In & Out Burger

[SMD]

The one in Orange is not far from DL (maybe 10 minutes), however that location leaves a lot to be desired. Let's just say it is no DL when it comes to the ambiance. It is very run down. We ate outside by the freeway as there were like 2 seats in the restaurant. It is a drive thru kind of place. Burgers are good but the shakes were not.

Most In N Outs are just drive thrus with no indoor seating. They do tend to be by freeways, because people pull off, get their burger and go. OP, know what you're getting into. They're fast food drive thrus, they are not Five Guys or The Habit, which tend to be in strip malls or food courts.

 

[TheLanes]

Most In N Outs are just drive thrus with no indoor seating. They do tend to be by freeways, because people pull off, get their burger and go. OP, know what you're getting into. They're fast food drive thrus, they are not Five Guys or The Habit, which tend to be in strip malls or food courts.

Hmm, most of the ones in San Diego have seating

 

[Mugglemama]

I love In N Out and have been eating there all my life (usually 3 or 4 times per year)...but I still wouldn't say it's worth the trouble you'd have to go through to try it on your DL trip.

I've had food from Five Guys and definitely think In N out is better...but as a PP said, my preference likely has a lot to do with the fact that I grew up eating it.

Something to remember...even the In N Outs that DO have indoor seating, they are ALWAYS super busy and there's often nowhere to sit. We have that problem with the one that is 10 minutes from our house and it doesn't matter WHAT time of day we go, it's always like that, from open to close.

Also, it's a very popular spot for people traveling with dogs. So, say you can't find a seat inside and have your food in your car or outside...it's not uncommon to have a dog relieving itself nearby - which is something that immediately makes me unable to finish my food. So, if we can't find a seat inside, we actually take the food home - no more eating in the car at In N Out. And even if you're not dealing with dog-potty issues, you'll almost certainly be enveloped in someone's cigarette smoke if you're trying to eat at the outdoor tables.

As much as I like the burgers there (the fries and shakes leave a lot to be desired, IMHO), I would never EVER bother going to one unless I was literally driving right by and it was going to be relatively easy to go. It's not worth a bunch of hassle. Just my 2 cents.

Hate to discourage anyone from trying something they wanted to try...but wanted to give an accurate account of what you're likely getting into before putting in all that effort.

 

[sonnyjane]

Hmm, most of the ones in San Diego have seating

I've never seen one that didn't have indoor seating.

 

[SMD]

I've never seen one that didn't have indoor seating.

If you're in an urban area or a brand new location, maybe. But when you drive east on the 10 or 60 or north on the 5 you start to encounter the older ones that are a stand with a lane on either side and then some picnic tables. I'd say even the ones that do have indoor seating only tend to have a few tables. The one north of LAX is kind of strange, it has more tables than parking spots. The one in Westwood has a terrible drive thru and quite a few tables. But the ones near highways aren't claiming to be restaurants or rest stops, so yes, if you expect that you'll probably be disappointed. Again, I know people rave about the burgers, but you still have to know what you're getting into, which is a fast food drive thru, not a gourmet experience.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Everyone who is posting negative things about In-n-Out are obviously Communists who hate everything that is good and right in this world. In all seriousness, I love In-n-Out. I didn't grow up with it and had my first In-n-Out burger when I was in high school. Five Guys has a good burger (at twice the price) but In-n-Out is still my favorite. OP - we always rent a car in part to hit our favorite restaurants we can't get out here in NC.

LOL! That's exactly how I feel about a burger with no mayo. How can that even exist???? And mayo for fries!

I'm convinced we either had a bad In-n-Out or it's just not for us. We lived in the greater New Orleans area for many years and now Texas. We like rich food with bite. I'm also from a veeeery Southern family so comfort foods are very much our thing.

I found In n Out very lacking. And strange. Akin to traveling to Canada many years ago. Hubby asked for Dr.Pepper. The waitress offered him root beer instead. The 2 aren't even vaguely comparable. LOL!

So when I ordered my cheeseburger with mayo and was told they don't have it I was first dumbfounded. Then I was offered some sort of sauce that I think was thousand island dressing with onions in it. Not. Even. Close.

Fries had absolute zero salt which = zero taste.

Again, maybe it was a bad location. An off day. I dunno. It was certainly bad enough to rule it out for the rest of my life. LOL!

My suggestion to anyone trying it: bring your condiments and seasoning with you!

