Honestly shocked by how friendly everyone was here. The staff seemed like they genuinely loved their jobs, and that kind of positive energy is so rare, especially at a fast food spot. It made the whole experience so much more enjoyable. The food was solid and fresh, exactly what you want for the price. The service was quick and our order was accurate, which always matters more than people realize. We will definitely be back. Highly recommend! read more

Stopped on our way through on our way north. Our son went to UT and we needed to stop so we did. I now know why. We all got burgers, different for each of us. I had the chili cheese burger and was in love from the first bite. Chili was thick and not a huge mess as some others have been. The fries were delicious and reminded me of potato oles from Taco Johns which I make my first stop when i go home to visit. Will definitely come back as we go to the Knoxville area frequently. read more

Pals should serve Chedddar Rounds all day. They are the best thing Pals has and only serve till 1030am. I don't understand why they couldn't serve them all day same thing as cooking fries all day!! read more

10/10 bust down food. Swear the lord died on the cross just for the patty melt. The employees are very kind and the food is consistent.

This place was really good! The chili burger was awesome. It was a giant burger. The service was fast and the food was hot. If I get a chance to go back I will absolutely read more

The fast food line was out onto the street and the line was probably the fastest drive thru line I've even been in. Ordering was easy and good my food hot and hot. The burger and fries were some of the best I've ever had for fast food. Fries were very hot and crispy with a little seasoning. The hot dog was good but nothing special. I would go back for the burger and fries! read more

Pal's - Burger, Fries and Chili dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

See all

Fast. Delicious. Consistent. People are always friendly. We went to the pals across from ETSU. Always fantasist and a must stop when we are in the area. The service, speed, and kindness gives CFA a run for their money. The burger is tasty. Fries are GAS. The sweet tea is great. read more

Great burgers and fries! Fast friendly service! Cool ambiance! I first ate here back in 1991 when i started med school! It is still here and busy and yummy!!! So happy they were still here. Now they have more restaurants all around the surrounding area too! Across the street from ETSU! Near the VA read more

See all

Located along State of Franklin across from ETSU, this location can get extremely busy. For those not familiar, Pal's is drive through only. If you turn in at the light, you need to go past Pal's and through the round about to get into their drive through. I've seen the line backed up so you can't even get into the round about. The major advantage of Pal's is efficiency. While that long of a line at other fast food places would take 30 minutes to get through, you'll only spend 10-15 waiting here. The food is standard fast food with a few regional twists. Some items have a cult-like following. Cheddar rounds, for example, one of my favorite items. Be aware they are only available in the morning for breakfast. About the only real disappointment is their gravy. It's much thinner than I prefer. There is a good amount of sausage pieces, and the flavor is nice. Just make sure you keep the container level or it will run out. Pals is certainly worth a try, especially if you are in a hurry. Their food is consistently good and fresh, and the regional specials add variety to the menu. read more

Pal's - Cheddar rounds with a gravy biscuit. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

Amazing burgers, amazing service, and nice hot fries. The staff was very friendly and seemed happy to be at work and the burger was juicy and had fresh toppings on it. read more

Stop here on the way to Johnson City. First time here, pleasantly surprised easy menu service was quick. The burgers are big for the price. And the toast cheese sandwiches big for the price. Overall, good a meal worth the stop. Order from one window and then pay for it on the other side read more

See all

Wow, what a gem in TN! I was visiting and wanted to drop by due to the cute decor. I already had dinner but wanted something from the infamous Pal's, so just got fries and Dr. Enuf. The fried blew my mind - so hot and deliciously salty. I'm sure my blood pressure shot up after eating them but they were everything I wanted from a fast food French fry: thin, crisp, hot, and salty! It tasted fresh and like old school McDonald fries before they went to crap. The Dr. Enuf is regional so wanted to try that too and it does in fact taste like sprite with a dissolved multivitamin. Hope I can swing back here for the infamous cheddar rounds! read more

