Is In-N-Out Burger that good?

[abraxis]

Originally Posted by stupidhead

There's a semi-independent burger chain around here in New York called Goodburger. Their burgers are very good-and it's even cooked to order on a grill (and they'll cook it medium for you). But at $10 for a burger and french fries, it's a bit steep even if the burger's great.

I've been to Goodburger and can second that the burgers are pretty good. Though, can the price be attributed to the cost of doing business in Manhattan?

I also like the secret burger place in the Parker Meridian; when I went there last, the burgers were about $6-7 and was very good. Didn't like the wait though...

[UCBeau]

Originally Posted by work2fly

+1

I really like In-N-Out for what it is: one of, if not the best fast food burger joint out there.

Their burgers are simply not comparable to say a 1/2 pound freshly ground and seasoned beef patty grilled over charcoal, served on a homemade bun with a few strips of applewood bacon and a small mound of maytag blue.

Now I'm hungry

You're missing the point entirely, no one is making In 'N Out to be some kind of mom and pop burger joint, everyone acknowledges it's a fast food burger chain. You can't compare that to a homemade or specialty type shop. Down here, Hodad's and Rocky's are two great local places, better than In 'N Out of course but different too. Unfortunately Hodad's is now overrun with idiotic tourists so it's tough for locals to get down there, fame has it's price.

[djcutcher]

on da toob about In-N -Out. I was impresssed.
So today I had the last (of a series of 5 spread out over as many months I'd guess) INO burger.
Unfortunately it was the least impressive of the lot. The patty was tinier than I recall, even from the store where I usually shopped, and it certainly was NOT cooked to my stated specifications. The bun looked artificially colored (read: unlikey and unappetizing) and the requested catsup and mustard were hardly in evidence. Neither was I asked if I wanted (additional) packets when I was handed my order.
I ate in the restaurant, did not use the drive-thru, did not order fries nor cheese. The lettuce was crispy, and the tomato slice generous, if bland.
On the few occasions I've Mickey D'd, there was typically a HUGE discrepancy between the appearance of the actual and the advertised. The above disparity was a first for me at INO. I doubt I'll be rushing back at any time soon...>blech<

[obscure2k]

Interesting little article in the Los Angeles Times today:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...4024099.column

[Sweet Willie]

Originally Posted by nkedel

Even if you know the good independent burger places near you, they're harder to find on the road if you're pressed for time.

no doubts about this, it may be a large reason why many consumers go to fast food that they are aware of, I know I do, but am always hoping to find a blurb about where else to go instead of the "usual" fast food.

Originally Posted by UCBeau

Dude, you have got to get over yourself.

Those that have met me and know me, understand that I'm not infatuated with myself.

Originally Posted by UCBeau

Seriously, it's just the internet and your rants about this (and other things) really have no bearing on one's enjoyment of an In 'N Out burger.

Was not a rant, too bad you feel that way (& would be curious where else you think I've ranted, send me a pm) I don't expect my comments to have a bearing on one's enjoyment of INO. Simply stating my belief(s).

Originally Posted by UCBeau

It's a popular chain that a lot of people really like, let them like it and please don't pontificate about what you think is good and bad.

What are you expecting? Seriously, that is exactly what this and many other boards are about. I post what I think is good, you post what you think is good, you post that you've had this experience, etc etc etc, and hopefully the world becomes a better place or at least a place where one maximizes their enjoyment of it.

Originally Posted by UCBeau

I'm sure if you named your favorite burger joint (if you stoop that low to consume ground beef patties like us troglodytes) there will be someone out there who'll criticize your choice.

Eat too many burgers and welcome feedback about the content in my posts.

Originally Posted by UCBeau

So tomorrow I might go back to In 'N Out and enjoy a wonderful double-double and think of sweet willie and his rant against a burger chain I happen to enjoy.

Great and life goes on.

Originally Posted by DrivingRain

While we are here...please direct me to your favorite Chicago burger. Im relatively new in town and havent found one that would break my Top 3-5 in NYC. Thanks! : )

Try searching the Chicago Forum for "burger", you'll find plenty of posts with great suggestions including what I feel is one of the best. BTW, I hope you have posted comments about your top burger places in the NYC forum !!

[DrivingRain]

Originally Posted by Sweet Willie

Try searching the Chicago Forum for "burger", you'll find plenty of posts with great suggestions including what I feel is one of the best. BTW, I hope you have posted comments about your top burger places in the NYC forum !!

Best Burger in Manhattan? Best inexpensive Steak?

Page 6 is where I am most firm abot my favorite choices...though the thread is really about quality burger & steak/$....which is different than a discussion about the numerator alone.

[monitor]

Short answer to the question posed at the top of this thread is No. IMO the In-N-Out burger is just another fast food slider.

[cblaisd]

Less that three weeks until I get to have another one.

It's hard waiting for such a sacred experience.

[Oxb]

I will be having one tomorrow. My mother loves hamburgers and has never been to In N Out. Sooooo, for mothers day off to SAN we go......

[osamede]

Originally Posted by abraxis

I've been to Goodburger and can second that the burgers are pretty good. Though, can the price be attributed to the cost of doing business in Manhattan? .

More or less. I am a New Yorker by origin and even I am shocked at price levels every time I go back. These days 10 bucks for a tasty fresh cooked lunch is about par. I wouldnt complain. You can spend more for worse tasting food at any Chipotle outlet in NYC, where the "optional" add-ons do add up quickly!

Goodburger is a fantastic place. I dont grudge them their prices at all. Still a bargain given the price levels in the city.

[ddschur]

Originally Posted by irabk

In-N-Out is that good?

YEP!

[sfo]

Think of every positive adjective there is and that describes In & Out Burger

[codex57]

In my experience, yes, In N Out is by far the best fast food burger chain I have ever experienced.

I think it's key to acknowledge what a few PPs have tried to point out: In N Out is a chain and was meant to outdo burger chains like McDonald's, not local mom and pop or your own backyard grill. In N Out is a CA chain. Most of us don't carry around a grill in our trunk to tail gate at the drop of a hat. If we want a burger while out, we're often stuck with whatever chain we find. In N Out is glorious in that you can get a great burger in so many places. The benefits of a chain, but the taste of a mom & pop store. Yes, some locations are unfortunately not as good as most, but luckily, those are quite the exception to the rule.

I'm not quite as enthusiastic about their fries and shake like most fans are. I just like the burgers.

[yyz_atc_lj]

A touch OT but there is a new book out about the franchise some may find interesting.
http://www.amazon.com/N-Out-Burger-B...2700375&sr=8-1

[nkedel]

Originally Posted by sfo

Think of every positive adjective there is and that describes In & Out Burger

In'n'Out Burger, whatever its other good characteristics, is not "busty," just to name one.