Influencers are all “hole-in-the-wall” this and “hidden gem” that, but have you ever seen them at your local gas station take-away? No, I didn't think so. Despite being hidden in the back of gas stations, these restaurants are anything but typical road food. Pumping out juicy momos, Taiwanese fried chicken, pani puri, and other drool worthy bites, these spots are worthy of their own road trip.
Amore Eats (Rockville)
Located in the Liberty Gas Station off Rockville Pike, this Taiwanese joint only has a couple tables but the food is authentic and way better than it should be. Popcorn chicken, stinky tofu, and the beef noodle soup all hit the spot every time. So good, you don’t even mind the faint aroma of gasoline while you’re eating.
Taco Bar El Guero (North Potomac)
This place feels pretty upscale considering you can also fuel your car here. It's been a neighborhood stalwart for a reason, and the food is really really good. I usually go for torta el guero which comes with two whole sandwiches with breaded chicken, ham, mozzarella, veg, and refried beans.
Everest Momo Plus (Chantilly)
The true definition of hole-in-the-wall, this Nepalese restaurant inside a Liberty Gas Station is pumping out some of the best momos in the DMV. They are handmade daily with chicken and veggie fillings. Also try the Samaya Bazi with crunchy rice, spiced potato salad, and pickles. It shares a space with a Krispy Krunchy Chicken for the more restrained pallet.
Exterior of Chit Chaat Cafe inside a Mobil gas station photographed in Vienna, Virginia. (The Washington Post/Getty Images)
Chit Chaat Cafe (Vienna)
This is a full blown Indian street food restaurant with everything from butter chicken and samosa chaat to on-the-go-friendly inventions like their samosa chicken burrito. There are only a couple of stools inside for seating so be prepared to take away. Oh, and don’t leave without trying the pani puri.
Nash & Smashed (Chevy Chase)
The smash burgers at this gas station restaurant compete with the best in D.C. and people call them a dupe for In-N-Out’s. Almost everything is under $10, including their perfectly juicy Nashville fried chicken and honey butter sandwiches.
Zemen Market (Takoma Park)
Not technically in a gas station, but this hidden convenience store hosts an unexpectedly delicious Ethiopian carry-out restaurant with juicy sambusas and generous platters of tibs, doro wat, and varying kinds of firfir. In the market itself you can buy Ethiopian ingredients and specialties like injera, spices, and snacks.
El Cabrito Mexican Grill (Wheaton)
An unassuming and authentic Mexican food counter in the Exxon by the Wheaton Metro. The $3 tacos and $8 burritos include hard-to-find meats like lengua, tripa, and cueritos. The real gem is the homestyle pozole which comes in a massive bowl with all the fixings.
