The best gas station food in Iowa

Convenience has become a necessity in today’s fast-paced world. Luckily, gas stations across the state have stepped up their game in the food and beverage department, making it easier than ever to grab a tasty bite to eat after filling up your tank. 

One road warrior we talked to said gas stations are often the best option when you are eating on the go, offering healthier options and just as convenient as drive-thru fast food spots. 

We pulled together a list of some of the best gas station food in the state of Iowa. Read on to see if you agree!

Pizza from Casey’s

We had several people tell us that Casey’s pizza is the list. Full stop.

The prominent Iowa gas station chain (with some 550+ locations) has truly created a following of its pizzas. You might even say they are famous for it. (Ok, that’s what their ads say, but according to our sources, it’s true.)

Personally, I’m a huge fan of their breakfast pizza as a delicious way to start the day. Others love their cheese, pepperoni, and sausage slices tantalizing as they are in the rotating spinner that you select them from. Casey’s even serves the quintessential Iowa taco pizza.

Whether you grab a slice or call ahead to order a full pie (some locations even now offer delivery!) many Iowans will tell you that you cannot go wrong with Casey’s pizza. 

Side note: We also had someone share that Casey’s chicken salad croissant sandwich is a great, tasty value, too. 

Photo courtesy of Casey’s via Facebook (yes, that is Iowa Hawkeyes basketball player Gabbie Marshall!)

Chicken from Kwik Star

While Casey’s has the pizza title pretty much locked in, Kwik Star is rolling in to claim the title of the best chicken in the state. Personally, I crack up every time I pull into Kwik Star to gas up and see their current advertising for “chicken with rizz.” Well played, Kwik Star!

But it’s seriously true. We had several people share Kwik Star’s chicken strips, chicken sandwiches, fried chicken … anything chicken, really … is very good. One mom said her son prefers it over other restaurants! 

Kwik Star, with just about 140 stores across the state, has a lot of other things working in its favor when it comes to food. We had the soups recommended to us, their breadsticks, pretzel sticks, and mac and cheese. And of course, they also have quite the following for their donuts. Filled long Johns, plain cake donuts, and their famous glazers are very popular. If you can get your hands on a seasonal flavor like raspberry glazed or orange juice cake donuts, we promise you won’t be disappointed. 

Kwik Star has also figured out how to let shoppers order ahead, carry out, get curbside delivery, or get delivery right to their homes. Another tip shared by our sources is that Kwik Star has some of the cleanest restrooms in the state. “I always buy a doughnut to thank them for their restroom usage,” one source said.

Photo courtesy of Kwik Trip.

Breakfast burritos from The Filling Station

The Filling Station in Ames is an icon in its own right. Family-owned and operated for three generations, this independent convenience store has made a name for itself for good food. One source said anything you grab from The Filling Station is delicious. Another said you absolutely shouldn’t pass up the breakfast burritos (there are at least five combinations to choose from!).

It’s open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the week (with shorter hours for the restaurant). Whether you are in town for a football Saturday (Go Cyclones!) or you need to grab dinner for the family, The Filling Station menu is sure to impress and leave everyone satisfied.

Photo courtesy of The Filling Station via Facebook.

Beef taquitos and hot dogs from QuikTrip

The roller dogs — hot dogs, corn dogs, and even beef taquitos — come recommended at QuikTrip. There are less than two dozen locations of this gas station chain across the state, but those who frequent the store say it’s a go-to for these snacks. One source recommended the shredded beef taquito with a side of nacho cheese sauce when you really want to treat yourself.

This chain also has grown a popular following for its tea, and it’s pretty well known that its soda fountain is hard to beat.

Photo courtesy of Bec’s Bargains via Facebook.

Bonus gas station food

Iowans also had a few other interesting gas station food recommendations from around the state. Two in particular are worth mentioning. 

If you stop at the Colony Point BP gas station near the Outlets & Marketplace in Williamsburg just off Interstate 80, you can grab a delectable Dutch letter. Some say they also make some of the best deli sandwiches in the state with meats from the Amana Meat Shop.

The Otter Creek Country Store at the gas station off Interstate 380 in Toddville just north of Cedar Rapids offers an impressive menu to select from. Their tenderloins and cookies come highly recommended. 

Go forth and fill up your tanks and bellies.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.