Posted By Patricia Beninato
on
9/13/2008 1:08:00 PM
In-N-Out isn't just for Southern California anymore--the chain has spread throughout the state and even has an outpost in Las Vegas. Being East Coast-based I decided to visit an In-N-Out to see what the fuss was about, so we descended upon the sole store in San Francisco, located somewhat unsurprisingly at Fisherman's Wharf.
In-N-Out's menu is simple--burgers, fries, shakes, and drinks. Its "secret" menu containing such items as a "grilled cheese" (a burgerless cheeseburger) and "animal style" (special sauce and fried onions) is no longer a secret; one can find it on the official website. We went purist--a couple of burgers for my husband, a "double double" (two patties, two slices of cheese) for me, fries and drinks for both of us. Place your order, get your drinks, and wait for your number to be called.
We were there at lunch and had about a ten-minute wait, as the burgers do not hit the grill until your order is placed. We both thought the burgers were very good. The toppings--lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and Thousand Island dressing (onions are optional)--were fresh and still held a refrigerated chill as if the burger was put together at somebody's backyard cookout. The actual patties were thinner than I thought they would be but still tasted great, and the bun was perfect. The fries... some here have said that McDonald's are better and I would have to agree--they were very bland and starchy. The red-and-white tiles in the place are reminiscent of the East Coast (but rapidly spreading) chain Five Guys, and I remarked to my husband that if I could have an In-N-Out double-double with Five Guys fries that'd pretty much be the perfect fast-food meal. In-N-Outs are numerous enough in California now that you don't really have to seek one out, and as far as fast food goes you can do a lot worse.
"A Double-Double (two patties, two slices of cheese) with the works, including onions, and French fries. The under-$5 meal also includes a beverage."
Michael Stern
"In-N-Out is one of the happy products of the car culture that blossomed after World War II. There are nearly 200 throughout Southern California; and the Snyder Family that owns them keeps them ship-shape and dedicated to good fast food."
Michael Stern
"It was a menu like this that originally made McDonald's such a hit: just a few choices, and in this case, all excellent."
Michael Stern
