7 over-the-top Charlotte foods that would be right at home at the N.C. State Fair

Get your fill with these seven fair-approved foods. Ferris wheel not included.

The Butter Candle from Billy Sunday

Yes, it’s a candle made of butter that’ll gradually melt over Focaccia bread. It’s crafted in partnership with Ava Pizzeria inside Optimist Hall but is only available at Billy Sunday. 

Details: Billy Sunday is located in the lower level of Optimist Hall at 1115 N Brevard St.

The Birthday Cake Super Swirl from SWIRL Dessert Bar

This $13 colossal shake is made with vanilla ice cream, blended with rainbow sprinkles and raspberry sauce, topped with a cookie and cupcake.

Details: SWIRL has two locations, one in Lower South End and the original in Oakhurst.

Go deeper: Swirl, featuring build your own cupcakes, opens to long line out the door in Oakhurst

What The Fries’ Smoky Bacon Fries

A mountain of french fries topped with crispy bacon, Boursin cheese sauce, diced tomato, scallions and a ranch drizzle.

Details: What The Fries recently reopened at The City Kitch, a ghost kitchen in Wesley Heights.

• For now, orders are carry-out only with plans to open a food stall in that location in 2024.

Go deeper: What The Fries to open at City Kitch in Wesley Heights

The Breakfast Totchos from Dish

This $18 hangover cure is made with tater tots, scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, white gravy, scallions and a choice of bacon, sausage or liver mush.

Of note: Totchos may only be available on Dish’s weekend brunch menu.

Details: Dish is located in Plaza Midwood at 1220 Thomas Ave, between The Pizza Peel and Thomas Street Tavern.

Go deeper: Dish in Plaza Midwood promises a brunch on a budget — we put the claim to the test

The Norwegian Roll from Moon Thai

You’re unlikely to see sushi at the fair, but Moon Thai’s Norwegian roll deserves a spotlight for its funky (but delicious) combination of salmon, cream cheese, capers, scallions, onion rings and kimchee sauce.

Details: Find Moon Thai in SouthPark at 4425 Sharon Rd, near Steak 48.

Squid-on-a-stick from Stick Street  at Urban District Market

The food stall located inside Urban District Market sells everything — from squid to fried shrimp — on a stick.

Details: Urban District Market is located at 2315 N Davidson St. and is walkable to NoDa, Villa Heights and Optimist Park.

Go deeper: Urban District Market, Charlotte’s newest food hall is now open

Korean Corn Dogs from Cutting Board CLT Food Truck

Bonus points if you add toppings like Hot Cheetos or queso.

Details: Find Cutting Board’s weekly food truck location schedule on their Instagram.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in Sept. 2017 and last updated in Oct. 2023.