Fueling Up and Feasting: Baltimore's Gas Station Gastronomy Showdown

The arrival of Sheetz, the Pennsylvania-based gas station and convenience store chain, in Middle River, Baltimore County, has sparked a new chapter in the region's gas station food landscape. With established players like Royal Farms, Wawa, and High's already vying for the attention of Baltimore's road warriors, the competition for the best gas station fare is heating up. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to uncover the hidden gems and surprising disappointments in the world of gas station gastronomy.

Discover the Delights and Duds of Baltimore's Gas Station Eats

Royal Farms: Fried Chicken Reigns Supreme

Royal Farms, the Baltimore-based chain, has long been a local favorite, with its fried chicken, thick-cut Western wedge fries, and flaky biscuits earning it the title of "Best Gas Station for Food" by USA Today's 10Best Awards. While the fried chicken is undoubtedly the star, our taste test revealed that the chain's grilled chicken sandwich can also hold its own, with a juicy, well-seasoned slab of meat and a delightful blend of flavors from the crisp pickles, crunchy onions, and a creamy, slightly spicy sauce. However, the waffle breakfast sandwich with scrapple fell short, with the thin layer of meat failing to deliver the anticipated sweet-and-salty harmony.

Wawa: A Reliable Standby with Surprises

Wawa, the Pennsylvania-based chain, has steadily expanded its presence in Maryland, offering a range of breakfast and lunch options. While the classic Gobbler sandwich is a seasonal favorite, our visit to the Rosedale location revealed a serviceable but forgettable ham and egg omelet sandwich on toast. However, the Italian hoagie proved to be a standout, with its generous portions of salami, ham, and hot ham, complemented by the fresh lettuce, onion, tomato, and provolone cheese. The addition of hot peppers and a garlic aioli elevated the sandwich, making it a satisfying and affordable lunch option.

High's: Sticking to the Classics

High's, the Baltimore-based company with a rich history in the ice cream business, has evolved to include gas stations and a range of menu items. While the website boasts breakfast burritos, fried chicken, and even a crab cake sandwich, the two locations we visited in Dundalk and Towson offered only a limited selection of pre-made sandwiches. The crab pretzel, a collaboration with Trout Seafood, was a disappointment, with more cheese than crab meat. However, the strawberry ice cream proved to be a redeeming factor, with its bright, creamy flavor and bits of fresh fruit.

Sheetz: A Newcomer Shakes Up the Scene

The highly anticipated arrival of Sheetz in Middle River has generated a lot of buzz among the "Sheetz Freakz," the chain's devoted fans. With its made-to-order sandwiches, fried mac and cheese, and other unique offerings, Sheetz is poised to challenge the established players in the Baltimore area. Our taste test started with the Shmagel, Sheetz's version of a breakfast sandwich, which delivered a satisfying combination of sausage, fried egg, and American cheese, with a tangy Boom Boom sauce adding a flavorful twist. However, the Big Mozz Burger, a signature item, fell short, with a dry patty and lukewarm mozzarella sticks that failed to deliver the promised cheese pull. Redemption came in the form of the chicken Caesar salad wrap, which offered a refreshing and portable option for on-the-go dining.As the competition for Baltimore's gas station food supremacy intensifies, it's clear that the region's road warriors have a diverse array of options to fuel up, both literally and figuratively. From the beloved fried chicken of Royal Farms to the surprising delights of Wawa's Italian hoagie and the potential of Sheetz's innovative menu, the gas station gastronomy scene in Baltimore is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape worth exploring.