USA TODAY 10Best
Roadside eats: 10 gas stations that will satisfy any craving
Best Gas Station for Food (2023)
Gas stations, convenience stores and truck stops are more than just a place to grab a quick bite when you're on the go. They're serving up delicious food and snacks that make them destinations in and of themselves, from fried chicken and pizza to organic salads and veggie burritos.
10Best editors teamed up with a panel of seasoned road warriors to highlight their favorite chains across the U.S., then readers voted for their top picks. Here are the 10 best gas station chains where you're sure to enjoy some good food.
Photo courtesy of Royal Farms
No. 10: Royal Farms
Royal Farms offers a breakfast menu that’s available any time of the day or night. That's in addition to other hot food menu items, including sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and their popular fried chicken. The stores also sell a wide variety of packaged snacks along with fountain and bottled beverages. Not to mention, you can enjoy milkshakes made with real ice cream and dairy-fresh milk that you can create yourself at their blending bar.
Photo courtesy of Buc-ee's
No. 9: Buc-ee's
Buc-ee's is known for their nut confections (like butter toffee pecans), barbecue, jerky and a large menu of comfort foods. The country stores also serve fudge, banana pudding and trail mixes.
Photo courtesy of Casey's
No. 8: Casey's
Casey’s stores are popular for their pizza, in addition to sandwiches, wings and breakfast items. They also have pre-packaged foods like ice cream, candy bars, potato chips and protein bars.
Photo courtesy of Rutter's
No. 7: Rutter's
Rutter's 24-hour shops have a food service counter that’s also open all hours and serves a variety of items, from seafood and burgers to pizza and subs. They also have a full breakfast menu and a children’s menu that includes grilled cheese sandwiches and a hot macaroni and cheese dish.
Photo courtesy of TravelCenters of America
No. 6: TravelCenters of America
TravelCenters of America is a chain of full-service truck stops and travel centers, with stores that serve homestyle food in its full-service restaurants. Additionally, they offer grab-and-go options, packaged snacks and groceries.
Photo courtesy of gilaxia // Getty Images
No. 5: Dodge's Southern Style
Dodge's Southern Style is a convenience store and restaurant chain that serves Southern-style fast foods like biscuits and fried pies, but they're known for their fried chicken. They also offer beverages like fountain sodas, frozen drinks and a wide variety of flavored coffees. You can find their locations across nine Southern states.
Photo courtesy of Parker's
No. 4: Parker's
Parker's, also known as Parker's Kitchen, serves a wide variety of freshly made hot and cold foods, including breakfast items, sandwiches and their popular fried chicken and sides. They also offer snacks, like chips, popcorn, candy bars, packaged cakes and other sweets. Fountain drinks served with Parker's popular chewy ice are a favorite.
Photo courtesy of Kwik Trip
No. 3: Kwik Trip
Kwik Trip is known for its bakery which serves bread, muffins, cookies, bagels and doughnuts. In fact, it bakes approximately 24,000 glazed treats in just one hour. The convenience store also offers pizza, salads and yogurt parfaits.
Photo courtesy of QuickChek
No. 2: QuickChek
With a food counter serving soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and seasonal dishes, as well as a bakery that sells a variety of baked goods, such as their signature cookies, QuickChek aims to redefine "fresh convenience." They also have bottled and fountain beverages, and energy drink enthusiasts enjoy their Red Bull Infusions.
Photo courtesy of Maverik – Adventure's First Stop
No. 1: Maverik
Maverik is a chain with hundreds of stores in Western states, known for its adventure-themed murals and logo. BonFire Foods, an eatery within the store that makes fresh food every day, offers items like pizzas, wraps, salads, sandwiches and burritos.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor... Read More
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Dave Stamboulis
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer... Read More
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos have appeared in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand, which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to working for Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe.
Dave Stamboulis
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos have appeared in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand, which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to working for Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home... Read More
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).
In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).
In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"
Larissa Milne
Larissa Milne has been traveling full-time with... Read More
Larissa Milne has been traveling full-time with her husband Michael since 2011 in search of historic and quirky spots around the world. She’s passionate about food and can often be found seeking out local flavors at a destination–whether it’s a fancy restaurant, local market or the best hot dog stand. She is co-author of the monthly “Field-Tested Travel Tips” column for The Philadelphia Inquirer/philly.com. Learn more about the Milnes' global adventures on their award-winning travel blog, Changes In Longitude and their recommendations on Arizona at Arizona Journey.
