Buc-ees coming West... what are it's.....

[citruscurtis]

What are it's E-Attractions? I have never heard of the icon. 7 new locations this year and one in Arizona.... from what I have read... looks to be a ....good year.... for Western tourists

 

[BrianL]

It's a gas station. That's it. It's totally over-hyped. It does have some decent food inside, but it's nothing to get super excited about. It's probably a great choice to stop at if you're on a road trip and if it's convenient, but it's not worth seeking out as a destination (and I know people who have done that).

 

[hardcorestitch]

Clean bathrooms… lots of food… and a beaver that didn’t use hopping technology to get famous…

 

[TiggerTrigger]

#1 attraction...the bathrooms!

As a Texas resident, Buc-ee's is just a must. On a road trip, I will drive a bit farther if I know there's one coming up along the way. It's also generally a safer place to stop, so it's a place I will pause to close my eyes for a little while if I'm getting a bit road weary. I did that at the one in Auburn, AL as well as the one in Kentucky, near the Tennessee border.

Beyond that, while there's all kinds of fun merch...especially the seasonal stuff, it's the food that most people want when they get to visit. I think their BBQ is just OK, but there are so many other options... including some boring ones. I often just grab a couple of hardboiled eggs, but if I need a jolt of sugary energy, I'm a big fan of the pecan pralines and a bag of Beaver Nuggets. Some fudge flavors are better than others (I think mocha and mint chocolate have been my main faves), DD17 likes the big frosted cinnamon rolls, both kids like their Italian sandwich, DH often gets a brisket sandwich, I semi-recently had a chicken fajita burrito which was great because it had no cheese, and things like the warm candied nuts are nice for snacking. Oh, and DH and the kids like their breakfast tacos and sandwiches.

Oh yea...and most of the ones you see (we have minis here too) are massive gas stations. You will get a discount if you have a Buc-ee's credit card...and their car washes are usually huge and kind of fun. My only real gripe are the ones with car washes don't have windshield squeegees.

On two funny notes...
1. I always stop at the Buc-ee's in Denton, TX if I'm coming or going from Norman, OK. There have been many trips where I stop there twice within the matter of several hours. I'm always a little sad that nobody recognizes that I was just in there.
2. I watched the 2024 total solar eclipse from the parking lot of the one in Ennis, TX. It seemed perfect... clean bathrooms, top off the gas tank so I didn't get stranded in post eclipse gridlock, tons of food options, shopping, and a bit of nature since there are some wide open field areas towards the north and east of that location.

One last thing...no trucks! That's big.

 

[hardcorestitch]

#1 attraction...the bathrooms!

As a Texas resident, Buc-ee's is just a must. On a road trip, I will drive a bit farther if I know there's one coming up along the way. It's also generally a safer place to stop, so it's a place I will pause to close my eyes for a little while if I'm getting a bit road weary. I did that at the one in Auburn, AL as well as the one in Kentucky, near the Tennessee border.

Beyond that, while there's all kinds of fun merch...especially the seasonal stuff, it's the food that most people want when they get to visit. I think their BBQ is just OK, but there are so many other options... including some boring ones. I often just grab a couple of hardboiled eggs, but if I need a jolt of sugary energy, I'm a big fan of the pecan pralines and a bag of Beaver Nuggets. Some fudge flavors are better than others (I think mocha and mint chocolate have been my main faves), DD17 likes the big frosted cinnamon rolls, both kids like their Italian sandwich, DH often gets a brisket sandwich, I semi-recently had a chicken fajita burrito which was great because it had no cheese, and things like the warm candied nuts are nice for snacking. Oh, and DH and the kids like their breakfast tacos and sandwiches.

Oh yea...and most of the ones you see (we have minis here too) are massive gas stations. You will get a discount if you have a Buc-ee's credit card...and their car washes are usually huge and kind of fun. My only real gripe are the ones with car washes don't have windshield squeegees.

On two funny notes...
1. I always stop at the Buc-ee's in Denton, TX if I'm coming or going from Norman, OK. There have been many trips where I stop there twice within the matter of several hours. I'm always a little sad that nobody recognizes that I was just in there.
2. I watched the 2024 total solar eclipse from the parking lot of the one in Ennis, TX. It seemed perfect... clean bathrooms, top of the gas tank so I didn't get stranded in post eclipse gridlock, tons of food options, shopping, and a bit of nature since there are some wide open field areas towards the north and east of that location.

Gawrsh they have delicious chicken tenders too! I had that on my way to Charleston, SC last year… there was a location in Florence…

 

[tvguy]

They do seem to be a cult like experience for some people. We didn't get our first Walmart here until the early 1990s and having family in Texas, Missouri and Illinois, we knew THAT was also a cult like experience for some.

