Tucked inside Philadelphia’s famous Reading Terminal Market, Fox & Son Fair Foods has become a beloved spot for anyone craving classic fair-style snacks with a modern twist. What makes this little counter truly special is that every single item on the menu is completely gluten-free, making it a rare gem for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
From golden corn dogs to crispy cheese curds and fluffy funnel cakes, the food here punches way above its weight for the price. Whether you’re a Philly local or just passing through, Fox & Son is the kind of place that earns a permanent spot on your must-visit list.
The Classic Corn Dog
Some foods just take you straight back to childhood, and the classic corn dog at Fox & Son does exactly that. Reviewers have compared it to getting a Sonic corn dog on a hot summer day, but better in every way.
The batter is made with real fresh buttermilk and local eggs, giving it a flavor and texture that fast food simply cannot match.
What surprises most first-timers is the light sprinkle of salt on top of the dog. It sounds simple, but that tiny detail makes a huge difference.
The salty-sweet combo hits just right, and the corn batter stays crispy even after a few minutes out of the fryer.
For gluten-free eaters, finding a corn dog that actually tastes like the real thing is practically a miracle. Fox & Son pulls it off without cutting corners.
The batter fries up beautifully golden, and the hot dog inside stays juicy and flavorful.
Priced affordably for what you get, the classic corn dog is the perfect starting point if you’ve never visited before. It’s the menu item that keeps people coming back, sometimes three separate times in a single trip to Philly.
Korean-Style Corn Dog
At first glance, the idea of sugar on a corn dog might make you raise an eyebrow. But the Korean-style corn dog at Fox & Son is one of those happy surprises that completely changes your mind after the first bite.
The thin coating of sugar on the outside adds a subtle sweetness that balances beautifully with the savory cheese and sausage inside.
Multiple reviewers have called it a very close second to the classic, with some saying they couldn’t decide which one they preferred. The cheese pull alone is worth the trip.
When you bite in, the melted cheese stretches in that satisfying, Instagram-worthy way that makes everyone around you immediately want to order one too.
Fox & Son also offers a plant-based sausage version for vegan visitors, which has earned rave reviews on its own. The staff are happy to walk you through the options and help you find the combination that suits your taste.
If you tend to be skeptical about fusion-style street food, the Korean dog is the perfect item to challenge that. It’s bold, fun, and surprisingly balanced, proving that a little creativity can turn a simple corn dog into something genuinely memorable.
Funnel Cake
Funnel cake at a state fair is one of life’s great pleasures, but finding a gluten-free version that actually delivers on texture and flavor is incredibly rare. Fox & Son has cracked the code, and their funnel cake has become one of the most talked-about items on the entire menu.
Dusted with cinnamon sugar and topped with a swirl of whipped cream, it’s the kind of treat that makes people close their eyes on the first bite.
One helpful tip from experienced visitors: let the funnel cake cool for just a minute or two before digging in. Gluten-free baked goods continue cooking from the inside heat after frying, so giving it a brief rest improves the texture significantly.
Opening the box right away also helps steam escape, keeping everything crispy rather than soggy.
The funnel cake mix is so good that Fox & Son actually sells it online so you can recreate the magic at home. Reviewers who have tried the packaged mix say it tastes just as good as the restaurant version, which is a serious compliment.
At around $15, some visitors feel the price is steep, but the quality of ingredients and the care put into every batch make it worth every penny for a special treat.
Fried Cheese Curds
Cheese curds might not be the first thing you think of when visiting Philadelphia, but Fox & Son has made them one of the city’s most talked-about snacks. The batter has a rich, almost beer-like quality that fries up incredibly crispy on the outside while the cheese inside melts into a gloriously stretchy, gooey pull that cheese lovers absolutely dream about.
The chipotle mayo served alongside is genuinely one of the best dipping sauces in the market. It’s made entirely in-house, and you can taste the difference.
The smoky heat of the chipotle pairs perfectly with the richness of the fried curds, creating a combination that reviewers call a must-try. The garlic knot cheese curds variation adds another layer of savory depth that has its own devoted fan base.
For first-time cheese curd eaters, Fox & Son is an ideal introduction. The quality is high enough that even people who aren’t normally cheese curd fans have found themselves converted after just a few bites.
One box is generous enough that finishing it solo can feel like a challenge. Sharing is encouraged, though you may find yourself regretting that decision once you realize how addictive they are.
Vegan cheese curd options are also available for plant-based visitors.
Onion Rings
For anyone who has gone years without a proper onion ring due to gluten restrictions, the moment you bite into one at Fox & Son can feel genuinely emotional. At least one reviewer admitted they almost cried after having their first onion ring since being diagnosed with celiac disease.
That kind of reaction says everything about how good these are.
What’s remarkable is that even gluten-eating companions agree these aren’t just the best gluten-free onion rings they’ve had. They’re simply the best onion rings, full stop.
