clearwater travel plaza sandwiches

• Clearwater, Minnesota /
• Clearwater Travel Plaza, 950 MN-24

Clearwater Travel Plaza

Try nicely cooked rolls , hot sandwiches and rice soup . You can order good cinnamon donuts , cinnamon rolls and fudge . It might be nice to enjoy delicious beer . Great coffee is the right choice.

This restaurant is well known for its great service and friendly staff, that is always ready to help you. Clients of Clearwater Travel Plaza state that they found prices average. You will definitely appreciate the charming atmosphere and fancy decor. 4.5 is what this place received from the Google rating system.

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Places inside Clearwater Travel Plaza

Nelson Brothers Restaurant & Bakery

Bakery · $$

950 State Highway 24 (950 Minnesota 24)

"A must see. Much variety of tasty treats. Gotta go.. Apple fritter toastis here."

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Zukie's Pies & Cakes

Review Highlights

“ We purchased what turned out to be a spectacular key lime pie and a couple of slices of strawberry pie. ” in 7 reviews

“ We selected coconut cream, blueberry, blackberry lemonade , strawberry rhubarb and pecan! ” in 3 reviews

“ They also have beautiful cookies that are now being sold at Tukro Coffee in Dunedin . ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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1527 Sunset Point Rd

Clearwater, FL 33755

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• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
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Overall rating

Discovered this fabulous bakery while on a road trip. The cases displayed so many perfectly sculpted pies and cakes. We purchased what turned out to be a spectacular key lime pie and a couple of slices of strawberry pie. The shop was bustling and smelled wonderful. Several friendly and extra helpful staff made the experience genuine. The pie was boxed with care for travel along with excellent advice on how to literally get it back in one piece. Superbly crafted, exquisitely flavored, clean, friendly, and professional as supported by recent and past baking awards - everything was perfect!

The pies are good! But I think the process of picking up desserts on a holiday needs a total rework - Hence the loss of one star. The day before Thanksgiving, there was a line out the door and EVERYONE had preordered. I get it. It's a small business. But as others in line commented, they seem more focused on picking up the phone than fulfilling deliveries. I think a better way to deal with it, was to have set up additional registers to deal with the volume outside (pies were stored in a refrigerated outdoor truck). Great gluten free options as well. If it weren't for a family member loving these pies, I wouldn't have considered ordering due to the crazy wait to pick up pies.

Come here for the pies....period!! That is exactly what we did right after finding out that they provided pies for a local restaurant we recently visited. Plenty of parking space and friendly wait staff. Lots of customers in the store but service was quick. Award winning pies, worthy of their titles. I could have eaten the entire Blackberry Lemonade Pie!! It is that good!! I would absolutely recommend this place!!

Happy Pi Day!!! For Pi Day, Zukie's Pies has my vote for divine pies. They also have beautiful cookies that are now being sold at Tukro Coffee in Dunedin. So run to their shop in Clearwater, or also check them out when you get Tukro's amazing coffee. When I visited Zukie's, it was a little bit busy, but not bad. It's a quaint shop in Clearwater in a plaza. There was a great number of pie selection, cakes, cheesecakes, & cookies clearly visible in their display cases. I asked them about their faves and best sellers. They were very devoted to them and let me know with such excitement and I love that. I chose a slice of blackberry lemonade pie and French silk pie. I brought them to enjoy the sunset and all was perfect. Can't ask for anything more. Genuine caring service with a smile, wonderful local pies, and a sunset!!!! Check them out!!!!

Blackberry lemonade and French silk pie

Looking for a unique dessert? Zukie's has your answer!! The cookies,croissants, cream puffs will make you drool! But then the pies... omg... National award winning -but my all time fav is BlackBerry Lemonade!! Wow!!

Cherry pie is excellent; best cherry pie I've ever had. I often find cherry pie to be too tart or too sweet; this one has a great balance of tart and sweet. As with Zukie's other fruit pies, the filling tastes more like real fruit and not like canned pie filling.

Very helpful and friendly service. My new happy place. Blueberry pie made with fresh blueberries! Can't wait to try the other flavors I bought. Every pie flavor available by the slice. Well packed.

I was beyond thrilled to be one of the first to visit this new pie shop in Clearwater! Zukie is well known both locally and nationally! She is a multiple national pie contest first place award winner! Wow! Congratulations Zukie! The shop is super clean and fun, full of happiness and well decorated. Delicious pie makes me happy! How about you? We selected coconut cream, blueberry, blackberry lemonade, strawberry rhubarb and pecan! You only live once! All are totally amazing and I don't say that often! Zukie and her sister, Azeta, were very gracious and enthusiastic. I asked permission to take a few photos and they agreed. Life is great with fresh delicious pie!

See all photos from Dave W. for Zukie's Pies & Cakes

Pies and cookies so good you'll drive miles to get them! The key lime pie is one of my favorites in the area and I have had a small 6 inch all to myself. I love that she makes a gluten free crust option too. The cookies are amazing. They're thick but still baked well with tons of flavor. The strawberry cookie is delicious with bits of strawberries that pop with flavor!

Strawberry cookie

I was sadly disappointed that I could not try everything. When I walked in for the first time, I knew this was the real deal. You could tell by the smell of the place that they had been baking. I asked what was baked today because I like really fresh bakery items. I was told everything had been made that morning. I had a hard time deciding but I ended up with the most amazing cheesecake of my life. I had the lemon-blueberry cheesecake. The filling was smooth, rich, and creamy. It was sweet and tart and had just a hint of saltiness. It checked off all the boxes in the flavor department. The crust was delicate and crispy. I rarely use this word but this cheesecake was perfect. I also had a slice of pecan pie - don't you be judging me. No one can stop at just one. The pecan pie had everything in the right place. It was gooey and caramelized. I am looking forward to trying the coconut pie and the chocolate pie. I think this is the best pie shop I have ever been to.

