The Professional Truck Driver’s Guide to America’s 12 Best Roadside Eats

There’s nothing like exploring everything the US has to offer by roadway, which is something professional drivers get to do all the time. With stunning scenery and unforgettable experiences popping up along the way, you can’t forget one of the most important parts of hitting the open road as a driver: the food.Roadside eats are where you stop along your journey to grab a meal or quick snack. They range from small joints to chain restaurants and typically sit off a major public roadway.Across highways and interstates, the US is home to some of the finest roadside eats you can find as a professional driver. From the best truck stops to mom-and-pop diners to massive travel centers, some of the most memorable foods you’ll try may come from unexpected locations.But we’re here to break down some of America's most appetizing roadside eats. If you’re a professional truck driver looking for an excellent place to recharge or seeking some delicious grub, these eats will hit the spot.

What do professional truck drivers look for in a roadside eat?

Roadside eats have a special place in the heart of American culture, as they offer a place for rest and refueling while on long road trips across the country. Professional drivers especially take solace in great roadside eats because they spend so much time traveling on highways and interstates.With limited options for places to get food and rest, drivers may have to choose food options that aren’t tasty or high-quality. That’s simply not fair.Instead, professional drivers should always look for roadside eats with a combination of convenience, quality, and amenities to truly make the most out of each stop. Specifically, these are some of the things we considered when creating our list with truck drivers in mind:

• Parking: Trucks need plenty of parking space, so roadside eats need truck parking spots to accommodate this.
• Convenience: A driver doesn’t want to travel far off-route to get food. Roadside eats near a highway or interstate are great for saving time.
• Quality food and service: Drivers shouldn’t have to settle for subpar food options. Finding roadside eats with tasty food, affordable menu offerings, and great customer service is essential.
• Operating hours: Hours are a crucial factor for professional drivers trying to find somewhere to eat and rest, as they’re often on the road for extended periods and have limited chances to stop for meals. Add that to a busy trucking schedule, and planning stops accordingly becomes even more difficult.
• Locality or historical significance: One of the benefits of choosing a local roadside eat over a chain is unique cuisine or even a sense of nostalgia. Often, these locations have more family-style options and relaxed, friendly atmospheres.
• Amenities: Because drivers have tight schedules, they often don’t have opportunities to make multiple stops. Owner-operators and professional drivers will enjoy amenities like being able to wash clothes, rest, eat, shower, and more all in one location, as this makes things much more manageable while living on the road.

Please take note that the star ratings provided in this article for the top 12 roadside eats are based on reviews that were available at the time of writing. Keep in mind that ratings may fluctuate over time.

How we scored our finalists

Online Restaurant Review Score:

1. Lower than a four-star average
2. Between a four-star and five-star average
3. A five-star average

Food Options Score:

1. only processed food
2. fresh food available

Amenities Score:

1. only public bathrooms
2. 24-hour showers and a truck wash
3. everything listed above, plus additional services (e.g., a barber, laundry facilities, etc.)

Hours Score:

1. Not open 24 hours
2. Open 24 hours

Proximity to Major Route Score:

1. Over 3 miles off route
2. Under 3 miles off route

Top Roadside Eats in America

Ready to get hungry? It’s time to take a look at our favorite roadside eats across the country and plan your next great meal. In addition to some of the best truck stops in the US, we have some other favorites for you to check out. Bon Appétit!

12. Lucille’s Roadhouse – Weatherford, OK

• Restaurant reviews: Yelp, Google, and Trip Advisor (average of 3.9 stars)
• Hours: 6 am to 9 pm Monday – Saturday; 11 am to 9 pm, Sunday
• Price: $$
• Truck parking?: Yes, truck parking is available at the nearby Phillips 66 station.
• Easy to connect with friends and family via WiFi?: Yes
• Good place to hang out on your laptop?: Yes (at your restaurant table)
• Option to package food for the road?: Yes
• Proximity to trucking routes: Less than a mile from the nearest I-40 exit

Lucille’s Roadhouse is a Route-66-themed restaurant and bar that’s been around for almost 20 years. It’s known by the community for its classic American food and casual (but energetic) atmosphere. You’ll find well-known American fare on the menu, like burgers, steaks, salads, chicken fried steak, BBQ ribs, and more.Nearby at the Phillips 66 station, you can find showers and laundry facilities available. Plus, if you need a place to rest, there are plenty of popular hotel chains close by where you can catch some Zs.Biggest highlight: Themed dining areas and Oklahoma craft beer selectionScorecardRestaurant reviews:1Food options:2Amenities:1Hours:1Proximity to major route:2Final score:7

11. Julia Belle’s – Florence, SC

• Restaurant reviews: Yelp, Google, and Trip Advisor (average of 4.6 stars)
• Hours: 11 am- 9 pm Tuesday – Saturday; Closed Sunday & Monday
• Price: $$
• Truck parking?: Yes, truck parking is available on-site or in the nearby lots.
• Easy to connect with friends and family via WiFi?: Yes
• Good place to hang out on your laptop?: Yes (at your restaurant table)
• Option to package food for the road?: Yes, curbside pickup is also available.
• Proximity to trucking routes: Less than a mile from US-52; Less than a mile from nearest I-95 exit

As a family-owned and operated business, Julia Belle’s offers sincere southern hospitality, locally sourced food, and great eats. The menu features yummy southern-inspired dishes, like shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles (with a scrumptious peach sauce), and a fried green tomato BLT. Most of their produce comes straight from the local farmer’s market, so you know you’ll have fresh fruit and veggies.Biggest highlight: Their famous White Russian pecan pieScorecardRestaurant reviews:2Food options:2Amenities:1Hours:1Proximity to major route:2Final score:8

10. River City Grill – Missoula, MT

• Restaurant reviews: Yelp, Google, and Trip Advisor (average of 4.4 stars)
• Hours: 8 am – 9 pm, daily
• Price: $$
• Truck parking?: Yes, truck parking is available at the nearby Pilot or Exxon stations.
• Easy to connect with friends and family via WiFi?: Yes
• Good place to hang out on your laptop?: Yes (at your restaurant table)
• Option to package food for the road?: Yes, curbside pickup is also available.
• Proximity to trucking routes: Less than a mile from nearest I-90 exit

River City Grill is another American-style restaurant offering a diverse menu. Made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the most popular items on the menu include pot roast, salmon pasta, chicken and waffle, and gourmet mac ‘n’ cheese.You can park right by the restaurant at the local Pilot or Exxon station. Also, if you need showers, the Pilot has plenty available for weary travelers.Biggest highlight: Outdoor seating with a gorgeous mountain viewScorecardRestaurant reviews:2Food options:2Amenities:1Hours:1Proximity to major route:2Final score:8

9. Willow Ranch Restaurant – Buttonwillow, CA

• Restaurant reviews: Yelp, Google, and Trip Advisor (average of 4.1 stars)
• Hours: 7am – 9pm, Sunday – Thursday; 7 am-10 pm, Friday & Saturday
• Price: $$
• Truck parking?: Yes, truck parking is available at the nearby TA Travel Center.
• Easy to connect with friends and family via WiFi?: Yes
• Good place to hang out on your laptop?: Yes (at your restaurant table)
• Option to package food for the road?: Yes
• Proximity to trucking routes: Less than a mile from nearest I-5 exit

Established in 1998, Willow Ranch Restaurant came about after a farmer decided to share his joy for cooking with the local community. Today, to honor this farmer’s dream, Willow Ranch still serves meals made from scratch every day. Whether you want a classic burger, delicious baby back ribs, chicken wings, or specialty cheesecake, Willow Ranch has some really yummy food options.The nearby TA Travel Center is an excellent reprieve for those on the road. They have ample room for parking, showers, and laundry facilities.Biggest highlight: Their (secret recipe) house barbecue sauceScorecardRestaurant reviews:2Food options:2Amenities:1Hours:1Proximity to major route:2Final score:8

8. Triple T Truck Stop (Restaurant: Omar’s Hi-Way Chef) – Tucson, AZ

• Restaurant reviews: Yelp, Google, and Trip Advisor (average of 3.9 stars)
• Hours: 24 hours
• Price: $$
• Truck parking?: Yes, truck parking is available on-site at the truck stop.
• Easy to connect with friends and family via WiFi?: Yes
• Good place to hang out on your laptop?: Yes (at your restaurant table)
• Option to package food for the road?: Yes, call-ahead take-out is also available.
• Proximity to trucking routes: Less than a mile from nearest I-10 exit

Looking for American-style dining with a bit of pizazz? Omar’s Hi-Way Chef offers classic American dishes with Mexican and Italian influences. You can get breakfast food (served all day), sandwiches, burgers, pasta, tacos, and much more at this popular spot.Plus, the Tucson Truck Terminal (TTT) truck stop offers plenty of amenities, like a barber shop, tire and oil services, CAT scales, clean motel rooms and showers, CB equipment, and more.Check out @dianepuroguanajuatovlogs TikTok review for an inside look.Biggest highlight: The scrumptious deep dish hot apple pie with ice creamScorecardRestaurant reviews:1Food options:2Amenities:1Hours:2Proximity to major route:2Final score:8

