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Rodeo season is back! On course are 20 days of Western spectacle — with everything from adrenaline-pumping rodeo feats, thrilling rides, and epic stadium concerts. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo also provides an opportunity to indulge in the fair food from your wildest dreams. From new bites, fan favorites, and the 2026 HLSR’s Gold Buckle Foodie Awards winners: here are the best dishes to eat at the Houston rodeo.
Best New Flavor
First place
Bajon Jam Brisket Biscuits by Rousso’s Fat Bacon
📍Rodeo Plaza (RP125)
Second place
Crunchy Sushi Balls by Asian Streetness
📍Arena Area (AR603)
Third place
Torta by Go Tejano Diner
📍Rodeo Plaza (RP40)
Most Creative
First place
Brisket Cheese Curd Tacos by Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos
📍The Junction (J403)
Second place
Skillet Potato Melt…Plus! by Texas Sized Pizza / Burger and Chili Shack
📍Rodeo Plaza (RP35)
Third place
Loaded Cowboy Corn by Fields of Corn
📍The Junction (J400)
📍Livestock Building (L0066)
Photo credit: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Best Fried Food
First place
Chicken Fried Lobster by Darlin’ Fried Chicken
📍Rodeo Plaza (RP130)
Second place
Minneblueberry Pie by The Original Minneapple Pie
📍Circle Drive (CD202)
Third place
Deep Fried Edaname with Spicy Garlic Sauce by Asian Streetness
📍Arena Area (AR603)
Best Dessert
First place
Bacon Jam Beignets by Cajun Cowboy
📍Rodeo Plaza (RP55)
Second place
Chill & Thrill Delight by Mamacita’s
📍Arena Area (AR602)
Third place
Strawberries and Cream Waffle Stick by Waffle Chix
📍Circle Drive (CD204)
Best Food on a Stick
First place
K’boom K-Dog by Asian Streetness
📍Arena Area (AR603)
Second place
Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dog by Pioneer Wagon
📍Circle Drive (CD205)
Third place
Chicken Bacon Ranch Waffle Stick by Waffle Chix
📍Circle Drive (CD204)
Photo credit: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Classic Fair Food
First place
Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries by Rousso’s Fat Bacon
📍Rodeo Plaza (RP125)
Second place
Pork-King Luau Sliders by The Finer Diner
📍Rodeo Plaza (RP47)
Third place
Loaded Cowboy Fries by Pioneer Wagon
📍Circle Drive (CD205)