 

[GatorChris]

This is like a right of passage for East Coasters. For me, it's like Chick-Fil-A. I have to drive 80 miles to get to the nearest one, so I make sure to always stop at CFA if I see one. But if one came to town, it would become another McDonalds. Still, I wouldn't mind finding out

 

[sweetpee_1993]

This is like a right of passage for East Coasters. For me, it's like Chick-Fil-A. I have to drive 80 miles to get to the nearest one, so I make sure to always stop at CFA if I see one. But if one came to town, it would become another McDonalds. Still, I wouldn't mind finding out

Do you have Raising Canes???? Canes spanks Chick-Fil-A!

 

[tlovesdis]

Personally I don't think In in Out is worth all that effort.

I know most will disagree with me.

I agree. I mean, it's ok, but not that great. We have one near us and hardly ever go. I'd never go out of my way for In N Out.

Now give me a Habit Burger and I will be a happy girl! Their burgers are the best!!!!

 

[crystal1313]

I think a big draw for a lot of people is the freshness and real factor. Unlike most fast food, it's almost healthy! None of that pink slime.

Exactly! This is why we like it. And the fact that we can eat at In N Out cheaper then we can at McDonald's. We like everything animal style and love the Neopolitan shake! Mmm

 

[GeneralTso]

My husband grew up in LA so big In n Out fan.
I like it too but grew up and live in Seattle so it's Dicks for me!

We got to In n Out every time we are down there.
Double Double Animal Style. Done and done.

 

[bryanb]

Wow, who are all of these people who don't like In-N-Out? I feel like I'm in a bizarre alternate universe.

Everyone's opinion about what they like is valid. But I wouldn't let it discourage you from trying it when you're here. The popularity of the chain speaks volumes about how many fans it has. And even if it's not your favorite burger joint, it's something different that you can try. It is definitely not the same experience as the other chains that were mentioned.

At the very least, I'll say you can get frozen burgers with mayo in most places. In-N-Out is considered a quintessential southern California tradition. You'll be able to say that you partook in that.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

Not hate, several of us are lucky enough to have other options available on a regular basis that are just consistently better (all opinions differ).

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I'm moving this to our community board...

 

[kylie71]

I would agree too. For California fast food burgers and fries, I rank them as such (take with a grain of salt-pun intended):

1. Habit Burger
2. Five Guys
3. Squeeze Inn (I think this is still just No. Cal)
4. Smashburger
5. In-n-Out

(too bad no car-Fathers Office/Umami Burger, both in LA, serve up mean burgers)

Squeeze In, the one from Truckee, Ca? We have 3 in Reno now. I have never had a Burger there, but their breakfasts are the Bomb! Where is it in Sacto?

We have 5 Guys, and Fat Burger, In & Out... I like In & Out, but I think Fat Burger is better....... IMHO!

--Lori

 

[disneyobsessed808]

Ewwwww to Five Guys. The only good thing about Five Guys is that they have freestyle coke machines

 

[GatorChris]

Do you have Raising Canes???? Canes spanks Chick-Fil-A!

Blasphemy! And no, we don't nor have I heard of it. Does Raising Canes have fresh squeezed lemonade and banana pudding milkshakes, because that's part of the mystique for me.

 

[Pucka1378]

I agree. I don't get why people go crazy for it. I swear the only people who do are people who grew up in Southern California or something.

I think Five Guys burgers are way better.

I grew up in Southern California and I still don't get it

 

[mr.bungle]

Mayo on the burger and fries is a requirement? ***? Now, don't get me wrong. I enjoy mayo on my burger but it's not a deal breaker!

Take in n out for what it is: a good fast food burger that has been around and consistent for over 60 years. It's not the best burger in the world but for what it is, it is quality. Everyone has different tastes so not everyone will like it. There is also regional love and nostalgia for it. Texans have this for Whataburger.

No one will ever agree. I've seen in n out threads on 5 different forums over the years and it's always the same thing.

Here's the deal: if you've never been to CA or never at least tried in n out, just try it. You don't have to like it. But give it a shot and make the decision for yourself. Realize it is FAST FOOD and go from there.

Other great burger joints to try in So Cal:

Habit
Fatburger
Hook Burger
The Counter
Father's Office
Apple Pan
Oinkster
Umami Burger
http://laist.com/2014/06/18/the_best_burgers_in_los_angeles.php


Cane's and Chick Fil A are both disgusting, btw

 

[finchy3]

Coming from the UK it's in-n-out in So Cal for us, great burgers and shakes.