The batter is thick, crunchy, and seasoned well, and the onion inside cooks to that perfect tender-but-not-mushy consistency that makes every bite satisfying.
The onion rings tend to sell out or get passed over in favor of the more famous corn dogs and cheese curds, but regulars always circle back to them. Several long-time visitors rank them among the top things they’ve eaten at the entire Reading Terminal Market, which is saying a lot given the competition inside that building.
If you’re building your ideal Fox & Son order, the onion rings deserve a spot alongside whatever else you’re getting. They hold up well for a few minutes after purchase, making them easy to enjoy while exploring the rest of the market.
Poutine
Poutine is one of those comfort foods that feels like a warm hug on a cold day, and Fox & Son brings their own spin to this Canadian classic. Crispy fries are loaded with gravy and cheese curds, creating a hearty, filling dish that stands out from the usual fair food lineup.
For a spot known primarily for corn dogs, having poutine on the menu is a pleasant and welcome surprise.
Reviews on the poutine are a bit more mixed than on other menu items, which makes it an interesting choice. Some visitors love it completely, while others note that the gravy can make things a little soggy if you wait too long to eat it.
The advice from experienced visitors is simple: eat it fast and enjoy it while everything is still hot and at peak texture.
The cheese curds used in the poutine are the same high-quality curds found elsewhere on the menu, which is a definite plus. The gravy is rich and savory, adding depth to the dish even if the overall execution can vary slightly depending on timing.
At a price point that reflects the quality of local ingredients used, the poutine is best enjoyed as a shared side dish rather than a solo meal. It pairs especially well with one of the corn dogs for a full, satisfying lunch.
Cheddar Jalapeño Corn Dog
Spice lovers, this one is for you. The cheddar jalapeño corn dog takes everything great about the classic version and turns up the heat with a bold, cheesy kick that lingers in the best possible way.
The jalapeño is woven right into the batter, meaning every single bite carries that warm, peppery flavor rather than just showing up in one concentrated spot.
Reviewers who have tried this variation alongside the classic often describe it as a serious contender for the top spot. The sharpness of the cheddar cuts through the richness of the fried batter, while the jalapeño adds just enough heat to keep things exciting without overwhelming your taste buds.
It’s a well-balanced combination that feels like a natural upgrade.
Fox & Son uses real, quality ingredients throughout their menu, and that philosophy shows clearly in this corn dog. The batter is made fresh with local eggs and whole buttermilk, so the jalapeño flavor is clean and bright rather than artificial or muted.
First-time visitors who enjoy a little spice are strongly encouraged to try this alongside the classic corn dog for a side-by-side comparison. Most people end up with a strong opinion about which one wins, and the debate makes the whole experience even more fun.
Fried Cookie Dough
Fried cookie dough sounds like something that only exists at state fairs, but Fox & Son brings this indulgent treat right into the heart of Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market. The outside fries up golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and doughy in that irresistible way that makes you want to keep reaching for another piece even when you’re already full.
Visitors who have tried the fried cookie dough tend to describe it as a standout dessert option that holds its own alongside the funnel cake. The gluten-free batter works beautifully here, delivering a texture that rivals any traditional version you might find at a county fair.
It’s the kind of food that feels genuinely celebratory, like a reward for making it through a long week.
One thing to keep in mind is that fried dessert items like this are best eaten fresh and warm. The longer you wait, the more the texture changes as steam builds up inside the packaging.
Opening the box right away and eating it while it’s hot gives you the full, intended experience.
For visitors who are already getting a corn dog or cheese curds, adding fried cookie dough as a dessert rounds out the meal perfectly. It’s a small indulgence that delivers a big payoff in flavor and fun.
Gluten-Free Menu and Inclusive Dining Experience
Walking into Fox & Son for the first time and realizing that absolutely everything on the menu is gluten-free is a moment that many visitors describe as genuinely overwhelming in the best way. For people living with celiac disease or serious gluten sensitivities, the ability to order anything without asking questions, reading labels, or worrying about cross-contamination is an experience that most restaurants simply cannot offer.
The commitment to a fully gluten-free kitchen goes beyond just swapping out flour. Fox & Son uses real local eggs, whole fresh buttermilk, and locally sourced ingredients throughout their menu.
The owners have been transparent about why prices reflect that commitment, explaining that paying staff a living wage with benefits and sourcing quality local ingredients comes with real costs that fast food shortcuts avoid.
Vegan options are also woven throughout the menu, making Fox & Son one of the more inclusive food counters in all of Philadelphia. From plant-based sausage corn dogs to vegan cheese curds, the kitchen works hard to make sure as many people as possible can enjoy the full experience.
Located at 1136 Arch St inside Reading Terminal Market and open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, Fox & Son is easy to visit whether you’re a local or a tourist. With a 4.5-star rating from nearly 500 reviews, the reputation speaks for itself.