A stop at a gas station for dinner has often been considered a last resort, riddled with soggy, cellophane-wrapped sandwiches and heat-lamp-roasted hot dogs. Not anymore. These venues across NoVA are reclaiming rest-stop chow. After all, Northern Virginians spend a lot of time on the road — why not get some good grub while you’re at it?
Hot Dogs at Filling Co. Gas & Grub
These are not your typical gas station hot dogs. There are options for standard dogs, quarter-pound dogs, or half-smokes. They can be dressed up with anything from the classic ketchup-and-mustard combination to a Chicago dog with the works. There’s even a Carolina dog, complete with barbecue pork and coleslaw. Starting at $2.59, multiple area locations
Fried Chicken at Royal Farms
There can be some intense rivalries when it comes to convenience store chains — Wawa and Sheetz each have staunch supporters — but this Baltimore-based brand’s fried chicken stands out. It’s lightly breaded and pressure-cooked for a final product that’s golden and crispy. Starting at $6 (for two pieces), multiple area locations
Samosa Burrito at Chit Chaat Cafe
This Indian restaurant is nestled in a Mobil gas station in Vienna. The food is made from scratch and full of flavor. The samosa burrito, its signature item, combines samosas with chutneys and choley, and wraps everything up in a tortilla for a satisfying, portable meal. $10, 200 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, cafechitchaat.com
Momos at Everest Momo Plus
As the name suggests, the momos at this unassuming Himalayan restaurant tucked inside a Liberty gas station are not to be missed. These Nepali dumplings are soft and fresh, made with housemade dough. Try them in either chicken or vegetarian form, and don’t be shy with the accompanying sauces — you’ll get both a tomato-based momo sauce and a chili sauce for some heat, and both will complement the dumplings perfectly. $8.79–$15.99, 43673 John Mosby Hwy., Chantilly
Pad Thai at The Thai Pan
The Thai Pan offers an opportunity to get out of the car at this Liberty station in Leesburg and sit down for your meal in a cozy dining area rather than eating on the road. Take your pick of classics, and don’t forget to grab a Thai iced tea to sip during the rest of your drive. $14.99, 2 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg
Feature image courtesy Filling Co. Gas & Grub
This story originally ran in our September issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
