In N Out question

In Chicago we have no In N Outs. What would be the closest thing to a double double at my local places? Big Mac, i don't know. Just wondering.I'm dying to try this place but i only have 30 minutes for lunch. What compares? Thanks.

In N Out is a unique experience unto itself. Rather than try to duplicate, you could plan your next trip to a place where there is an In N Out. Vegas? SFO? PHX (Cubbie spring training in Mesa)??

Steve

Jeepguy, It's not THAT exciting. It's just the way things used to be. Fresh ground beef and fresh cut fries, served in classic burger mode, in Boats and Baskets.

quote:

Originally posted by bill voss

Jeepguy, It's not THAT exciting. It's just the way things used to be. Fresh ground beef and fresh cut fries, served in classic burger mode, in Boats and Baskets.

Agreed. The best thing about them is the T-shirts, but the food is just good honest hamburgers cooked to order by people who are well-treated by their management and a management that pays attention. They are only special by contrast to the other better-known burger chains.

Yes..In 'n Out is by far the best burger CHAIN of all time....really fantastic for that realm...but certainly can get better burgers at countless local establishments across the country....so don't have your hopes too high when youfinally have one.

JeepGuy, In-N-Out is simply divine...a veritable orgasm in every bite. I don't think you'll find anything like it, unfortunately.

JeepGuy, I don't know of anywhere in Chicago but Indianapolis has a new place called 96th St. Steakburgers that appears to have copied In-N-Out's business plan. Same limited menu, fresh cut fries, and they even offer the secret "Animal Style" only they call it "Monster Style". I have been there several times and it almost subsides my desire to hop a plane to the west coast.

Used to eat at In N Out all the time and loved it. It is the best chain but not the best burger by any stretch. It's fresh and good and cheap and cooked to order. Served in a clean and safe place by friendly people.Since moving to Texas it's Keller's Drive In in Dallas. It's a Dallas institution since 1950 and hasn't changed at all. Car hop service with the best double cheeseburger ( their #5 ) that you will ever eat, it's about $2.50. The burger is made a lot likr In N Out makes them, fresh everything but just tastes better. You can get a beer there too. No inside, they bring it to your car on a tray. Mercedes to pick up trucks everybody comes to Keller's. BTW, I love burgers.

quote:

Originally posted by Tristan Indiana

JeepGuy, I don't know of anywhere in Chicago but Indianapolis has a new place called 96th St. Steakburgers that appears to have copied In-N-Out's business plan.

A critical part of their business plan is they don't franchise. Every location is corporate owned and visited regularly by top management who insist on standards being kept. I think this, plus their use of fresh ingredients cooked to order (no microwaves or steam tables allowed), makes much of the difference.

It kinda sounds like Steak N Shake from what i've been reading. Maybe the Left coast version?

Steak N Shake is the closest comparable chain I can think of.

quote:

Originally posted by Stephen Rushmore Jr.

Steak N Shake is the closest comparable chain I can think of.

Well, maybe. I don't know. I will always associate Steak N Shake with college spring break in Daytona Beach (circa 1966 or so) because that was the beachside hangout and those were formative years for me. In N Out, on the other hand, is pure California and trades on that with its fabulous t-shirts and the whole image.

In Chicago, one of the closest things I have found to a good old honest cheeseburger served on a white bread sesame seed bun is from the Top Notch Beefburger Shop, way down on West 95th St., about 5 blocks from Western. It's a two-fister and a full meal.

quote:

Originally posted by BT

quote:

Originally posted by Stephen Rushmore Jr.

Steak N Shake is the closest comparable chain I can think of.

Well, maybe. I don't know. I will always associate Steak N Shake with college spring break in Daytona Beach (circa 1966 or so) because that was the beachside hangout and those were formative years for me. In N Out, on the other hand, is pure California and trades on that with its fabulous t-shirts and the whole image.

I love being down here where SnS is close at hand (I grew up on 'em in the Midwest). But every time I go to the left coast for a visit I can't wait to get to an In N Out. I always check their web site for maps to the nearest locations to where I plan to be before I leave. Thank God we got them both!!

QFan
Bonita Springs, FL

Oh, man, Geo, that picture is fabulous. Makes my mouth water.

quote:

Originally posted by Pwingsx

Oh, man, Geo, that picture is fabulous. Makes my mouth water.

As much as this burger?

[img]http://www.post-gazette.com/images3/20050504asburger1_450.jpg [/img]

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/05124/498674.stm

I think we need a Keller's Drive in out here in In N Out land. Beer. Nothing beats a good burger and a cold beer.

I'm an LA native, and grew up near the In-N-Out birthplace of Baldwin Park. I eat their burgers all the time, and I like them very much. Their food is good, and they have a wonderful business model: no freezers, no microwaves, everything made to order, employees paid higher than average, all owned by the same family, and SIMPLE menu (with "secret" options).

But don't take In-N-Out as religion. If you come to LA and you only only have a few meals which you've already planned out, then you won't be missing anything if you don't try I-n-O.

There are better burgers to be had in Los Angeles. But if it's one of those days when you want something quick (quicker than sit down restaurant but much slower than typical fast food), and/or you're in a car, then I-n-O is your best bet.

Gonna be in San Francisco early November. Any In N Outs in the vicinity?

quote:

Originally posted by BuddyRoadhouse

Gonna be in San Francisco early November. Any In N Outs in the vicinity?

Right smack dab in tourist hell -- Fisherman's Wharf.

I think that they also have a restaurant locator on their web site -- just don't have the means to do the search for you right now.

Steve

quote:

Originally posted by BuddyRoadhouse

Gonna be in San Francisco early November. Any In N Outs in the vicinity?

According to their website:
333 Jefferson St., San Francisco (very close to Fisherman's Wharf)

Thanks guys, much obliged.

Buddy, Bill's Place out on Clement is what I hear talked about as the best burger in SF proper by native SF'er and Radio Talker Bernie Ward. He is a serious food guy in the way we like, and Bill's is his personal favorite. He talks about it from time to time on the air.
http://www.culinarymuse.com/weblog/2005/01/restaurants_bur.html

This trip is just an overnighter so I'll have to flip a coin to see which one I'll hit. Thanks for the recommendations and the info.

http://www.in-n-out.com/location_details.asp?id=154
Buddy, unless you like fairly limp fries, be sure to ask for them crisp. Because they're fresh, they need a push beyond what the timer says, in my opinion.

I love In n Out and nothing comes close it. My standard order, double-double protein style, no onions and well done fries.

Take a look at the bible verses at the bottom of cups and on the wrappers.

quote:

Originally posted by Antihound

Take a look at the bible verses at the bottom of cups and on the wrappers.

Yer kiddin' me. Aren't ya

quote:

Originally posted by BuddyRoadhouse

quote:

Originally posted by Antihound

Take a look at the bible verses at the bottom of cups and on the wrappers.

Yer kiddin' me. Aren't ya

Nope

Who cares what the family that runs the place prints on their papergoods...It's the BURGER'S, Man. It's their business they can say what they want. If it is that big a deal , don't buy the damn Burgers.

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen

Who cares what the family that runs the place prints on their papergoods...It's the BURGER'S, Man. It's their business they can say what they want. If it is that big a deal , don't buy the damn Burgers.

I love the way "The Mayor" gets right to the point.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN