Dining room-ha!
After stepping off a long, arduous flight to L.A. my first instinct is to reach for food, particularly as we are in the land of some of my favourite foods. While we are in the cab speeding to the nearest In N Out Burger I clap my hands together in excitement and chant “In N out! In N out!”. The cab driver looks at me like I have taken leave of my senses and Mr NQN rolls his eyes and smiles. For the entire flight here, he has been listening to me chattering about the burgers I will order: a 4×4 burger and the fries “animal style”.
Umm.. that looks a little close!
In N Out Burger isn’t fancy stuff. It’s a burger chain which is frequented by celebrities (Gordon Ramsay is apparently a fan and it was mentioned in the film The Big Lebowski), celebutantes and regular folk with over 200 branches across the Western United States. We pull up nearby and the cab driver asks “Would you like me to drive through or do you want to eat in?” which we chuckle at. I haven’t quite gotten to the stage of hailing a cab to take me through a drive thru (but give me time). We alight and I promptly almost get run over in my excitement (ack, we keep looking for cars on the wrong side of the road!). A plane flies just overhead. There’s a row of cars that snakes around the Drive Thru and there is an In N Out employee with an electronic ordering board taking orders.
We walk in and it’s very busy this Fourth of July. In N Out has a (not so) secret menu with items that do not appear on the in store menu. The in store menu is simple and features just three types of burgers: a hamburger, a cheeseburger and a double double (two patties and two slices of cheese). There are also fries, soft drinks (including pink lemonade-weee!) and shakes in strawberry, chocolate and vanilla. The secret menu however has items such as a 3×3 (three patties, three slices of cheese) and a 4×4 (four patties and four slices of cheese) . You can also bling up your fries by asking for them “Animal style” which are French fries with melted American cheese, “spread” and barbecued onions. Or you can go “low protein” by getting it in lettuce instead of in a bun.
Open since 1948 they proudly boast that their meat is without fillers or preservatives and is not frozen. There are no freezers, microwaves or heat lamps and everything is made fresh to order. They reportedly have hand sliced vine ripened tomatoes and they slice the fries daily at each store. Shakes are made using real ice cream. I place my order with the friendly clerk and he asks
“Are you going to give the 4×4 a go?”.
“Well I’m going to give it a go. Have you tried one?” I ask him.
“Well I tried a 3×3…once…” he admits.
*gulp*
Our tray of goodness
The 4×4 $5.05
I have to admit the 4×4 doesn’t look as intimidating as it sounds. Mr NQN scoffs and says “I’ll finish that in no time”. He was after all, the man that faced off with the 1 pound burger at Counter Burger and lived to tell the tale. It’s beefy and cheesey with a layer of spread which is like a less tangy tartare sauce, American cheese (much like McDonalds cheese), onion (optional), lettuce and tomato. It’s gooey and a large pool of cheese and sauce gathers at the bottom of the wax paper. It’s nice and fresh and very, very gooey. And you of course may know about the infamous story where What Up Willy ordered a 100×100 burger which caused management to put a restriction on the maximum size of a burger to a 4×4.
Grilled Cheese $1.90
Bizarrely, the grilled cheese which is like a cheeseburger without the patty is quite good. Perhaps it was the beef overload from the 4×4 but I would venture to suggest that a vegetarian might be happy enough if they got this as the salad is nice and fresh and the lettuce crispy. It comes with more onion than the meat patty burgers.
French fries Animal $3.25
These would have been really good if the fries were warmer. Oddly, given how furiously fast the kitchen is working and the turnover, they are quite lukewarm. The cheese hasn’t had a chance to melt yet but we both agree that the onions and sauce are good and the cheese would be too if it were more melted and the fries hot.
Strawberry Shake $1.95
“Ooh look at this, the nutritional information!” I say to Mr NQN while sipping the strawberry shake. I put it down shortly after when I realise that the strawberry shake which is perfectly nice and not too sweet, is worth just under 700 calories. Umm errrr…
Nutritional information pamphlet: don’t go there girlfriend.
Hamburger Animal style $1.75
Just for the road, we order a hamburger “Animal style” which comes with a lick of spread and is said to be slightly different as it has a mustard cooked beef patty. The bun is more toasted than the other ones and it’s not bad although cheese does add to the whole burger experience and we think the cheeseburger “Animal style” would be a better option. And yes I do like saying “Animal Style” when ordering food. I may request that when we next visit a posh restaurant just to see their reaction 
Pink Lemonade $1.25
The pink lemonade is quite refreshing and not too sweet. It’s like a regular old fashioned lemonade with a bit of fizz to it. It is not as sweet as Lift or Solo and much more lemony than clear lemonade.