7. Pendleton Truck Stop (Restaurant: Preet Dhaba) – Foss, OK

• Restaurant reviews: Google (4.1 stars)
• Hours:
• Truck stop: 6 am to 10 pm, Monday – Friday and 7 am to 10 pm, Saturday & Sunday
• Restaurant: 8 am to 9 pm, Tuesday – Sunday/closed Monday
• Price: $$
• Truck parking?: Yes, truck parking is available on-site at the truck stop.
• Easy to connect with friends and family via WiFi?: Yes
• Good place to hang out on your laptop?: Yes (at your restaurant table)
• Option to package food for the road?: Yes
• Proximity to trucking routes: Less than a mile from nearest I-40 exit

If you’re looking for something other than American food while on the road, Preet Dhaba at the Pendleton Truck Stop is the place for you. Offering Punjabi food, Preet Dhaba has homemade eats and a friendly owner. Customers agree the food is incredible and the service is efficient – this is a must-try roadside eat.There is always room for trucks to park at this truck stop, including if you need to park overnight, and you’ll find clean restrooms, showers, and a convenience store.Biggest highlight: Their fresh roti, offered daily to complement any mealScorecardRestaurant reviews:2Food options:2Amenities:1Hours:1Proximity to major route:2Final score:8

6. Copan Truck Stop (Restaurant: Copan Restaurant) – Copan, OK

• Restaurant reviews: Yelp, Google, and Trip Advisor (average of 4.4 stars)
• Hours: 6 am to 9 pm, Monday – Saturday/closed Sunday
• Price: $
• Truck parking?: Yes, truck parking is available on-site at the truck stop.
• Easy to connect with friends and family via WiFi?: Yes
• Good place to hang out on your laptop?: Yes (at your restaurant table)
• Option to package food for the road?: Yes, takeout is available.
• Proximity to trucking routes: Less than a mile from US-75

Copan Restaurant, nestled inside the Copan Truck Stop, is a family-owned establishment with traditional American diner food. You’ll find classic dinners, like chicken fried steak, catfish, or pork tenders, as well as steaks, salads, soups, and sandwiches. If you want a “diner dive” vibe, Copan Restaurant is a great place to check out.In the restaurant, there are TVs available for customers. You’ll find a stocked convenience store in the truck stop with items you may need for the road.Biggest highlight: Rotating weekly specials and homemade piesScorecardRestaurant reviews:2Food options:2Amenities:1Hours:1Proximity to major route:2Final score:8

5. 45 Truck Stop (Restaurant: Country Grill Restaurant) – Corinth, MS

• Restaurant reviews: Yelp and Google (average of 4.5 stars)
• Hours:
• Truck stop: 24 hours
• Restaurant: 5am to 5 pm, Tuesday – Thursday/closed Friday – Monday
• Price: $
• Truck parking?: Yes, truck parking is available on-site at the truck stop.
• Easy to connect with friends and family via WiFi?: Yes
• Good place to hang out on your laptop?: Yes (at your restaurant table)
• Option to package food for the road?: Yes, takeout is available.
• Proximity to trucking routes: Less than a mile from Old Hwy 455

Craving comfort food? Country Grill Restaurant inside the 45 Truck Stop is your stop for all things southern and homemade, from fried fish to chicken livers to hushpuppies. With a real hometown, mom-and-pop restaurant atmosphere, this is a great location to spend some time and relax before returning to the road.The attached 45 Truck Stop has what you need after your meal, including truck equipment, a convenience store, and CAT scales.Biggest highlight: Their juicy meatloafScorecardRestaurant reviews:2Food options:2Amenities:1Hours:2Proximity to major route:2Final score:9

4. Dysart’s Restaurant & Truck Stop – Hermon, ME

• Restaurant reviews: Yelp, Google, and Trip Advisor (average of 4.1 stars)
• Hours:
• Truck stop: 24 hours
• Restaurant: 6 am to 8 pm, daily
• Price: $$
• Truck parking?: Yes, truck parking is available on-site at the truck stop.
• Easy to connect with friends and family via WiFi?: Yes
• Good place to hang out on your laptop?: Yes (at your restaurant table)
• Option to package food for the road?: Yes, curbside pickup is also available.
• Proximity to trucking routes: Less than a mile from nearest 1-9 exit

At Dysart’s, you’ll find a menu with many of the original items from 1967, when Dave and Irene Dysart started planning what they wanted to serve. This stop has some exciting and unique menu offerings, including famous pies, bread French toast, tater tot poutine, and more.Fans of Stephen King won’t want to skip this roadside eat, either. Dysart’s Truck Stop allegedly inspired the short story “Trucks,” which King later adapted into “Maximum Overdrive,” a movie King famously directed himself in 1986.Whether you’re here for the cinema nostalgia or need showers, laundry facilities, yummy food, or fuel, this truck stop and restaurant have much to offer.Biggest highlight: Their wild Maine blueberry pie and homemade bread (fresh daily)ScorecardRestaurant reviews:2Food options:2Amenities:2Hours:2Proximity to major route:2Final score:10

