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The best gas station restaurants in America show that food on the road can be more than just a quick bite and sandwich. In various places around the country, travellers will discover fresh pizza, crispy fried chicken, crab cakes, burgers, po' boys and hearty home-style meals and egg rolls are served at convenience stores and gas stations. Some are now favorite places for locals, others are widely recognized by road trippers on a long road trip in search of a tasty treat.
Whether you are at a large travel centre or a small roadside stop, these food stops bring a variety of food choices when hunger strikes. Check out these unique gas station restaurants in America you should experience when you're on the road.
Get your fill at these roadside marvels
If by 'gas station food,' you immediately think stale sandwiches and pathetic, plastic-shrouded chips then these places might not be what you expect. America may have many a station that churns out just about the worst food you can find, but a few serve innovative dishes. Then countless abandon service stations, garage and roadside eateries have received a serious facelift and are now lauded Michelin-star wannabes. These establishments are where to refuel and tuck in - from smallest to biggest.
High’s Kitchen, various locations
If your road-tripping journey happens to take you through the Mid-Atlantic states, then you're lucky, because you're passing a High's. The dairy chain started slinging its own ice cream in 1928, but now it boasts much more, from burritos and hand-tossed pizza to fried chicken. And working with Trout Seafood, High's also serves up an authentic taste of Maryland. Those in a hurry need not fret; a crab pretzel or crab cake sandwich can be snagged for the ride.
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Casey's General Store, various locations
You might not think of buying pizza from a convenience store, but according to some, Casey's - the chain of simple general stores - dishes out the best pies you can get your hands on.
Think thin, crisp crusts with Midwestern flair, a perfectly balanced, not-too-sweet tomato sauce, and an abundance of perfectly seasoned toppings. It's hard to argue that it's not an original or game-changing creation, but they are consistently good, and with over 2,600 stores in 16 states, it’s likely convenient for you to snag a slice.
Panamint Springs Resort, Death Valley National Park, California
A place to get a room, a meal, gas, and groceries for people driving out in the middle of nowhere. Since the 1930s, Panamint Springs Resort has provided a restaurant and motel for miners. In one of the hottest places on Earth, Darwin Falls supplies water for the resort. Panamint's tiny restaurant and bar dish up comfort foods like burgers, chicken tenders, fish and chips, pie.
7-Eleven, Denver, Colorado
Everyone’s been to 7-Eleven, and this mini mart’s food has gained something of a cult following. Of the many 7-Elevens around, however, this Josephine Street location receives especial praise from locals and travelers as being remarkably clean and well-managed.
Easily accessed in between I-25 and I-70, this is the ideal spot to make a quick, hot food pit stop while you’re traversing the Mile High City, and your main decision of the day might be beef chimichangas, mini beef tacos or the chicken tenders.
Spinx, North Carolina and South Carolina
Starting as just one store in 1972 and now with more than 80 locations, this southeastern institution is winning acclaim for its fried chicken, a fact it brazenly deems 'legendary.' You can enjoy deliciously crispy, moist bone-in and boneless pieces as well as fried gizzards and livers for that classic bit of southern fried goodness that gets those registers humming.
When you can't decide, try the chicken biscuit – you won't be disappointed when combined with that crispy fried okra.
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Danny & Clyde’s, various locations, Louisiana
Danny & Clyde's have a few outposts inside Food-N-Fun locations around Louisiana, introducing a dine-in option to its established fast-food chain and gas stations. Grab platters here-many featuring flavorful Gulf shrimp and fish-but get a true taste with the po' boys: crisp, soft sub rolls stuffed with fried shrimp, catfish, or hot sausage.
QuikTrip, various locations
While this convenience store chain does have some delicious sandwiches and pastries, along with hot dogs and taquitos coming hot from the roller grill, many people insist you don't leave without trying one other roller grill offering. QuikTrip stuffs its egg rolls with flavorful pork and veggies and coats them with a perfectly crispy shell. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner if you're in the mood for something that will fill you up more.
Iowa 80 Kitchen, Walcott, Iowa
The Iowa 80, which people regard as the world's largest trucking facility, dots the landscape with restaurants, gas pumps, a movie theater, a barber shop, and a dental office along with several quirkily-designed vehicle displays. The main draw is probably the 80 Kitchen where you can find breakfast staples such as French toast and corned beef hash, and hearty dinners of meat loaf and spaghetti.
Parker’s Kitchen, Georgia and South Carolina
Parker’s Kitchen operates a series of family-owned convenience store restaurants with multiple locations in Georgia and South Carolina, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. They serve made-from-scratch biscuits, hand-breaded (twice) fried chicken, and a menu that features items like breakfast items and fried chicken boxes.
Their popular spicy fried chicken sandwich is a must-try; it features some really interesting Carolina Reaper cheese and packs pickles and house Parker’s sauce. For a more elevated gas-station experience, try one of their locations outside of Savannah or check out their fancy location right in historic Savannah.
FAQs
1. What are the best gas station restaurants in America?
Some popular options include Casey's General Store, High's Kitchen, Parker's Kitchen, Spinx and Iowa 80 Kitchen.
2. What food can you find at gas station restaurants?
Depending on the location, you can find pizza, fried chicken, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, breakfast dishes, snacks and desserts.
3. Is gas station food good for road trips?
Yes. Many gas station restaurants offer quick, filling meals that are convenient for travellers during long road trips.
4. Which gas station is known for pizza?
Casey's General Store is widely known for its convenience-store pizza, with locations across several Midwestern states.
5. What is Iowa 80 Kitchen known for?
Iowa 80 Kitchen is part of the Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott, Iowa, and serves breakfast favourites and hearty meals for travellers.