The Florida Turnpike has been working hard at upgrading your dining options. They are in the middle of some major renovations on some of the Service Plaza's with a few only offering gas until the renovation is complete. I was on my way to Central Florida and hopped on the Turnpike North. I was hungry, but had to wait until I got to the Ft. Pierce Service Plaza (for Earl of Sandwich). I passed up the West Palm Beach Plaza (Dunkin Donuts, Cheeseburger Cheeseburger, Chicken Kitchen and Natures Tables)and headed further North for Ft. Pierce.


(Earl of Sandwich - Florida Turnpike)

The Port St. Lucie/Ft. Pierce Service Plaza houses Wendy's (serves Breakfast, lunch/dinner), Dunkin Donuts, Earl of Sandwich (serving breakfast, lunch/dinner), Villa Italian (lunch/dinner only) and an ice cream place. Earl of Sandwich has a few locations around the US (Vegas, Disney) and I love their breakfast sandwich. At this location, you can order breakfast or their regular menu early in the morning. I went for the Bacon, Egg and Cheese sandwich.


(Earl of Sandwich - Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich)

All of Earl's sandwiches are put through a 'toaster' similar to Quizno's…but the bread is so much better. All the meats and toppings are high quality as well. They try to market themselves as a 'healthier' alternative with no sodas and limited 'snack sides'. The egg is in a little metal container and put through the toaster along with the bacon and bread. The cheddar cheese is nice and melty when it comes out too. The bacon is smoky and meaty (not much fat at all) and probably the best bacon I've had in a 'fast food' restaurant. They pile it on as well. While the bread might look like a biscuit…it's not. It's a fresh tasting roll that is soft on the inside and a slight toasty crunch on the outside. It isn't 'hard' toasted..just tastes fresh from the oven.

The sandwich is pretty big and very filling. You don't miss hash browns at all. This sandwich came in at about $5, but worth it. I'm hoping that the Pompano Service Plaza will have an Earl of Sandwich…it just might be worth paying the toll to get one of these.

Earl of Sandwich location:
Mile Marker 144 - Florida Turnpike
Port St. Lucie/Ft. Pierce, Florida

FTLToday Score: A