Must admit, I'm in the "I don't get it" camp. Was in L.A. last week and decided I'd give In 'n Out another try. I had tried them 3 times previously, and had always found everything lacking. Having continued to read about and hear all the hype, I decided to give it one more go, thinking perhaps I had missed something. Not only were all my previous experiences substantiated, but this was in many respects, my worst experience yet.
Had two cheeseburgers with onions, fries, and a chocolate shake. The burgers were overcooked, dry and tastless (I even tried pulling the patty out just so I could taste the meat. Did not taste any of the oft referred to "fresh ground beef tatse"). Yes, the lettuce and tomato were indeed fresh and tasty, but when it's masking a tasteless hunk of beef, so what? The fries were laughable. They were cold and tasted like cardboard. The shake was so sweet, I thought I might end up in a diabetic coma. The consistency and mouth feel... I would best describe as melted plastic. Needless to say, I didn't finish any of what I ordered.
I understand of course that your experiences may (and in many cases do ) vary significantly, however for this burger lover, it's my last time there.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Howgart
Must admit, I'm in the "I don't get it" camp. Was in L.A. last week and decided I'd give In 'n Out another try. I had tried them 3 times previously, and had always found everything lacking. Having continued to read about and hear all the hype, I decided to give it one more go, thinking perhaps I had missed something. Not only were all my previous experiences substantiated, but this was in many respects, my worst experience yet.
Had two cheeseburgers with onions, fries, and a chocolate shake. The burgers were overcooked, dry and tastless (I even tried pulling the patty out just so I could taste the meat. Did not taste any of the oft referred to "fresh ground beef tatse"). Yes, the lettuce and tomato were indeed fresh and tasty, but when it's masking a tasteless hunk of beef, so what? The fries were laughable. They were cold and tasted like cardboard. The shake was so sweet, I thought I might end up in a diabetic coma. The consistency and mouth feel... I would best describe as melted plastic. Needless to say, I didn't finish any of what I ordered.
I understand of course that your experiences may (and in many cases do ) vary significantly, however for this burger lover, it's my last time there.
I think it has been discussed in this thread but the title of this thread really should read "Is In-N-Out Burger that good compared to other chain restaurant burgers?"
As it is easy, repeat easy, to find a far better burger (fast food, chain and non-fast food) then what In-N-Out offers, at least in the Chicago area.
Anyone besides me notice that just about every comparison in this thread is to a burger costing twice as much or to a restaurant that is not a fast food joint?
So specifically, where can you get a better burger in a fast food setting that costs $2.60 (double-double last time I was in CA).
And to all you In-N-Out fries haters, everyone knows you must order your fries well or extra-well.
__________________ Oh Kitty, you've still got Eric. He's still sort of a baby ... I'll make him cry if you want - Red
I live in NYC. BLT Burger ($12+) is better than In and Out, so is Shake Shack (4+), so is Burger Joint ($6+), so is the uber-hyped Father's Office ($10+) in LA, etc., etc. etc., ...but that's not the point people!
In and Out is the master of the fast food California-style hamburger and that fact is deserving of respect IMO. If you want meatloaf on a bun...this is not the place. If you want a backyard bbq burger, this is not the place. If you want gourmet meat blends, this is not the place. If you want the local micro-chain $8 burger, this is not the place.
But if you want California style super-thin burgers with the just the right mix of lettuce, tomato, cheese, onions and pickles then there is nothing better for the money than a double animal style. I have flown to LAS and back on the same day for the pleasure.
I'm also in the overrated camp. I like the burgers but they aren't something I go out of my way for. I'm not a fan of the fries. I guess I'll have to try the well done trick the next time.
The cult status kind of reminds me of Coors before it was widely available. I prefer my local Dick's Drive-In chain in Seattle.
I live in Denver and used to crave those.... I say used to since I found Smash Burger out here and THAT is a good burger. Haven't been disappointed with it. Good size excellent quality half pound burger for about $6 or so, they're a small chain here... but I don't beg for an In 'n' Out anymore!
