I absolutely love this spot, I've quite literally travel all around the world and from state to state. I've enjoyed a few smash burgers but it's just something about this place that always keeps coming back whenever I'm in town. The lemon custard is absolutely my favorite hands downs. The burgers are simple but good, this spot was doing smash burgers before they were ever even a big thing. The staff are always pleasant, I don't think I've ever had a bad interaction. It's just a cute little small town family owned business and you really get that vibe when you're there. read more

The food is excellent as always. I grew up in Decatur and whenever I come back I always have to have Krekels brings back so many good memories of living here. read more

Try the Lemon Ice cream it's fabulous and amazing! Childhood favorite! Haven't been in years but who are these people writing negative reviews about Krekel's. Don't even listen. This place has ice cream that dreams are made of!! read more

Always good....always consistent. Original smash burger . If you like thin and crispy with best ice cream on the planet...here it is!

I don't understand why everyone thinks the burgers are the best here. They are super thin, somewhat crispy and almost sausage instead of hamburger meat. Nothing special about the bun or anything. Go to the Lincoln Lounge for the best burgers! And I have NO affiliation with them at All. I've only lived here a year. Thick and juicy, soft bun with toasted inside, fresh veggies, choice of cheeses and oh so tasty! Could use better fries tho. Krekels has pretty good ice cream! read more

Reminds me of the great small town burger joint I grew up with, only with amazing frozen custard as well! Hot, fresh, and cooked to order so don't get in a hurry. read more

Driving past, this restaurant may just look like another run off the mill hamburger joint. But don't let looks fool you- this restaurant is easily one of the best in Decatur for a plethora of reasons. -Food The food here is absolutely amazing. Have a crave for delicious burgers topped with all the classics? Hungry for some signature crinkle cut fries? Whatever your eager taste buds desire, Krekel's will deliver. Not to mention their delectable shakes and ice cream! -Service I have no complaints about service! I have ordered online many times, and it- the food- is almost always prepared and ready by the time I finish my 6 minute drive to the business! So yeah, service is pretty good. -Final Verdict If you want delicious, Krekel's is the place for you 5/5 Would Strongly Reccomend read more

Another great meal at Krekel's. Granted it's not fine dining or even fast casual but the nostalgic ambiance and consistently crispy burgers and fries makes Krekel's a good choice. Don't forget a soft serve cone. My favorite is the strawberry lemon twist. read more

Grate greasy joint. Excellent Lemon custard and friendly service. We were in Decatur for a few hours and it was recommended by the locals. We were lucky to lunch with a woman who lived there all of her life and had stories to tell read more

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5/2/24 @ 3pm - Tourist here trying the chocolate kustard, and it is not very flavorful. Very nice lady at the window. I haven't had kustard in years, so I made a U-turn for this. Not worth the stop. read more

This is a Decatur local Treasure! You won't find another burger anywhere else quite like it,guaranteed! If you aren't from Decatur and you're passing through then I would insist you bring your hunger and try a kreckel burger because you won't regret it! Every person I know that has moved away has said one of the main things they miss about home,is this place. It's iconic and native only to the Decatur locals! I once was going to visit an old friend all the way down in Arkansas and he asked me to bring him a couple of these burgers because he hadn't had one in nearly 30 years. He smashed both of them cold after a 7 hour drive and said they were still delicious!!!!! read more

always great every time i'm back!! I prefer the cheese burgers! My husband likes the chicken sandwiches. We all love the custard!!!!

Always a fantastic burger and fries. Service is a little slow but it's worth it to get a great meal every single time

Been around for years and people from Decatur know about Krekels , it's a staple! Lemon sprinkled ice cream is the best!!

Always brings back memories. Dbl cheese meal with Mr Pibb and sprinkle cone. Don't be afraid of the grease it bring you luck.

Good quality old school Americana fare. Great custard. Nice go to for a good smash burger or chicken sandwich. Great cheese curds, if a bit salty. Enjoy ordering from them regularly. read more

Best greasy burger around! Crispy fries and delicious frozen custard. You've got to try the lemon custard!

