In a city as spread out as Houston, it is not uncommon to rely on the culinary offerings of a gas station at some point or another. Whether it’s a hot dog or a pre-packaged burrito, many have quelled their hunger pangs with questionable snacks during a roadside stop. Over the decades, though, Houston gas station and convenience store owners have stepped up their game. Some really great taco joints have taken up real estate inside shops around town, while other enterprising restaurateurs have set up shop in their parking lots, taking advantage of the hefty traffic that passes through day in, and day out.
James Beard Award-winning chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter, and her husband Graham, started their acclaimed Thai restaurant, Street to Kitchen, next door to an East End gas station before eventually moving it down the street to fancier digs. In short, it’s best never to judge a book by its cover, when it comes to dining out in Houston.
From basic grub to gourmet cuisine, there are fun and, sometimes, quirky dining experiences to be had in the gas station sphere. Consider this list of gas station, and gas station-adjacent, restaurants that will provide a delicious alternative to the usual quick-stop fast food.
Gordos Ninos
Located off NASA Parkway near Space Center Houston, this taco shop is located in the Chevron Motustop and has earned a following for its street tacos and purple-hued Lean Sauce. Chef Trinidad “Machete” Gonzales is the man behind the concept. and customers, including the occasional astronaut, drop by for pork pastor tacos and Killa-Dillas, his take on quesadillas. The W.A.B. is a massive burrito filled with pastor pork, shredded chicken, and dripping with condiments like liquid queso and Mexican ketchup, while the keto burrito gets a wrapper of melted cheese. Gonzales has a lot of irons in the fire currently, and his Facebook page hints at some changes to the concept, so grab some spliff tacos and show some love. 1419 NASA Road 1, Clear Lake
Ekko Greek American Deli
Sharing space with a Valero gas station in the Galleria area, this popular Greek deli has a gyro sandwich that some Houstonians put on par with another Houston Greek go-to restaurant, Niko Niko’s. There aren’t many gas station eateries that sell dolmades and spanakopita, but you’ll find both snacks here, as well as beef souvlaki and falafel sandwiches. For more traditional American fare, there are burgers and hot dogs, plus breakfast tacos in the morning hours. Be sure to take some baklava for the road. 5216 Richmond Ave., Houston
Sunrise Taquitos
Inexpensive breakfast tacos are served all day at Sunrise Taquitos, plus more substantial plates like barbacoa or migas. The interior gives off fast food vibes, but there’s a pleasant covered patio, even if there’s a view of the Shell gas station next door. There’s still plenty of surrounding greenery to add a touch of peacefulness. There are three locations of the locally-owned taqueria, but the Memorial location is the only one where you can grab some tacos to go and also fill up your gas tank. 5601 Memorial Dr., Houston, sunrisetaquitos.com
Bo-Bob’s
Originally located in a convenience store off Fannin, this gumbo and kabob concept opened in the back of a Third Ward Valero Gas Mart in late 2022. It’s more of a to-go spot, though there are a few tables and chairs if you want to stick around. The owners hold court in the kitchen, and customers love their friendly service. The Louisiana-style gumbo is loaded with shrimp, sausage, and chicken. Along with fried chicken and a variety of kabobs, some of the most popular eats are the Hot Topic and Overload. The first is blackened or grilled fish topped with a creamy shrimp sauce, while the latter is a heap of shrimp and sausage in a spinach cream sauce. Regular customers know to order half and half. 5203 Almeda, Houston
The Focaccia Bakery
Tucked in between a smoke shop and a former Citgo gas station, this Kingwood bakery uses its signature focaccia recipe for unique pizzas and classic sandwiches. The sandwiches can be ordered hot or cold and include roast beef and provolone, plus a focaccia BLT. There’s even a snack-size Nutella version or Mexican bunuelos for dessert. Try the focaccia sticks and marinara for a tasty appetizer. 110 Sorters McClellan Rd., Kingwood, thefocacciabakery.com
Granny Dee’s Kitchen
North of Houston, in the suburban enclave of Spring, there’s a soul food cafe that’s been operating under the radar for nearly a decade. Located next to a smoke shop, and sharing the parking lot of a Fuel Zone station, the dishes at this small eatery are lovingly prepared by chef-owner Delores “Dee” Hutching. Smothered pork chops are on the menu every day, oxtails only four days a week. and many of the other most popular items are daily specials. If you’re a side dish fanatic, you’ll want to try the black-eyed peas, candied yams, and collard greens. 1950 Louetta Rd., Spring, grannydeeskitchen.com
Jennings & Co. BBQ
This barbecue trailer next to a Montgomery-area Conoco gas station made it onto Texas Monthly’s annual list of the ‘Top 50 BBQ Joints for 2025’, which is impressive considering it only operates on the weekends. The brisket is often compared to Franklin’s Barbecue in Austin, and it does not come up short in that battle. Jennings & Co. shares the location with Mariel Meat Market where it sources most of its meats. You can go hog wild with the meat platters, but there are also wallet-friendly sandwiches like the juicy pulled pork plus a side, in the $10 range. 16050 Walden Rd., Montgomery
Everest Curry Bar & Grill
Located next to the Pit Stop Express, this Himalayan restaurant serves a number of Indian favorites like chicken vindaloo, sekwa vegetable, and goat biryani, as well as Indo-Chinese dishes such as chow-mein and fried rice. Its dining room is clean and simplistic, and there is an awesome booth for a large group. The full bar can accommodate eight guests, and there is a happy hour Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with beer, wine, and appetizer specials. 10502 Huffmeister Rd., Cypress, everestcurrybarhouston.com
Hotline Burger
Located in the same strip as a Now and Forever gas station and mini-mart, this smashburger concept also has a stand-alone kiosk location in Asiatown. With colors and artwork reminiscent of the 1980s and Miami Vice, the interior is clean and streamlined with a handful of banquettes and barstools. The Hotline burger’s smashed patties are the ultimate in lacy crispiness and the combination of Smack sauce, melted American cheese, and grilled onions puts it in the same league as the more celebrity-driven burger joints. The beef is halal, from Creekstone Farms, and can be ordered as a patty melt, too. The Smack fries are way better than the Animal fries at you-know-where. 1585 Highway 6, Houston
Shawarma Stop
This restaurant began as a food truck at a Museum District-area Shell gas station before opening its restaurant in the same spot. Known for serving Arabic shawarmas hot off the vertical spit, it also features Mediterranean dishes like gyros, falafel, and kebabs. In addition to savory dishes, the cafe features waffles, crepes, and fresh fruit salads. The interior is an attractive mix of turquoise and white, with subway tile and Arabic designs. Take to the patio for a fresh fruit juice and a pistachio baklava. 6019 Almeda Rd., Houston, shawarmastop.com
Abu Omar Halal
This halal street food concept has spread across Houston, the state of Texas, and beyond. Its Exxon gas station location, however, is now a brick and mortar serving its shawarma wraps and gyro meat to workers locals in the Medical Center for lunch, dinner, and late night cravings. Its selection of shawarma wraps can be ordered as Arabi, which is a platter of finger-sized slices of wrap perfect for sharing. Shawarma meat, lamb gyro, and falafel can also be ordered as rice bowls. The slim, hip interior offers a handful of four-top tables for seating, but you may be fighting for a table with the after hours crowd. 7500 Almeda Rd., Houston, abuomarhalal.com