3. South of the Border (AKA Porky’s Truck Stop) - Hamer, SC

• Restaurant reviews: Yelp, Google, and Trip Advisor (average of 3.3 stars)
• Hours: 24 hours; restaurant hours vary
• Price: $$
• Truck parking?: Yes, truck parking is available on-site in multiple lots.
• Easy to connect with friends and family via WiFi?: Yes
• Good place to hang out on your laptop?: Yes
• Option to package food for the road?: Yes
• Proximity to trucking routes: Less than a mile from US-301/US-501; Less than a mile from nearest 1-95 exit

This place has just about anything you would want from a single stop. Aside from great roadside eats, South of the Border also has an amusement park, mini golf, camping, fireworks, convenience shopping, a reptile lagoon, an arcade, and fuel. Pedro, sometimes called Porky, is the mascot of South of the Border, and you’ll see him all over the place.If you’re ready to call it a night (and who wouldn’t be after all this fun), South of the Border has a motel with recently renovated rooms and daily housekeeping, laundry, and pool access.Many restaurants here have various food options, so you’re sure to find something that sparks your interest. At Porky’s Truck Stop, you can enjoy yummy coffee 24/7 and sit outside in a covered picnic area to enjoy the fresh air.Biggest highlight: Peddler Steak House’s delicious seafood and aged beefScorecardRestaurant reviews:1Food options:2Amenities:3Hours:2Proximity to major route:2Final score:10

2. White’s Travel Center (Restaurant: White’s Deli) – Raphine, VA

• Restaurant reviews: Google (3.9 stars)
• Hours: 24 hours
• Price: $$
• Truck parking?: Yes, truck parking is available on-site at the travel center.
• Easy to connect with friends and family via WiFi?: Yes
• Good place to hang out on your laptop?: Yes
• Option to package food for the road?: Yes
• Proximity to trucking routes: Less than a mile from nearest I-64/I-81 exit

White’s Travel Center is the biggest and (arguably) best truck stop on the east coast, so it has all the amenities you’ll need to refresh, recharge, and get back on the road.White’s Travel Center has a few different food options, but the main roadside eat we want to focus on is White’s Deli. This deli has build-your-own-sandwich options or local picks to choose from. You can also get BBQ, breakfast favorites, or yummy veggies.After you’ve had a delicious meal, you can check out the other services available here. There’s a barber shop, pharmacy and medical clinic, TV rooms, pet wash, showers, laundry facilities, truck services, and more. If you need it, odds are White’s Travel Center has it.Biggest highlight: The 205 sandwich (turkey, melted provolone, creamy coleslaw, and mayo)ScorecardRestaurant reviews:1Food options:2Amenities:3Hours:2Proximity to major route:2Final score:10

1. Iowa 80 Truckstop (Restaurant: Iowa 80 Kitchen) – Walcott, IA

• Restaurant reviews: Yelp, Google, and Trip Advisor (average of 3.7 stars)
• Hours: 24 hours
• Price: $$$
• Truck parking?: Yes, truck parking is available on-site at the truck stop.
• Easy to connect with friends and family via WiFi?: Yes
• Good place to hang out on your laptop?: Yes
• Option to package food for the road?: Yes
• Proximity to trucking routes: Less than a mile from nearest I-80 exit

Known as the largest truck stop in America and the entire world, the Iowa 80 Truckstop is chock-full of amenities and great food. You can visit the showers, gym facilities, barber shop, CAT scales, movie theater, chiropractor, laundry facilities, pet wash station, dentist services, a driver lounge, and more. Talk about a one-stop shop.Plus, if you have extra time, you won’t want to miss the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, where you can learn about the history of trucking.While there are a whopping eight restaurants to choose from here, we recommend the Iowa 80 Kitchen. This restaurant has a vast menu, so you can find homemade food you love, and you can choose to visit their buffet if you’d prefer a medley of different American-style foods.Still not convinced? Check out Happiness By The Mile @ShelbyHBTM YouTube review of the world's largest truck stop.Biggest highlight: All-you-can-eat buffetScorecardRestaurant reviews:1Food options:2Amenities:3Hours:2Proximity to major route:2Final score:10

Ready to hit the road?

For any professional truck driver looking for a satisfying meal, America's 12 best roadside eats are a must-stop. From classic diner eats to southern comfort food, these eateries have something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned truck driver or new to the profession, these restaurants offer a unique taste of Americana that shouldn't be missed.Sign up for Flock’s platform to instantly book up to 20% higher-earning loads, get real-time alerts on preferred lanes, receive custom load and refill recommendations, and more.