Amazing atmosphere and a massive selection of pies! The gal at the front desk was super friendly and recommended the blackberry lemonade pie, which became an instant favorite. Consider Zukie's a necessity anytime you're in the Dunedin area! I'm his fiancé, genuinely in love with the pies. Lovely woman at the counter, I got to try the blackberry lemonade as well. I HATE blackberry, and this was a mouth melting kind of experience. If you're anywhere in the area this place is a must ! I wanted to take a picture of the full pie slice we got but we're almost finished with it already.

1 other review that is not currently recommended

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Miami’s favorite spot for Cuban sandwiches is opening a new Coral Gables restaurant

At the original Sanguich de Miami in Little Havana, standing in line — often far too close to a hot parking lot — is frequently part of the experience. Famous for its pressed Cuban sandwiches, the tiny restaurant in the tiny strip mall draws big crowds, and at lunchtime, sweating a little before you get a table is not unusual.

Soon, though, fans will have another option.

Recognized by the Michelin Guide as a Bib Gourmand for the past three years — a designation that indicates a restaurant that serves good food at a reasonable price — Sanguich is ready to open a new, larger location in Coral Gables. The original restaurant on Calle Ocho in Little Havana will remain open for business, too.

After the usual delays in permitting and construction, husband-and-wife co-owners Daniel Figueredo and Rosa Romero could not be more relieved.

“This has been quite a roller coaster,” Figueredo admits.

“We’re really excited,” Romero says. “It feels like we’ve been working the last several years just to get to where we are now. I don’t think we’ve taken a moment to really stop and look and see what we were able to accomplish. We tend to work with blinders on.”

Fans of Sanguich are excited, too: Figueredo says he can’t keep the windows clean because people keep trying to peer in to see the new space.

The new restaurant represents a big step for Sanguich, which began as a pop-up almost seven years ago. The new space is 2,100 square feet, including a bar area (there are also family-style benches outside on a patio). Like the Little Havana location, this Sanguich will also have a ventanita for to-go orders, which isn’t necessarily easy to get permission to build in fussy Coral Gables.

“We did our best to remain cohesive and respect Coral Gables,” Figueredo says. “It’s a beautiful plaza. The last thing we wanted to do was put in something that just didn’t go with the building.”

The menu will mimic the simple menu at the Little Havana location and feature the brand’s classic sandwiches like the popular Cubano, with slow-cooked pork butt marinated in a garlic and spice blend; pan con lechon and pan con croqueta. There’s also the sleeper hit Sanguich de Miami, with turkey, smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo on Cuban bread. All sandwiches range in price from $11.50-$13.89.

The new Sanguich will also sell the popular batidos (milkshakes), which come in flavors like mamey, banana and trigo (sweetened condensed milk, whole milk and puffed wheat cereal).

Figueredo and Romero are planning on adding breakfast sandwiches to the menu at some point. Like the lunch menu, the breakfast choices will be limited.

“It’s very tightly curated, like everything else that we do,” Romero says. “Our motto has not been to offer everything but to offer what we can do well.”

The Coral Gables restaurant isn’t the only new location on the horizon. Figueredo and Romero, who also maintain a Sanguich training center and manufacturing location in Little River, are planning to open a fourth location later this year at Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami. They’re not sure if the increased interest in the brand comes from influencers and national media or the three years of Michelin Guide recognition.

Either way, Romero says, the Bib Gourmand award comes with a “huge responsibility” and that it’s something they keep in mind as they train their team.

“It holds you to a different standard, and people are a lot less forgiving of someone who is recognized,” she says. “My job is to make sure we don’t mess that up along the way.”

Sanguich de Miami

Where: The Plaza, 111 Palermo Ave., Suite 103, Coral Gables

Opening: June 7

Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday

More information: www.sanguich.com

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Critic’s Notebook

Is a Taco a Sandwich? No. Yes. Well, It Depends on the Law.

An Indiana judge recently ruled that tacos are sandwiches, but that’s the wrong question.

By Tejal Rao

The question of what is and what is not technically a sandwich grips us tightly.

The question won’t die. But one day I will, and I can imagine that the last thing I hear will be some guy explaining to me why a hot dog is a sandwich, or why a hamburger is a sandwich, or why my soul leaving my body as I breathe my last breath is also a sandwich.

On Monday, in Fort Wayne, Ind., a judge ruled that tacos are “Mexican-style sandwiches,” and while a local zoning issue might not usually make national headlines , it was impossible to resist this one. It took the absurd sandwich question seriously in a civil court case, then appeared to land on the wrong answer.

I type these words from Los Angeles, where the question itself is trifling. There are many kinds of well-established, Mexican-style sandwiches here — cemitas, pambazos, dozens of regional styles of tortas — and the taco is simply not one of them. The taco is its own glorious archetype, its own indisputable and formidable department of joy.

But getting caught up in this argument is a bit of a distraction. The ruling wasn’t made to settle a manufactured debate, boost brand engagement or bump someone’s “is-it-a-sandwich” T-shirt sales on Etsy. It was made for the more boring, messy business of real life. And here, I have to admit, it starts to make sense.

Martin Quintana, a restaurateur and developer in Fort Wayne, tried to open the Famous Taco in a local strip mall, but in 2019, while seeking out zoning approvals from the local plan commission, he agreed to a written commitment with a nearby neighborhood association that any restaurant in this shopping plaza would sell only “made-to-order or subway style sandwiches.”

The provision was meant to protect the strip mall against certain fast food chains. If Mr. Quintana wanted to move forward with his plan, he would have to find a way to either amend the agreement or make the case in civil court that tacos are sandwiches. It wasn’t an ideal argument, but it had to be made.

If tacos could be interpreted as “Mexican-style sandwiches” just in this one particular instance, then Mr. Quintana could open for business.

The decision from the Allen County Superior Court Judge Craig J. Bobay was clear: “The Court agrees with Quintana that tacos and burritos are Mexican-style sandwiches, and the original Written Commitment does not restrict potential restaurants to only American cuisine-style sandwiches.”

The more flexible and expansive we consider the sandwich category, the more dishes it might accommodate. But why can’t we stop doing this? The sandwich is not a universal standard by which to measure all the hand-held foods of the world, it’s just another one of them.