 

[BrianL]

Beyond that, while there's all kinds of fun merch...especially the seasonal stuff, it's the food that most people want when they get to visit. I think their BBQ is just OK, but there are so many other options... including some boring ones. I often just grab a couple of hardboiled eggs, but if I need a jolt of sugary energy, I'm a big fan of the pecan pralines and a bag of Beaver Nuggets. Some fudge flavors are better than others (I think mocha and mint chocolate have been my main faves), DD17 likes the big frosted cinnamon rolls, both kids like their Italian sandwich, DH often gets a brisket sandwich, I semi-recently had a chicken fajita burrito which was great because it had no cheese, and things like the warm candied nuts are nice for snacking. Oh, and DH and the kids like their breakfast tacos and sandwiches.

I will admit that Beaver Nuggets are pretty tasty. I'd definitely stop at a Buc-ees over another gas station if it's on the way, but I still just don't think it's all that special. The following it has is a little over-the-top to me.

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

We got into an hour long traffic gridlock the first and only time we visited a Buc-ees. This was off I-95 in SC. Traffic was backed up the exit ramp trying to get in, and then once in it was an absolute nightmare, no direction, cars going every which way, getting into gridlock trying to get to a pump. We should have turned around somehow when we saw how busy it was, but once entering the pump area there was really no other way out because of the line of cars continuing to come in. I can not explain adequately how bad of a situation it was.

I got a salad. It was fine. Bathrooms were fine. Never again.

 

[sam_gordon]

Clean Restroom
Wall of Jerkey
Fresh Jerkey
Fresh Meats
Lots of Sweets
LOTS of gas bumps (think 100)
NO Semi trucks.

We have one about 20 minutes from our house.

Would I go out of my way to visit one? No.
Would I "push" a little to get to one? Yes.
Would I stop a little early to get to one? Maybe.

 

[Genie+]

It’s worth going out of your way to visit Sarni! https://www.classicbitesandbrews.com/sarni/

If you go to Italy that is. What ever is good about Buc-ees? Sarni is 10X better lol

Sarni locations in Italy are primarily situated as service areas along major autostrade(highways), offering restaurant, bar, and fueling services. The Sarni group also operates a jewelry chain, Follie d'Oro, with numerous locations in shopping centers across the country.

Sarni Ristorazione & SarniOil (Highway Service Areas)
These locations are typically named after the highway stretch or service area they occupy. Key locations along major routes include:

• A1 (Autostrada del Sole): Sites include Teano Ovest (Caserta), Fabro Ovest(Terni), Mascherone Est (Fiano Romano), Santa Croce, Roncobilaccio Ovest, and locations near Modena and Fiorenzuola d'Arda.
• A14 (Adriatica): Locations include Le Saline Est (Cerignola), Sillaro Est (Castel San Pietro Terme), and stations like Torre Fantine Est and Chienti Ovest.
• A25: Features Brecciarola Nord in Chieti.
• Additional Highway Stations: SarniOil operates fueling stations at Bordighera Sud, Isarco Est, Selva Candida, Vesuvio Nord, and Trigno Est, among others.

 

[sam_gordon]

We got into an hour long traffic gridlock the first and only time we visited a Buc-ees. This was off I-95 in SC. Traffic was backed up the exit ramp trying to get in, and then once in it was an absolute nightmare, no direction, cars going every which way, getting into gridlock trying to get to a pump. We should have turned around somehow when we saw how busy it was, but once entering the pump area there was really no other way out because of the line of cars continuing to come in. I can not explain adequately how bad of a situation it was.

I got a salad. It was fine. Bathrooms were fine. Never again.

I wonder if they had just opened. We've been to the one by our house and stopped at one east of Knoxville. They've been crowded, but not as bad as you describe.

 

[citruscurtis]

They do seem to be a cult like experience for some people. We didn't get our first Walmart here until the early 1990s and having family in Texas, Missouri and Illinois, we knew THAT was also a cult like experience for some.

I love cults....the loneliest In an Out is in Laughlin, Nevada.... keizer, Oregon still a mess

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Gawrsh they have delicious chicken tenders too! I had that on my way to Charleston, SC last year… there was a location in Florence…

Wow! I can't say I've seen those at any of the ones I've been to. It looks like they're really popular, so maybe I'm hitting at the wrong time of day OR they're sold out. I've been to about 20 different ones, but minis (aka Baby Buc-ee's) have limited food options and we've experienced some regional differences. Like the one in CO had different soda options and not all of them have the chocolate milk DD17 likes. I'll have to be on the lookout! I have to drive to OK next month so that route gives me three Buc-ee's options to check.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I will admit that Beaver Nuggets are pretty tasty. I'd definitely stop at a Buc-ees over another gas station if it's on the way, but I still just don't think it's all that special. The following it has is a little over-the-top to me.

There are times I've skipped it simply because it can be pure chaos at certain times of the day. That being said, I like getting the gas discount and as a woman, not having to wait in a long line for a dirty bathroom stall is very appealing. Food is hit or miss. I've tried plenty of raved about things that have me scratching my head. Now, this may be the Disney fan in me, but I do really enjoy it when they have someone out and about in the Buc-ee's beaver costume. It's kind of like showing up to a character meal but choosing if I want to spend oodles of money on food.

