The Bacon Jam Cheesy Pickle Fries at the Houston Rodeo. Photo by Ryan Baker.
Houston has five seasons: spring, summer, fall (sometimes), winter and, most importantly, rodeo! Until March 23, The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest event of its kind, brings a variety of education, entertainment, games, animals and food to NRG Park.
Speaking of food: the carnival is home to dozens of vendors, many putting their own spins on carnival and fair food. Every year, to help navigate the near countless options, Rodeo Houston assembles a collective of local radio and TV personalities, chefs, influencers and food writers (yours truly included), to rank the most popular options in six categories: fried food, food-on-a-stick, classic fair food, most creative and best new flavor. Below are the dishes and delights well worth seeking out this year.
The 2025 Gold Buckle Foodie Award Winners
Best Fried Food
- 1st: Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls & Shrimp Chips – Asian Streetness – NRG Arena 603
- 2nd: Bacon Jam and Cheesy Pickle Fries – Rousso’s Fat Bacon – Rodeo Plaza 126
- 3rd: Chicken Fried Bacon – Yoakum Packing Company – Rodeo Plaza 100/NRG Center – Lobby 256
Best Food-On-a-Stick
- 1st: Texas Praline Caramel Apple – Munch-oes Bakery – Center Hall E 6113
- 2nd: Midnight Cowboy Corndog – Corndog With No Name – The Junction 303
- 3rd: Tater Kegs on a Stick – Paradise Burgers – Rodeo Plaza 90
Best Classic Fair Food
- 1st: Ground Ribeye Steak Burger – Finer Diner – Rodeo Plaza RP47
- 2nd: Harlon’s All Meat Potato – Harlon’s BBQ – The Junction 507
- 3rd: Pork Stuffed Potato – Saltgrass Steak House – NRG Lobby 63
Most Creative Food
- 1st: Bacon Jammy Jam Wagyu Sliders – Rousso’s Fat Bacon – Rodeo Plaza 126
- 2nd: Snack Pack Combo – Asian Streetness – NRG Arena 603
- 3rd: Spicy Pickle Roll-Up – Casa de Yummy – The Junction J401
Best New Flavor
- 1st: Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick – Rousso’s Fat Bacon – Rodeo Plaza 126
- 2nd: Chicken & Waffle Sliders – Darlin’s Fried Chicken – Rodeo Plaza RP130
- 3rd: Flaming Hot Chili Mac Dog – Saltgrass Steak House – NRG Lobby 63
BEST DESSERT
- 1st: Minnie Cookie Dough Pie – The Original Minnieapple Pie – Circle Drive CD202
- 2nd: Churro Ice Cream Sundae – Casa de Yummy – The Junction J401
- 3rd: Red Velvet Cookie Sandwich – Munch-oes Bakery – Center Hall E 6113
This year, Rousso’s Fat Bacon really stole the show, winning two of the three categories it was nominated for, and in the Best Fried Food category, where they got second, I and my neighbor judges voted for them as well.
The Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick was a huge favorite in the room, with several judges inquiring about taking more to go. it really struck a chord in both terms of flavor and novelty. From Rousso’s, I also strongly recommend the Bacon Jam and Cheesy Pickle Fries; it may very well be my favorite bite of all the award winners.
The best food on a stick category was probably the strongest all around, and all three could have won. Finally, the Minnie Cookie Dough Pie from The Original Minnieapple Pie was a real stand out in the dessert category.
Once again, thank you to all of the vendors and amazing volunteers who make, not only events like this possible, but the entire Rodeo and Livestock Show as a whole.
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