the wait.
Can’t beat funnel cakes, corn dogs and agua frescas: Carlos Silva Jr.’s picks
There’s nothing like walking through the gates and smelling that sweet, recognizable fragrance of powered sugar, fried dough and butter.
In the same vein, every time the Panhandle South Plains fair returns, I am quick to revert back to my childhood and need some familiar food notes that can take me back to simpler times. When the only thing you worried about was when the sun set and that meant having to go back home after playing at the park or the street.
West Carlisle Volunteer Fire Department hits the first memory, once you’re handed the warm fried dough — the only thing between you and heaven is the wax paper holding it. Follow up that warm, crispy dessert with some more sweet — a nice swig, or chug in my case, of horchata. The best agua Fresca, in my humble opinion, is its own heaven because I remember days I was able to get that by the gallon, akin to some of my coworkers who recall getting the same amount of Kool-Aid during their younger years. The Ministerios Nueva Vida Wonder Bar’s staff tried to convince our crew to mix it with other flavors — others may, but not me.
I decided to try a rib dog, which was a heaping helping of chopped-up pork ribs. Hub City Street Hoops is offering rib dogs among other barbecue-themed items at its new booth. The garlic parmesan version had a bit of flavor, but not the punch I was looking for. Next time I check it out, likely Wednesday with some other friends, I may go for the Nashville hot since I like spice.
And who goes to the fair and not eat a corn dog? Not this sports writer, who has had plenty at many sporting events. The South Plains Shrine Club booth did its due diligence, ensuring it was a fresh option — burning my fingers a tinge before I could walk over and throw on some mustard. Yes, that’s a staple, but I also like to add some ketchup. Judge all you want, like my A-J cohorts do. But, just remember, Patrick Mahomes II likes ketchup on steak.
Fried cheese, corn dog and a sip of horchata: Adam Young’s picks
For my first outing at the fair on Sunday evening, all I wanted was a corn dog and a fried cheese stick. A sign at the Science Spectrum’s fried cheese booth noted they were out of of the pepper jack option by around 7:30 p.m. I opted for the classic American cheese option, although mozzerala was tempting.
The folks at the booth warned me the cheese sticks were fresh out of the fryer when they handed me mine. It was dangerously hot and required a few minutes to cool down — long enough to walk with my wife and two daughters back down to the midway rides. It was worth the wait.
The American cheese had the flavor I expected, and there was plenty of it oozing out of the crispy battered crust. It was a decent portion size, but it didn’t last long. Later, I got a corn dog from the Shriner’s booth. I got the long version, which featured two hot dogs in the crispy batter. I applied a liberal amount of mustard. My wife used ketchup on hers, even though she knows that’s a potential felony offense. I didn’t report her to the authorities,horchat this time.
On my visit Tuesday, I’m not much of a lunch eater, so I settled for a sip of the horchata Carlos Silva Jr. got from the Ministerios Nueva Vida Wonder Bar. The flavor profile was most excellent — mostly milky vanilla with a nice hint of cinnamon. For $5, it was a particularly good value considering the large — I believe 24-ounce — serving. And refills are $3. High ROI, as far fair drinks are concerned. As is tradition, I also picked up a fried pie for $6 from the Oakwood Fellowship booth. This year, I got peach and took it to go. It will be reheated in the air fryer for desert, and it will be most excellent.
Alana Edgin writes about business for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip? Contact her via email at aedgin@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: South Plains Fair Food: rib dogs, pancakes, fried cheese. Here’s what you should try
Reporting by Alana Edgin, Adam D. Young and Carlos Silva Jr., Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
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