The open road beckons, and whether you’re cruising from Metro Manila to the lush north or the coastal south, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) are your gateways to adventure. 

Post-pandemic travel has reshaped our pit-stop priorities. Now we crave good food that satisfies, refreshing drinks, clean bathrooms, and safe parking. Here’s Metro’s curated list of the top stopovers that deliver on all fronts, so you can have a memorable and stree-free trip to look forward to.

Drive&Dine | Photo: Drive&Dine on Facebook

On NLEX (North Luzon Expressway)

1. Petron Lakeshore (Km 71, Mexico, Pampanga)

This sprawling foodie haven is practically a destination in itself.

Where To Eat: Petron Lakeshore offers a smorgasbord of homegrown Kapampangan restaurants, from Lolaima’s sizzling sisig and Mangan Tana’s Kapampangan bringhe to Teresita's of San Fernando. Fast food fans can hit McDonald’s or Shakey’s for pizza.

Stopping For A Drink? Starbucks serves reliable lattes, while Bibingkinitan pairs mini rice cakes with iced teas. Chachago has milk teas while San Mig Cafe’s craft coffee earns raves on X.

Restrooms: Spotless with running water and ample space, a rare gem on long drives.

Parking: A well-lit, monitored parking lot accommodates cars to buses. You’ll feel secure leaving your vehicle to dine or just stretch your muscles.

Vibe Check: Bustling yet welcoming, Lakeshore is a microcosm of Pampanga’s food scene, ideal for families or solo drivers craving variety.

Lolaima at Petron Lakeshore | Photo: Lolaima Pampanga Cuisine on Facebook

2. SEAOIL-City Mall SCTEX (NLEX-SCTEX Junction, Km 62, San Fernando, Pampanga)

A sleek stop for those veering toward Subic or Clark.

Where To Eat: This has been called a “highway food court” where you can chow on Jollibee’s fried chicken, Mang Inasal’s smoky inasal, and Army Navy burgers. Potato Corner is good quick fix for snack cravings.

Stopping For A Drink? Highlands Coffee offers Vietnamese brews, or head to Shakey’s for beer and milk shakes. Jollibee’s iced coffee has been praised for keeping drivers alert.

Restrooms:  Clean, odor-free and well-maintained even with peak crowds.

Parking: We like the clear signage and staff presence makes a difference.

Vibe Check: Polished and mall-like, this place makes for a quick, satisfying break for sunset chasers heading north.

3. Caltex Mega Station (Km 55, San Fernando, Pampanga)

A classic pit stop with variety and reliability.

Where To Eat: KFC, Tokyo Tokyo, and Kenny Rogers cover fried chicken to bento boxes. Café France offers croissants.

Stopping For A Drink? Starbucks for caffeine fuel, Krispy Kreme for donuts with hot chocolate. And Razon’s halo-halo is a favorite reason to stop.

Restrooms: Better than most, with soap and dry floors.

Parking: Visible security and no hassle.

Vibe Check: Laid-back and dependable, it’s comfort food central for any traveler.

Photo: Caltex Mega Station on Facebook

4. Drive & Dine (Km 21, Meycauayan-Valenzuela)

A southbound gem near Manila with some good retail.

Where To Eat: McDonald’s, Kenny Rogers, and JTs Manukan’s (the grilled chicken inasal still shines). Empanada Nation offers savory pastries.

Stopping For A Drink? In addition to Starbucks, Chachago delivers coffee and milk tea. You can drop by Hen Lin’s for soya drinks.

Restrooms: Gender-equal and spotless.

Parking: The secure lot near the Nike and Levi's outlets is a good spot.

Vibe Check: Vibrant with shopping perks. This is a great pre-Manila stop.

Photo: Drive&Dine on Facebook

On SLEX (South Luzon Expressway)

1. Shell of Asia (Km 36, Silangan, Muntinlupa City)

A southbound hub with urban polish.

Where To Eat: Chowking for siopao and pancit, Burger King grills whoppers, and Max’s delivers crispy chicken and kare-kare that have been praised for being “road-trip worthy.” Pass by Goldilocks for pasalubong.

Stopping For A Drink? The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offers cappuccinos, while Fruitas blends fresh cold fruit shakes perfect for the SLEX heat.

Restrooms: Hotel-like restrooms stocked with supplies and kept very clean.

Parking: The well-lit lot has cameras and staff.

Vibe Check: Lively yet efficient, it’s perfect for families en route to Laguna or Tagaytay.

Photo: Shell of Asia on Facebook

2. Petron SLEX (Km 44, San Antonio, San Pedro, Laguna)

Straightforward and practical.

Where To Eat: Jollibee and KFC for fast food, though we think Tapa King’s tapsilog steals the show. Dunkin’ Donuts is a lifesaver for the sweet tooths.

Stopping For A Drink? Starbucks keeps the coffee flowing, while Zagu whips up pearl shakes, and San Mig Cafe has iced beers (strictly for passengers, not the drivers!).

Restrooms: Clean and functional.

Parking: The secure lot has night lighting.

Vibe Check: Warm and familiar, the buzzing food court is good for quick stops while en route to Batangas or Quezon.

Photo: TPLEX on Wikipedia

On TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway)

1. PTT Victoria (Km 148, Victoria, Tarlac)

A quiet stop with quality surprises.

Where To Eat: Chowking for lauriat meals, BonChon for Korean fried chicken, and Lutong Bahay for adobo and sinigang. A pasalubong stall sells Tarlac’s iniruban rice cakes.

Stopping For A Drink? Coffee Project’s flat whites and fruit teas shine, while Minute Burger has iced teas.

Restrooms: Pristine with good ventilation and minimal crowds.

Parking: The compact lot has security staff.

Vibe Check: Cozy and low-key, stop here for a breather en route to Tarlac.

2. Total Rosales (Km 178, Rosales, Pangasinan)

Convenience and Northern hospitality.

Where To Eat: Max’s for iconic fried chicken and Gerry’s Grill for sisig and seafood platters. There’s Siomai House for affordable dim sum.

Stopping For A Drink? Bo’s Coffee serves Benguet blends, Gerry’s Grill mango juice is a favorite.

Restrooms: Clean and modern with gender-neutral options.

Parking: The spacious lot has night patrols, good for buses and cars.

Vibe Check: Welcoming with Pangasinan pride, it’s versatile for any road-trip crew.

And now just a quick note before you head out: Check tollway advisories and RFID balances for smooth travels. Happy driving!*