In N Out

In N Out...That's what a hamburger is all about...right?  Sometimes I can't get that out of my head, it's catchy!  When I moved to California, people kept telling me that I had to try a burger from In N Out.  I tried it, it was good, but it wasn't amazing.  But then it grew on me.  I don't know if it was the jingle, or the mystique of the secret menu, or the fact that they are everywhere.  Perhaps its something they put in those fresh pattys.  Whatever it is, if i'm on the road and want some fast food, In N Out is where it's at.

Founded in 1948 by Harry Snyder and his wife Esther, the first In-N-Out was in Baldwin Park and headquartered in Irvine, California.  The current owner is Lynsi Martinez, the only grandchild of founders Harry and Esther Snyder. There are currently 258 locations (as of March 2011) with no location more than one day's drive from a regional distribution center.

The company's dedication to fresh food is reflected in the adherence to never freezing their produce or meat patties. As the chain has expanded they have opened several distribution centers in addition to their original Baldwin Park location. The chain has developed a loyal customer base, and has been rated as one of the top fast food restaurants in several customer satisfaction surveys.

The In-N-Out menu consists of three burger varieties: hamburger, cheeseburger, and "Double-Double" (double meat/double cheese). French fries and fountain drinks are available, as well as three flavors of milkshakes. The hamburgers come with lettuce, tomato, with or without onions (the customer is asked upon ordering, and may have them fresh or grilled), and a sauce, which is called "spread" (a Thousand Island dressing variant).

There are, however, additional named items not on the menu, but available at every In-N-Out. These variations reside on the chain's "secret menu," though the menu is accessible on the company's web site. These variations include 3x3 (which has three patties and three slices of cheese), 4x4 (four patties and four slices of cheese), Neapolitan shakes, grilled cheese sandwich (comes with everything that the burgers come with except meat, plus two slices of melted cheese), veggie burgers (comes with everything that the burgers come with; is not an actual veggie patty, and does not come with cheese), and Animal Style, a house specialty that the company has trademarked because of its association with the chain. An Animal Style fry comes with two slices of melted cheese, spread, and grilled onions on top; Animal style burgers have mustard fried into the meat patties as they cook, and in addition to the lettuce and tomato it also includes pickles, grilled onions and extra spread.

The food is consistent and good.  The resturants are easy to find and a treat everytime I go.  If you're in California, you definitley have to have something from In N Out!

Side Note...In-N-Out Burger has expanded outside Southern California to the rest of the state, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Texas.