Sometimes you just need a burger. NEED. With fries. And a chocolate shake. Usually these times are when you have been out late the night before, and perhaps “partook” of one more cocktail than maybe you should have. Perhaps.
In N Out burger is a Californian tradition. Founded by the Snyder family in 1948, they based their business on providing top notch quality in a sparkling clean environment. These were the long ago days of the car hop, and the world has changed – but not at In N Out – even though today they have grown to well over 100 locations. There are still no freezers, and French fries are made with fresh whole potatoes, and milkshakes are milkshakes – not “shakes”, made with real ice cream and whole milk. The menu has not changed either – still only four – yes FOUR items – here’s the scoop:
Hamburger: Pure beef patty, lettuce, tomato, spread, onions optional, fresh baked bun. And by the way – NO patty sees the grill until there’s an order for it – it’s made – just for you. Sweet – eh?
Cheeseburger: Same with a slice of American cheese.
Double Double: (No Canadian friends – this is not a coffee) Same as above, but double patty, double cheese.
Note – “special” sauce appears to be 1000 Island Dressing. There are bloggers who write that it’s mayo, ketchup, two kinds of relish, onion – some grilled…come on people – it’s 1000 Island dressing! And it’s mighty good!
Fries: Fresh cut – I saw the potatoes myself.
Beverages: MILKshakes – Vanilla, Chocolate, Vanilla or Neapolitan (All 3!! Brilliant!!), and of course pop.
Same menu since 1948. Except now there is a secret menu….well, it’s not so secret – it’s on their site.
Check it out for yourself – dare you to order “animal-style” (no bun – wrapped in lettuce) or even better try the “4×4”. Legend has it they will make any combo – and there have been orders for 100×100 – you guessed it 100 patties, with 100 slices of cheese….
It’s worth a visit, especially if you’ve been out to the Tonga Tiki Bar the night before, and need a little sustenance on your way up to a wine tasting or three in Sonoma. The burger was a classic, and the shake was thick as mud perfection. If only I had been allowed to eat in the car to experience In N Out like the old days…..
