Oh, and don't forget the neapolitan shake with that :D
I congratulate the poster on his impeccable taste! With the shake, the above is my usual at I&O. That said, I only make it there once a year at the LA location on Sepulveda near LAX.

double-double, protein style (no bread), grilled onions.

d*mn it ... i don't go back home for 6 more days :(

I think it depends on your circumstances. There is an In-N-Out Burger at the far end of the Costco parking lot where I occasionally shop. Post-Costco, the In-N-Out burger is good; not great and is an alternative to the gross Costco hot dog.
OTOH, arriving at LAX after a Chinese Banquet (the night before), the In-N-Out Burger was sublime, perfect, nothing could have been more delicious. I have had similar experiences arriving from other continents. First stop: In-N-Out at LAX.^

Fatburger > In-n-Out!

I like In-N-Out. I think it is much better than the competing fast food. I tend to go there once or twice when I am out on the West Coast, or Vegas. Culvers in the Midwest is also an excellent burger, as is Five Guys. I'm not sure which I would pick if I was somewhere where all three in a row (which is impossible as they are in different parts of the country).

In-N-Out is just a California thing, and for the money, it really can't be beat. Don't go in expecting the world's best burger and you will be very happy, as it is a good burger, and for the money a great burger. There are better, but for a burger, fries and a drink for around $5 in a lot of locations, even late at night you aren't going to find a better deal.

Five Guys, if you are on the East Coast is the way to go, a bit more expensive, and quite a bit more meat, and huge topping selections, plus great fries! Even the IAD and DCA locations were great, which surprised me.

Culver's in the Midwest, a burger and frozen custard, what more can you ask for in the comfort food department. I like them better than Steak N Shake, also in the Midwest.

For sure. I think Culver's has Steak N Shake beat in both quality of food and speed of service. Steak N Shake is more like a full-service restaurant, which is slower and not what I want on a fast break from a road trip.

Culver's on the other hand brings the burgers out to you, but it's fairly fast. Right now they're doing a promo on bbq burgers, which I've been enjoying. Definitely something to watch for in the Midwest.

Back on topic, earlier this year I was in SAN and PHX where I had a chance to have some In-n-Out. They're good if you're in the area, but I wouldn't drive too far out of my way for it. That said, I do keep my eyes peeled for them. If the burgers aren't your style, the people watching will be.

Being on the east coast I occasionally crave In-N-Out, and do head to the Sepulveda Blvd one beside LAX if I have a meal window layover. 3x3 with animal style fries ^ Though I do tend to feel disgusted afterwards...

I experience the same thing after Five Guys which I don't crave since I live about 5mins from one! I feel disgusted afterwards ;)

I think I generally feel disgusted after my occasional foray with fast food...

In-N-Out is over-rated!

I'll take a Frisco-melt w/bacon at Steak-n-Shake anyday over In-N-Out.

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.

$2.60 ?!! no wonder they taste the way they do, if price is your primary concern I think the big chains offer dollar menues.

Taste is my primary concern and I'll gladly pay a couple bucks more at fast food places for a burger that is far superior.


--

Boldly stated.

Now name the place and price.

Wendy's, IMHO. Shrug.

In and Out is amazing.

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.