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 “4x4”. 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…..
Had my first I’N'O experience last Spring. Hit the spot on our road trip from Cali to AZ! And the fact that you BLOG about it makes it just that much more enjoyable. Thanks for validating the experience.