Food was good. Shakes were amazing! Hubby had a large strawberry shake and we thought it had to be a half gallon of ice cream. And it was dirt cheap! read more

All time favorite. Lemon cup with sprinkles! The ice cream expert LAYERED the sprinkles :)

Kerkels is the BEST!!! Never disappointed with the food or service. You know you don't have to check or count your bag of food it's right everytime. read more

To my dearest love, I miss you like how Dr. Phil misses his hair. Times like this is when it hits home i can't taste your beautiful flavors. Your crispy edges when i take a bite, your juicy middle patty when my mouth first gets that bite. Now I can't see or taste my love ever again for the corona has drifted us apart.(also have no money atm). My dearest love please think about me as much as i think about your crispy fries I'd die to eat on a Sunday when your closed. I now leave you remembering your strawberry lemon swirl with red sprinkles, god has made me say good bye to my truest love. Rest in peace, until we meet again.... read more

Rocks. Only word to describe. I didn't even mind that it was cash-only. whether a single or double - the burgers are where it's at. The bag is greasy from the fries and it makes you wanting to eat it even more. The staff is quick and efficient. Know what you want to get, because you don't want to be the guy holding up the line. If you are in Decatur, be sure to have at least one meal here. read more

Classic Krekel's burger with cheese and new crinkle cut fries are great! The fish sandwich was delicious with the best I've ever had tartar sauce! Fish itself was tasty but not the absolute best ever but I will have it again! Overall: great go for the burger stay for the custard! read more

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Love these family owned businesse! never had a bad experience at them! Food is always delicious!

If you're looking for small town delicious greasy burgers this is the spot!!! Lemon is a weird flavor to have in an ice cream but you will not regret the decision to try it! Tip: get the red sprinkles on any ice cream cone! Never to old for sprinkles! read more

Krekel's Custard & Hamburger - This might be the only reason to come to Decatur Illinois. Lemon ice cream! - Fast Food Near Me - Decatur, Illinois

Crispy edged smash burgers with grilled buns. Delicious ice cream choices and sides. Great prices too - don't go through Decatur without having a Krekel burger! read more

My son and I stopped by here and really enjoyed this place! The lady who greeted us was funny and personable and jokingly was "giving me a hard time!" I ordered a couple of cheeseburgers and they were pretty good. My son ordered chicken strips and I thought those were good as well. I tried the strawberry shake and liked it as well as some pink lemonade. Everything was good and the service was great! One thing that cracked me up was the "chicken car" outside! Definitely enjoyed this place and will be back! read more

Krekel's Custard & Hamburger - It's a "chicken car!" - Fast Food Near Me - Decatur, Illinois

This place has outstanding Burgers ice cream especially the lemon ice cream. The only thing is they change their cheese sauce it's not as thick and delicious but it's still good. I think my favorite one is the one in Mount Zion always great service always good food. Thanks for the years of great food and service. read more

Recently ate here before going to get plastered, great food to soak up some alcohol. Delicious grease, you could almost taste the burger!

Why is it that the absolute Best.Food.Ever. comes from some small place in your hometown? Well, Krekel's is that place. Most people haven't heard of Decatur, much less Krekel's. But, as Julie C. put it, "This small town chain has the best burnt smushed burgers in Illinois." And by "burnt smushed burgers," we mean a nice brown crust on the edges. With cheese, remarkably, melting through the burger itself. Nice and salty, with enough grease to make Atkins proud. I confess that I ate a Krekel's burger nearly every day that I could do so in high school. We were such regulars that we had to call ahead of time if we weren't coming, because they usually had our burgers waiting for us! (I won't comment on how many years ago that was though ...) I would also like to point out that Krekel's was indirectly immortalized by Sufjan Stevens in the song "Decatur, Or, Round of Applause For Your Step Mother!" with the lyric: "Chickenmobile with your rooster tail. I had my fill and I know how bad it feels." That's right, Mr. Krekel drove a friggin Chickenmobile!!! It had a gigantic rooster head attached to the roof. I swear there was something in the water in D-town ... read more

I grew up eating Krekel's so obviously I am a huge fan. Since moving away from Decatur, IL I have yearned to find a burger joint that can meet my expectations. A few here in St. Louis have come close, but no one beats Krekel's! The burgers are very thin and crispy - I recommend going with a double (maybe even a triple) cheeseburger if you are hungry. The fries are just so-so, but if you put enough salt and catsup on them, they are just fine. The lemon ice cream is out of this world! Really, you can't go wrong with any ice cream from Krekel's, but lemon is my personal favorite. You can call in an order before picking it up, but even on a busy day the wait at Krekel's isn't too bad. The gals who work at the counter always wear red and are ready to help. Gives it that personal touch! There are days where I crave a Krekel burger and am sad that I don't live closer... but it makes a trip to Decatur even more worthwhile! read more

