By Pender Bauhan

Potato wedges.

I pulled up to the Exxon Station. I grabbed my mask, keys, camera, and wallet, and headed in. I was greeted by the smell of cigarettes, dirt, and fried chicken. I strolled to the back of the store, known as Wise Choice, where the classic “gas station fried chicken”—which only local Goochland folks know about—can be found. I have been there a few times before, so I knew the lay of the land. I took a look at the menu. It ranged from Philly cheesesteak subs to hamburgers to burritos, but I was only there for their chicken.  

I decided that I would grab an array of the individual pieces, so I could truly get a taste of it all. I got a smoked leg, fried leg, smoked breast, and fried breast. For my side, I grabbed a small potato wedge order and a small Mac-n-cheese. 

There was no seating in the convenience store, so I headed back to my car.  

First I tried the fried chicken drumstick. I am pretty sure I saw a glimpse of heaven. The perfectly golden brown crust encased the moist, juicy chicken. My eyes closed as I swallowed that beautiful, golden grub. I was reminded again that there is nothing better than a good ol’ fried chicken drumstick from Wise Choice in Goochland, Virginia. 

Next up on my platter of good health, I took a heaping spoonful of their famous macaroni and cheese. It’s hard to describe the pure joy wrapped up in this little bite. The macaroni and cheese is simple, yet complex. It has the perfect ratio of cheese to macaroni. The golden brown crispy layer on top of this gourmet side tops it all off. My taste buds felt chills.

Macaroni and cheese.

In order to dampen the party that just occurred inside my mouth, I cleansed my pallet with a swig of water. Next up on my plate were the thick and seasoned fresh cut potato wedges. 

WOW. 

My heart skipped a beat. The potato wedge mushed inside my mouth giving my tongue a tingling sensation. I grabbed another. My mouth watered for another bite. The ratio of season-to-salt-to-potato was one I had never experienced before. The wedges were gone in seconds. 

I moved onto my next piece, the smoked chicken leg. The juice oozed out as I took a bite. The season rub was spicy; I didn’t mind it, though. It was more savory and sweet than painfully spicy. I was overall satisfied with this taste. It spiked the fire that was exploding on my palate with a little kick. 

Fried chicken.

I sat back in my car seat and reflected on the magnificent experience and food journey I had just taken.

Wise Choice, although located in a convenience store gas station, is definitely home to some of the best chicken, mac and cheese, and potato wedges I have ever devoured in my born days. 

The internet agrees. “You can’t get better fried chicken at any gas station I know of. If you’re looking for authentic, unhealthy (in a good way), amazing country fare, this is the place to go!” according to Michal D. from Richmond in his Yelp review. 

And John M. from Richmond yelps that, “Yes, the parking is awkward, and yes, sometimes there is a little diesel smell. But you know it’s always busy. Do you know why? Because the fried chicken is that good.“

And there you have it, folks. The best gas station food around.

Wise Choice & Exxon

1751 Ashland Rd, Rockville, VA 23146

All photos by Pender Bauhan.