Larissa Milne
Larissa Milne has been traveling full-time with her husband Michael since 2011 in search of historic and quirky spots around the world. She’s passionate about food and can often be found seeking out local flavors at a destination–whether it’s a fancy restaurant, local market or the best hot dog stand. She is co-author of the monthly “Field-Tested Travel Tips” column for The Philadelphia Inquirer/philly.com. Learn more about the Milnes' global adventures on their award-winning travel blog, Changes In Longitude and their recommendations on Arizona at Arizona Journey.
Meg St-Esprit
Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh... Read More
Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh who covers family travel, lifestyle, education, and parenting. With their four kids in tow, she and her husband love to travel anywhere and everywhere – but have a soft spot for camping and outdoor adventures. In fact, her kids are well on their way to achieving their goal of visiting all 124 state parks in Pennsylvania. Meg believes travel doesn’t need to be luxurious or costly to be valuable, and aims to share that with her audience. Meg’s work has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, Thrillist, The Washington Post, Fodor’s, Yahoo, Good Housekeeping, Romper, and more. Follow Meg on Instagram and Twitter at @megstesprit or check out her work on https://megstesprit.com/
Meg St-Esprit
Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh who covers family travel, lifestyle, education, and parenting. With their four kids in tow, she and her husband love to travel anywhere and everywhere – but have a soft spot for camping and outdoor adventures. In fact, her kids are well on their way to achieving their goal of visiting all 124 state parks in Pennsylvania. Meg believes travel doesn’t need to be luxurious or costly to be valuable, and aims to share that with her audience. Meg’s work has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, Thrillist, The Washington Post, Fodor’s, Yahoo, Good Housekeeping, Romper, and more. Follow Meg on Instagram and Twitter at @megstesprit or check out her work on https://megstesprit.com/
Molly O'Brien
Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance... Read More
Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance travel journalist, who writes and edits for a variety of international travel and lifestyle outlets including Fodor’s Travel, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider among others. She's lived on both coasts from Massachusetts to California and has so far made Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Barcelona, and Los Angeles her home. Molly earned her journalism degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California and since then has worked professionally in the fields of hospitality and travel PR and most recently, as a freelance travel writer and editor. Molly especially enjoys covering feature profiles about interesting people doing interesting things such as chocolate making, beekeeping, wing-walking, and interesting destinations like under-the-radar wine spots, the best brewery towns, and lesser-known ski destinations. She also loves to write about a boutique hotel with a good story. When she's not writing, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new coffee shops and breweries, and of course, traveling. Her favorite city in the world (so far) is Barcelona, Spain, but she loves traveling anywhere that offers sunny weather and ample hiking opportunities. She loves spending time in the mountains, enjoys connecting with nature through camping and glamping adventures, and is always up for learning about the world through fun, immersive experiences (and then sharing those stories!). You can connect with Molly here: Instagram: @metropolitanmolly Twitter: @Molly_A_OBrien Facebook: @MetropolitanMolly LinkedIn: @mollyannobrien www.metropolitanmolly.com
Molly O'Brien
Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance travel journalist, who writes and edits for a variety of international travel and lifestyle outlets including Fodor’s Travel, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider among others. She's lived on both coasts from Massachusetts to California and has so far made Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Barcelona, and Los Angeles her home. Molly earned her journalism degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California and since then has worked professionally in the fields of hospitality and travel PR and most recently, as a freelance travel writer and editor. Molly especially enjoys covering feature profiles about interesting people doing interesting things such as chocolate making, beekeeping, wing-walking, and interesting destinations like under-the-radar wine spots, the best brewery towns, and lesser-known ski destinations. She also loves to write about a boutique hotel with a good story. When she's not writing, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new coffee shops and breweries, and of course, traveling. Her favorite city in the world (so far) is Barcelona, Spain, but she loves traveling anywhere that offers sunny weather and ample hiking opportunities. She loves spending time in the mountains, enjoys connecting with nature through camping and glamping adventures, and is always up for learning about the world through fun, immersive experiences (and then sharing those stories!). You can connect with Molly here: Instagram: @metropolitanmolly Twitter: @Molly_A_OBrien Facebook: @MetropolitanMolly LinkedIn: @mollyannobrien www.metropolitanmolly.com
Nicky Omohundro
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of Read More
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com, the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter and Instagram.
Nicky Omohundro
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com, the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter and Instagram.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.