Good place to try if you're in Decatur! During the times I've been at Krekel's I've gotten a cheeseburger and their custard. Their burgers are average, and super greasy, but good if that's what you're looking for. I didn't know veggies (lettuce, tomatoes, onions) were an add on the first time I was there. Their custard is amazing, though. They have a variety of flavors, but I've typically gone with their lemon custard or their strawberry custard. Don't forget to add the sprinkles, and you're set! read more

This is an all-American old-fashioned burger stand. The burgers here are thin and the edges are crispy, cooked a little more done (but not dry) than a lot of thin burger joints. They're also some of the tastiest thin burgers I've had--you come here for the crunch factor. Yes, a double cheese is my usual here, along with a cherry Coke. If you're going to Krekel's, then you're either going for the old-school burgers or the great ice cream treats or shakes. The fries aren't the best I've had, but they're satisfactory. There are three branches of Krekel's, and the establishments are all lovlingly weathered and worn by time. This is what a good Midwestern diner should look and taste like. While Decatur isn't the most impressive city, it does have a few tremendous places, like the Avon movie theater, La Gondola, and this beauty. Come hungry and behold. read more

I know this place is monumental for Decatur but honestly, what is in the burger? It's more than meat. Some form of binder, a way to make the meat go farther. And cheap grisley hamburger meat. I don't understand the rave. And if you are gluten intolerant, I'd watch out....I think these burgers have some gluten in them. read more

Ahhhh Krekel's. One of the most memorable establishments during my stay in Decatur, IL. Krekel's is amazing. There is nothing like it and I've been blessed with the opportunity of trying their delicious custards. I've yet to find anything similar to it in CA. I used to get them every weekend when I would do my laundry at the ghetto laundry mat on Mound. Wish they had it here in Bay Area. 5/5!! Must try! read more

For ice cream only. Not any sandwiches. I love the lemon ice cream and also a lemon/strawberry shake...

Krekel's is definitely one of those hometown gems that you grow to love more and more with age. By far this is the best lemon ice cream I've ever had...then again, it's likely the only place I've ever ventured to have the lemon ice cream because of the rave reviews! (Get it with spinkles!) It cherry milkshake is also a favorite of mine, so be sure to try one of them at least! In terms of the burgers, definitely don't anticipate it to be healthy. At. All. By the time you get the burger, the grease has already started soaking into the paper wrapper, but you won't be disappointed by the flavor. It's absolutely delicious with gooey cheese accompanying the amazing burger experience. The fries don't have much if any salt on them so make sure to add your own! read more

Krekel's is a household name in Illinois - my husband's family knows where every single shop is, my sister-in-law lived on it while pregnant with her first child, and the frozen custard will change your life. The cheeseburgers are phenomenal! No trip to Decatur is complete without a half dozen trips to Krekel's! I have to say, those midwesterners know how to eat and I truly respect that!! read more

This is a classic Decatur spot for hamburgers and ice creams. The burgers are good. The ice cream is really good as well. I always enjoy getting the lemon and strawberry swirl during the summer time. read more

I grew up in Decatur, but moved when I was in my early 20's. It's been years since I left Decatur, but I still crave these crispy burgers and always make sure to pick up a few whenever I come back to visit. I've had burgers from all across the country, but the ones at Krekel's stick out due to their uniqueness. I'm a huge fan of the crispy edges and thin patties - perfect for a light meal or snack. On the plus side, they're ridiculously cheap as well. From what I remember, single burgers would cost under $3 and double burgers would cost a little over $3 - an affordable price that rivals all other burger chains in the area in terms of getting the most for your money. The milkshakes are also the best in town. Another good reason to go to Krekel's is that it's one of the few thriving local business in town. It seems like Decatur is oversaturated with mediocre chain fast food joints, so it's nice to see one restaurant that is distinctly unique and offers something special to the residents of Decatur. read more