Confessions of an In-N-Out Lover
I have wanted to live on the East Coast since I was a little girl. I have a vision in my head of what it is like, and I am determined to live there someday. Fall leaves, Maine lobster, and lots of brick houses are all part of my vision. There is, however, one thing the West Coast has that the East Coast does not: In-N-Out Burger. I take comfort in the knowledge that until I make it out to the East Coast, I will have In-N-Out here console me.
To the best of my knowledge, In-N-Out has locations in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. There is a devoted cult following for the chain, and I am now a proud member. I say “now” because until this point, I have sort of been a closet In-N-Out lover. It’s time for me to come clean.
Confession #1
I adore In-N-Out. Every time I go, I order the same thing: A #2 with no tomatoes, with onions. Sometimes, if I’m feeling up for it, I will go bun-less and order it “protein style.”
Confession #2
Each bite of In-N-Out requires copious amounts of added ketchup.
Confession #3
The “sometimes” protein-style is actually “rarely.” Most of the time, it’s the whole she-bang.
Confession #4
I don’t really consider In-N-Out “fast food.” Sure, it’s fast, but I think it qualifies as REAL food. Fresh-cut potato fries, 100% beef burgers, and real sponge dough buns. Sorry, I just don’t feel an ounce of guilt when I eat In-N-Out.
Confession #5
I am extremely well-versed in all lingo from the “secret menu.” There are all sorts of links online to research, but here are just a few of the items I find most intriguing (source):
- Flying Dutchman: “No bun, no veggies, just two beef patties and two slices of cheese.” Perhaps this was the original Double Down?
- Chopped Chilies: “This adds diced jalapenos to any burger.”
- Extra Toast: “This order toasts your bun a little bit more than usual making it extra crispy.”
- Neapolitan Shake: “All the milkshake flavors swirled together, vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.” Try this once and you will be addicted.
- No Salt: “You wouldn’t think that this would apply to a burger but it does. In-N-Out patties are heavily salted, ask for no salt and you will get a much healthier and fresher tasting patty.” VERY good to know!
The best part about In-N-Out, for me, is that I can enjoy the “fast food experience” without going too overboard. You can find their nutrition information on their website. A good ole’ plain hamburger has a little over 300 calories if you ask for ketchup and mustard instead of the “secret sauce.” Sure, french fries and milkshakes fall into the “occasional” category, but can certainly be incorporated into your daily allowance with a little planning.
Of course it makes me feel even better that FoodCALC’s skinny-girl-CEO Lucy enjoys a Double Double every once in a while. I’ve even got the evidence to prove it!
So, East Coasters, I have now given you at least one reason to abandon your gorgeous leaves for a day or two and come visit us out West. Don’t worry, you’ll be in and out in no time 
Question of the Day
For you meat-eaters: What’s your favorite way to enjoy a burger?
12 Responses to “Confessions of an In-N-Out Lover”
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Ohhhh! We were there yesterday and YUM! I ordered our fries extra-crispy and they were extra-good!
The Neapolitan shake sounds great! Will have to try it sometime.
I don’t consider it fast-food either. Did you know they even do “Grilled Cheese”? Perfect for vegetarians and picky kids!
Yes! I forgot to mention the grilled cheese! You’re right, it’s a great option for vegetarians, kids, and cheese lovers everywhere!
I prefer turkey burgers (especially homemade) but when I do get a burger I love cheese, bacon, mustard, ketchup, lettuce and pickles. NO onions.
#1:
Double-double – animal style
fries – undercooked
drink – neapolitan shake
Hrrmm… I think I need to go run some more laps.
For me it’s almost the same! I always order (since having discovered the Neapolitan a few months back!):
#1 with grilled onions & Neapolitan shake
Is it wrong that I always contemplate having two double-doubles?
Maybe the location in my home town (Temecula, CA) was sub-par compared to other In-N-Outs, but I was never able to find the appeal. The hamburgers tasted like hamburgers and the milkshakes were super-sweet–it didn’t strike me as fresher or yummier than any other fast food place. Of course, this was before I grew up and started really /tasting/ my food, so maybe if I ever go back I’ll try again.
I LOVE in-n-out and it’s just one of the many reasons I CANNOT wait to be moving home to CA after almost 6 years on the east coast. I actually always ordered it protein style back in the day, but don’t think I’d do that now…I wish they carried whole wheat buns though- that would make them perfect
I haven’t had In-N-Out in forever!!!! And now I sooooo want one of their burgers!
I’m sure hubby and the teenager could be easily convinced to go there soon… 
I used to love burgers with bacon and mayonnaise and tomatoes.
*cough*
I miss that!!!! Now, I like veggie burgers pressed hot on the Foreman Grill between two mini naan breads, with goat’s cheese. SO GOOD.
The first time I heard of In-N-Out was 1997, when Leo DiCaprio became every girl’s wet dream and he was rumoured to eat there every single day. I LOVED him and therefore still remember this fact.
Good to know, especially since there is one on my block here in Mill Valley. The next time I walk by for lunch, I will try more “secret menu” language!