If the sandwich question gnaws at you, dip into the last 15 or so years of internet history and you will probably find your way to whichever answer makes you feel that all is right with the world. (If you follow the Cube Rule then a hot dog is, in fact, a kind of taco.). Although the Indiana court decided that the taco is a sandwich, other judges have found their way to the opposite conclusion before.

In 2006, a judge in Massachusetts ruled that tacos were not sandwiches to clear a path for a chain restaurant that made tacos in a shopping center where another chain held a sandwich exclusivity clause. Here, if the taco wasn’t considered a sandwich, the restaurant could go ahead and open.

In both cases, whether the taco was categorized as a sandwich or not-a-sandwich was almost beside the point. In both cases, the taco won.

Follow New York Times Cooking on Instagram , Facebook , YouTube , TikTok and Pinterest . Get regular updates from New York Times Cooking, with recipe suggestions, cooking tips and shopping advice .

Tejal Rao is a critic at large. She writes about food and culture for The Times and contributes regularly to The New York Times Magazine. More about Tejal Rao

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America's Best Roadside Restaurants Worth Stopping For

Posted: January 30, 2024 | Last updated: January 30, 2024

Roadside restaurants

When the miles of road ahead seem endless, nothing beats stopping for a good meal. There are hundreds of roadside joints across America, but they weren’t all made equal. From a drive-in serving baked potato–shaped ice cream to an alien-themed truck stop, here are the ones worth a detour.

Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.

Derailed Diner, Oasis Travel Center, Robertsdale, Alabama

Halfway between Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida, Derailed Diner can be found off exit 53 on I-10. It's a quirky spot with truck-themed interiors and gas station memorabilia, so you’ll feel like you never left the interstate. Here, customers refuel on hearty servings of country fried steak, meatloaf, and burgers. Be sure to take some homemade fudge (pictured) for the road.

Buckeye Express Diner, Bellville, Ohio

Hop aboard the Buckeye Express (no ticket required) for hearty hot dogs and burgers, just off I-71 between Cleveland and Columbus. The diner is located in a vintage steam engine diner car, towed from Virginia in 2008, but you can sit outdoors if you’d prefer. Customers love the Ohio State Buckeyes football memorabilia, quick service, good prices, and huge servings of fries.

Al’s Breakfast, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Though this Minneapolis diner  just off I-94 is tiny – it claims to be the narrowest diner in the state – the breakfasts are huge. Due to its small size, there's often a wait, but it's worth it for fan-favorite dishes like poached eggs on corned beef hash, walnut and blueberry pancakes, and tasty omelets.

Broadway Diner, Baltimore, Maryland

A Greek-American diner just off I-95 between Washington DC and Philadelphia, Broadway Diner became famous after featuring on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives back in 2009 . The menu is endless, and includes moussaka and souvlaki – but Guy Fieri’s favorites are the Hungarian goulash, the shrimp Creole, and the potato crusted salmon. We wouldn’t say no to a homemade dessert either. 

Westside Drive In, Boise, Idaho

If you’re passing through Boise, Westside Drive In is a must-visit. At what other pink-and-turquoise 1950s drive-in can you get a full rack of pork ribs with Idaho ice cream potato (ice cream shaped like a baked potato) for dessert? It has two charming outposts – one on West State Street, and one on Park Center Boulevard.

Boise Stage Stop Restaurant, Boise, Idaho

Boise Stage Stop is one of the best-loved truck stops in the US. It opened in 1891, making it one of the oldest businesses in Idaho. It’s known for its fantastic steakhouse, which serves sirloin steaks with crispy shrimp, and a selection of hearty burgers. You can even get a T-bone for breakfast.

Mugs Up Drive In, Independence, Missouri

Plan your road trip from Kansas to Kentucky so you drive into Kansas City at lunchtime – then stop in at Mugs Up Drive In  for a refreshing homemade root beer, a wiz burger (a loose meat burger with mustard, pickles, and American cheese), and some chili cheese tots.

Nelson Bros. Restaurant & Bakery, Clearwater Travel Plaza, Clearwater, Minnesota

One of Minnesota’s best bakeries can be found at a truck stop in Clearwater. Highlights at Nelson Bros. include donuts the size of your head, and fritter bread French toast in flavors such as apple, raspberry, blueberry, and cinnamon. The attached restaurant’s menu goes on for miles, with delicious breakfasts, burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and soups on offer.

Iowa 80 Kitchen, Iowa 80, Walcott, Iowa

Encompassing a mind-boggling 100,000 square feet of space, Iowa 80 is reportedly the world’s largest truck stop. There are many fast food options here, but we recommend making a beeline for  Iowa 80 Kitchen . Customers love the grilled pork chop, which comes with two sides, and the service is always friendly.

Brody’s Diner, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

Brody’s Diner is an unpretentious dining spot offering humongous stacks of buttermilk pancakes, and chunky ham, pepper, and onion omelets. Customers always comment on how big the portion sizes are. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld reportedly wrote a Yelp review describing the coffee mugs as 'big enough to wash your feet in'.

Haywood 209 Cafe, Waynesville, North Carolina

For an upmarket truck-stop experience, head to Haywood 209 Cafe , a known favorite on the interstate. Visitors rave about the tenderloin beef tips with mushroom gravy, the meatloaf, and the country fried steak. Afterwards, check out the dessert case full of freshly baked pies and cakes.

Crazy K’s Food & Fuel, Buckatunna, Mississippi

Good food options are limited on the route down towards the beautiful beaches of Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, but Crazy K’s Food & Fuel is an exception. It serves classics such as brisket and fried chicken, and the staff are even known to bring food to passengers who have broken down on the surrounding roads – how’s that for Southern hospitality?

Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In, Seligman, Arizona

This historic roadside stop on the former Route 66 in Seligman is a must-visit. It dates back to the 1950s, is constructed from scrap wood, and out front you'll find a 1936 Chevrolet hardtop decorated with a Christmas tree. Food-wise, the green chili burger, fries, and a shake are what to order.

