Most travelers stop in Gila Bend for the best truck stop bathrooms this side of San Diego. But if shopping for ceramic frogs at the Holt's Shell Station makes you hungry, head down the road for some quick eats ...
Space Age Restaurant: This life-sized replica of the Starship Enterprise was built in 1964 by businessman Al Stovall, who lined the building with NASA memorabilia from the plastic factory he owned. After it burned down in 1998, it was rebuilt with all kinds of Star Trek stuff including a pretty stellar mural in the front. The food is standard diner fare, but I liked my Double Jupiter Burger with crispy onion rings. For dessert, they've got strawberry shakes and alien lollipops in the gift shop. Call ahead, they do takeout!
Website: bestwestern.com , Phone: 928-683-2761 , Address: 401 E. Pima St., Gila Bend
Sofia's Mexican Food: The locals are all about this casual order-at-the-counter Mexican restaurant that's quaintly decorated with kitschy tropical paintings. The little space on Pima Street serves some pretty awesome corn gorditas, $3.55, which they stuff with meats like chicken and carne asada. They taste kind of like a cross between a taco and a pizza pocket, which makes them really easy to eat in the car.
Facebook page: Sophia's Mexican Food , Phone: 928-683-6382 , Address: 530 W. Pima St., Gila Bend
Carne asada fries at Humberto's, $6.99.
Humberto's: This Mexican drive-thru taco shop serves your regular menu of burritos, quesadillas, rolled tacos and more. But for an authentic taste of San Diego (before you get there) you've gotta go for the carne asada French fries. They're thin-cut crispy little things piled high with sour cream, guacamole, carne asada and lots of shredded cheese. Like McDonald's crossed the border.
Website: humbertosmexfood.com , Phone: 928-683-0525 , Address: 610 E. Pima St., Gila Bend
Little Italy Pizza and Italian Restaurant: This restaurant is right next door to Humberto's, and has a walk-up takeout counter that serves all manner of sub sandwiches. Check out the Big Boy with turkey, roast beef, ham and provolone cheese on a freshly-baked housemade bread. If calzones are more your style, they have five different varieties ...
Website: littleitaliapizza.com , Phone: 928-683-2221 , Address: 502. E. Pima St., Gila Bend
