2/27/08 | In-N-Out
[ Currently Eating: Senseo Coffee ]
Ok, here’s the truth (which I think you can easily handle, unlike a certain Scientologist). I looked up at the calendar and realized I’d breezed right through my usual Tuesday Cheap Eats posting schedule. I guess I was too busy watching a PBS special on Kit Carson. Anyhow, seeing as other random duties call I’m going to do the cop-out and post up old pics to make a quick and dirty post.
So - hey look, a picture of a hamburger in my archives. I guess this would be from In-N-Out. I’m actually surprised there hasn’t been a post about them yet on Cheap Eats. I eat there quite a bit - I actually would eat there more often if there was one closer to me. Perhaps that’s a good thing the nearest one is a good drive.
I don’t think I need to go into all the details about In-N-Out. They’ve been hashed over by so many sites and blogs already. The basics for those who’ve never heard of them: They’re only located in California, Nevada, Arizona - some are drive-thru only, others have seated areas inside. It was founded by Harry and Esther Snyder in 1948 in Baldwin Park - it was California’s first drive-thru hamburger stand. I actually visit the new location in Baldwin Park, across the freeway from the old one. There is an “In-N-Out University” there if you can believe it.
They’re a private company - they only open stores in certain areas. Because they have a limited number of stores they can really make a committment to providing freshly made food and quality service. They don’t buy patties - they buy the meat, butcher it, and make the patties all within the company. Fries are cut fresh. Nothing frozen. When you get the burger, the meat is hot and the lettuce, tomato and pickle are cold. God, I sound like a commercial. But it’s true - unlike most other “fast food” hamburger joints, In-N-Out has never made me sick yet. (Regarding the recent beef recall - they ended their relationship with Hallmark/Westland in January)
One of the most interesting things about them is the In-N-Out Secret Menu. It’s not such a secret, just google it and you’ll find all the different ways you can order food. They only serve hamburgers, fries, shakes, drinks - the basic menu is so small that perhaps it’s good there’s a secret menu just for variety. The truth is - they will basically fix your hamburger or fries any way you like as long as you tell them what you want.
Me, I usually get a Double Double (two hambuger patties, two slices cheese) Animal Style (grilled onions plus mustard cooked into the patties) with Fries Well Done. I’ve gotten a 3×3 once (3 patties, 3 cheese) and it was too much. Some people say the hamburgers are a little on the small size - I think the patties are definitely smaller (I forget the weight). I think they only make up to a 4×4 now. They used to not limit it, which meant bunches of bored college kids coming in and ordering 30×30s just for fun. There’s a few other different ways you can get your food (just the burger without buns, just cheese, animal style fries) - again just google it.
I have heard a lot of people (mostly from the East Coast) say that the burger is just “OK”. One couple I know complained that “the burger and bun do not become one”. Some people also think the fries don’t taste very good. I think it’s partly a personal thing - I happen to really like them, especially when you compare them both in quality and price (I’m sorry, I forgot to write down all the prices) side by side with McDs, CJs, Jack in the Balpha, Burger King. For fast-food chain hamburgers, I don’t think there is much of a comparison. If you’re going to compare them with some other small local chain or a non-fast food place, well maybe they aren’t such a big deal. I just know if we have to eat fast food and it has to be hamburgers, then I’m going to In-N-Out.
I’ve never had a bad meal there. The only cons - locations are spotty, and they ONLY sell hamburgers.
Cheap Eats Score: 8/10
February 27th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Man, my mouth always waters when I read about the In-N-Out, and I don’t even eat fast food. If I ever make it to CA again I will definately try it out.
But that Kit Carson show? I enjoyed it.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:36 am
i really miss california.
February 27th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Oh man, I LOVE in-n-out! Best fast food chain I have ever eaten at. Sad though, since I live in Washington and rarely get to eat it. D:
February 27th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I miss SoCal too…..
February 29th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I’d like to hear a description of what it’s like for a burger & bun to “become one.” i have yet to experience that, and it sounds pretty messy.
February 29th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
By far the best fast food chain in the country, nothing compares. My son goes to school in the Pacific Northwest and when he flies home, I know where our first stop will be, everytime.
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I used to be a cheap eats every-weeker, but since you messed up your arm I’m a chap eats every-month…or two-er. Sorry, but hey thats how it is. I live in Huntington Beach Ca, (uh..”The OC”) and I agree on every one of your points but one. I’m the guy who doesn’t like the fries. But it’s food physics why. They Fresh cook their fries once. Which (as many Alton Brown cult members will agree) really only cooks the outside. You need to oil poach them once in 325 degree oil then ‘crisp’ them at a higher temp (375). Thus making fluffy on the inside crisp on the outside fries. Anyway, still love the blog. Just my two cents.
March 17th, 2008 at 12:56 am
oh maaaan I love In N Out! Although, I heard that the limit is a 12×12, not a 4×4? But then again, my friend could be wrong. She also told me there’s a video of someone on youtube eating a 100×100 hahaha
March 22nd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I understand about the “partly personal” thing. My favorite burger ‘n fries combo comes from the Henry’s chain. They’ve got the best fries ever, anywhere!
March 24th, 2008 at 4:36 am
We need these in Texas BAD! Put Whatabuger and alike to shame!
I’m vegetarian and when I lived in California, I ordered a grilled cheese animal style (grilled onions) , yum! Best fries ever!!!
April 9th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I see there are a few unanswered questions. Let me clear up a few things so you know exactly what you’re getting when you order.
First, “Animal Style” by definition is when the patties are mustard fried, the onions are grilled, pickles are added, as well as extra spread. If you just ordered a burger with or without onions, it would not have pickles, extra spread, and usually with the sliced onion unless you request grilled onions.
Next, you don’t have to say “animal style” to get your burger with grilled onions. You can pretty much ask for your burger any way you want and they’ll make it that way.
The size limit for a burger is a 4×4. Company policy says that anything bigger can’t be made.
Patties are all the same size, whether on a hamburger, cheeseburger, or Double-Double. They weight 1/8 lb.
No longer will In N Out be located in California, Nevada and Arizona. Look for a new location opening in Utah VERY SOON.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Love the burgers….hate the fries and shakes.. What I like to do is get my burger from IN n OUT, and get my fries from McD’s.. best shakes are at Foster’s Freeze, but I generally don’t get them with a meal.
November 4th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
My favorite fast food place, EVER. I live in Indiana now after being in CA for 26 years, so I miss In-N-Out dearly.
February 16th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
I love In-n-out. The burgers are the best fast food burgers I have ever had, and they are dirt cheap for what you get. The fries I don’t like at all, they tend to be very dry. I like the shakes, as they are real ice cream but they aren’t anythign special (But cheap compared to most places)
Great cheap place to eat. Even a big man (6′4″ 220) can fill up on under 10 dollars there, and the food is high quality.