Bible reference on a burger packet
And before we leave we flip over the cups and the burger sleeves to see whether they actually contain bible verses-and they do! This reportedly began in the 1980′s under Rich Snyder’s ownership of In N Out. It’s almost like a subliminal message so we wanted to check this out for ourselves.
Bible reference on the bottom of a cup
Another bible reference on a burger packet
So tell me Dear Reader, where do you think I am off to next? 
In N Out Burger
9149 South Sepulveda Boulevarde, Westchester, Los Angeles, CA, United States
http://www.in-n-out.com
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99 Comments | Add your own
I can’t wait for more posts in the States! This is gonna be so fun and interesting!
We go to the same In N Out! LOL
OMG that’s one HUUUUGE burger!
Glad to read that your having yourself a real Foodie craze already. Those fries make me think of what we call here in Quebec — ‘Poutine’.
I also get like that when we fly to another place…always thinking of where I’d want to eat first.
Off to your next destination…and I have no clue where you could be going…I guess I’ll have to check in ;o)
Have a great time and flavourful wishes at your favourite eateries.
Ciao for now,
Claudia
Good grief. I hope you’re traveling with a bottle of Mylanta in your luggage..
Looking forward to the rest of the trip – have fun!
If you make your way over to North Carolina, let me know!!
oh my gosh. I’m glad that management capped it at the 4×4 burger. I can’t believe that burger is $5- even if it is $US. Ridiculously cheap- it’s easy to see how people take this as a cheap option. I can’t believe they actually call it animal style.
WTF with the bible references?
Oooh In-n-Out! We drove about 2 1/2 hours from south Oregon to get to the one in Redding, CA last month. If I’m totally honest (and I may get stoned by my US friends for this!), I thought it was good, but not THAT good. I made a point of trying more burger joints for comparison (of course!) and found that I liked my Sonic burger better, but my absolute favourite was Burgerville. Lush juicy burger & a strawberry milkshake made with real in season Oregon strawberries. OMG. They make a point of using local produce, love that.
I’m not sure where you’re off to next, pity it’s not Portland (cos I think you’d love it as much as I did..really foodie!)- maybe church after all those Bible references??
I know but I dont want to spoil the surprise for everyone
Oh good lord, I’m clutching my chest! Fun post L – looking forward to more, more, we want MORE! Hehe.
oh my – those burgers are CRAZY!!!
I just learned more about In N Out than I ever knew before and I live in the states! I like that they have a decent veggie option, very few fast food places do. Also, those fries look awesome, but, yeah, cold fries are a bummer. The bible verses are creeping me out, though. It doesn’t really seem appropriate.
Can I just say that as simple as it is, In-n-Out is one of my MOST FAVOURITE and definite MUST GO’s when I go to LA. How they get it so right I don’t know, but they do!
I live in La so the international allure of In N Out always amazes me! Not that its not good, but really is it THAT good?? GREG
We were in the States at the end of June and like you I was very keen to try In n Out Burger. We planned our last day in the US very carefully, looking up the most convenient location and sat ourselves down on the last remaining table.. an hour later I discovered why it was called In n Out Burger.. not rushing back!
Looks great – did it all drip down your wrists as you ate?
I think you’re off to…ummmm…Chicago for deep dish pizza!
hahaha, what a fab post! Those ‘animal-style’ fries would be too much for me, too messy, far too much topping! The second bible reference made me smile
Where next… Disney?? xxx
ohhh jealous!! I never got to try In N Out when I was in LA!
I am guessing you are off somewhere fabulous – or Disneyland!
Ooh yum! The fries “animal-style” look delicious!!
Maybe it’s just looking at those burgers at 9am, but they don’t look to appetizing. But what’s really not appetizing are those little Bible references on the packaging. Don’t get me wrong, I’m Catholic and have no probs with the Bible, but sumbliminal messaging freaks me out!
Where to next?? Hmm, Disneyland!!
*****I Love In N Out *******
They have the bestest burgers for a fast food chain!
Yay! You’re in my hometown! And YAY for In n Out!!
I hope you went to (or are going to) Rivera downtown. Chef John Sedlar is amazing and he has fantastic stories behind every dish and cocktail.
