For every thousand borderline anonymous or barely tolerated quick service restaurant and convenience store, there exists a few that court not so much customers as fanatics.
Like Buc-cees in The South, Cook Out in the Carolinas, Erewhon in California, Wegmans in the Northeast, and Publix in Florida, a temple exists in New Jersey - and especially the Jersey Shore - where devotees flock daily to receive their communion. I speak of Wawa, a place to get an incredible array of coffee, prepared food (hot and cold) you won't immediately regret eating, gas, and a wide variety of snacks and drinks.
Yes, yes, I know - Wawas are a Delaware County (DelCo) invention. However, since the 70s, they have spread to the surrounding Jersey Shore area and many New Jerseyans claims them as their own.
While many - most - Jersey Shore residents and tourists do try to shop locally, Wawa does brisk business on account of its iconic status and its quality service and offerings.
Wawa's engineers are not infallible - if the chain's 2024 pizza rollout is any guide - but they hit more than they miss, which is all you want in a place offering cheap and fast food.
If you do find yourself in a Wawa, here's what you should get:
A piping hot cup of Wawa's coffee
Sourced from the Rainforest Alliance, Wawa's coffee is always hot and almost always plentiful. Their website lists seven options, but I swear it always feels like there's more.
Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets
Likewise a Philadelphia export, these sugar bombs will get your morning going and probably set you up for a nice nap later on.
Breakfast Burrito
Spend enough time on the Internet, and you'll find strong advocates for everything on their breakfast menu. The bagel sandwiches are great but a breakfast burrito always gets a slight nod from me. And, if I'm in the market for a breakfast sandwich, I'll probably go to a local bagel store, not here.
Ice Rechargers
These are not for me, but if you want caffeine + sugary fruit slushies, this is like manna from heaven.
Classic Italian Hoagie
Owing that aforementioned quality and care, you could pick whichever sandwich spoke to your heart and have a great meal. But the classic italian hoagie is a) just a fantastic sandwich wherever you get it and b) especially good at Wawas. Philadelphia Magazine helpfully ranked them all. There's cold and hot sandwiches and paninis - something for everyone.
Soft Pretzel
The indelible Wawa soft pretzel (go for the double) topped this list - for its "chewy, salty yet slightly sweet" existence. They are incredible and they're often right in front of you at check out, calling, beckoning, pleading for your purchase. Don't disappoint.
Whats's your go to Wawa order? What did I get right or wrong? Is the pizza really that bad? Weigh in below.
