Get ready for magical, unicorn-inspired treats at the 2018 San Diego County Fair! The Fair has a “Candy Land” like feel this year that fits in perfectly with the Instagram-worthy new food options. The Fair is open from June 1 until July 4 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays in June).
With more than 100 food booths, several sit-down restaurants, and food-and-beverage events, you have to choose your food options carefully — we tasted 15 dishes to give you some guidance on your decision! Or, better yet, go on a Thursdays from noon to 5:00PM, when food vendors offer a small portion of one of their featured foods for $3.00. This was you can graze your way through the Fair.
One of our favorite Fair experiences this year was the secret speakeasy, the Cocoa Cabana, one of the best surprises hidden away at the Fair. You must be “granted access” to this rooftop speakeasy, and it’s only for adults 21+. To access it, look for employees with a button on that says, “ask me about the Cocoa Cabana” or ask a bartender for more information. They will give you a “boarding pass” to take to the Golden Pineapple meeting point where “flight attendants” will take you to the Speakeasy. While they have expanded the capacity from 2017, expect there to not always be availability. It is worth trying to check out, though! I absolutely loved their “Cabana-Rita,” a mix of fresh squeezed orange and lime juice, sour mix, Disarono Amaretto float and Don Julio Reposado tequila. The Cocoa Cabana is open every Thursday through Sunday during the fair’s month-long run. On Thursdays and Fridays it is open from five to 10 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays it’s open from five until 11 p.m.
And of the 15 dishes I tasted at the fair – here are our picks for top two savory and top two sweet food items to try at the 2018 San Diego County Fair!
One of the new Fair food items this year – the ramen burrito.
The “Unicorn Dog”
My favorite “sweet treat” of the fair – caramel apples covered in sprinkles.
Birthday Cake Indian fry bread