OMG! Now you’ve busted me on one of my dirty little secrets
Everytime I fly into LAX I think of In n Out Burgers, last time I was there I took my fabulous Mum who adores good food, she was horrified when she saw a family all tucking into a 4×4 & shakes…, but after encouragement she took her first taste tantalising steps into what now has become ‘our guilty secret’ – it sounds disgusting, especially to a lover of great food – but all I can say is “Don’t knock it till you try it” (if you dare!
Go You for sharing this.
Loving your posts.
Cheers
Anna
My favorite fast food place. Was I surprised to see your post on this. You taught me more than I knew. I get 2 cheeseburgers, lightly toasted, no lettuce, just sauce,and extra tomato, my husband gets one or 2 double double’s with onion, and my son gets a double double with cheese and ketchup only, we get 3 orders of fries, fried light and off we go home to eat. Always hot food. Have to microwave at home in the winter as it gets a little cold. You were close by. We live in Northern CA in Sacramento County. Considering you were in a cab, off to get set up in a hotel room that you probably made reservations for, rent a car, and off to see 4th of July fireworks. So, you just posted this and you were here the 4th of July. What a nice trip, oh, off to see fireworks possibly celebrating our 4th of July. Hope you had a great time.
Hey Lorraine, if you’re still in LA, could you check out for us The Ivy and/or Chateau Marmont. I’d love to know what the food is like at these celeb hang-outs
Oh man, how I love In n Out Burger! We use to live in Southern Cal. I was preggie with my oldest daughter at the time. Of course there was an In n Out on the corner from Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills. Such torture for a pregnant woman every time I went for my OB appointment. LOL
That looks good even at 10am in the morning.
I went to a place called Killa burger grill on the weekend in carramar NSW. It sounds similar in that it only has 3 burgers on the menu but lots of optional extras. They also do fried icecream- very bizarre. It was very busy when we went so probably better during the week
MMMMM that close up of the animalised fries is killing me!
LOVE In n Out almost as much as we love Disneyland (which is where you’re off to next surely??!) Make sure you get a Dole Whip or a Dole Float from the Enchanted Tiki Room (and don’t miss the show either!)
You faced down a 4×4 and investigated the fries, as well? Mad respect.
Our single regret of our USA visit was not trying In N Out Burger. Thanks for letting me try it through you
We’ll be in LA in just 12 days. Can’t wait to head here and indulge!! Looks calorifically fabulous!!!
wooo! you got animal style everything, i now love you a million times more!
how i miss in-n-out!
cant wait to read your post to follow – fingers crossed for some NYC pizza perhaps?
Don’t tell me you are off to NYC> If you are you have to go to Shake Shack! Unless you are back of course.
I love my in-an-out. Introduced it to my husband 3 months ago on our US trip. Much like you, we had to stop at every in-and-out on our road trip! We do love it!
How did you bite it??
Amazing how cheap it is in comparison with Sydney!
Sounds like great fun, I too have a love of trashy fun food!
x
Oh, where ever you are going I can’t wait to read about it.
I love the way you go everywhere not just all the “flash” spots!
Have a ball, cheers Fiona
In and Out is good, but you need to try Fatburgers, now they are to die for!
Now you’re getting close to my neck of the woods!
We have an IN-N-OUT in town, but I have never heard of these off menu items!?! I will definitely try the “animal” style fries! Maybe my husband and I can share a 4×4!
I can’t even begin to guess where you’ll go next, unless you stay right there at LAX and go to the Encounter restaurant…
Are you going to Vegas next? I really hope those fries taste better than they look. To me that’s the epitome of American food and the bible references are a little terrifying
Wow, really surprised at the negativity directed at the bible references! Terrifying? Creepy? Subliminal messages?? They aren’t even verses, just references for people who might be interested to look up (which is in no way compulsory, folks). And it’s not as if they are emblazoned everywhere, they are descreetly placed and not exactly in-your-face…
Ooooh! I am sooooo jealous – I love LA except for the traffic – crazier than driving in Naples which we have done!! And I love NYC like no other city (ok except for Paris and Rome) and love all the food avail in the US I know mad I know!!! In controlled circumstances it is all good!! Supermarkets are to die for love, love, love! When in LA go to Johnny Rockets – I know definitely not the best burger around but still fun!! I don’t know where you are off to next but have fun all the same!!
Yum X 4. I love US style fast food. I really liked Bakers Square as well, they have so many types of pie. Oh and I love root beer floats, and probably too many things to mention in this comments section. I used to love the fries at Johny Rockets when they were still here in Australia.
Love it!
Can’t wait for more LA posts.
I found that the burgers in the US had a different taste to in Australia. They were SO GOOD.
