Long hours on the road call for great meals that fill you up and fuel your drive. Our Truck Drivers USA community on Facebook shared their favorite truck stop restaurants and go-to meals across the country. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for hidden gems, here’s a guide to the best truck stop food, all recommended by fellow truckers.
Top Picks: The Best Truck Stop Restaurants Across the USA
- Pine Cone Restaurant, Johnson Creek, WI (Kwik Trip)
Truckers rave about the chicken dumpling soup and fresh rolls at Pine Cone Restaurant. Mandy Koncel says their bakery items are “to die for,” making it a must-stop in Wisconsin. - Black Bear Diner, Petro (Barstow, CA & Beaumont, TX)
This diner is a favorite at Petro locations in California and Texas. Mandy Koncel loves the entire menu, but it’s the desserts she looks forward to most. Charlie Walker agrees: “It’s all good!” Perfect for a hearty meal on the road. - Nelson Brothers Restaurant, Clearwater, MN (Petro)
For prime rib fans, Roger Engel says you can’t go wrong with Nelson Brothers. They serve prime rib and sautéed mushrooms daily, so make sure to stop early to snag a parking spot. - Dysart’s, Bangor, ME
Everything at Dysart’s is a hit, according to Larry Hand. From seafood to classic diner meals, it’s a trucker-friendly stop for those driving through the Northeast. - Boise Stage Stop, Boise, ID
If you’re craving steak, Joseph Hoover recommends the dry-aged steak served on a hot rock with whiskey gravy at the Boise Stage Stop. It’s an experience you won’t forget!
Hidden Gems: Great Truck Stop Food Beyond the Chains
Sometimes the best meals are at the stops you wouldn’t expect. Here are some hidden gems truckers swear by:
- Thunder Road Grill, Grand Island, NE (Bosselmans)
Mike Thomson says their breakfast is fantastic, and their wings are perfect for a satisfying meal after a long day of driving. - Schatz Crossroads, Minot, ND
Kirk Lypps suggests Schatz Crossroads for its diverse menu and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a popular spot among drivers passing through North Dakota. - Gas Grill, Knightstown, IN (I-70, Exit 115)
Truckers like Paul Scott can’t get enough of Gas Grill, where everything on the menu is worth trying. Make sure to check it out if you’re driving through Indiana. - The Ranch House, Snowville, UT (Exit 6)
Todd Duncan recommends The Ranch House for a big, satisfying meal. Whether it’s breakfast or dinner, this stop has something for everyone. - The Woodshed, Big Cabin, OK
If you’re passing through Oklahoma, Adam Luera says to give The Woodshed a try. With its homestyle meals, it’s a great stop for truckers needing to refuel.
Other Meal Options for Truckers
Many truckers like to stay healthy or save money by preparing their own meals. Here are some alternatives to traditional truck stop dining:
- Rick Pedalonright prefers to pack his own food to avoid high prices and unhealthy options. “My goal on the road is just to buy fuel, nothing more,” he says.
- Ron Baker agrees, adding that healthy options at truck stops tend to be too expensive, so preparing your own food is often the best way to stay on budget and eat better.
For truckers who do stop, Larry Resinger recommends Waffle House, while Raul Sanchez claims the burritos at Petro in El Paso, TX, are the best in the country—served on homemade tortillas and filled with fresh fajita meat.
Truck Stop Nostalgia: Where Did the Great Diners Go?
Many truckers reminisce about the old days of truck stop diners, where you could sit down, have a full meal, and chat with fellow drivers. Brad Bradshaw misses the traditional stops, saying, “Gone are the days of real truck stops. Now they’re travel stops with fast food.” John Gideon agrees, noting that most mom-and-pop diners have disappeared, replaced by fast food chains.
However, there are still a few old-school diners left, like Boise Stage Stop, that offer that nostalgic dining experience truckers long for.
From prime rib to chicken dumpling soup, truck stops across the USA offer something for every trucker’s appetite. Our community has highlighted the best spots where you can find both comfort food and hidden gems. So, on your next haul, skip the fast food and head to one of these recommended truck stops for a meal that’s worth pulling over for.
Where’s your favorite truck stop meal? Let us know, and happy eating!
