11 Hidden Gem Gas Station Foods In Indiana That Locals Absolutely Love
In Indiana, some of the best bites come from the most unexpected places. Local gas stations are hiding culinary treasures that travelers and residents can’t stop raving about.
From hearty sandwiches to sweet treats and everything in between, these secret spots prove convenience doesn’t mean compromising on flavor.
Every snack and meal tells a story of local favorites and surprising creativity, turning a simple pit stop into a memorable food adventure.
1. Sunoco Midwest Clean Fuel (Crawfordsville)
Forget everything you thought you knew about gas station food. This Crawfordsville Sunoco serves up homemade comfort classics that’ll make you want to take the exit every single time.
Their daily specials rotate like a small-town diner menu, featuring hearty portions of meatloaf, fried chicken, and sides that taste like grandma’s kitchen.
Locals know to call ahead on Fridays because the fish fry sells out faster than premium unleaded during a price drop.
2. Gnaw Mart (Gnaw Bone/Nashville)
With a name like Gnaw Bone, you’d expect something quirky, and Gnaw Mart delivers.
Nestled in Brown County’s scenic hills, this place has become legendary for its made-to-order breakfast burritos stuffed with eggs, cheese, and your choice of meats.
Bikers and leaf-peepers stop here religiously, knowing the coffee’s always fresh and the burritos are massive enough to fuel a full day of exploring.
The friendly staff remembers regulars’ orders, making every visit feel like coming home.
3. El Compa Taqueria (Shell, Ellettsville)
Hidden inside an Ellettsville Shell station, El Compa Taqueria proves that authentic Mexican food can thrive anywhere.
Their tacos are the real deal, with handmade tortillas, perfectly seasoned meats, and fresh cilantro and onions that’ll transport you straight to Mexico City.
Students from nearby IU Bloomington make pilgrimages here for al pastor and carnitas that rival any sit-down restaurant. Cash is king here, so hit the ATM before you order your feast.
4. Mota Tacos (BP, Indianapolis)
Indianapolis knows good food, and Mota Tacos at this BP location has earned its spot on every local’s favorites list.
Their birria tacos come with consommé for dipping, creating that Instagram-worthy cheese pull everyone’s obsessed with.
Open late into the night, Mota saves hungry night-shift workers and bar-hoppers looking for something better than fast food drive-throughs.
The quesadillas are enormous, and the horchata is sweet perfection that cools down even their spiciest salsas beautifully.
5. Indy Porkopolis BBQ (Marathon, Indianapolis)
Slow-smoked barbecue wafting through a Marathon station might sound like a fever dream, but Indy Porkopolis makes it reality.
Their pulled pork is tender enough to fall apart at the slightest fork touch, drenched in tangy sauce that balances sweet and spicy perfectly.
Brisket lovers rejoice here too, with thick-cut slices that showcase proper smoke rings and bark. The mac and cheese side dish could honestly stand alone as a meal, creamy and loaded with real cheddar.
6. Leo’s Market & Eatery (Noblesville)
Noblesville’s Leo’s Market operates on a whole different level than your average gas station.
Walking in feels more like entering a gourmet deli, with fresh sandwiches piled high with quality meats and crisp vegetables.
Their breakfast sandwiches feature real eggs cooked to order, not microwaved mystery patties. Salads come packed with fresh greens and house-made dressings that put chain restaurants to shame.
Coffee snobs appreciate their premium beans and skilled baristas who actually know how to pull a decent shot.
7. Lil Saver Broaster Chicken (Valparaiso)
Broasted chicken devotees understand what makes Lil Saver in Valparaiso special.
That pressure-fried perfection creates impossibly crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful inside, putting Colonel Sanders to shame.
Wedges and potato logs come out golden and crunchy, perfect for soaking up the chicken drippings.
Locals order by the bucket for family dinners, knowing it’s cheaper and tastier than any chain restaurant. Thursday specials bring lines out the door, so plan accordingly or miss out.
8. Johnson’s Oil Company / BP (Gaston)
Another Johnson’s, another winner. Gaston’s version has built its reputation on breakfast done right, with biscuits made from scratch every morning that crumble perfectly when you bite through layers of buttery goodness.
Gravy flows thick and peppery over those biscuits, studded with real sausage chunks. Regulars claim the bacon is cut thicker than anywhere else in Delaware County.
Get there before 9 AM on weekends because once those biscuits run out, they’re gone until tomorrow.
9. Los Tacos Paco (Shell, Fort Wayne)
Fort Wayne’s food scene gets serious respect, and Los Tacos Paco contributes mightily from its unlikely Shell station location.
Carnitas here are ridiculous, with crispy edges giving way to tender, juicy pork that’s been slow-cooked for hours.
Their salsa verde packs legitimate heat without overwhelming the carefully seasoned meats.
Tortas come loaded on proper telera rolls, making lunch feel like a mini vacation to Mexico. Weekend breakfast includes chilaquiles that cure any hangover with their perfect combination of crunch and sauce.
10. The Taco Stop (Marathon, Fort Wayne)
Proving Fort Wayne takes its gas station tacos seriously, The Taco Stop at this Marathon location competes fiercely with Los Tacos Paco across town.
Their carne asada gets grilled fresh throughout the day, charred just enough to add smoky depth.
Breakfast burritos arrive wrapped tight and stuffed with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your protein choice, perfect for eating one-handed during your commute.
Horchata flows fresh and cold, sweetened just right to balance their spicier offerings without being cloying.
11. Lebrang Food Mart – The Indian Kitchen (Sunoco, Charlestown)
Who would expect to find incredible Indian cuisine at a Sunoco station in small-town Charlestown? Lebrang Food Mart surprises everyone who stops by, offering dishes that transport your taste buds straight to Mumbai.
The owners take pride in using traditional spices and cooking methods that honor their heritage.
Their chicken tikka masala has earned a devoted following, with tender chunks swimming in creamy, aromatic sauce that begs to be soaked up with fluffy naan.
Vegetarians rejoice over the saag paneer and perfectly crispy samosas stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas.