Comments on: Comments on 19164

Post number 19164

MikeB — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:07:52 -0800

Oh, In-N-Out, how I love you so. Let me count the ways...

By: eyeballkid

eyeballkid — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:09:53 -0800

4X4 w/grilled onions, vanilla shake, fries. There is nothing better.

By: LionIndex

LionIndex — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:10:44 -0800

They've got some good burgers, dude.

By: redsparkler

redsparkler — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:12:50 -0800

I love the street credentials you get by name dropping it in states where it doesn't exist, prompting fond memories and a kind of glazed over look in people's eyes.

By: Steve_at_Linnwood

Steve_at_Linnwood — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:14:40 -0800

Yeah we here in the Mid-West have something like that too, its called Culvers All the food is made when you order it, all the Shakes, Malts, and treats are made of custard, that is made right there in the store. One of these just opened near my house in Shorewood, about a month ago. It is impossible to eat there because of the lines.

By: Foaf

Foaf — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:27:08 -0800

Mmm, In-n-out. Best burgers I ever had. But what's with the religious messages on the cups?

By: RakDaddy

RakDaddy — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:29:50 -0800

The son of the founders was Born Again, hence the biblical verses on the cups, fry caddies and burger wrappers. Mmm...In-N-Out. Every now and then I get in arguments with people who don't like eating there. They're usually not from SoCal. More Double-Doubles for me, baby!

By: small_ruminant

small_ruminant — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:32:25 -0800

I love the street credentials you get by name dropping it in states where it doesn't exist, prompting fond memories and a kind of glazed over look in people's eyes. Sort of like when you mention White Castle here in California. I don't understand its appeal, but even now-vegetarians get a nostalgic, wistful look in their eye when you mention it.

By: GaelFC

GaelFC — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:36:29 -0800

A 4 x 4 is FOUR patties and FOUR slices of cheese? And this article dares call the 670-calorie Double Double "a coronary thrombosis on a gently toasted bun"?

By: maud

maud — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:44:36 -0800

The religious messages sound odd. I had a brief exchange about them this morning with my friend Kurt, who was quoted in the New York Times article: "'They don't bother me,' said Kurt Gardner, a production manager who moved to Brooklyn from California in 1999. 'I think they have about as much intrinsic interest to customers as the comics that come with Bazooka Joe gum.'" I live in Brooklyn, and have never been to an In-N-Out Burger restaurant.

By: stuartmm

stuartmm — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:46:05 -0800

In-N-Out Burger vs EZ take out Burger 19th street, Costa Mesa vs 17 th street, Costa Mesa Animal Style vs Wild Thing Double-Double vs Double Take Discrete biblical references vs "Jesus loves you" written in large letters across the bags. EZ Take do have a chicken sandwich though !!!!!!!

By: hilker

hilker — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:54:03 -0800

For those of you not familiar with In-N-Out, as stuartmm says, the Bible references on their packaging are very discreet. You really have to search them out, in fact. I'm sure you know how paper cups have a bit of a false bottom - that is, when you set the cup down on a table, the entire bottom doesn't touch the table, just a ring around the outside. Well, on In-N-Out's cups, the bible verse is printed on the inside of that ring. You have to lift up the cup and look underneath to find it.

By: skibird

skibird — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:54:27 -0800

Would the NYT describe the fans of Gray's Papaya, Nathan's, or the legion of unrelated Ray's Pizza joints as members of a cult? No, I didn't think so. The In-n-out chain is ubiquitous here in Southern California. Some secret menu items are here. It's good, but Fatburger is better, and everyone should have a chili cheeseburger from Tommy's at least once (and perhaps at most).

By: pezspencer

pezspencer — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:57:34 -0800

We Las Vegans are lucky... the first In-N-Out stores outside of California, and the first Krispy Kreme's west of the Mississippi, too. I can't wait to see what's next.