Mammoth Orange Cafe, Redfield, Arkansas

While driving through Redfield, halfway between Little Rock and Pine Bluff, you’ll find the Mammoth Orange Cafe , which has been a roadside pit-stop since 1966. Live out your retro dreams and stop by the domed diner for the best hamburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, and Cajun fries around.

Russell’s Restaurant, Salina, Kansas

It’s not just truckers who love Russell’s Restaurant – locals from all over Salina dine here for well-priced food and huge portions. Stop in to enjoy its rustic ambience and its all-you-can-eat fried chicken, chicken livers, and gizzards. Also on the menu are other Midwest comforts like crispy fish, fries, and coleslaw, for dine-in or takeout.

Helen’s Sausage House, Smyrna, Delaware

Located on Dupont Highway heading towards Smyrna, Helen’s Sausage House may not look like much from the outside. However, the modest diner is an Elvis Presley shrine on the inside and attracts hordes from near and far, with people desparate to try the signature sausage sandwich. The famous snack features two juicy, well-seasoned sausages and scrambled eggs in a soft roll, and customers absolutely rave about it.

The Rusty Lantern Diner, Ucon, Idaho

If you’re passing through Ucon on your way to Yellowstone, The Rusty Lantern is a cozy spot to stop. Made of wood and surrounded by pots and flowers, it doesn’t look like a traditional diner – but it serves great breakfast skillets with hash browns, bacon, cheese, cooked onions, and scrambled eggs. There's also prime rib on Fridays and Saturdays, and ginormous, sticky cinnamon rolls for those with a sweet tooth.

DeCamp Station, Staunton, Illinois

If road tripping along the old Route 66 has got you in the mood for some retro respite, stop by the historic DeCamp Station for a cold beer and some great pizza. There are plenty of topping choices, from barbecue chicken and chicken alfredo to Hawaiian and veggie, and you can dine in or order takeout. If you have time, stretch your legs with a game or two on the ball field or volleyball court.

Taste of India, Jay Bros. Truck Stop, Overton, Nebraska

While most roadside diners serve classic American dishes, this spot is all about authentic Indian cuisine. At Taste of India , you can dive into butter chicken, biryanis, chana masala (chickpea curry), and garlic naan in a convenience store setting. It’s a truly original experience that has people driving across the Cornhusker State to try it.

Little Top Drive Thru, Greeneville, Tennessee

Hungry on the drive to Virginia from Tennessee? Stop in at Little Top Drive Thru . Everything at this historic fast food place is good – but if you only order one thing, make it the chip burger. It’s chipped ham, salad, and sauce in a bun, and customers can't get enough of it. The milkshakes are also said to be the best in town.

76th Street Truck Stop Diner, Byron Center, Michigan

Located 10 miles south of Grand Rapids, 76th Street Truck Stop Diner is a haven for hungry drivers. All the diner’s burgers, sandwiches, and wraps come with fries or homemade chips. The favorite, the Big Mother Trucker, has two half-pound patties, three slices of sourdough, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, crispy onions, sauce, and salad.

Frontier Restaurant, Albuquerque, New Mexico

A short drive from the interstate, Frontier Restaurant in Albuquerque is well worth a detour. It’s a super casual cantina serving burritos, enchiladas, huevos rancheros, hamburgers, and more, all at great prices. Fill up on all the savory food you can handle, then take one of its ginormous cinnamon rolls for the road.

Monty’s Blue Plate Diner, Madison, Wisconsin

For hearty vegan food a short drive from I-90 in Madison, pull in at Monty’s Blue Plate , a retro gas station-turned-diner. It serves plant-based dishes like banana walnut pancakes, and tofu scramble with mushrooms, onion, spinach, and celery, plus traditional options like corned beef hash, and a bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich. You can dine in, carry out, or choose delivery.

Tops Diner, Harrison, New Jersey

There’s no shortage of diners in the New Jersey area, but Tops Diner on Passaic Avenue in Harrison is consistently named one of the country’s best. There are so many great options to choose from, but the best sellers are the lobster mac 'n' cheese, the fluffy French toast, and the fried chicken with waffles. The best part? The portions are huge, and the diner offers takeout and home delivery too.

Area 51 Alien Center, Amargosa Valley, Nevada

Between Death Valley National Park and Las Vegas, Area 51 Alien Center is an out-of-this-world pit stop in the desert. A fantastic photo opportunity, it’s a lime green, alien-themed gift store with a small (and unexpectedly good) diner attached. Stop in for an Alien Burger (with cheese and sautéed mushrooms) and skeleton-shaped vodka bottles.

Russell’s Route 66 Diner, Russell’s Travel Center, Glenrio, New Mexico

On the border between New Mexico and Texas, Russell’s Travel Center offers truckers a historic Route 66 experience with its classic diner and vintage car museum. While there are plenty of standard burgers on offer, you can opt for some tasty Tex-Mex dishes too. The burrito plate with beans, rice, and green or red chilies will keep you full until your next stop.

Chelsea Royal Diner, West Brattleboro, Vermont

Stretch your legs at the  Chelsea Royal Diner in West Brattleboro, just off I-91. This spot offers comforting brunch and lunch dishes like blackberry pancakes with maple sausage, Belgian waffles, and steak and eggs, all in the homeliest New England setting. There’s also a garden, farm, and art studio to check out before you get back in your car.

Hillbilly Hot Dogs, Lesage, West Virginia

Got a hankering for a hot dog in West Virginia? Turn off I-64 and drive 10 miles north of Huntington to Hillbilly Hot Dogs . It has the craziest decor, and the best loaded hot dogs and fries around. The Ala Cheesy Beefy Weenie (American cheese, nacho cheese, bacon, chili sauce, a mac 'n' cheese wedge, and shredded cheese on a deep-fried dog) is always a hit.

Johnson’s Corner, Johnstown, Colorado

While traversing the Centennial State, satisfy your sweet treat craving at Johnson’s Corner in Johnstown. It claims its cinnamon rolls are world famous, and it’s no wonder people come screeching off the interstate to snack on them. Fluffy and dripping with sugary icing, they're the ideal pick-me-ups for long-haul journeys.

