If Costco and Cracker Barrel had a baby on the interstate, it would be Buc-ee’s! It’s a larger than life convenience store / gas station with dozens of gas pumps, clothing, and food items.
The company started in Texas and is now slowly taking over interstate exits across the southeast. Not only is the gas reasonable and the restrooms squeaky clean, but the road trip snacks are first rate.
After multiple road trips and sampling the snacks at various locations across the Southeast, we have a pretty good feel on what the best (or most unique) snacks at Buc-ee’s are. Be sure to give these a try, and let us know what your favorite road trip snacks from Buc-ee’s are.
The wall of Icee
Towards the tea and coffee despensers and along the back wall, you will find several varieties of Icee drinks at an unbeatable price. They have the normal icee flavors like blue raspberry and cherry but the standout flavor is the elusive Dr. Pepper Icee. Don’t forget to put on the clear dome topper before filling your cup, as you don’t want to miss a drop!
The brisket and the pulled pork
The brisket and BBQ pork at Buc-ee’s is iconic and unique to this chain. You will hear the meat choppers (wearing cowboy hats, of course) yell “fresh brisket on the board” over and over as they slice and chop meat all day. You can also order brisket or BBQ by the pound.
Burritos
The burritos are easy to miss since they are sometimes closer to the bakery than the hot brisket table. They are fajita style meats with peppers and onions in a generous portion size. Sometimes they also have a cheesesteak burrito in addition to beef and chicken!
Cookie Dough Bites
These balls of cookie dough bites are in a clear plastic cup and come in either confetti sugar cookie or chocolate chip varieties. They are sometimes located in the refrigerated islands or in a mini fridge near the fudge counter.
The check-out line snacks
I’m a sucker for the check-out line snacks too. They have assortments of giant rice crispy bars, chocolate beaver heads and their own line of mints (like Altoids but in a Beaver tin).
The Fried Chicken Sandwich
This is one of the best chicken sandwiches while traveling that could easily rival Chick-Fil-A. I adore the chipotle mayo and juicy fried chicken. Simple, hot and easy to grab on the run.
Chocolate Chunk Cookies
I am a self proclaimed cookie connoisseur and I really enjoyed these chocolate chunk cookies from Buc-ee’s. They are available at the bakery by the cookie or in plastic wrapped 6-packs. I hate hard cookies, so I ask the bakery staff which ones are the softest and they sometimes take them straight from the cookie sheets. They also offer white chocolate macadamia and oatmeal raisin.
Kolaches
Kolaches (pronounced Ko-LOTCH-shes) are pillow-soft yeast rolls filled with your choice of sausage, beans and rice, jalopenos, or cheese. They are available 24/7 and sometimes sell out. Be sure to ask for them heated in order to melt the cheese inside.
Nuts and trail mix
On another wall, you will see a variety of nuts, trail mix and sweet and salty bags of snacks. My two favorites are the deep fried cajun pecans (not too spicy but the heat builds after each bite) and the bagel seasoning cashews. If you prefer oven-roasted nuts, check near the fudge counter for warm sugared varieties wrapped in paper. If they aren’t busy, they will sometimes provide samples!
Beaver Nuggets
This snack really sets Buc-ee’s apart and I consider it to be their “signature” snack. It’s puffed corn coated in many different flavors. I think the taste is similar to Honey Smacks cereal. The original beaver nuggets are coated in a thin caramel coating. There are also other varieties like cinnamon sugar and sea salt caramel. I’m always buying extra bags of nuggets for gifts.
Ice Tea and Coffee Wall
The back wall of Buc-ee’s is devoted to drinks and there is no shortage of options. The tea and coffee dispensers are self serve with an island of sugar packets, creamer and flavor pumps nearby.
Beaver Tails
Beaver tails are fried dough in the shape of a “tail” and covered in cinnamon and sugar. You can find these in the bakery section. My mother used to call these pastries elephant ears. They are similar to a churro and melt in your mouth! Be sure to ask for them to be heated!
Healthy snacks and Keto boxes
If you are looking for healthy road trip snacks, the refrigerator “islands” contain fresh veggies and dip, cold cuts of meat, cheese cubes, hard boiled eggs and special Keto snack boxes. These are perfect for grab and go when you are on a diet.
Made to order food at the touch screen kiosk
The brisket and the BBQ sandwiches are located in the center of the store and hard to miss, but if you look carefully, you’ll see touch screens to order fresh sandwiches, wraps, french fries, grilled cheese, and chicken fingers. You will place your order on the screen and pick up at the bakery. They will also call your name when it is ready. The sandwiches can be customized unlike the pre-made sandwiches at the Brisket Bar or the refrigerated islands with plastic wrapped cold sandwiches.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served from 4:00am until 10:30am every day. Don’t miss their chicken biscuits or the hot croissant sandwiches. These hot breakfast sandwiches are located at the Brisket table during breakfast hours.
Homemade Fudge and brownies
The fudge is made fresh daily and they offer a dozen different flavors. My favorite is the birthday cake or fun-fetti fudge but I’ve been known to get the sampler box so I can try them all. If you are fan of fudge brownies, they are located near the check out lines and not to be missed.
Jerky
Jerky is the most plentiful item in the store. You will find not only a wall of jerky but also a pile of jerky at a counter near the bakery to order jerky by the pound. The sheer amount of dehydrated meat and endless flavors is impressive.
Club Melt Sandwich
If you love meaty sandwiches, you’ll love this hot ham, cheese, bacon and turkey sandwich slathered with chipotle mayo and a tomato pesto spread. This is available during lunch and dinner hours at the hot brisket table.
Cake Balls
These cake balls give Starbucks a run for their money! They come in three flavors: Chocolate, Red Velvet and Italian and the bakery will package them in a sturdy box to transport.
Beaver Chips
Beaver Chips are just homemade potato chips. They are found at the meat/briskey counter during lunch and dinner times. Beware: if they have been sitting under the heat lamp for some time, they will be hard.
