My First In and Out Burger

Just came back from visiting my mom and sister in San Diego and Palm Springs.. Finally got to try an In & Out burger. WOW!!! Great taste...and so fresh...and what a deal on price!!!!! Very limited menu, but it's best to specialize, anyway. Boy do I wish they had those on the east coast. Noticed everytime we went by the one I liked in Palm Springs, it was packed!!!!
      This is by far the best fast food nurger I have ever tasted.

They ain't half bad are they?

Now that I'm back home in Jersey,I'm craving that double cheese burger!!!!

Doesn't this belong in the Fast Food forum?

I don't think so...The forum is "Hamburgers" And an In and Out burger certainly qualifies...and the sub heading is "Discuss Your Favorite Burger Joint" ...and In and Out is my current favorite burger joint. Sometimes we get too technical around here! I just want to discuss my new find with my fellow roadfooders!

I order mine animal style.

Wife and family hit the "  in and out " in Tucson this month - she wasn't  impressed . Spoiled by Five Guys in Naples ,Fla.

Foodbme


Doesn't this belong in the Fast Food forum?

Michael Stern deems it a Roadfood chain, so it belongs in this section.
 
http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Reviews/1647/in-n-out-burger

i deem it belongs in our stomach.

For those who have had both, which do you like better, Five Guys or In n Out?

John Fox


For those who have had both, which do you like better, Five Guys or In n Out?

I think both are just OK in their class, and neither is worth a special trip.  On the road, choosing between either and BK, I'd choose either over BK.  Having to choose between the two, I'd choose In n Out, but only because I don't often get the opportunity to eat one.  If both were in my neighborhood, I'd probably never eat at either.   

I'm not into self-promotion, but since it's germane, here are two links to my thoughts on each (I'd just cut-and-paste to here, but it's a lot):
http://www.tommyeats.com/tommyeats/2008/11/five-guys-burgers-wendys.html
http://www.tommyeats.com/tommyeats/2008/09/in-n-out-burger-eh-im-not-convinced.html

I've never had an In n Out burger, so I can't make a comparison. I know I'm in the minority, but I like Five Guys Burgers. I like burgers well done, medium, or medium rare. Charbroiled medium rare. But the Five Guys near me serves burgers that, while well done are still juicy.
 
It seems that many people don't like their burgers well done. But a lot of these same people like places like White Rose, White Manna, and White Diamond.
 
I'd love to see an In n Out open here in Jersey just so I could try one.

John Fox


I've never had an In n Out burger, so I can't make a comparison. I know I'm in the minority, but I like Five Guys Burgers. I like burgers well done, medium, or medium rare. Charbroiled medium rare. But the Five Guys near me serves burgers that, while well done are still juicy.
 
It seems that many people don't like their burgers well done. But a lot of these same people like places like White Rose, White Manna, and White Diamond.

yeah, i'm not sure why people claim that a burger cooked to more than medium (especially when we're talking about roadside stand type burgers which are about 3-4 ounces) are automatically and magically devoid of all flavor and fat.  it's absurd, and simply not true in my experience in eating and cooking.  i think it's more tied to some sort of elitism more than anything, which is pretty funny considering the thrust of this site (roadfood).

if you like Five Guys you'd like In-n-Out.

tommyeats

I think both are just OK in their class, and neither is worth a special trip. 

A agree with that statement.

Remember when Coors beer was special because it wasn't sold where you lived?  In my opinion it is the same thing with IN-N-OUT. 

I made sure to eat at In-N-OUT on a trip to CA and have no memory of the food.  It was just a fast food burger, nothing stands out about it. 

IN-N-OUT is no better or worse than 5 Guys.

I enjoy In & Out over Micky D's or Burgerking. It is the right place for me when I want simple, hot burgers.

Where can you get a better double cheese burger for under 3 bucks?

JRPfeff

tommyeats

I think both are just OK in their class, and neither is worth a special trip. 

A agree with that statement.

Remember when Coors beer was special because it wasn't sold where you lived?  In my opinion it is the same thing with IN-N-OUT. 

I made sure to eat at In-N-OUT on a trip to CA and have no memory of the food.  It was just a fast food burger, nothing stands out about it. 

IN-N-OUT is no better or worse than 5 Guys.

I agree,

There is no doubt that the produce toppings were some of the freshest I've ever had, the burger itself was simply a flat out dissapointment, it was tasteless, and ultimately a mediocre fast food burger. There is no doubt in  my mind that the best chain burger I've had yet is Kidd Valley in the Seattle area, and more recently, for me, the Char Grill in Raleigh NC comes to mind.

Well,since I eat at 5 guys often, and now I've tasted my firsy In and Out...I'd say the burgers are similar(Fries better ,by far ,at 5 Guys)....but the price for the burgers at In and Out are GREAT....much better quality than any fast food burger!!! Who'd eat at a trash Burger joint when an In and Out is actually cheaper. I repeat again, this East coast guy was impressed by this California chain. It would be my Fast food burger joint, if there was one here!!!

lee, you have to ask for the fries to be cooked longer.

Foodbme


Doesn't this belong in the Fast Food forum?

Oh my goodness here's another one of those fanatic sticklers----seems to me Lee's post could easily fit in both categories---so leave it be-----as for wrong categories Food----how can a LAKE fish qualify as SEA food---seems to be something irregular about that -----maybe you could request a LAKEFOOD forum and leave Seafood to the real deal from the sea. Just a thought!
Walleye my foot.
 
Russ----------down the shore by the SEA

leethebard


Just came back from visiting my mom and sister in San Diego and Palm Springs.. Finally got to try an In & Out burger. WOW!!! Great taste...and so fresh...and what a deal on price!!!!! Very limited menu, but it's best to specialize, anyway. Boy do I wish they had those on the east coast. Noticed everytime we went by the one I liked in Palm Springs, it was packed!!!!
      This is by far the best fast food nurger I have ever tasted.

Welcome to the "club". I like mine, double, double, protein style.

I like In and Out, the thing is though, you go in and about a day or so later you go out...fast they ain't, mostly due to the lines of folks waiting for their burger fix!

True..true..true...our route took us past that In and Out every day I was visiting out there, and it was always packed. Says something about their food. My sister told me every place is company owned..they don't franchise...that's why they haven't spread any further east. Boy, they have a gold mine!!!!

leethebard


True..true..true...our route took us past that In and Out every day I was visiting out there, and it was always packed. Says something about their food.

what do you figure that says about their food?  i'm curious if you correlate crowds and lines with notable food.

I'm just saying the parking lots of the neighboring Burger King and Mickey Di's were almost empty,while the In and Out place was packed...given choices,people packed this place and stayed away from neigboring places...it's not a scientific poll, just an observation.
  

I have a number of In-N-Out tee shirts I like to wear. It's amazing, even here in Dallas how many people stop to tell me, they also love In-N-Out.
The shirts and other stuff can be ordered thru their website. The limited, and collectible designs are on the back of the (white) shirts with the classic, In-N-Out sign logo on the front upper left.

It's been too long since I've had an In-N-Out burger...sooo good! 

In and Out and Five Guys are both in a class by themselves.

The fries are better at Five Guys unless you order your fries well done at In and Out.

But you can't get a chocolate shake at Five Guys to dip your fries in (wierd maybe...... but I like to dip my fries in my shake) so in that respect I give the edge to In and Out. If I'm not dipping my fries in my shake I get them Well Done Animal Style

The burgers are different and I wouldn't call one better than the other, I will say that I've never had a bad burger at either place. I get my Double Double Animal Style with extra raw onion added. Five Guys does have the edge on the toppings and  I order mine loaded, raw onions, pickles, lettuce, tomatos, jalapenos, mustard, mayo, ketchup, I like em big and sloppy. 

I wish I knew about ordering my fries "well done" to better compare them to 5 Guys. Never dawned on me they'd keep a batch of fries in longer for me!! It's two days since I got home, and I'm going through In-N-Out burger withdrawal!!

5 Guys burgers and fries blow away In--N-Out...althought INO is a geat burger, but lousy fries....5 Guys take the trophy.

I've never eaten at In-and-out but I'd be willing to try it. i think 5 guys is way overrated even in the fast food category. I've heard it mentioned before but what's special about "animal style"?

Dave

Ordering animal style is an easy way of telling them you want the following in addition to the standard stuff they do to their burgers:

• pickles
  
• extra spread
  
• extra grilled onions
  
• mustard fried onto each meat patty.
  

Unfortunately I've only had 5 guys one time, during a pretty rocky period of my now defunct marriage, lol, I remember it was good, and I liked the fries.  I have never had In N Out, but will, some day.  I am very excited about having a Sonic on the way to my son's house, which I just discovered last week, lol!

I BELIEVE that means...no bun.  The actual expression is supposed to be "protein style"  Of coarse I could be confused about this...never actually been to one of the places.  This is covered min "EAT THIS, NOT THAT!"
 
And I see now that I am in fact confused on the matter...sorry 'bout that...still wanna try the place...
 
...next time I'm in Vegas...

leethebard, not only can you order your fries done from light to extra well, you can order them animal style as well.  That means fries with melted cheese, grilled onions and some of the burger spread (like a 1000 island spread) on top.

My typical order consists of the following: 4x2 animal style no tomato, animal style fries well, vanilla shake. And a fork.

Enginecapt,thanks for the info!

enginecapt


Ordering animal style is an easy way of telling them you want the following in addition to the standard stuff they do to their burgers:

• pickles
• extra spread
• extra grilled onions
• mustard fried onto each meat patty.
  

I saw that thing about the "mustard fried burger".  What is that?

They spread the patty with mustard while it's on the griddle. It's deliciously different, but you have to like mustard on your burgers. NYPizzaNut wouldn't be happy with it.

Protein Style is not the same as Animal Style at all it never was and never will be. Protein Style is simply the burger wrapped in lettuce rather than a bun.

Now you can order Protein Style/Animal Style but that could be one messy burger.

My standard order has always been.....A Double Double Animal Style, Fries Well Done, a Chocolate Shake, and a Diet Coke. (I just like Diet Coke better then Regular Coke....) There have been times when I've ordered two Double Doubles....back when I was a young Marine.....many, many years ago.

When in doubt...I'll take In n Out.  bkk

In and Out burgers got juice, 5 Guys are dry as I've ever had.

See if this helps:

http://food.yahoo.com/blog/ahamburgertoday/2761/the-in-n-out-secret-menu

Sorry, apparently wouldn't go through. You might try to copy and paste.

rebeltruce




Now you can order Protein Style/Animal Style but that could be one messy burger.

I order my protein style as a, double, double. Believe me, it's messy enough!

I have enjoyed both companies Burgers several times. I tend to agree with the Apples and Oranges comparison. They are both good, but for different reasons.

I tended to stay with the traditional Double-Double w/onion at In-n-Out over the years. Always very fresh toppings and the 'toasted' bun was a real plus (to me).  A nice touch at the drive-thru was the way they asked if you wanted them to "eat in the car or bagged to go home". I was not a fan of the fries. They tended to wimp-limp after a very few minutes. However two Double Doubles and a large Lemonade would make a great lunch on a hot desert day !!

My 5 Guys experiences have been more recent...within the past year. My tastes may have changed and my budget sure has...so I don't do them as often as I did in-n-Out in SoCal. But they are OK. I like the fries and a single Burger with grilled onions and tomato is enough for my. Plus I have to go in to order and pick-up the food.

Both are good in their own ways !

Yep...Apples and Oranges....In N Out, a california company...oranges...5 Guys, a Wash. DC franchise, near the Big Apple......seriously both are delicious....and I don't find either too dry. Wish I had a double-double about now...I'm hooked!!

leethebard


Yep...Apples and Oranges....In N Out, a california company...oranges...5 Guys, a Wash. DC franchise, near the Big Apple......seriously both are delicious....and I don't find either too dry. Wish I had a double-double about now...I'm hooked!!

 
Considering you live in NJ , just go to your local bar, tavern or diner, order a burger, and what your likely to get will be much better than In n Out anyway. I can't comment on 5 guys as I've never been there.

http://www.in-n-out.com/secretmenu.asp

Having experienced both a few times now, Im going to give my vote to 5 guys.  I like the thicker patties, and the char flavour. The selection of topings is excellent, and when you order fries you get a S**tload.  And i too think the fries are cooked a bit better.
 
To find out more about the different ways to order your INO food, Google "In n Out burger secret menu" and you will find all the different ways you can order your food, and what you will get when you do.
 
Note to JBS - next time you're in Vegas, dont just stop at INO - drop in to Fatburger on the strip, beside Walgreens and across from Monte Carlo.  I always get a Kingburger with the fried egg on it.  When i go to vegas i may not make it to INO, but I ALWAYS make time for Fatburger...

imho, regional fast-food chains qualify as roadfood. i consider white castle to be roadfood, since the closest one is 1200 miles away....
 
 in-and-out burger is one of the best regional chains imho.. food is always fresh, and the prices can't be beat. in the seattle area the closest thing to in-and-out is kidd valley, but kv tries to be more gourmet and it's reflected in the prices.......... our best regional chain is currently dick's, they have a simple menu like in-and-out but there are no substitutions or modifications, you get what's on the menu and that's it.

marzsit


imho, regional fast-food chains qualify as roadfood. i consider white castle to be roadfood, since the closest one is 1200 miles away....
 
 in-and-out burger is one of the best regional chains imho.. food is always fresh, and the prices can't be beat. in the seattle area the closest thing to in-and-out is kidd valley, but kv tries to be more gourmet and it's reflected in the prices.......... our best regional chain is currently dick's, they have a simple menu like in-and-out but there are no substitutions or modifications, you get what's on the menu and that's it.

The burgers at Kidd Valley simply blow away In and Out. There is no comparison.

Still....the price you pay for the quality you get is amazing....is there another chain that offers this quality food at a price cheaper than MicDonalds???

Kidd Valley is really good. They are very community minded, as well. Not that it matters wo much, but it is nice. 

I haven't been to Dick's. I am always amazed at the lines of people at any Dick's location. It looks like Ted Drewes! Certainly makes me want to try it. 

wanderingjew

leethebard


Yep...Apples and Oranges....In N Out, a california company...oranges...5 Guys, a Wash. DC franchise, near the Big Apple......seriously both are delicious....and I don't find either too dry. Wish I had a double-double about now...I'm hooked!!

 
Considering you live in NJ , just go to your local bar, tavern or diner, order a burger, and what your likely to get will be much better than In n Out anyway. I can't comment on 5 guys as I've never been there.

Hey WJ-------------your mystical insight into Jersey Burgers is truly
to be admired and revered---heading over to 507  Main tonite for a phenom chabroiled ,dripping with goodnes 8 ouncer!
 
Russ

russ2304

wanderingjew

leethebard


Yep...Apples and Oranges....In N Out, a california company...oranges...5 Guys, a Wash. DC franchise, near the Big Apple......seriously both are delicious....and I don't find either too dry. Wish I had a double-double about now...I'm hooked!!

 
Considering you live in NJ , just go to your local bar, tavern or diner, order a burger, and what your likely to get will be much better than In n Out anyway. I can't comment on 5 guys as I've never been there.

Hey WJ-------------your mystical insight into Jersey Burgers is truly
to be admired and revered---heading over to 507  Main tonite for a phenom chabroiled ,dripping with goodnes 8 ouncer!
 
Russ

When I was in LA a couple of months ago, although it was only one meal, it was just killing me wondering why I had to "experience" mediocre burgers 3,000 miles away knowing that there is just so much better a mile away from my house...
 

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Of course there are better burgers out there...I too love a great burger at our favorite watering whole...bit we're talking a chain here, and value for your buck...or three bucks. My point way back at the start of this thread was having grown up on Burger Kings and such, it was a pleasant surprise to get a quality burger with FRESH ingedients at a chain, and for such a great price. I never meant to compare the experience to a restaurant burger.

leethebard


Of course there are better burgers out there...I too love a great burger at our favorite watering whole...bit we're talking a chain here, and value for your buck...or three bucks. My point way back at the start of this thread was having grown up on Burger Kings and such, it was a pleasant surprise to get a quality burger with FRESH ingedients at a chain, and for such a great price. I never meant to compare the experience to a restaurant burger.

Fresh ingredients- Yes
Quality burger............ (if we're talking about the beef, so to speak)mmmmmmmmmmm, I don't think so

WJ-
  The key to your comment is "I don't think so."  Everyone is entitled to form their own opinion of 'quality', so long as they have at least tried whatever Burger is in question.

I happen to like the In-n-Out Burger. When it is convenient, and I desire a "Burger on the run" (so to speak), it fulfills my desire very well.  It may not do that for others.   I respect your opinion, but I differ with you in my thoughts about the quality of that chain-burger!

Well we can argue what "quality" means. All I'm saying is in my travels in Southern Cal last week I constantly passed seversl In N Outs next to other burger chains. In N Out was always packed and neighboring Mickey D's ,Burger Kings and Jack in the Boxes were deserted. Seems people preferred In N Out to the more national chains. All I'm saying, as an East Coaster I was pleasantly surprised by the tasty burger and the price I paid for it. I got to talk to the manager in the Palm Springs place, and they were certainly proud of the quality ingredients and the value. I agree.
    Judging by many of the comments here,others agree.

Ps. Wanderingjew,
     Gice 5 Guys a try;they're pretty damn good, too...if quite a bit more expensive!!!

mayor al


WJ-
  The key to your comment is "I don't think so."  Everyone is entitled to form their own opinion of 'quality', so long as they have at least tried whatever Burger is in question.

I happen to like the In-n-Out Burger. When it is convenient, and I desire a "Burger on the run" (so to speak), it fulfills my desire very well.  It may not do that for others.   I respect your opinion, but differ in my thoughts about the quality of that chain-burger!

Al,
 
ultimately, chain or not, there's got to be some taste to the burger. After having tried In and Out twice, I can truly say, I couldnt' taste anything.....again, as far as a chain burger is concerned, if you ever make it out to the Seattle, try Kidd Valley and you'll see what I mean.