Gas Grill Family Restaurant, Speedway, Knightstown, Indiana

Described by patrons as a hidden jewel, Gas Grill Family Restaurant can be found just off I-70 between Indianapolis and Columbus. You’ll feel like you’re back in grandma’s kitchen with the friendly service and well-priced, perfectly-cooked steaks, porterhouse pork chops, cheese omelets, and Greek options such as moussaka, spinach pie, and souvlaki.

Schatz Crossroads, Minot, North Dakota

At Schatz Crossroads in Minot , you can get honey whiskey–marinated steak with fried eggs and hash browns at any hour – making it a real savior if you're heading north on the road to Canada. If you're looking for a sweet snack, the caramel rolls are also said to be the best around.

BeanThru, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Skip Starbucks and stop by BeanThru drive-thru on Ohio River Boulevard if you’re in the Pittsburgh area. It has peach smoothies, cream cheese bagels, and peanut butter bars, and the coffee is unbeatable. There’s another outpost on William Flinn Highway, loved by regulars on Route 8.

Crown Burgers, Salt Lake City, Utah

Traveling through Salt Lake City and in the mood for a burger like no other? Crown Burgers , with seven locations just off I-80 and I-15, is the place to hold out for. The drive-thru is famous for topping its signature beef burger with cheese and pastrami. Some say it’s t he best in the West.

Patrick’s Roadhouse, Santa Monica, California

If you're traveling up or down California,  Patrick's Roadhouse  – just off the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica – is a fun place to rest. Established in 1973, the shamrock-green diner is known for its atmospheric 1940s feel, as well as its big breakfasts and burgers. Don’t miss out on the coconut cream pie and coffee.

The Big Texan, Amarillo, Texas

There’s no way you can miss this loud 'n' proud diner on I-40 in Amarillo. It's painted bright yellow, and there are massive billboards and statues alerting passers-by to its location. It’s famous for its 72oz steak, which is free to anyone who can eat the entire meal within an hour. Customers also love the free limo service to nearby hotels and motels – it’s great if you fancy a drink with your meal.

Palace Diner, Biddeford, Maine

If you’re driving through the Biddeford area, stop by Palace Diner , one of only two surviving 1920s Pollard diners in the country. The Deluxe sandwich (with bacon, egg, jalapeños, mayo, and Cheddar) and the fried chicken sandwich (with cabbage slaw, jalapeños, and iceberg lettuce) are said to be incredible.

Cornbread Cafe, Eugene, Oregon

On the route between Portland and San Francisco, Cornbread Cafe is the vegan comfort food place causing a buzz. Wonders include the Eugenewich (a southern-fried tofu patty with vegan cheese, crispy onions, salad, and smoky sauce in a bun) and the Mac Uncheese (made with creamy cashew sauce). 

Oasis Diner, Plainfield, Indiana

This fun and funky diner just west of Indianapolis is great if you love all things vintage. The stainless-steel dining car dates back to the 1950s and has a collection of old-school lunchboxes including Pac Man, Barbie, and Mickey Mouse. Visitors love The Oasis Burger with two beef patties, pulled pork, bacon, barbecue sauce, coleslaw, pickles, and Cheddar.

Feeling inspired? Find your state's most charming roadside diner

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MORE THAN JUST FOOD & FUEL

We come to Minnesota just about every summer from Texas. We always figure out a way to make it to Nelson Bros for breakfast and to pick up their baked goods. I had the spinach Alfredo omelet... EGGcellent!

It’s a great place to eat!! Loved it! Went back again on the way home!

The staff and the food are more than great. You will not find a better place to enjoy good company and food. Don’t even get me started on the selection in the bakery department.

Went last night for the pasta bar it was phenomenal lots of fun great service!

“Koo-pon” or “Kyoo-pon”, no matter how you say it, there are savings in store for you!

Florida Travel Blog

Travel destinations, beaches and attractions and things to do in Florida. Documented by RESIDENTS of Florida.

Key Largo to Key West Florida Mile By Mile Guide

We travel quite frequently and Florida road trips are our favorite. From the far reaches of the Florida Panhandle to the Southernmost Point in the Keys, we love it all.

Yet, there are few road trips we look forward to than our almost annual road trip from Key Largo to Key West. The beauty, the quirky sights, the craziness on Duval Street, and the serenity of beaches along the way – it is always fascinating, new and exciting travel.

We are tracing our steps over the years into a Key Largo to Key West Florida Mile by Mile Guide. We take you along on things to do in the Florida Keys, places to stay in the Keys and the fun things to do in the 100-plus miles of the Overseas Highway.

How Far is Key Largo to Key West

Technically, Key Largo starts at MM (mile marker) 107 and ends at MM 0 in Key West. The trip seems to start earlier when you enter the long highway to Key Largo at MM 126.

All of a sudden you are on a small strip of land with a four-lane highway surrounded by water and mangroves. It has a Florida Keys feel as you leave the mainland in Homestead Florida.

For instance, you will find the Jewfish Creek Drawbridge at MM 107.2 as you enter Key Largo. That means it is 2/10s of a mile past MM 107. You are traveling on the famous Overseas Highway, otherwise known last US Route 1 that travels over 2000 miles up the coast of the United States all the way to Maine and southwest to Key West.

If you want a  complete list of 133 Mile Markers in the Florida Keys, the post is here .

Key Largo Florida

At MM 106, you will see the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, but we would rather point out a more interesting stop at MM104.1, the Caribbean Club . If you are thirsty again, you might make a stop here. Their claim to fame is the 1948 old movie Key Largo was partially filmed here. Humphrey Bogart may have shared a bar stool with you here.

On down the road at MM 104 is a better stop if you like tiki bars.  Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill is owned by the former Dallas coach serves some rather good food and has a huge tiki bar built over the water on the bayside.

If you are looking for a place to stay before you complete your journey to Key West, the Reefhouse Resort & Marina at MM103.8 is excellent. The Reefhouse sunset bar, Breezer’s’ is a fabulous place for appetizers and watching the sun creep into the bay. The photo at the left was taken from the landing at Breezer’s.