By: stuartmm

stuartmm — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 15:06:46 -0800

mmmm...Tommys Sadly this was the scene in my car a few weeks ago when it was my turn to go to Tommys to get food after a night of drinking. Luckily there was no accident but my car still smells slightly of Tommys chilli. ( nb All this was only $28 i think )

By: youhas

youhas — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 15:11:45 -0800

Bonus points for Mountain View, CA: Highway 101 at the Rengstorff exit has both an In-N-Out and a Krispy Kreme, right across the street from one another. Perfect for all those occasions when run-of-the-mill diabetic comas just won't do.

By: synapse

synapse — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 15:15:11 -0800

Have to agree with skibird - Fatburger is my pick for burgers. A king burger with bacon is easily the best hangover cure I've come across. And c'mon, it's named FATBURGER! I think that rates bonus points.

By: GaelFC

GaelFC — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 15:18:02 -0800

Why do people like Fatburger? Have been to one 2 or 3 times and never found the burger anything other than most ordinary. Great name, though.

By: InfidelZombie

InfidelZombie — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 15:18:18 -0800

I've eaten at In-N-Out for years and I never even heard of the bible citations before- now that's low-key! In-N-Out and El Pollo Loco were two of the foods I missed most while I was living on the East Coast. Having my first Double-Double in 4 years was how I knew I was finally home.

By: emptyage

emptyage — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 15:18:27 -0800

Sweet John 3:16 they have the greatest fries in the world! Also, Fast Food Nation readers (and those who keep meaning to be) might be interested to see that In-N-Out is the only fast food restaurant Eric Schlosser will eat at after writing his book.

By: grambo

grambo — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 15:19:44 -0800

Definitely one of the top 5 reasons to live in SoCal.

By: billsaysthis

billsaysthis — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 15:24:43 -0800

I'n'O is the saviour of many an Atkins dieter! youhas: living in MtnVw, I am often extremely surprised to see 10 or more cars lined up in their drivethrough at 1:00 a.m. or later. especially now that there's another over by El Camino and Grant.

By: Triplanetary

Triplanetary — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 15:39:14 -0800

Yes, it is funny to see how long the drive-through line always is at In-n-Out on Rengstorff Ave. And I have yet to see a single customer in the McDonald's 200 yards away. Why don't they just admit defeat and close that place down? Would be a great place for a second In-n-Out to shorten the lines at the first one.

By: bucko

bucko — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 15:45:22 -0800

The crowd visiting late-night fast food places in general is very interesting & entertaining... When I was in college and making drunken visits to places like Taco Bell or White Castle, I've seen people who have been half-naked, shoeless (socks only...go figure), barefoot, stoned, strung-out, hallucinating, drinking beer at the table, smoking pot in the bathroom... the list goes on.

By: DakotaPaul

DakotaPaul — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 15:48:30 -0800

youhas: Bonus points for Mountain View, CA: Highway 101 at the Rengstorff exit has both an In-N-Out and a Krispy Kreme, right across the street from one another. Perfect for all those occasions when run-of-the-mill diabetic comas just won't do. Same deal in Daly City -- a Krispy Kreme right next to the In-N-Out. What's up with that? small_ruminant : Sort of like when you mention White Castle here in California. I don't understand its appeal, but even now-vegetarians get a nostalgic, wistful look in their eye when you mention it. Are you kidding me? Back in Minnesota, we used to use Whitey's burgers to induce vomiting so we could drink some more. Horrible, horrible things.

By: badstone

badstone — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 15:53:14 -0800

in fact, i just read that part of the book emptyage (i'm almost at the end.) they pay the highest wages in the industry, give medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, pay their managers $80k/year (typically), and the average manager has been there 13 years. they use fresh beef, make their own fries (peel their own potatoes, etc...), and make their shakes from actual ice cream.

By: dragstroke

dragstroke — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 16:01:28 -0800

They've got some good burgers, dude. Shut the fuck up, Donny! You got no frame of reference.

By: rushmc

rushmc — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 16:06:51 -0800

Previous (including Fatburger vs. In-N-Out) burger thread.

By: mkultra

mkultra — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 16:13:32 -0800

I gotta second DakotaPaul. small_ruminant, that's an insult to the transcendent deliciousness of In-N-Out. I live in NY, but I've experienced their stuff quite a few times in Cali. You know the way burgers look in the commercials, all juicy and tasty? In-N-Out actually serves those. Sadly, none of my friends here understand. I don't think anything here in NYC compares as a cult, simply as a matter of scale. Maybe the black and white cookie. In the South, I think Waffle House holds a similar position.

By: ouke

ouke — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 16:38:05 -0800

Look here for In-N-Out inspired crave enhancing desktop paraphernalia. If you have a Mac, that is...

By: Fupped Duck

Fupped Duck — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 16:41:39 -0800

Sort of like when you mention White Castle here in California. I don't understand its appeal, but even now-vegetarians get a nostalgic, wistful look in their eye when you mention it. Here here.

By: mogwai

mogwai — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 16:50:38 -0800

Yeah! Daly City In-N-Out/Krispy Kreme! That's my temple, right there. Count me as another person who's been eating In-N-Out for years and never so much as noticed the bible quotes. I'll have to look for those next time.

By: WolfDaddy

WolfDaddy — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 16:51:52 -0800

You know, In-N-Out does have the best burgers, but I never ever go there because their fries suck!!! They're limp cardboard, tasteless, disappointing. I don't know anyone (well, one person but he's a freak and in management, so do the math) who likes their fries. This to me cuts into their business. Ah, if I could have a double double with some beef-tallow fried McDonalds fries, I'd be suing someone for my obesity too!

By: laz-e-boy

laz-e-boy — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 17:02:54 -0800

Animal style and a fries well done for me! And of course, there are the ubiquitous "In-n-Out Burger" bumper stickers carefully edited to read "In-n-Out Urge" Tommys is good, but a relative of mine died of a heart attack a few hours after eating one. Haven't been back since.

By: hilker

hilker — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 17:09:02 -0800

WolfDaddy, you can ask for In-N-Out fries "well-done," which IMHO ruins them, but I know people who swear by it.

By: laz-e-boy

laz-e-boy — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 17:09:15 -0800

Wolfdaddy: "Fries well done" is double-fried for extra crunchiness. Much better that way.

By: eyeballkid

eyeballkid — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 17:12:55 -0800

Or, WolfDaddy, some of them will let you order fries w/ grilled onions. One thing I have learned about In-N-Out fries is that they must be eaten immediately in the car on the drive home, once they cool down, they're crap. Someone mentioned FatBurger earlier in the thread. Anyone tried a Double FatBurger with a Fried Egg? It's the heart-stopping equivalent of the 4 X 4 (which, I repeat, is the king of all burgers with the possible exception of the Habit Burger (which is slowly creeping its way from Santa Barbara down to LA, with on location no in the SFV)

By: eyeballkid

eyeballkid — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 17:13:25 -0800

)

By: eyeballkid

eyeballkid — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 17:17:37 -0800

wow, i can't type. that should be "with one location in the SFV))"

By: frykitty

frykitty — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 17:22:51 -0800

Several years ago a chain of Hot-N-Now burger shops opened in Oregon. Sadly, no one knew that they were in fact In-N-Out stands, with the name changed for whatever odd reason. Everyone thought they were just another burger joint (including me) and they failed. By the time I discovered the truth, it was too late. My heart, she breaks.

By: small_ruminant

small_ruminant — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 17:23:41 -0800

Sort of like when you mention White Castle here in California. I don't understand its appeal, but even now-vegetarians get a nostalgic, wistful look in their eye when you mention it. I'm from Northern California. I went to school in Southern California. (And preached In-N-Out to the heathens when I came back home.) When I got accepted at Indiana U. for grad school it turned out that just about everyone I ran into had some connection with Indiana, and over and over I heard: "You lucky dog- you'll be able to have White Castle burgers!" So I went to Indiana and tried one (just one). They taste like soggy meatloaf. Indiana has great stuff- the tomatoes are the best on earth and the corn's close to free- but it's White Castle Indianans are proud of. Not that I can talk. I flew in Red Tail beer, nutritional yeast for my popcorn, and sushi makings (no, not the sashimi) while I lived there.

By: WolfDaddy

WolfDaddy — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 17:26:55 -0800

Fries well done, eh? Okay, I'll give 'er a try tonight. Thanks y'all. eyeballkid, the Habit really is quite yummy, 'specially since they usually offer you malt vinegar as a condiment for your fries. *drooool* As a side note, if you're ever up in the SB area, look up a burger joint called CalTaco. It's owned by the Habit's owners brother, and is, if possible, better burgers than the Habit itself. No vinegar though. Also, mad props to the fine folks at Whataburger.

By: clavdivs

clavdivs — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 18:00:07 -0800

in and out owner was a big contributor to daddy bush...your in love with republican burgers....muhahahah

By: bemmett

bemmett — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 18:07:42 -0800

Man, I love In 'N Out, but the past two times I've been there they have really needed to crank up the temp on the fryers, because my fresh fries were a little on the soggy side. Other than that, always a pleasure.

By: dash_slot-

dash_slot- — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 18:12:39 -0800

Anyone would think that ya can't get a good clot-builder outside these here 50 United States!
According to some reviews - eg, this one from an Oxford Program for US students - us limeys are catchin up on In-N-Out's customising...
There's this great lil ole Burger shop I used to flip at (afore I got into the veggie thang...) called Peppers: quote - "..You can get weird combinations though, like tandoori Avocado..", - it also makes clear that, like Oxford's bestest (only?) home made ice cream shop, George & Davis, it was established by a North American. Both establishments pride themselves on service and friendliness. [/commercial] Hmm. Check em out next time you cross the pond (",)

By: Cedric

Cedric — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 18:18:15 -0800

I am definitely missing out on good burger eatin' it sounds like. Neither In-N-Out or WhiteCastle has made it to Oklahoma yet. If you ever hanker for a swell buffalo burger lunch I know a good place. Since the article mentioned McDonald's 40 billion annual sales versus In-N-Outs 160 million for 166 outlets, I immediately had to google to find how many outlets McD's owned. (approx 28,000). I found that information at this very disturbing McSite. If you check it out be sure and read the bubble next to Ronald's head. And McD's United Kingdom's head of purchasing comment. bucko: ...I've seen people who have been half-naked, shoeless (socks only...go figure), barefoot, stoned, strung-out, hallucinating, drinking beer at the table, smoking pot in the bathroom... the list goes on... You just described my family's Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

By: herc

herc — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 19:57:37 -0800

As one who when to school in Chicago but now lives in LA there really is no comparison. Why White Castle is quirky, it's an insult to In-N-Out's product to compare the two. Only one is actually good!

By: lescour

lescour — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 20:10:26 -0800

I am definitely missing out on good burger eatin' it sounds like. Neither In-N-Out or WhiteCastle has made it to Oklahoma yet. If you ever hanker for a swell buffalo burger lunch I know a good place. do tell, cedric.

By: mmascolino

mmascolino — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 20:24:01 -0800

Great post...I'm in Ohio and anxiously await every trip out to California so I can get a nice double-double. Fortunately I don't have long to wait...I fly to San Francisco on Friday. :)

By: lotsofno

lotsofno — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 20:38:50 -0800

oh my god... people make an effort to eat white castle even when they're not broke or stoned?

By: semmi

semmi — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 20:40:24 -0800

What a subliminally enticing name for a burger joint, would be more obvious with hot-dogs though.

By: keswick

keswick — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 20:54:15 -0800

A 4 x 4 is FOUR patties and FOUR slices of cheese? Ow. I think I had a coronary just reading that.

By: Cedric

Cedric — Wed, 14 Aug 2002 20:56:34 -0800

lescour....Adair, on Hwy 69. There's a mom & pop convenience store on the north edge of town that has 'em. Hey, do Double-Double's freeze well? Some California relatives are coming through here next month. You know, Elvis used to have his world-famous fried peanut butter and 'nanner sandwiches flown in to Vegas from good old Memphis. (He would only eat the one's his long-time cook made). I wonder if he ever knew about In-N-Out? No Elvis fan here, I don't know why I even know about his sandwich habits.

