For travelers and truckers alike, Love’s Travel Stop locations are synonymous with a convenient pit stop. Located just off I-135 in Wichita, Kansas, the newly opened Love’s Travel Truck Stop at 1504 E 21st St. N (Wichita, KS 67214) offers more than just fuel and rest. This 24-hour stop, reachable at 316-789-7800 and accepting both cash and card, has quickly become a go-to for those traversing the interstate, and surprisingly, a spot for a quick food review.
Stepping inside, you’re greeted with the familiar sight of aisles stocked with beverages, chips, and various travel snacks. However, beyond the typical convenience store fare, Love’s Travel Stop in Wichita holds a hidden gem: a surprisingly diverse range of hot food options perfect for hungry travelers.
Exploring the Food Options at Love’s Travel Stop
Forget just chips and soda; this Love’s Travel Truck Stop boasts a roller grill, a deli section, and a warmer filled with packaged meals. The selection is impressive, featuring everything from tacos and sandwiches to salads, wraps, and even desserts. It’s a far cry from standard “gas station food,” offering a genuine menu for those on the road.
Navigating the deli section, a helpful employee highlighted some popular choices, mentioning the wraps and various mac and cheese bowls as top sellers. Intrigued, and with a mission to sample a range, the buffalo chicken mac and cheese bowl and a chicken wrap were chosen. The aroma of freshly made tacos also proved irresistible, leading to the addition of a buffalo chicken ranch taco to the order. And of course, no visit to a truck stop is complete without investigating the roller grill. A buffalo chicken roller and a chicken taquito rounded out the selection.
Road Trip Food Review: Hits and Misses at Love’s
Starting with the roller grill classics, the taquito and buffalo chicken roller were assessed. In a head-to-head taquito comparison, QuikTrip might hold a slight edge, as the Love’s Travel Stop taquito was a bit flimsy. However, the buffalo chicken roller was on par, offering a familiar and satisfying truck stop snack.
Moving onto the buffalo chicken ranch taco, the texture was notably mushy, almost puréed. While not off-putting to everyone, it was a significant textural element.
The chicken wrap, unfortunately, was the least impressive item. Dry and bland, it didn’t quite hit the mark.
However, the culinary journey at Love’s Travel Stop had a definite high point: the buffalo chicken mac and cheese. This dish stood out, especially compared to typical grab-and-go meals or even other gas station food options. While a touch more buffalo sauce would have been welcome, the chicken-to-noodle ratio was well-balanced. Priced at $6.99, it’s a substantial and satisfying meal, making it a winning choice for anyone stopping at this Wichita Love’s Travel Stop.
Final Verdict: Convenience and Comfort Food at Love’s
Ultimately, Love’s Travel Stop isn’t aiming for gourmet dining. It’s about convenience, affordability, and palatable food for travelers. And in that regard, it delivers. With a diverse menu, there’s likely something for everyone. For a satisfying and easy meal during your travels, especially if you appreciate comfort food, the buffalo chicken mac and cheese at Love’s Travel Truck Stop is a recommended choice on your next road trip.
