On the menu: Bloomington gas station snacks that are worth a fill up
With gas prices on the rise, going to a gas station can feel like an expensive chore. But sweets and salty snacks that accompany the errand can turn a mundane experience into an enjoyable treat.
Bloomington has a gas station seemingly around every corner. Some have delicious drinks, others have quick finger foods or mouthwatering meals.
Pulled pork sandwich at BBQ Train
Ty Morris, who, with his partner, runs BBQ Train, a restaurant accompanying the Sunoco gas station on 901 N. Smith Road., said they smoke the meat right outside on the train. Customers come from all over Indiana and from the south to try their food, he said.
“The chicken is so tender and so good it’ll make you want to go home and slap your mama,” he said.
The pulled pork sandwich beats others by a mile. The juicy meat smothered in a sweet barbecue sauce is the perfect meal to kick off a summer picnic. The smoky flavor along with the tender texture and crispy ends on the meat is the best balance.
Sides such as the macaroni and cheese and Grandma’s green beans remind customers of a classic southern meal. The creamy macaroni and cheese is a filling side with incredible pepper flakes. The green beans are the star of the meal, well seasoned with a balance of salt and spice. Not too juicy and extremely tasty, the green beans alone are worth the stop at BBQ Train.
Fried chicken from Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Krispy Krunchy Chicken is offered at a few gas stations in Bloomington, including the Mobil on 2200 W. Third St. The chicken is surprisingly good quality, offering a satisfying exterior crunch with a juicy interior. The accompanying biscuit, while a little dry, pairs well with the tangy barbecue sauce.
Bri Badel, an attendant at Mobil, said people come from in and out of town to try the chicken.
“It’s good chicken,” he said.
Tornados hot off the roller
The tornados at the Circle K station on 527 E. Third St. are meaty treats offered in several flavors and heated on the roller grill daily.
The jalapeno cheese smoked sausage has an enjoyable cheddar cheese flavor wrapped up in an impressively tasty snack for its low price. The buffalo chicken roller bite was slightly spicy with a lasting kick. While the chicken is slightly bland, the flavored coating makes up for it.
Grab a slice from Hunt Brothers Pizza
Hunt Brothers Pizza can be found at several locations, including the Bloomington Food Mart and Citgo gas station on 2002 S. Rogers St. It is so popular it’s available to be delivered on GrubHub. It’s absolutely a good snack in a pinch.
The cheese seemed a little overcooked, but it ultimately depends on personal preference. The sauce to crust ratio is gratifying, meaning you won’t be left with a dry bite.
F’real shakes and smoothies
F’real offers a variety of flavors for their frozen beverages that only take a few minutes to make at gas stations such as the Citgo on 2002 S. Rogers St. The cold brew flavored protein shake is a cooling drink on a hot day, offering both the savory taste of coffee and the benefit of a protein kick.
Reach Luzane Draughton at ldraughon@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Which Bloomington gas stations offer food worth eating?
