So I really wanted to get to the heart of what Krystal is all about, and to do that, you have to dive back to where it all started. Picture this: Chattanooga, Tennessee, 1932. Two men named J. Glenn Sherrill and Rody Davenport birthed the concept and thus, Krystal was born. Fast forward nearly a century later and it's one of the most frequented fast-food joints in the South. They've managed to stick around by keeping staples like their Original Krystal Hamburgers, charbroiled to juicy perfection; Fresh Cut Fries; mouth-watering Chicken Tenders; a tantalizing Triple Cheese Medley; and a good ol’ Barbecue Pork Sandwich.
What's in These Burgers Anyway?
Speaking of their burgers, here's a Krystal tidbit that might surprise you - they use square patties made from angus beef. It all sits on an oven-baked bun (which totally hits different, let me tell you), topped with crisp lettuce and creamy mayonnaise. Big cheese fan? You can go with or without. It's all about preference here. But let me not forget about the fries - they aren’t playing around with those thick cuts seasoned with a blend of paprika, salt, garlic, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne pepper!
Standing Out in the Crowd
Of course, you're wondering how Krystal manages to hold its own against the big hitters like McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's. Their secret? It's all about keeping it unique with their menu - you've got your angus beef burgers, crispy fries, and chicken sandwiches. Plus, they always keep it fresh, literally. There’s no frozen meat here, folks. But the best part? The dessert options. Everyone likes to have something sweet after a hearty meal, and Krystal’s ice cream and fruit smoothies hit all the right notes.
Krystal vs. White Castle
I know some of you may be wondering: is Krystal just a Southern White Castle? But trust me; they are as different as fried chicken and hot chicken. Sure, both fast-food places have sliders, but the similarities pretty much end there. What sets Krystal apart is their standout Crispy Chicken Sandwich and their variety of burgers.
How They Cook Their Burgers
Now, let’s talk about the uniqueness of Krystal. They steam their burgers instead of frying them, which keeps the meat incredibly moist. And those fries I mentioned earlier? They fry those bad boys in peanut oil for unmatched flavor and crunch. Now, if their steamed burgers don’t impress you, I’m certain the chicken sandwich will. It's your usual crispy chicken topped off with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and cheese, enough to seduce all the chicken sandwich lovers out there!
The Pimiento Cheese Chik Biscuit
What's a southern joint without some pimiento cheese, right? At Krystal, you'll find it in their Chik Biscuit - a hand-breaded, crispy fried chicken snugly tucked into a freshly baked buttermilk biscuit, slathered with that classic southern delight: creamy pimiento cheese. You can get this as an add-on to your combo meal, and trust me, it’s worth it!
Taste-Testing the BBQ Bacon Cheese Chik
I decided to give the BBQ Bacon Cheese Chik a whirl. It's popular, and I must say, popularity doesn’t seem unearned. That crispy crust gives way to succulent chicken with each bite! Pair it with a side of their fries or onion rings and you’ve got yourself a top-tier fast-food meal.
And Yes, They Have Chili Cheese Fries!
Burger and fries - a classic combo. But if you want to spice things up, look no further than their chili cheese fries. Imagine crunchy fries drenched in chili and oozing cheddar cheese. Absolute comfort food.
What’s in a Sackful?
Advisory: if you're ever at Krystal in a group or feeling really, really hungry, get a sackful - that's 12 sliders in one pack. We tried the Original Slider with its beef patty crowned with the usual suspects: ketchup, mustard, pickles, and onion on a bun. Delicious.
The Mighty Steamer Pack
Hosting a party? Look no further than a Steamer Pack from Krystal. A box filled with 24 Krystal sliders, it'll keep a large gathering satiated. They've thought of everything, haven't they?
Hot Dogs Galore
For the hot dog fiends out there, Krystal has you covered with their pups. These hot dogs in a steamed bun come in classic style or drowned in decadent chili cheese.
Can You Get Breakfast at Krystal?
And just when I thought Krystal couldn't get any better, I discovered breakfast. They offer breakfast sliders, featuring bacon and egg or sausage patty. For a lighter touch, go for fruit or oatmeal breakfast bowls. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth (like me) in the morning, try their glaze bombs!
Pros:
- Extensive menu catering to diverse tastes
- Fresh, non-frozen meat used in all dishes
- Unique, southern twist to fast food
- Availability of both hearty and lighter breakfast options
- Options for large orders for gatherings
Cons:
- Fries can be too seasoned for some palates
- Limited vegetarian options
- Can be a bit heavy for those used to plain fast food
- Can be a bit pricey compared to other fast food options