Trust Me, You Have to Go!
Yes, I travel a tremendous amount. No, not all of my travel is fun. And no, I don’t look forward to every trip. I will admit that I love going to LA, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Scottsdale AZ. Why you ask?
- Is it because my college roommate lives in LA?
- Is it because I love to play tennis in Scottsdale?
- Is it because I really, really like to look at the seals at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco?
- Or is it because I love the excitement of Las Vegas?
Even though all of those things are true, I love to go to those cities because the second I get off the plane, collect my bags, and get my rental car, my next stop is In-N-Out Burger. Ok I said it out loud! With a little over 200 stores they are mainly on the west coast and haven’t made it to Texas–hence one of the main reasons I jump off the plane and head right to the restaurant.
Yes I love the food there! Yes it is fast food–not fine dining. Yes the menu is very limited. For those of you who haven’t been there I believe there are fewer than 6 menu items. The food is fresh - why? Because there are no freezers, everything tastes great. From the French fries that are cut in front of you to the double double that is fantastic. There is a secret language that people who frequent know. I’m still a rookie so I don’t know many of the words other than “animal style” which I believe means grilled onions.
If you haven’t gone, you need to. It’s that good. If you go on my recommendation and you don’t like the food, I will personally refund your money. One thing you should know: it doesn’t matter if you go early or late. There is always at least a 20 minute wait. The staff is always friendly and the food is so good 
that I don’t mind waiting 30 minutes if need be. In my opinion they really know how to cook a burger and they have almost 60 years of practice.
I am sure other people have the same urge and other restaurants that they would recommend.
I look forward to hearing from you and visiting your favorite ones.
February 5th, 2007 at 11:16 am
Merrill - this is music to my ears. I miss the days when we used to travel together since I knew if we were in California In-n-Out was on the menu at some point. Today, I’m blessed that my territory is the west coast and I happen to find an In-n-Out burger in many of the cities I visit. I was actually at one on Friday driving back from Westlake Village to LA. I heard a young lady order one Protein Style which I hadn’t heard before. While waiting in the airport to fly home, I went to http://www.in-n-out.com and looked up the secret code out of curiosity. It turns out that’s a burger wrapped in leaf lettuce instead of a bun. I’m breaking the rules here, but the link for the secret menu is at http://www.in-n-out.com/secretmenu.asp. Now I grew up in Nebraska a state known for its beef and I consider myself a burger snob. In-n-Out never disappoints and is definitely the rare exception to fast food. There’s a reason they have a waiting line any hour of the day.
February 6th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Living in Los Angeles, In-n-Out is an ongoing temptation (yes, I could eat there everyday). In addition to “animal style”, one can get a “3 by 3″ (3 patties) and a “4 by 4″ (4 patties) from the “off menu”.
Like Merrill, there certain cities that I immediately associate with their unique eateries. Here are a few of my favorites.
Chicago - Hot Doug’s - They billed themselves as the “Encased Meats Emporium and Sausage Superstore”. If you like hot dogs and sausage, this is heaven.
Cincinnati - Montgomery Inn - not considered fast food or a stand, but if I am ever in the Queen City, I will skip on chili and head to one of their locations for a rack of their BBQ ribs.
Denver, Chubby’s - great Mexican food. Make sure to go to the original stand East of Coors field. It is strictly cash and carry, so you have to eat in on your car. But it is worth it.
Detroit (well, Dearborn to be exact), Miller’s Bar - the best homemade burger in the country.
Kansas City, Arthur Bryants’s, great BBQ. Skip Truman’s steakhouse and eat her. Go at lunchtime just to see all the corporate managers eat elbow to elbow with the neighborhood blue-collar residents.
Philadelphia, Tony Luke’s - I know everyone has their pick for best cheese steak in Philly and Tony Luke’s gets my nod. Great selection and nothing can beat the ambience of dinning under a major interstate, in an industrial neighborhood.
Pittsburgh, Primati Brothers - the classic trucker sandwich filled with meat, cole slaw, fries and a fried egg. A little bit on the cholesterol side, but oh so good.
St. Louis (well, Alton, IL to be exact), Fast Eddie’s Bon Air. Bob Graham and Don Marek introduced me to this great bar. Very good burgers, brats, and fries, for $0.99 (peel and eat shrimp $0.29 each!). Place is always packed and has great music.
And here is one of my favorites in Los Angeles, Oki Dog. Their self-titled offering is made of two hot dogs in a burrito filled with chili and pastrami.
I would love to hear about more small stands and independent eateries that really define a city and/or neighborhood. These are the places that can turn a horrible business trip into a pleasant experience.
February 6th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
In-n-out Burger is always a stop on my list out west. Since we don’t have them in the east it is a welcome treat.
Quick In-n-out Burger story: I was in LA on business and got a craving for an In-n-out Burger (a Double Double). It was around 11:30pm so I left my hotel and went for a drive. When I got to the In-n-out Burger, I thought they were giving burgers away. It wasn’t even a weekend or any special day - just a normal night at this In-n-out burger. There was not one parking space to be found, people were everywhere. I had to park across the street. The wait was over thirty minutes but very well worth it!
February 7th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Merrill, Paul & Ed - next time you Guys make it to Sacramento I’ll take you to an In-N-Out! There is always a wait, but the burgers are worth it!
February 8th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Teo’s Hot Dogs in Pittsfield, MA. A working class bar near the GE plant that serves mini hot dogs (you order 6-8 at a sitting) with chopped unions, mustard and a “sercret sauce”. Outstanding. I’ve been in Boston on business and made the 5 hour (roundtrip) drive to Pittsfield just to get an order of dogs.
Bocce Club Pizza in Buffalo, NY. While reknown for wings, Buffalo is also a great city for pizza: chewey crust, generous toppings and a sauce that bites back.
McSorley’s in NY, NY. The oldest continuously operating bar in the Big Apple. Lincoln had a beer in there, Teddy Roosevelt, too. Heated in the winter by a pot-belly stove. Beers are always ordered two at a time. Women not allowed unitl 1972. Still only one restroom. Ritual is to stand up and applaud women when they enter. Always an intersting clientel.
February 12th, 2007 at 8:33 am
Hi Merrill, Bill Ranney here the love of Deb Forte’s life. Lived in LA 6 years and In-Out-Burger for me and my 2 roommates was awesome. I would love one right now anytime of the day. I have even contacted the family own business to see about putting one in our town of Plaistow. They said no and they were very happy in the locations they were in. So when we are traveling to the west coast it is a favorite stop for me too. Good luck with your new HEAD COACH the term oil continues.
February 12th, 2007 at 10:04 am
I have heard such good things about In-N-Out. I’ve also heard that they plan to expand to Texas…I hope it is soon, because I want desperately want to try it! Additionally, I am always on a quest for the perfect cheeseburger!