In-N-Out Burger

By Lee | February 19th, 2008 | 7 Comments »

I visit Los Angeles very often, at least 2 or 3 times a year and each time I leave to come back home to cold New York, I wonder why I don’t live there. Obviously there are many negatives, mainly the traffic, but I love the restaurants, the laid back vibe with the healthy outdoorsy lifestyle that many people live. This past weekend I stayed in Hermosa Beach which was the first time I have stayed at one of the LA beach towns in years since I stayed in Manhattan Beach in 2000. It is really different from the Hollywood area which is what a lot of people generally think of when they think of LA. It is obviously on the beach and has significantly less traffic and a small town kind of feel. It is reasonable driving distance to everywhere you’d want to visit and only 15 minutes to the nearest In-N-Out Burger, which is like a religion to me.

In-N-Out Burger is simply the best hamburger I have ever had. It has few rivals, save Shake Shack in New York City, but it has a cult following out west and for reasons unknown to me it is only located on the west coast in California, Nevada and Arizona. It would be a goldmine if they opened back east. For many people, including me, it is usually the first stop that is made in LA because there is one located right next to the airport.

The burgers are fresh and 100% pure beef with no additives and all of the fries, veggies and cheese are fresh as well. Their special sauce makes the burger and the only way to go is to order the double double-although I’ve been known to order a triple or quadruple double. The prices are so cheap it makes McDonalds look expensive and when you compare the quality-there’s no competition.

I never eat fast food-ever! Except when I am on the west coast because In-N-Out Burger is that good. If for some reason you’ve never had In-N-Out Burger, give it a shot the next time you are out west and trust me, you’ll be happy. They are also in Las Vegas and it’s always my first stop in Vegas as well.

A sidenote from this past weekend. I was able to visit the home office of the Travelers Century Club in Santa Monica to report that I surpassed 150 countries to gain my silver TCC Membership. Thanks to Klaus for hosting me and I enjoyed speaking with you as always.