By: Acetylene

Acetylene — Thu, 15 Aug 2002 00:02:50 -0800

Like most respondants, I'm a big fan of In-N-Out--and this thread has been making me very, very hungry. But lemme tell ya, Sacramento knows burgers, and the most absurdly artery-clogging burger in the history of Sacramento has to be Sam's Juicy Burger's Italian-American: grilled bun, hamburger patty, italian sausage patty, chili, grilled onions, and three kinds of cheese. That and an order of garlic fries . . . .

By: redsparkler

redsparkler — Thu, 15 Aug 2002 00:02:56 -0800

"Several years ago a chain of Hot-N-Now burger shops opened in Oregon. Sadly, no one knew that they were in fact In-N-Out stands, with the name changed for whatever odd reason. " Seriously? My memories of those are vague (although the hollowed out shells of their buildings still remain), but i figured they were just some freaky over-expansion thing gone wrong. Why wouldn't they have capitalized on the reputability of In-N-Out's name, especially if they were going to build so flippin' many? They were like bunnies. I seem to remember eating there once, but finding it lackluster.

By: youhas

youhas — Thu, 15 Aug 2002 02:38:42 -0800

In-N-Out fries always seem to be a really hit-and-miss affair. Sometimes they're absolutely delectable... and sometimes they turn out halfway raw. I always kind of figured that the variable moisture content of using freshly-cut potatoes was to blame. In the South, I think Waffle House holds a similar position. Driving through the South, I could barely believe how plentiful the damn things were. Waffle Houses every third exit! Waffle Houses at both exits 15A and 15B sometimes! Impressive, in a way.

By: soundofsuburbia

soundofsuburbia — Thu, 15 Aug 2002 05:45:18 -0800

Am hungry now. Must eat burger. Nearest In-N-Out approx. 10220 km away. Will have to settle for this. Damn.

By: pezspencer

pezspencer — Thu, 15 Aug 2002 09:06:22 -0800

"Several years ago a chain of Hot-N-Now burger shops opened in Oregon. Sadly, no one knew that they were in fact In-N-Out stands, with the name changed for whatever odd reason. " From what I remember, Hot-N-Now had a few stores here in Las Vegas, but they only remained open for a few months. They were owned by Pepsico back then, and were nothing like In-N-Out. Apparently, they still have a few corporate owned stores left.

By: GriffX

GriffX — Thu, 15 Aug 2002 09:08:57 -0800

Several years ago a chain of Hot-N-Now burger shops opened in Oregon. Sadly, no one knew that they were in fact In-N-Out stands, with the name changed for whatever odd reason. Are you serious?! We had one of those in central Pennsylvania when I was in high school. The burgers were dirt cheap, and freakin' fantastic. Then, one of my friends got food poisoning there, and after witnessing his projectile vomitting, nobody went there again. They closed shortly thereafter.

By: PinkStainlessTail

PinkStainlessTail — Thu, 15 Aug 2002 09:18:05 -0800

Also, mad props to the fine folks at Whataburger. Ah, Whataburger. My only truly fond memory of my brief time in Texas.

By: eszetela

eszetela — Thu, 15 Aug 2002 15:34:34 -0800

In-N-Out and a Krispy Kreme, right across the street from one another I'm an atheist but I'd convert in a split second if any religion could prove that their heaven had that... There's an In-N-Out just off the approach end of 24R in LAX. I've spent many hours sitting outside it munching with friends and watching the planes go by overhead. I've also flown into LAX thousands of times while staring wistfully at that restaurant, wishing I had time before my next flight to get a burger. They really, really need to open one that's actualy inside the terminal. Put a Krispy Kreme next to it and you'd have one hell of a time getting me to leave. Screw you people, fly the plane yourselves, I'm EATING HERE! Burger, doughnut, airplanes overhead all the time... HEAVEN! Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go get lunch. :)

By: e^2

e^2 — Thu, 15 Aug 2002 21:24:58 -0800

mkultra: Waffle House has started making converts in the North. Two within a quick drive of me in PA. Good food generally too, just the right amount of grease. Now if only we had Food Lion up here too, this Virginian would feel right at home.