A mile down the road is the entrance to John Pennekamp State Park . There are a plethora of state parks in Florida and several along your way to Key West. What makes this one different is that 75 square miles of it is underwater!

There are hiking trails and things to see on shore, but this park is made for snorkelers and divers. It’s worth the stop just to see the park’s information center with information about the reefs, diving and snorkeling in the Keys.

By the time you get to MM 100, you may be getting hungry. If so, look for Skippers Dockside on the oceanside. It is a little off the main road, but the food is better than average. Try the shrimp ceviche for a good Florida appetizer.

If lunch is on your mind, we have an excellent suggestion. Key Largo Fisheries is three or four blocks off the Overseas Highway at 1313 Ocean Bay Drive on the oceanside. You can expect the best grouper sandwich in the Florida Keys here.

Best Things To Do in Key Largo

Best Places To Stay in Key Largo

Tavernier Florida

Back on the road as you enter the next town, Tavernier, Florida about MM 93.6 is the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center . These people do great work rescuing birds who have been injured or entangled by fishing lines or nets. You can see numerous species in their rehab center. A kind donation would help preserve the Key’s wildlife.

We must insert a note about things to see and do. The drive along US 1 in the Keys has all kinds of attractions, sights, unique shops, and places you may want to see. The ones listed here are just a few recommendations along the way. It’s over 100 miles of scenery, waterfront views and sights along the road!

If we listed every interesting site and attraction, you would not get to Key West until the following week. Our select items to see and do are included.

Islamorada Florida

At MM 84.2 you will see a big sign advertising the Theater of the Sea. Try to plan a visit. The Theater is just that – a tropical stage to interact with dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, fish, sharks, stingrays, alligators, and birds.

The surroundings are a lush tropical setting for learning about Florida’s aquatic wildlife. This attraction is a great place for kids and adults to learn about the magnificent creatures of the sea.

After leaving the Theater of the Sea, just ¼ mile down the road is the Three Waters Resort & Marina (formerly the Post Card Inn). The reason Three Waters is significant is the huge fleet of fishing charter boats anchored at their very new marina and the spectacular views from their oceanfront accommodations.

A little history – while the Keys are known for their beauty and tropical weather, they also are known for their hurricanes .

In 2017, hurricane Irma hit this part of the Keys with a vengeance, destroying the Post Card Inn, now known as Three Waters Resort & Marina .

They remodeled, rebuilt, and restored the entire property. Thus, the new marina, new tiki bar, and an oceanfront hotel are worth spending a few hours or a few days. While the Three Waters Resort is one of our many favorites, there are dozens of marinas, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and boat dealers along your journey.

Best Things To Do in Islamorada Florida

Places To Stay in Islamorada

Over Seas Highway and The Bridges in the Keys

There are about 1700 islands in the Keys and only 42 bridges. Obviously, most islands are not connected by bridges but are a vital part of the estuary of the Keys.

One very special bridge is heading over to Matecumbe Key, at MM 77. Just at the base of the far west end of the bridge, you will see a big sign that says ROBBIE’S . Robbie’s has become a major attraction for travelers in the Keys.

Thousands of people stop to hand feed tarpon that weighs more than most teenagers! Robbie’s also has a collection of little tent stores that sell everything from baubles to beads and everything from “Florida” but mostly made in China! 

This is an obligatory stop for the traveling first-time tourist (at least once) to feed the tarpon – if you have kids from 5 to 105, they will love it!

On down the road about ten miles, at MM 67.5, is the Long Key State Park . What a great place to hike, swim, camp or just stroll around the park. This is one of Florida’s many state parks that is unique because of the Atlantic Ocean view and the rustic grounds!

Before you get tired of walking the ocean side, save some energy for one of the most famous family-oriented fishing resorts in the world – Hawks Cay Resort is at MM 61.1.

If you have ever watched any outdoor shows, Hawks Cay has been featured many times showing the bounty of nearby waters. This is a place for good old-fashioned family fun.

The resort has every possible saltwater activity, with the focus on sport fishing. The kids will have fun too with a huge pool, paddle boards and daily planned activities. The food is exceptional, so lunch on the way down the Keys is a great stop at their Angler & Ale restaurant.

In our opinion, Hawks Cay is the best family resort in the Florida Keys. Find out about rates here .

If you have kids, 5 to 95, The Dolphin Research Center is at MM 58.9. This place is for family fun and they do great work to preserve our dolphin population. They have a research center and a large contained area in Florida Bay where they rehab and train dolphins. The kids love it (and adults too).

By the time you get to MM 53.5, you will be in Marathon, Florida. A city of about 8500 people stretching over several keys (islands), Marathon is considered halfway to Key West and you will see the obligatory businesses that are named “Halfway Bakery”, “Halfway Cleaners, etc.”.

One large development in Marathon is Key Colony Beach – a community with over 400 homes on a large peninsula out in the Atlantic Ocean. Few communities exist in the Keys of this size. A quick drive-through might be an interesting glimpse of how people live in this part of paradise!

Perhaps the most interesting place of all the attractions we discuss is at MM 50. Crane Point Museum and Nature Center is one of the coolest places to find out about the Florida Key’s history, nature, and early life in the islands – all in one

place! This is a privately operated attraction that offers exceptional opportunities to see and feel how it must have been to survive on this strip of land a couple hundred years ago. Of the nature trails on these 63 acres is one that leads to the Adderley House, a home built about 1903 from materials found around Vaca Key. It survives today to remind us of the hardships faced by our forefathers. Make time for a couple hours here – it’s worth the visit!

Marathon – Half Way To Mile Marker 0

We are about halfway to Key West as we enter Marathon at MM 59.9 and some of the best traveling is yet to come! In fact, you will see in the next three miles places like the Stuffed Pig , a great little local’s place for breakfast and lunch, and then you will start seeing signs like the 7 Mile Pizzeria and the 7 Mile Bar & Grill – heads up!

You are coming to the most spectacular views on your entire trip – The Seven Mile Bridge !