I've never had a bad Pal's experience, whether at this location or any other. And it's this Pal's outpost that I've probably visited most. For those completely unfamiliar with Pal's, we are talking about an award-winning regional fast food chain. There's no indoor seating at most of their locations, but that's okay. The speed and efficiency with which they deal out food is downright impressive. And the quality of the food is excellent. Traditionally my order was a double Big Pal with cheese, Frenchie fry, and sweet tea. I ate a lot of those combinations down through the years, and though I'm a bit more careful with my diet these days I'll still go with the old standard on rare occasions. That sweet tea order gets you an immense cup filled with sweet nectar, just like you'd expect from any self respecting Southern eatery. The fries are thinly sliced, perfectly fried, and well seasoned. Finally, the burger is a mouthful. Just thinking about those three items right now makes my mouth water. And who doesn't find the exterior decor of a Pal's location amusing? If you've never seen one, well, visit and you'll see what I mean. Then get in line at the drive thru. read more

C'mon, who wouldn't want to get a burger from here? We are now in Johnson City, TN where I used to live for about 5 years back in the early aughts. And this place was my favorite place to get a burger. A great Tri-Cities regional chain offering fresh made burgers and quick service that makes Chick-fil-A's drive through seem glacial in comparison. Since Pal's is drive through only, we got our food and headed back to the hotel. I got my usual order: a Double Big Pal with cheese, Frenchie Fries, and a Peachy Tea. The Double Big Pal is two 1/3 lb burgers, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. My better half got her usual: the Big Chicken, shaved white meat chicken with lettuce, tomato, and mayo. They may not win any beauty contests, but trust me, they are tasty. read more

See all

What a cool concept! I love this little place and with they were here in Middle Tennessee instead of just East Tennessee! Man those hot dogs are addicting for sure!!! Been to about 10-15 locations while working in East TN and the quality is always the same! read more

Pal's - Hot Dogs Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

See all

Pal's is everything you want out of a fast food restaurant. It's friendly, quick, delicious, and affordable. I always get the jr cheese burger with Frenchie fry and a dr enuf. However, their coffee and cheddar rounds for breakfast is to die for. Besides taco bell, this is the only fast food joint I'll go to. 10/10 read more

Pal's - Outside - Hot Dogs Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

Gotta say, I love the exterior design of this place. Absolutely ridiculous in the best way. The huge burger, massive hot dog....impeccable. However, I was really disappointed with one of the main stars: The hot dog. I had a chili and mustard dog. Everything was very hot (temperature) which I appreciate. But the chili just didn't taste good to me. There was almost a burnt flavor and it overpowered everything else (the mustard, the hot dog, the bun). All I got was the burnt chili flavor. Just not great. Fries on the other hand, WERE great. Give that fry maker a raise because he knows how to get them crispy and season them well. I'll return to Pal's because it's quite the landmark but I'll probably get something without chili next time. read more

2011 N Roan St, Johnson City, TN 37601 The PALS at the MALL in JOHNSTON CITY: unlike most PAL's this one at the mall food court is AWFUL: all the food was COLD. COLD whimpy fries, cold burger, - totally horrible. AVOID - do not go to this pals. Long wait time too. Again, most pals are great - but this one - NO. Do NOT do it. read more

We had the Big Pal, Junior Pal, and fries. Everything was really good. The service was fast and the prices were inexpensive. The location is in a tricky corner so you need to pay attention. read more

Well, well...now I see why my friend who used to live in Johnson City gets all excited when she comes back in the area! She talks about how good Pals is but I never thought I'd be in the position to try it. I found myself staying in a hotel just three buildings away from this particular location so I had to try it. My first impression was that I was going to be there awhile. There were five cars ahead of me, and at any other drive-thru this would mean at least 10-15 min. in line. I wish I'd timed how long I was there total, but it couldn't have been more than 3-4 min., maybe less. They are fast! And accurate. Everything was prepared as I'd asked. I got the chiliburger, fries and a Dr. Enuf. My husband also got a chiliburger, hot dog, fries and vanilla shake. The fries and the hot dog were the standout, but we really couldn't complain about anything. For a fast food joint, this place is great! I'm jealous of you, NE Tennessee. You too, Virginia. read more

