America’s Best Gas Station Restaurants and Takeouts

Gas stations aren't just for fuel anymore, with many evolving into unexpected dining destinations that serve genuinely good food competing with traditional restaurants. This article features a selection of the best restaurants and delis located right on gas station premises across the U.S. Whether you're on a road trip or need a quick meal, these spots offer everything from classic burgers and Mexican tacos to unique regional specialties that are worth seeking out.

Tioga Gas Mart & Whoa Nellie Deli is a gas station with a small deli that has unexpectedly become a popular spot to grab a bite near Yellowstone National Park. Even though it’s just a gas station, the food here is surprisingly fresh and well-prepared. The menu offers simple but carefully made sandwiches, soups, and salads. The place is especially known for its fresh fish tacos and hearty chili bowls. It’s convenient to stop by on the road for lunch or a morning coffee, with the option to sit inside or outdoors and have a quick meal.

Unko’s Kitchen is a takeout spot located right at a gas station in Silverdale. The menu is built around classic Hawaiian plates: tender Kalua pork, crispy Mochiko chicken, katsu with curry, short ribs in kalbi sauce, plus loco moco, fried noodles, local spam rolls, and macaroni salad.

Portions are large, prices are reasonable, and everything is cooked to order. Most people get their food to go, but there are a few tables by the station window or outside. Many customers come back for the Mochiko chicken and the house-style island noodles.

Since the food sells out quickly, dishes on the menu may vary from day to day. If you’re looking for honest, filling food that won’t break the bank, this is worth a try. Beware that there could be a line during peak hours.

El Carajo is a Spanish restaurant located inside a regular gas station. You walk past the shelves of chips and sodas, and at the back there’s a small dining area with a wine wall and modest tables. The menu focuses on classic tapas: bacon-wrapped dates, garlic shrimp, crispy fried croquettes, manchego and jamón, baked sea bass with rice, paella, and braised lamb.

Portions aren’t big but they’re always fresh and well-cooked. Prices are mid-range for Miami. The wine list offers over 600 bottles - plus plenty of beer and sake. The atmosphere feels more Spanish than American: simple wines, lots of small plates, and dishes coming out one after another through the evening. Service can be a bit slow at times.

The standout is the paella, which is made to order and takes a while, but it’s worth the wait if you want something truly Spanish. El Carajo is a good spot if you don’t mind the surprise of pairing a gas stop with a plate of paella and a new wine.

3 BAY BBQ & BAKERY is a modest spot inside a gas station serving classic barbecue. Big portions of smoked pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and smoked turkey make it a popular choice for locals at lunch or for small gatherings. The menu centers on sandwiches stuffed with pulled pork, brisket, ribs, or smoked chicken, usually paired with fries, slaw, or homemade mac and cheese.

The barbecue is always fresh and flavorful, with tender meat and rich, thick sauces. Brisket and pulled pork are especially praised, while desserts like the “brookie” - a brownie-cookie hybrid with banana - or cookies sold by the pound are worth saving room for. Burgers, hot dogs, and a few sides round out the menu, all made to order and packed to stay warm.

You can sit down for a quick bite or grab your food to go.

Caffè Rel is another restaurant inside a gas station, but locals know it well for the food rather than the pumps. The menu features dishes like house-made Blue Crab Bisque, the layered French Blue Batard, a Filet Mignon sandwich, plus pastas and salads.

The cooking is often done in plain view, giving the place the feel of a family-style diner. At peak hours, expect a line, especially when dishes like baked osso buco or tiramisu are on offer - regulars know those are worth the wait.

Prices are mid-range, but the dining room is warm and unpretentious, with staff who treat guests like regulars.

Smacking Burger sits inside a Mobil gas station in West Village, right by Jackson Square Park. The focus here is classic smash burgers: thin, well-seared Angus beef patties, pickled onions, American cheese, and plenty of their signature “smack sauce,” all on a soft Martin’s potato bun. The menu covers a few variations - the Classic Smash, the double-patty Big Smack, the Oklahoma Burger with caramelized onions and horseradish sauce, plus an Impossible Burger for vegetarians.

Portions aren’t huge, but the flavors punch above their weight - tang from pickles, sweet-and-sharp crunch from onions, and a rich, messy sauce that ties everything together. Fries are thick-cut, skin-on, and perfectly crisp.

The vibe is bare-bones: it’s takeout only, with a few tables right by the pumps or the option to walk across to the park. No formal dining room, just fast, straightforward service; at peak times you might wait a bit.

Prices are mid-range by Manhattan standards, but the taste far exceeds what you’d expect from a gas station counter.

Taco Bar El Guero is a small Mexican spot with a full lineup of street-food staples and drink delivery. The menu sticks to the classics: tacos al pastor, lengua, suadero, quesadillas, and sopoles. Portions are generous, heavy on the meat, and prices are fairly affordable. A highlight here is the self-serve salsa bar, where you can load up on heat or extra flavor just the way you like it.

While it’s mostly geared toward quick takeout, there are a few outdoor tables if you’d rather sit down for a casual bite. Service is friendly and fast, with an atmosphere focused on food over presentation. Locals often point out the freshness of the ingredients and the solid value. For anyone craving no-frills Mexican comfort food, Taco Bar El Guero is a reliable choice.

Bing's Burger Station is a retro-style 1950s-inspired burger joint tucked inside a gas station in Cottonwood. The kitchen turns out juicy, handmade beef patties (never frozen) served on classic Martin’s buns. The menu covers a range of options, from the Deluxe Burger and Patty Melt to a Turkey Burger and even vegetarian choices. Fries are hand-cut, with both thin shoestrings and curly Sidewinder fries being local favorites.

The vibe is casual and family-friendly, with warm service and a laid-back feel. There’s also a patio for those who want to enjoy their meal outdoors. While the place can get a bit busy, food comes out fairly quickly. Beyond burgers, you’ll also find chicken tenders and a fish sandwich on the menu, making it a solid stop for classic American comfort food with a nostalgic twist.