The Best Gas Stations to Stop at for Summer Road Trip Snacks

They say baseball and apple pie is the pinnacle of Americana—I say it’s the all-American road trip. Watching the North American landscape fly past your window, distinct biomes that morph before your eyes like a breathtaking living time-lapse is cool and all. But let’s be real: the best part of any road trip is the gas station snacks.

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I spend a lot of time traveling the U.S. in my SUV-turned-camper and I always use those long, solo days on the road as an excuse to go buck-wild on junk food where no one can judge me. I’ve eaten snacks at just about every gas station there is, from sea to shining sea. Whether it’s hot food, coffee, or weird regional foods, here are the stations that are worth a stop to fill both your tank and your belly.

Wawa

Wawa is kind of a big deal. It’s a road trip snack paradise, especially when it comes to hot food. Load up on hoagies and mac and cheese for the drive, iced coffee for some post-comfort-food caffeine, and on the off chance you have a freezer in your vehicle, get a pint of the chain’s famous ice cream (psst… the sea salt caramel is the best).

Kwik Trip

If you didn’t know any better, you’d think Kwik Trip (not to be confused with QuikTrip), was just any old gas station with nasty roller grill items that have been sitting out all day. Well, it’s actually a gas station with delicious roller grill items (that have probably been sitting out all day, but who cares). The hot food—especially the waffle breakfast sandwich—goes pretty hard, but I prefer the selection of chips and other classic, brand-name goodies. And don’t forget to grab a nitro cold brew.

Buc-ee’s

Buc-ee’s needs no introduction. If Wawa is a snack paradise, Buc-ee’s is a road trip cuisine mecca. You have to grab a bag of Beaver Nuggets (don’t ask what they are, it’s not important), any other Buc-ee’s snacks that feature the grinning beaver’s face, some sweet tea, and a brisket sandwich. Wait for one of the employees to yell “hot brisket on the board!” and the beaver will bless you with one of Texas’ favorite meals of all time, and not just in the gas station sphere.

Stewart’s

Known as “Stort’s” in the local dialect, Stewart’s is the gas station of my home region: upstate New York. Although it’s super regional, it’s worth a stop to get a taste of one of the area’s most iconic delicacies: the Stewart’s apple fritter. The chain is also celebrated for its tasty coffee and ice cream. My favorite is the Dairy-Free Mint Cookie Crumble. In fact, it’s one of my favorite ice creams of all time, and it’s not even real ice cream. Go figure. 

Maverik

Burritos are the name of the game at Maverik. Opt for the M.O.A.B. (Mother Of All Burritos) if it’s your first time. I love the beef, cheese, and potato burrito or a plain ol’ cheeseburger here. The burgers don’t look like much, but they hit the spot in a way few gas station meals can.

Casey’s

Casey’s is known for one thing and one thing only: pizza. It’s basically the only place you’re getting a freshly-baked pie off the highway. Sure, it’s no NYC slice, but the funky toppings and fresh dough make it one of the best hot foods at any gas station. The breakfast pizza is probably the most legendary.

Love’s

There’s nothing really that special about Love’s—it’s just massive. This gas station functions as a truck stop off interstates all over America, and it’s also my go-to place to sleep on the road. Early in the morning, the coffee is fantastic and the employees are weirdly very helpful. They’ll assist you while you load up on any snack you could dream of munching on while driving and I guarantee your haul will be the cheapest on the road.

Circle K

Circle K is among my favorite fill-up stops despite the fact that it leaves a lot to be desired in the clean restroom department. There’s about 15 of these gas stations on every block in the Phoenix area, so when I’m in AZ, I let the K’s donuts and coffee sustain me. It’s not a paradise for other types of snacks, but the fluffy donuts and freshly-ground coffee alone make it worth a stop, especially in the mornings.