The current Seven Mile Bridge was completed in 1982 and was one of the largest bridges in the world at that time. Alongside the new bridge, you will see the remnants of a railroad bridge Henry Flagler completed to Key West in 1912.

Built against unbelievable odds and at the cost of a major portion of his fortune from his Standard Oil investments, his railroad bridge helped to build much of the lower keys.

Flagler’s Bridge brought tourists and products to and from Key West leading to twenty-plus years of prosperity until the Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 destroyed the bridge structure. In the face of this destruction, the United States bought the right of way from the railroad and made a bridge for automobile traffic from the remaining structure.

The back story and history of the bridge are fascinating, but the real story is in the spectacular views on both sides of the bridge. Florida Bay on your right and the Atlantic Ocean on your left make keeping your eyes on the road nearly impossible.

You will see ships on the horizon in the Atlantic and bay fishermen looking for snook and tarpon in the shallows. The sparkling blueish-green water laps the pylons of the bridge along with the waves produced by the boat traffic underneath.

Sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking! Seven miles is a long way to travel on a bridge, but the time seems but a small few minutes you hate to see the end.

After about 7 miles (imagine that, on the seven-mile bridge), the bridge comes to an end! By now you are awestruck with the beauty of the Florida Keys. But as hard as it is to imagine, at MM 36.8, get ready for a whole new close-up experience at Bahia Honda State Park .

This park has all the normal things state parks have, hiking, camping, swimming and more. But Bahia Honda offers a unique chance to get in the water and snorkel over the shallows to see another whole world beneath the surface of the Ocean.

This park is a family favorite due to the relatively shallow water and the ability to give children more than a cursory education about marine life. Relax and look around, your next adventure may just be underwater! Our family tells stories about their first encounters with the creatures of the sea, and their memories as they became acquainted with the saltwater environment at Bahia Honda.

Things To Do in Marathon Florida Keys

Places to Stay In Marathon

Big Pine Key and Key Deer

We must move on since you can almost taste the margaritas in Key West in an hour or so away. Across the bridge going south you will start seeing warnings about one of the strangest animals in the Keys – the Key Deer .

These dog size animals can be seen day or night on Big Pine Key. They look exactly like their full-sized white-tailed cousins in the woods of the Midwest, but are just about one-third the size. The Key Deer is an endangered species and lives only in this area. Their biggest enemy is man and the cars they drive. That is why speed limits are reduced and so you can keep a watchful eye out for the deer on the island.

While you are on Big Pine Key, and if you aren’t late for happy hour in Key West, you may want to set your GPS for another part of the island where the No Name Pub resides. This is a dive bar that has become an institution by selling the idea they are an old bar littered with thousands of dollar bills covering every imaginable inch of its walls.

I admit it is a sight to see, but the sight is short-lived once you get on down the road to Key West with dozens of quirky bars!

If you need to make a stop somewhere you may want to try Boondocks around MM 27 or Mangrove Mamas down the road, but you are now just about 20 minutes from Stock Island, which we consider part of Key West.

There are a few bars, a naval air station and a couple sights along the way, but few people can bring themselves to stop when they know the excitement of Key West lies just minutes ahead. 

Key Largo to Key West Mile by Mile Guide Comes To an End – But The Fun in Key West is Just Begining

We have been to Key West at least 30 times. We haven’t always driven, but time allowing, we prefer the drive. I try to cross those 42 bridges at least a couple times annually. No matter how many times I look out that windshield at that final little bridge over a canal that separates Key West from Stock Island, my level of anticipation peaks at a new level.

We always wonder, what has changed? Something always changes. Is there a cruise ship in town? Not as many as there were when cruise ships were allowed to go to Cuba.  Any new bars? There are always new bars! Are any old favorites closed? There are always a few that close!

Change seems to only affect the fringes in the Conch Republic , the local’s name for Key West. Key West got the name Conch Republic when Key Westers got tired of Custom’s officers blocking traffic to the island. The government claimed

they were looking for illegal aliens (better known as immigrants), but Key West residents swore it was drugs they were looking for. So all in one day in 1982, the mayor and a few of his cohorts decided the city should secede from the United States! They declared a secession, called the new country the Conch Republic, marched to the naval base, declared war, surrendered immediately to the naval commander in charge, and subsequently demanded one million dollars in reparations.

We don’t think they got the money, but they did get the attention of the international media which caused enough pressure on officials to stop the roadblocks. That’s how the Conch Republic got its name!

The Attractions of Key West

The first thing you need to know is there are about 190 bars on this two-mile by four-mile island – that’s about four times the number of churches – and that’s Key West! Picking the best bars becomes an occupation for some residents of Key West and an obsession for visitors. You can break “best” down into categories – ones you have visited and ones you haven’t! We are not convinced there is a BAD bar on the island – just different. 

Then there are the great restaurants of Key West that serve some of the freshest seafood in the world. We highlight the best.

Finally, we give you a list of the attractions, things to see, and things to do in Key West. Some you can consider a must-do for first-timers and others can help to bring you back again. We start with the bars of Key West.

Tourists Must See Iconic Key West Bars  

There are bars in Key West that have a worldwide reputation and your friends, neighbors and relatives might think you were strange if you didn’t visit the basic watering holes! The List includes:

• Sloppy Joe’s – The iconic bar Hemingway frequented on his many trips to Key West.
• Captain Tony’s – The bar that was Sloppy Joe’s until they moved it in the middle of the night!
• Irish Kevin’s – Irreverence and raunchy songs mid-morning to the wee hours. Not for kids!
• Hog’s Breath Saloon – Good entertainment and better than average bar food.
• The Green Parrot – One of the oldest bars in Key West known for bands at night and dogs in the day!
• Half Shell Raw Bar – Great place to get fresh oysters and brew on the waterfront.
• Schooner Wharf – A locals favorite in the marina.
• Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville – The late singer’s first store.
• La Te Da – The palace of drag queens.

This is just a few of the many well-known hangouts in Key West. Some lesser-known places we like include Shots and Giggles behind Sloppy Joe’s, The Chart Room in the Pier House Hotel, and The Bull at Caroline Street and Duval Street.

