Christopher Regan loves the sausage, egg and cheese at Stewart’s.
“The egg, cheese and sausage meld together perfectly with a bit of each in every bite,” the Town of Poughkeepsie man said. “The roll stays slightly crunchy but not hard like a lot of pre-prepared sandwiches get, and because it’s wrapped instead of in a plastic container, it doesn’t get moist either.”
For a long time, food sold or prepared in a gas station had been the subject of ridicule. But regional chains like Wawa and Sheetz, which have a cult following, have helped change that perception. Beyond high-quality convenience stores, there are also delis and restaurants that have purposely opened as a part of a gas station to catch the heavy flow of customers already coming through for a fill-up of a different sort. Some are gems that have been known to locals for years.
While Stewart’s Shops may be the most popular gas station shop in upstate New York, Dutchess County is home to several other options for great food on the go.
Sandwiches: Find a great bite at these 10 Dutchess restaurants
Golden Corral: International Buffet to replace chain restaurant in Poughkeepsie
Gas stations: Owner of Yonkers convenience store: It’s like ‘Trader Joe’s with a gas pump’
Regan said the appeal lies in simple menus done right, coupled with the ease of grabbing food to go.
“Honestly it’s a quick way to grab a bite nowadays,” he said. “It’s easier to get in and out compared to a restaurant for me. Plus, a lot of times I’ll pick up some other stuff like chocolate milk, soda or ice cream. A quick stop for some non-essentials and breakfast.”
Sofi Deli is another example. Located inside a Wappingers Falls gas station, Sofi’s serves up fantastic deli options coupled with delicious Ecuadorian-style dishes. Owner Rosa Morocco said it’s the quality that makes the deli stand out.
“We serve great sandwiches and Spanish foods,” she said.
Angelo Notaro, who organizes several local food festivals, said the chicken cutlet is his go-to meal at Flory’s, a locally owned chain of gas stations and to-go food with locations along the Taconic State Parkway and Route 9 near I-84.
“I think Flory’s has a really good solid comfort food menu,” Notaro said. “I believe the demand for takeout food right now is at its highest, people want it quick and on-the-go.”
Here’s five places where you can pick up high-quality food in Dutchess County while filling your tank:
Sofi Deli
Located inside a Valero gas station in Wappingers Falls, Sofi Deli stands out with a variety of lunch and dinner options. Among the deli’s sandwiches, paninis and wraps are several hearty options like The Dutchess, a wrap with pastrami, cheddar, bacon, coleslaw and Russian dressing. Sofi Deli also offers delicious Latin American cuisine, with the empanadas serving as the perfect to-go meal.
Go: 2558 Route 9D, Wappingers Falls; 845-218-9677; sofideli18.wixsite.com/mysite
Flory’s Convenience & Deli
An institution of southern Dutchess County, Flory’s Convenience & Deli delivers phenomenal sandwiches and fried foods. This chain has locations in Fishkill, East Fishkill, Hopewell Junction and Mahopac. Sandwich specials include The Boss, made with grilled roast beef and mozzarella on a toasted garlic roll. And customers can enjoy a fried chicken meal, which comes in multiple sizes and includes fries and a drink.
HalalBros
With few options for quality halal food in Dutchess County, HalalBros fills a need while serving up great food on the go. The business is located inside a Gulf gas station, but it quickly gained popularity since opening in August. Guests can enjoys dishes including chicken and lamb over rice, falafel and gyros.
Go: 733 Route 9, Fishkill; 845-305-6778; facebook.com/HalalBros_Fishkill-101239858902498
Renny’s Store and Deli
Renny’s is another example of doing the basics well. This Dover Plains deli, located at a Mobil station, has been serving the community for half a century, offering classic deli options with quality ingredients and large portions.
Go: 3379 Route 22, Dover Plains; 845-877-6331.
Van Wyck Deli
While it may not be surprising to find a deli connected to a gas station, Van Wyck Deli defies expectations by also including a Chinese buffet in its offerings. In addition to your standard sandwiches and salads, guests can enjoy sesame chicken, soba noodles and more at this spot along a busy stretch of the Route 55 arterial.
Go: 3423 Manchester Road, Poughkeepsie; 845-483-0533.
Geoffrey Wilson: [email protected]; 845-437-4882; Twitter: @GeoffWilson_