Chris'drive-In

loved, loved, loved this place. I have a weak spot for little hole in the wall spots and diners. I read about Chris's Drive-In in Our State magazine in the "Best Burger" issue and decided to give it a go.

I had a burger basket and fries. Probably one of the most delicious cheeseburgers I've ever had. And that cheese! Apparently they use Velveeta, according to another review on it. So. Delicious. The fries were your standard crinkly cut fare, but were super tasty and cooked just right. Soda and sweet tea are served to Styrofoam cups. be still my heart! Also, SUPER SUPER CHEAP.

Our waitress was supper attentive and the decor was kitschy (Elvis wood paneling!).

I'm not sure if I'd tell people to drive over an hour to go here (like I did - I told you, I love these types of places; Siler City seems like a drag), but if you're close by or happen to be in the area, you owe it to yourself to eat at Chris's if you like burgers.

Note: They take cash only.

I have to admit that I didn't find Chris' by my usual methods, ie. driving around randomly or word of mouth. I read about it in an article detailing burger joints of NC. I happened to be driving past Siler City last weekend, so I went in and gave it a shot.

Here's the deal: it's a good place to go if you're in the area and in the mood for a hamburger. I like to support local, family owned businesses whenever possible. Chris' is locally owned. It has a reasonably long history. The decor is basic, with a touch of kitsch thrown in: the new owner put up laser etched wood Elvis panelling on one wall. The clientele are locals. Just folks.

The location is off the main drag, and thus only findable if you know about it, but not difficult to find for all that. It's unassuming from the road, just a white building in an unpaved parking lot. The service is friendly and competent without being fawning or pretentious.

In other words, exactly my kind of place. We're talking about a hole in the wall local burger emporium here. The burgers are good. Not amazing, but damned good. I had one with cheese, chili and slaw on it, in accordance with local custom. They will make you one with whatever you want on it.

Their french fries are like the ones they served in the cafeteria in my primary school days, except that they taste good. Crispy on the outside, soft and potatoey on the inside. To me, they're like tater tots in fry form.

Chris' also makes a creditable sweet tea, like all good restaurants south of the Mason Dixon line.

And that's it. Burgers, fries, soft drinks and nice people. Hungry?

This tiny little drive-in has curb service, a walk up take out window, and a counter with stools. They have tables as well, but that's just boring, and brings the whole family thing into play. There are pictures of Elvis and The Embers on the wall - this is what Retro tries to be.

The hamburger is what you need to focus on here, once the waves of  nostalgia pass. It is tasty, it is greasy, and the cheese is Velveeta.  It rivals, at the very least, the burger at Johnson's Drive-In, up the road a piece ( up the road a piece is a Southern expression meaning you and your dog could walk it, if your pick up broke down).

The hot dog is a fine version of the classic Southern chili dog - with a neon red wiener, soft & gooey bun, and tasty chili. A word about the chili - it is almost gray in color, but do not despair, it is excellent. The fries are of the ridged, railroad tie variety, which even ketchup or Castle Sauce  can not help.

This is a great little drive-in, and worth a visit if hot dogs and hamburgers are your wont. There will be no slice of lemon in your tap water, the bathroom facilities are outside in the back, and the "wait staff" are all kin and slightly dysfunctional. Enjoy.