In-N-Out Burger

[The Scream]

The other night, I was told about a couple who've been to The French Laundry 125 times. The only eatery that I could think of going to anywhere near that figure was In-N-Out. I'm probably not even close to 125 times though.

[Guest Aaron T]

Well Liz & John know what they like.

[Suzanne F]

Well Liz & John know what they like.

Where are they posting these days? Available to us plebes, that is, not on private sites.

[Guest Aaron T]

Well Liz & John know what they like.

Where are they posting these days? Available to us plebes, that is, not on private sites.

 

I am assuming this is who was being referred to and Liz has her website at Refined Palate. Liz often posts on chowhound's LA board.

[Carolyn Tillie]

Well Liz & John know what they like.

Where are they posting these days? Available to us plebes, that is, not on private sites.

 

I am assuming this is who was being referred to and Liz has her website at Refined Palate. Liz often posts on chowhound's LA board.

 

She posts on the Mark Squires/Robert Parker board as well.

[rancho_gordo]

I've tried 2 more times but I still don't get the big deal about this place.

[mongo_jones]

it's a good chain burger. best appreciated if you've eaten a lot mcdonalds and the like in the days and weeks prior.

[rancho_gordo]

it's a good chain burger. best appreciated if you've eaten a lot mcdonalds and the like in the days and weeks prior.

 

But isn't there always a little diner somewhere that can do it so much better?

I guess I love a good burger but I am not tempted by a bad one, a la McDonalds, etc.

I know I must appear unhuman or godlike but believe me, if you can, I have other temptations.

[Alexandra]

it's a good chain burger. best appreciated if you've eaten a lot mcdonalds and the like in the days and weeks prior.

 

But isn't there always a little diner somewhere that can do it so much better?

 

 

Pick's in Cloverdale.

[Anthony Bonner]

it's a good chain burger. best appreciated if you've eaten a lot mcdonalds and the like in the days and weeks prior.

 

But isn't there always a little diner somewhere that can do it so much better?

 

 

Pick's in Cloverdale.

see I'm sure in places like the Bay Area and NYC that's the case - but the few times I've driven cross-country good food is not something you can randomly find.

 

ETA: Not to say I think In N Out is a superior burger or worth the accolades. I'm just saying the idea there is always a little diner somewhere that does it better is usually incorrect.

[Miguel Gierbolini]

I know I must appear unhuman or godlike but believe me, if you can, I have other temptations.

 

Yes. Godlike.

[Jaymes]

it's a good chain burger. best appreciated if you've eaten a lot mcdonalds and the like in the days and weeks prior.

 

But isn't there always a little diner somewhere that can do it so much better?

I guess I love a good burger but I am not tempted by a bad one, a la McDonalds, etc.

I know I must appear unhuman or godlike but believe me, if you can, I have other temptations.

 

I'm not sure it's fair to compare In-N-Out with a little diner somewhere that can do it so much better. In-N-Out, a chain with mass-produced hamburgers, should more rightly be compared with McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Hardee's, Taco Bell, et al.

 

Certainly there are little diners somewhere that are turning out food, including burgers, 'so much better' than In-N-Out. But as far as I'm concerned, comparing the two is one of those infamous 'apples and oranges' deals.

 

For starters, if I'm driving through an unfamiliar town, or even in an unfamiliar part of my own, and see an In-N-Out, I know what I'm going to get. I most likely have no idea where the little diners even are, much less which ones are serving up food 'so much better' and which ones are serving up crap from Sysco's and if I have time constraints, I have no desire whatsoever to wander around and try to find one. Also, at In-N-Out, I'm going to be, well, in and out in probably less than a half-hour, even on a busy day. At the little diner, I'm there for at least an hour, perhaps more if it's lunchtime.

 

And then there's the cost factor. No, I don't have to spend $10 at the little diner, but I undoubtedly will, including tax and tip. At In-N-Out, for $5, I'm full, happy and satisfied and busily motoring down the highway, or running a couple of errands before I head back to the office, or sneaking my animal-style contraband into the afternoon matinee.

 

 

 

[Carolyn Tillie]

Well said, Jaymes.

 

I was always a bit irked when someone compared In-N-Out with ShakeShack as they are totally different animals.

 

I do take exception to comparing it to some of the other chains only in that In-N-Out is consistent and inexpensive and one has the secure knowledge that what they are eating is fresh and not frozen. You can't say that about McD's or BoogerKing, et al. Much of the In-N-Out model has been their growth expansion limits their restaurants within a driving distance of their warehouse facilities to guarantee that freshness. I would be curious of other eateries with a similar consistency model.

 

 

[Jaymes]

... In-N-Out is consistent and inexpensive and one has the secure knowledge that what they are eating is fresh and not frozen. You can't say that about McD's or BoogerKing...

 

In fact, here's something that has puzzled me.

 

If memory serves (it's been a while), in Napa, there's a Burger King right across the parking lot from the In-N-Out. Every time I'm there, I look over at the Burger King. Certainly there are nowhere nearly so many folks at the Burger King as there are at the In-N-Out, but there are always a few. And that Burger King obviously is doing a good enough business that it's been around for quite a few years.

 

I can't help but wonder...

 

Who on earth is choosing Burger King over In-N-Out?

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest Aaron T]

I do take exception to comparing it to some of the other chains only in that In-N-Out is consistent and inexpensive and one has the secure knowledge that what they are eating is fresh and not frozen. You can't say that about McD's or BoogerKing, et al.

 

The food is indeed fresh. They make the fries from potatoes right in front of you and they dont use frozen meat. They have a limited menu and do what they do well. The meat is nicely seasoned. Most of the time I'd rather have a pub burger (the thick patty medium rare) but if I am in a hurry or it is late night etc In & Out hits the spot and I feel better knowing it isnt processed the way that the national chains operate. There are no franchisees, the corporations owns all outlets to ensure consistency.