I had one of the best burgers I've ever had at Pals! I wish there was outdoor seating, but other than that- everything was perfect

Wish this chain were more widespread. The cheddar rounds and french fries are perfectly fried and seasoned--super tasty. In terms of sandwiches, I've only had the junior burger (which was plenty) and the sausage biscuit. The large milkshake is HUGE...I split it with my husband, and we both had as much as we wanted--good thing it's terrific! read more

Pal burger still the best, chocolate shake awesome, frenchie fries seasoned to perfection. FAST SERVICE

I went to Pal's for the first time. Nothing to rave about. The girl who took my order took it incorrectly. I don't know how a hamburger translates to a grilled cheese sandwich. I had to wait in line again. The staff refused to take the grilled cheese sandwich back that I did not order. So, I had to throw away Pal's mistake for them. Typical fast food drama that makes the visit a true disservice. read more

OK, the fact that 2 Pal's locations are in the "top 20" when you sort by rating in Johnson City is really misleading. Pal's is just fast food with a loyal regional following. Pal's does a couple of things really well. One is efficiency. It is impressive how quickly they can run 9 cars of orders through in a few minutes. If it looks "too busy" don't let that deter you if you are in a hurry. Their slogan "sudden service" is accurate. "Peachy tea" and the "Big Chicken" sandwich are really good. But, the burgers aren't. They are, and I'm being generous here, just OK. It's a local chain, they have a great business model, and usually put clever and inspirational sayings on the marquee. read more

This location is my favorite in the Tri-Cities. If you're a regular there, when you drive up to the windows the window jockeys chat you up like you're kin. On the other hand, some of the folks there are strictly business. Eat there frequently and you learn who's your Pal. Food is fried to perfection here; other locations potato products are often under/over cooked. Items are cooked as you order them, so always fresh--although I skip the tomatoes because they're never local or in season. Love the burgers & fries, but the toasted cheese sandwich really hits the spot. Some folks like the shaved ham sandwich, too. Also breakfast is excellent. Best gravy biscuit ever. Skip the ham biscuit. In spring of 2013 they changed ham vendors so the ham sandwich is better, according to workers, but the ham biscuit, according to me, sucks. New ham is thinner, less fatty, and has a metallic taste? It lacks something that the old ham did, salt, for sure. The ham problem is why this place received a four-star rating rather than five. Sausage biscuit is also good. Tater rounds are excellent, ask for them with salt, that's a seasoned salt they add to their frenchie fries. Ask for "light salt" the first time to see how you like it. It's fast food, but it's awesome fast food. read more

Pal's - Hot Dogs Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

Never heard of this place so I was excited to try it. The big pal and sauce burger was honestly average, nothing that stood out from Burger King or McDonald's than quality. Definitely higher quality than them but the flavor was plain. However their chili burger and their fries stood out. I would have just the chili burger and the fries again next time read more

Taking a trip to Arizona by car with a friend we started from Nottingham, PA and just after dark was going thru Bristol, VA. My friend had already researched the area and he wanted to stop at Pal's for dinner. We did and we had a great meal! Keep up the great work Pal's! read more

This review is for my Wife. Two words...Frenchie Fry! My Wife is the greatest Frenchie Fry Fan in the world. Many people believe that a nice hot bowl of Chicken Soup is what you need when feeling under the weather. My Wife believes that seasoned greasy Frenchie Fries are the cure all. Feeling nauseous? Frenchie Fries. Queezy Stomach? Frenchie Fries. NyQuil? No thanks, not for her. For My Wife Frenchie Fries are the Night time Sniffling, Sneezing, Coughing, Aching, Stuffy Head, Fever so you can rest medicine. read more

