While the Circus only comes through town once a year, Mr. Harry’s Carnival Food is open year-round.

Located in Ballwin off of Manchester Road, the store officially opened for business on May 1, 2010. Upon entering, patrons are greeted by flashing lights, clowns and endless amounts of colorful carnival paraphernalia.

Items on the menu range from funnel cakes to pretzels, to smoked turkey legs and chili pie, yet the biggest attraction seems to be the shaved ice.  Funnel cakes are baked, not fried, making them a bit healthier than normal, and the employees at Mr. Harry’s have perfected the method of adding just enough juice to the shaved ice snow cones. 

The employees are sociable and friendly. However there is one downfall: the menu is far too extensive. 

In addition to all of the fun foods you may find at a fair or carnival, Mr. Harry’s also serves sloppy joes, beef brisket, hearty vegetable soup and other items one would expect to see on the dinner table at home. 

While this may appeal to a wider variety of customers, it seems that the areas of the menu that receive the most attention are the treats.  There seems to be a disadvantage in serving such a large variety of foods, for some items may rarely be ordered.  In my opinion, the store may conduct more business if their menu is reduced and features only items that more appropriately fit the name of the store: carnival food. 

However, I give Mr. Harry’s four out of five stars, for the delicious treats, great people, and fun atmosphere.  Visit http://www.mrharryscarnivalfoods.com/ for the full menu, pricing, location and directions to the restaurant, and much more.