The Best Restaurants in Key West

Casual Restaurants we love:

• Blue Heaven – the best breakfast in Key West!
• Pepe’s – one of the oldest restaurants in Key West serving great food.
• Jack Flats – a local’s favorite on Duval. Sports bar with good food.
• Hogfish Bar & Grill – On Stock Island, a must-visit bar on the wharf.

Upscale Restaurants we think have the best food in Key West:

• Louie’s Backyard – At the far south end of Duval. We think it is the best overall restaurant in Key West.
• A&B Lobster House – In the Marina with a great view.
• Santiago’s Bodega – Near Hemingway Home. Great Tapas and atmosphere.
• Hot Tin Roof – Little-known restaurant at the Ocean Key House at 0 Duval Street. Locals go here.

We could list dozens more, but these are the basics in Key West you need to know about.

In Key West there are attractions and then there are oddities that are just as entertaining and interesting as the ones plastered all over the travel brochures. We will start with the ones every tourist usually sees and then move on to some of the less publicized attractions.

The Top Ten Things You Must Do in Key West

• Mallory Square at Sunset -The quintessential thing to do in Key West. See the sunset and performers each evening.
• Hemingway House – The home of the most famous writer in Key West.
• Southernmost Buoy – The must-have picture of you and the famous location.
• Museum of Art and History – A great rainy day activity. The Museum is excellent.
• The Key West Aquarium – Get an understanding of the creatures of the sea.
• Mel Fisher Maritime Museum – The museum of the man who found a fortune at the bottom of the sea.
•   Butterfly and Nature Conservatory – Beautiful scenery and butterflies.
• Fort Zachary Taylor – Visit the Fort and one of the best beaches in Key West.
• Key West Lighthouse – See the keeper’s quarters and walk the stairs to the highest point in Key West.
• Dry Tortugas – Fort Jefferson – Our favorite thing to do in Key West. Take a trip over to the Dry Tortugas and visit the Fort. Great snorkeling too!

The Bucket List Things To Do in Key West

• The Key West Cemetery – Yes it’s a little creepy but the headstone inscriptions are hilarious. 
• Robert the Doll – This haunted doll is housed at the East Martello Museum.
• Little Whitehouse – Truman was here so often they named his quarters the Little Whitehouse.
• Architecture in Key West – Over the years Key West had many cultural influences. The Spanish, English and Americans have all had a hand in the architecture.
• Shipwreck Museum Key West – Find out how Key West was so wealthy in the late 1800s.
• Take a Ghost Tour of Key West – Hear the stories of the ghosts who roam Key West.

The Watersports of Key West Things To Do

With water total surrounding the island, there are many opportunities to engage in watersports that you may not be able to do anywhere else in the country. Our suggestions for water sport things to do in Key West include:

• Learn how to scuba dive or snorkel in the crystal clear waters around Key West .
• Charter a sunset sailing cruise for a memorable evening.
• Jet skis, paddle boards and kayaks are all available for rent. We had a memorable time on a jet ski-guided tour of the island.

Best Places To Stay in Key West

There are well over 150 hotels in Key West and another 50 or more bed and breakfast lodgings. Choices range from big chain hotels to local independent owners. Prices are as varied as amenities.

Bed and Breakfast Recommendation

The Conch House Heritage Inn .  The Conch House is in Old Town and is roomy and clean according to friends who have stayed there. Of course, breakfast is offered in the mornings there as well.

Hotels in Key West We Can Recommend

There are an abundance of hotels on every part of the island. Every chain has a location somewhere in Key West. You can spend time looking on the travel sites or below are the ones we have stayed in that we recommend. (There are others we have stayed in we won’t be mentioning.)

The Pier House – We have stayed here many times. Right at the foot of Duval Street. The Chart Room, one of our favorite Bars, is located inside. They are on the high end from a cost standpoint. The location, clean rooms and waterside bar make it worthwhile. They also have a small private beach and a nice pool.

All the way to the other end of Duval Street (south) is the Casa Marina , part of the Hilton Curio group of hotels. This gracefully aging beauty was opened in 1920 as part of the Henry Flagler group of exclusive hotels he was building along the coast. This hotel is immaculate, exclusive, and right on the Atlantic Ocean with their own private beach. We would highly recommend this facility, but the cost may not be worth it if you plan to spend your days off the property.

The Galleon Resort and Marina is a perfect location if you are planning on taking advantage of the many water sports in Key West. The hotel is on the Gulf side of the Island and has a 90-slip boat marina. They also are a time-share resort, so availability may be limited at certain times of the year. They are priced about the same as the Pier House year-round.

Opal Key Resort & Marina says on their website they were ranked as one of the top resorts in the Florida Keys! We are not sure about this lofty ranking, but Margaritaville has a great location right on the entrance to the Key West Harbor. The hotel is also next to Mallory Square, with their own shops on property near their marina. This is a good hotel and will be priced as the Pier House and others.

Right in the middle of Duval Street is the Crown Plaza La Concha Hotel . We haven’t stayed here in several years, but the hotel has been remodeled recently and should be better than our last visit. The La Concha is one of the tallest buildings in Key West and has a great view of the landscape. The hotel has a large wine bar on Duval and very comfortable lobby. Pricing is just slightly less than waterfront properties.

Final Thoughts on the Key Largo to Key West Florida Mile by Mile Guide

Everyone experiences the Florida Keys and Key West a little differently. Some are attracted to the unrivaled rich history. Others just scratch the surface for a quick get-away, much like taking Key West as nature’s Valium! Many people come for the water sports that abound in the clear blue waters. Some people love the almost 24-hour-a-day entertainment.

Annual events like the Hemingway lookalike contest, Fantasy Fest, Song Writer’s Festival, multiple fishing tournaments, food and wine festivals, Super Boat Championships, and many more bring thousands of visitors. The natural setting of islands between two oceans offers experiences not found anywhere else in the world.

For whatever reason you visit the Keys, you will always create memories that are hard to duplicate. Our Key Largo to Key West Guide hopefully added to your memorable trip though the Keys.

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