12 Gas Food Stations Good Enough To Hit the Road For - Delish Knowledge (2024)

Gas station food is a necessity for many during road trips. However, some travelers consider it a guilty pleasure. That’s because some gas station food is delicious enough to warrant driving out of your way to try it.

We’re not talking about sad-looking day-old hot dogs and questionable ingredients. These gas stations sell what qualifies as gourmet food, and you’ll love discovering their fare if you’ve never had it.

Here are 12 gas stations whose food is good enough to make you take a detour.

Maverik

Maverik isn’t only our choice; it’s also the recipient of the USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Award for best station food in the U.S. So, what’s so amazing about this gas station?

Maverik has a full-fledged grill inside the store called BonFire, which serves delicious creations like the Choricheezo (a chorizo and cheese burrito) and the M.O.A.B. fresh every day. It’s also a purveyor of triangular donuts and unique combo drinks like the Twisted Arnie, a combination of Sprite, mango and pineapple syrup, and lemonade.

Buc-ee’s

Buc-ee’s also holds a few records, including the one for the largest convenience store in the world and the longest carwash. However, there’s more to this incredible gas station than that.

If barbecue is your go-to after a day of driving, look no further. You can grab brisket, turkey, and any B.B.Q. sandwich you can imagine. If you want to load up on snacks, try the beef jerky — no matter your favorite flavor, this store probably has it.

Wawa

Wawa serves delicious, made-to-order fresh food, from burgers and fried chicken sandwiches to pizza and hoagies. Some Wawa stores also sell alcohol, so you can grab a drink for your after-drive entertainment.

Wawa’s brand ice cream is another reason to stop at this gas station. With flavors like Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup and Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, there’s a little something for everyone. More importantly, Wawa is affordable.

Love’s Travel Stops

Love’s takes the fresh food idea even further than Wawa. It sells amazing fresh fruit, salads, and cut-up vegetables you can munch on in the car for a healthy and delicious snack after having your fill of its burgers and sandwiches.

Make sure you visit Love’s if you have a furry friend — your pup will be able to have a blast in the fenced-in dog park after being cramped in the car for the long drive.

Kwik Trip/Kwik Star

Kwik is known as Kwik Trip in Michigan, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, while residents of Iowa and Illinois know it as Kwik Star. Regardless of its name, the store offers great combos of fried chicken, burgers, rib sandwiches, and sides like mac & cheese, egg rolls, and cheesy breadsticks.

If you visit, try the pork rib sandwich, which many laud as spectacular. You won’t know it until you order it.

Sheetz

Some consider Sheetz superior to Wawa. While we won’t take sides, it’s your call. Maybe you can visit both during your next road trip to form an opinion?

If you do go to Sheetz, you’ll be able to enjoy appetizer platters that can satisfy the entire family with tasty tidbits like mozzarella sticks, chicken bites, and jalapeno poppers. If you arrive in the morning, try a breakfast sandwich and a milkshake.

Royal Farms

Royal Farms is perfect for breakfast lovers because it serves its breakfast menu around the clock. In addition, your family can also pick up sandwiches, fried chicken, and hot dogs.

If you’re making a quick pitstop and only want to grab a bite to savor in the car, the store has a variety of packaged snacks up for grabs at any time. Try a milkshake, too — it’s made with real ice cream and fresh milk.

Casey’s

If you go to Casey’s, don’t miss the store’s star attraction: pizza. If you don’t go gaga over pizza (and we’re not judging, but, seriously, who doesn’t like pizza?), try an order of wings or a sandwich.

You can also buy various snacks like chips and protein bars to stock up for the drive ahead. You never know when you’ll pull over in another hot spot for quality food.

Rutter’s

Your kids can order off their own menu at Rutter’s, so it’s a great option if you have picky eaters. For their part, adults can choose from warm meals like subs, burgers, seafood, and pizza.

You can also order off the breakfast menu while your children enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich or a hot mac & cheese. The best part about Rutter’s? You can have a hearty meal any time of the day, as they’re open around the clock.

TravelCenters of America

TravelCenters of America is a no-frills chain that offers the usual suspects. Enjoy a homestyle meal in the chain’s full-service restaurants that cater to any taste, or grab a pre-packaged sandwich and go on your way.

If you live close to TravelCenters, you can also pick up groceries when you’re in a pinch. The store is a good alternative to driving to Walmart.

Dodge’s Southern Style

If you pull into a Dodge’s, you better like Southern-style food. Just kidding — who doesn’t? The store offers fried chicken (the most popular item on the menu), biscuits, and fried pies.

If flavored coffees are your draw, Dodge’s also sells a wide variety of these beverages alongside frozen drinks and fountain sodas.

QuickCheck

QuickCheck is all about “fresh convenience,” the trend of offering fresh food at convenient prices. You can buy an array of soups, sandwiches, wraps, and lots of baked goods courtesy of the gas station’s bakery.

Try the signature cookies and a Red Bull infusion if you’re tired from your drive. It may be just the pick-up you need!