That would be "forget dinner..." I'm so hungry for a burger I can't think straight.

A double double for me, please!

Oh, yes, and an order of fries!

No "diet" for me - Atkins or otherwise - just a great American hamburger! YUM! :)

Sounds like White Castles.... ????

White Castles were/are awful! In-n-Out burgers are so much better than White Castle's gristleburgers, it's hardly worth the effort to compare....

Maybe I'm not a fast food/hamburger expert, but we were taken to an In and Out Burger on the long drive from Tahoe to San Jose area. "What you've never been to one? Wait till you taste them, you'll go crazy!" The hamburger was OK, the fries were soft and greasy (didn't know about that "order them well done" idea, maybe that would have helped.
I sure didn't see anything special about them, but maybe I'm missing something here -- like an addiction to fast food hamburgers. I'm spoiled by really good hamburgers at a few local places (Cheeburger, Cheeburger especially), but admittedly they're a lot cheaper at In and Out, so maybe that's the point.

Thanks Kimamom!!! Now I don't feel so bad..Had always heard In and Out burgers were good, and always wanted to try. Always on the lookout for a good burger!! Drove by the one on Sunset several times on a trip to LA, but never at the right time to eat.
But you say that Burgerville's are close..Been eating them since 1967, so I guess I haven't missed anything..
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh that secret sauce!!

In and Out Burgers are nothing like White Castles. However, I do like White Castles.

THanks everyone!!!!!!!! I have been on the web site and there are a few on our way. I did not relize they had such a following. I thought it was just a kids alternative to McDs! Now I want a Burger!

It is a good burger. But they must be eaten quickly as they do not travel well.
Southern California is also home to a plethora of flame grilled burger joints where the real prizes are to be had.
Many with good ethnic on the menu as well.

The burgers are good (especially with the grilled onions), but unless you eat the fries right away, and I mean in the first minute after you receive them, they suck.

I had the fries once and I agree with the posters who say they're just too soft--I haven't had them again. The "well-done" suggestion is a must.

Keep in mind these are fast food and are not the same as a big, thick restaurant Kobe or Angus beef burger. But they are tasty fast food, for when I don't have time, but still want something good. There are times on a trip with kids, when that is just what you need.

In-n-out, figured it out! Of course, who knows what they'd be like without California law.

Because they use machines to slice their tomatoes and onions FRESH, by law they can only employ 18 and up yr olds. Therefore, I think they have to pay a bit more to get an adult (that's not on SSI or welfare) to work in their joint.

I've been to many an In-n-out and it's always in relatively tip top shape with clean and courteous employees. Even the busiest spots (try the one off the 5 in National City - always packed) are cleaner than a McDonald's on it's best day.

RE: Eating In-n-Out fresh and immediately-- who would want to WAIT?! The entire point is you're there, you're either starving or hammered (I've been both), and it's just too good to delay. As Carrie Fisher once wrote: "Instant gratification takes too long."

Now, as far as the other burger joints in the LA area, I think we're thinking about Tomy's, or Fatburger, or the other smaller chains. Some of those have great sidelines into Mexican (or even Chinese or Japanese) fast food, and when you need a break from burgers, a burrito or a teriyaki chicken bowl can be just the ticket! Welcome to California.... ;)

OMG! Tommy's!! Yes! Not as common as other places, but I could kill for one of their chili hot dogs or chili hamburgers!

And I just discovered Fatburger this past weekend. Definitely a fan! My S/O thinks they are better than In and Out, but that's only because they serve mustard on the burgers and have terrific onion rings.

Dang! An hour and a half till lunch and I'm already hungry!

OK OK, I'm down with a Fatburger. But Tommy's??!! No friggin' way. That chili is NASTY! I'd rather put 7-11's nacho chili on my burgers.

What about Crystal burgers ??

I remember an In and Out Burger stand in Vancouver, WA, that left us totally unimpressed. I think it closed. Burgerville is good, but it's probably the *slowest* fast food around. Don't be in a rush to get your order, especially in the drive-thru. Bring a book, or at least the paper.

btilke,
i really doubt in-n-out had a store in vancouver, of all places. someone could well prove me wrong, but in-n-out has been a southern california forever and only in the last few years expanded to arizona and vegas. your 'in-n-out' in vancouver may have been shut down for trademark infringement of some sort.

I live in Vancouver, Btilke is thinking of the "Hot and Now" on Mill Plain I imagine. Not in and out

kgn, while in So Cal also be sure to eat at a Rubio's, fast and fresh Mexican food. I understand they are franchising outside the state now, but it will always be a San Diego tradition!