You Wouldn't Expect Some Of The Best Pizza In Illinois To Be From A Gas Station, But It Is
By Linze Rice|Published May 02, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
A sentence not often spoken is: “I’m hungry for great pizza, let’s order some from the gas station!” Unless, of course, you’re from the Midwest, in which case you definitely know that some of the freshest, tastiest, and most convenient offerings are being made just down the street at the same place you pump your gas. Loyal fans of this place have even gone so far as to take wedding photos in front of the general store, and if you’re familiar with the food, you understand why. So, who has the best gas station food in Illinois?
Casey's gas stations can be found in 16 states across the country. Often found in small towns and rural areas, the gas station also serves as a convenience store and is a favorite spot for takeout, especially among Illinoisians.
Casey's was first popular for its coffee, cappuccinos, and donut selections. Just like at a grocery store, the gas station has a plexiglass display full of tasty donut varieties, complete with boxes to take them home by the dozen.
However, the gas station chain has since become famous for its pizza. Available by the slice or the box, the delicious, doughy pizza is made fresh daily in the Casey's kitchen.
One of its best specialty pizzas is the taco pizza, which tops a crispy crust with refried beans, salsa, beef or chicken, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, lettuce, tomato, and is finished off with a hefty helping of zesty taco chips.
Another house specialty is the BBQ brisket pizza, which has a barbecue sauce base, smoked chopped brisket, and is topped with jalapeños, red onion, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and a ranch drizzle. Why? Because this is Illinois, baby.
All of this food is available at Casey's — a gas station! In addition to pizza and donuts, the store also offers salads and other appetizers like cheesy bread and chicken wings.
If you're more of a morning person, you can also grab a breakfast pizza or a stuffed breakfast burrito. This place will fuel you for the day in more ways than one!
Drive through small towns in Illinois any night of the week and you're almost guaranteed to see someone carrying out a few boxes. If you want your pizza brought to you, you're in luck: Casey's also delivers!
Have you ever eaten food from a Casey’s? Do you think it has the best gas station food in Illinois? What’s your favorite thing to order? Tell us in the comments! Start checking out the menu now at the Casey’s website, and stay updated by following the Casey’s Facebook page, too. And since Casey’s can be found across the state, why not make them a stop along one of the 10 best road trips in Illinois, like this awesome route that will take you to some of the best historical sites in Illinois?
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