 

[BrianL]

There are times I've skipped it simply because it can be pure chaos at certain times of the day. That being said, I like getting the gas discount and as a woman, not having to wait in a long line for a dirty bathroom stall is very appealing. Food is hit or miss. I've tried plenty of raved about things that have me scratching my head. Now, this may be the Disney fan in me, but I do really enjoy it when they have someone out and about in the Buc-ee's beaver costume. It's kind of like showing up to a character meal but choosing if I want to spend oodles of money on food.

I just wish they had some places to eat! I understand why they don't, but trying to eat a messy barbecue sandwich in a rental car wasn't the easiest thing. I know they don't want to encourage people to hang out or clean up after them, but it makes it less appealing. I'm more inclined to just grab some Nuggets.

 

[HopperFan]

Ahh Buc-ees ... gas station with huge convenience store on steriods. Over 100 gas pumps, no trucks allowed, packaged food, fresh food and an amped up Cracker Barrel style store with Buc-ees logo on just about everything. (Cracker Barrel is better option) Forgot your bathing suit, Buc-ees has it with a beaver on it, no extra charge. Grills, pop up chairs, coolers, clothing, beaver home decor.

Is it a must do? ~ absolutely not. And if I go to any I pass - factor in at least a 30 minute loss in travel time.

I mostly travel with disabled adult son ... Buc-ees does not have family restrooms we can use. So the only time we stop is when my other son is with us. We always get one of the big fountain drinks, great value. I like their pre-made peanut brittle. They have different counters and wall counter for a variety of food items. Like fresh fudge, candied nuts, sandwiches etc. The only fresh food we have eaten is breakfast. I got a breakfast burrito, nice size, nice price ............. and after a few bites in the trash. It was disgusting. And I'm not picky and rarely throw out food but it was so gross. I have no desire to eat there again.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I just wish they had some places to eat! I understand why they don't, but trying to eat a messy barbecue sandwich in a rental car wasn't the easiest thing. I know they don't want to encourage people to hang out or clean up after them, but it makes it less appealing. I'm more inclined to just grab some Nuggets.

Then you can appreciate my frustration. It was a couple of years ago, but we stopped at the Buc-ee's in Katy, TX along I-10 for "snacks." DH was hungry and bought a chopped brisket sandwich. We took my vehicle, but I was tired and he offered to drive home...while eating. He is an extremely sloppy eater and rarely notices if he's made a mess. Still, I implored him to try and keep it neat. I went out to run an errand the next day and found various spots on my steering with with caked on beef and sauce.

 

[goofyernmost]

If you are genuinely unaware, Buc-ee's is not a theme park. It is just a local convenience store/gas station on steroids. It has about 100 gasoline pumps and a huge building that is broken up into about three equally large sections of exactly the same things that can be found in each section. There is usually something special in each section, but that's the extent. Being as big as it is they have doors on each side so no matter were you enter it is likely you will have easy access to everything. It's good for one visit, but after that if you stop it was because you really needed gas or were just desperate for a good bathroom. I understand that a whole lot of people think the place is unbelievable, but, I lack one of those excited about nothing genes. Not to worry, for me, that carries through to sporting events as well.

They do have fresh food being prepared constantly, however, there is no place to eat whatever you get, so it's back to the car and the dashboard or your lap acting as a table. In fairness they have mostly their own brand so you will find some different things for sale, but other than that it's just a store. With the forecasted dep/eshion on the horizon if I owned a Buc-ees I would be mighty concerned. Judging by the size of those stores it must cost a whole lot of free spending customers to operate it.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

In case anyone was wondering if there's one headed your way...

 

[hardcorestitch]

Ahh Buc-ees ... gas station with huge convenience store on steriods. Over 100 gas pumps, no trucks allowed, packaged food, fresh food and an amped up Cracker Barrel style store with Buc-ees logo on just about everything. (Cracker Barrel is better option) Forgot your bathing suit, Buc-ees has it with a beaver on it, no extra charge. Grills, pop up chairs, coolers, clothing, beaver home decor.

Is it a must do? ~ absolutely not. And if I go to any I pass - factor in at least a 30 minute loss in travel time.

I mostly travel with disabled adult son ... Buc-ees does not have family restrooms we can use. So the only time we stop is when my other son is with us. We always get one of the big fountain drinks, great value. I like their pre-made peanut brittle. They have different counters and wall counter for a variety of food items. Like fresh fudge, candied nuts, sandwiches etc. The only fresh food we have eaten is breakfast. I got a breakfast burrito, nice size, nice price ............. and after a few bites in the trash. It was disgusting. And I'm not picky and rarely throw out food but it was so gross. I have no desire to eat there again.

Cracker Barrel became the Spirit Airlines of southern cookin…