Sure, a gas station is great for gas (obviously, that's its intended purpose). But they're also great for coffee... At least, some of them are. When it comes to coffee stops on the road and early-morning risers needing their caffeine fix, there is a definitive ranking of which gas stations have the best coffee options. They vary from state to state but regionally, there are just some chains that are putting out a better cup of Joe than the gas station down the street. It might get ugly out there but we never said that all was fair in coffee and war... And coffee lovers are serious about where they stop for the former.
Now, before anyone runs out of gas trying to avoid the lesser gas station coffee stops, we thought it was time to put an end to the guessing game once and for all. Despite what many might believe about coffee on the road, a gas station will get points for how hot and steamy their coffee is, how strong it is (an obvious necessity for a drive of any kind), and what the flavor is like - bonus for multiple flavor options. If there's a pastry case to go along with the coffee, then they'll automatically be in the top five. Gas stations, start your engines... or your coffee machines.
Buc-ee's
In an overwhelmingly positive influx of coffee ratings (as well as an unbelievable amount of coffee stops done by Americans), Buc-ee's was the top contender when it came to gas station coffee. So much so, that there was no question that the Texas-based chain has the best coffee in the nation for a gas station. This comes after their third definitive win with GasBuddy, making them the top contender for three days in a row.
This coffee has garnered such a reputation that it's even being sold on Amazon for people to order for their own homes. The coffee is smoother and far more tolerable than many gas stations, without the slightly acidic and bitter taste of sub-par coffee. Adding to the allure of Buc-ee's gas station is the fact that it's fairly spacious with good bathrooms, according to those who have sought them out and left ratings for others. In short, it's a win-win.
Wawa
Coming up quick behind Buc-ee's, however, was the ever-famous Wawa. While Buc-ee's might have the best coffee in the country, it's Wawa that's the most well-known in terms of their on-the-go caffeine. So much so, that many people who aren't based in Pennsylvania will go out of their way to find a Wawa station just to try the coffee.
Wawa gas stations are traditionally large and carry many more convenience items as well as some pretty good food options, so these gas stations are a win all around. The coffee at Wawa could be described as the kind of cup that will help you make it through a busy morning and the right way to start off the day. It's hot, huge, and tastes just like your average cup of coffee... And definitely not like something that just came from a gas station.
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QuikTrip
QuikTrip was originally local to Oklahoma and quickly gained a lead in six other states that voted its coffee the best. While these gas stations are not as expansive as Wawa and Buc-ee's, the coffee at QuikTrip is suitable for a road trip or a morning jolt.
It's nothing earth-shattering in terms of flavor but it'll do the trick, especially when drivers need a secondary hit of energy in order to get them through the day. With a name like QuikTrip, this gas station is brewing some surprisingly good java.
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Cumberland Farms
New England natives know that when it comes time to stop for coffee in the morning, or at night, or anytime between a person's waking hours and the time they pass out, Cumberland Farms is what's up. This gas station might be much smaller than the others (depending on the location), but they all usually feature at least four different types of coffee to choose from, occasionally rotating seasonal or special flavors.
Plus, there's a cappuccino machine, which is on-par with those in 7-Eleven, but still welcomed nonetheless. The coffee is strong and you can tell it's been brewed with a steady hand and an eye for a serious java jolt, which is also why some might take a pass on it. Regardless, when passing through New England, Cumberland Farms is the reigning champ of gas station coffee.
Next:Believe It Or Not, These Gas Stations Have Food Worth Detouring For