They are always fast and fresh. They are usually busy so expect to wait, but the wait is most definitely worth it. Out of all the fast food places in the area they are hands down the best. Order accuracy is also never an issue which is unusual for a fast food place. Burgers are the best thing on the menu so don't skip out. Overall a great place to eat. read more

I was as other reviews pointed out a bit turned off at the beginning because for fast food it is a bit expensive. But after getting my food, super quick, and with a smile. I was feeling a little bit better. The food is good, better then other fast food places, the burgers more juicy and have a nice flavor to them. The menu is simple, and easy to understand. The fries have a great seasoning to them, which I can't really figure out what it is but I'm a fan. The sweet tea is good. Like really good. Helps that it comes in a huge size, and costs only a buck. There is no place to eat in, you can eat in your car if you want, or chomp down on the road. Pal's has done something right, and I'm sad that there are not more of these places around for me to eat eat. It's not fast food, its " Sudden, Service" read more

This place is shockingly delicious. I got their barBQ dog yesterday and it was SO FANTASTIC. Delicious pulled pork on a hot dog bun. Their milk shakes and peachy tea are to die for. The fries are a little over salted, but it just adds to the flare. Pro tip: you can get plain unsweetened tea with peach syrup. read more

Pal's - Hot Dogs Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

Stop past this restaurant while on a road trip and had an excellent fast food experience. Line moved very quickly, fast service and good food for a reasonable price. The menu has flavors of other restaurants like the "Big Pal" taste like a better organized Whopper and the Fries are like McDonald's but with some added seasoning and a bit more crispy. read more

Pal's is a classic here in JC. It's speedy, delicious, and reasonably priced. Menu is simple- in a good way. I'm a regular here and I've never had my order wrong. The best pet about pals is that it is ALWAYS consistent. The first burger I ever had here tastes exactly like the last, and always will. My favorite thing to order is a big pal and to add sauce. It's a tomato based relish sauce and it takes a burger to the next level! read more

Pal's - Junior burger and small fry - Hot Dogs Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

See all

Overall a good meal as the burger was good but wish they offered more than American cheese as next time I will order without cheese. Fries and chocolate shake were very good though. Service was excellent. I will return. read more

We're new to the area, found out its mainly only in the Tri cities. The peachy tea is great but we're NEVER coming back because they have no dog treats!! Thats the whole reason we go, plus burgers. So sad. read more

While visiting Johnson City I stopped by for a bite at a little unknown iconic fast food restaurant. Pal's Sudden Service or Pal's for short, is a regional fast food restaurant chain located in northeast Tennessee and southwestern Virginia, with stores concentrated in the Tri-Cities, Tennessee metro region. The first Pal's opened in 1956 in Kingsport, Tennessee a year after the founder of Pal's, Fred "Pal" Barger, attended a National Restaurant Convention in Chicago. Pal's is an exceptional fast food restaurant and is redefining the industry. I look forward to the day that a Pal's opens in Knoxville. On that glorious day I will over indulge on Frenchie Fries and Double Big Pal's. The food is good and cheap, both a plus in my book. read more

When Pal's says fast service, they mean it! Always very fast, very friendly, efficient, and tastes consistently good.

Ok, we were visiting Asheville, NC from MD and when we saw these ridiculously large food sculptures on Pal's we knew we had to try it. We stopped on our way home in the morning. I got the biscuits with gravy. My boyfriend got a bacon biscuit as well as a Sauce burger. We were happy as clams and shocked at how cheap it was! We wish we had these in MD :( We will be back! read more

Pal's is fast & friendly and the food is great! It has a reputation for a reason. The building is impossible to miss. Their service is extraordinarily accurate - I've only ever had one order not come out right in the years I've been going to any of their locations. read more