SSG xxx
Hope you enjoyed (or are enjoying) your stay in the US! Can’t wait to see what other adventures you’ll share next.
AAAAAHHHHH!!! America! Lorraine, I LOVE YOU. I miss that place so badly…
I’m not at all a burger person, but when I first arrived in the States in 2007, I was determined to make it to In-N-Out. So on a bus tour to the Grand Canyon, where one day we got delayed by 4 hours and arrived at our Arizona hotel at 11pm at night… I dragged my friend across the highway to the In-N-Out. Sadness for pre-blog days!
(I got the lettuce one. SO MESSY. So much spread and sauce!)
@Diane – hey there! good to see another Burgerville fan!! they are probably my favorite fast food burger joint. I love their seasonal items, currently the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Cheeseburger ~ so good!
Oops, back to the In N Out discussion. Never had it before, heard it’s overrated, don’t really make it down to California anyway so I may never try it.. haha!!
I’d take In ‘n’ Out’s 4×4 over a Wendy’s Baconator anytime! And nothing says “indulgence” more than an order of fries Animal-style.
I actually craved a burger when I saw this post, then reading the 100×100 patty post made me feel sick.
Very jealous you’re travelling a lot. Not sure where next, Canada?
Now you’re talking. This is my old neck of the woods:
1. Rocco’s Pizza 6335 Wilshire Blvd and La Cienega…great NY style pizza.
2. Louise’s Trattoria 7505 Melrose Ave…must order the Barbecue Chicken Pizza with coriander and Spanish onions so good!
3. Cheesecake Factory at The Grove Mall, L.A…Fried Mac and Cheese – it’s an appetiser but filling and delicious. Try the rasperry lemonade too.
4. Ralph’s Grocery Store 9040 Beverly Blvd…The Tuxedo Chocolate Cake in the bakery section. Not all their stores carry this. Call ahead and have them hold one for you. Yes, it’s from a grocery store but it’s sooo good.
5. Sushi Dan’s 11056 Ventura Blvd….this is the original location, great atmosphere, great sushi.
6. Fogo De Chao in Beverly Hills. Go for lunch, it’s less expensive. All you can eat salad. The beef, pork, chicken are grilled Brazilian style.
7. Spago in Beverly Hills. They have tasting menus for lunch and dinner.
Ahh, memories….
Oh, the meat is all you can eat as well as Fogo.
Recommended beers:
Fat Tire (my favorite)
Sam Adams
Sam Adams seasonal (the summer one is so, SO good)
Blue Moon (drink it with a twist of orange)
Microbrew (something made right there in the restaurant)
I love in n out!! So much better than maccas! Are you off to Chipotle next?
That’s heart attack heaven.
Mmmm . . processed cheese!
It’s so great that you can blog (with fab pics) while on holiday! Are you staying around Nth America? How about Disneyland? Or Canada in summer is lovely.
Where are you off to next???
My guess – “VEGAS BABY!!!”
Safe travels.
It’s a great late night bite. =) Just stopped in last night after seeing Inception. Perfect way to to end the evening. Hope you are enjoying your time here!
Try Cuban and puerto rican food while in LA.Good you tried the best burger on the west coast.If you have time, try as well Zanko chicken, somewhere in Glendale.Cheers
You can ask for packets of their special sauce. You can put those on your fries instead if you prefer not to have the cheese =]
Good job on catching that low-flying plane! Gee, those burgers look sloppy but I bet they taste good. Wonder what Jamie Oliver has to say about it? Hehe.
I’m guessing you’re going to San Francisco? Fisherman’s Wharf perhaps…
Hey, thats so cool, thats where all the movie stars have burgers
. I wonder if I’ll ever make it California (its a long flight!). Loving the 4×4 LOL.
*kisses* HH
ah, your trip wouldn’t have been complete without this stop. i wasn’t aware of the bible verses on the packaging–i now have a whole new appreciation for in n out!
OMG! We were in LA 2 months ago and we went to exactly the same In N Out! Ha! That was my very first encounter with them, my travel partner was the one chanting all the way from Kingsford, even weeks before our trip.
Like you we head straight to the nearest joint after dumping our bags at the hotel … the difference is we hike like 2km from our hotel braving the strong wind and when the burger and milkshake taste taste all so much heavenly. Really missed those times!!!
We guess you will be off to the Sin City next! Have lots of fun, travel safe and keep the posts coming, can’t wait to read all about your US adventure! Yeah!!! ;D
Oh God … I’ve gone up a size just reading this! And I guess … Vegas!
This is super-cool. I am excited! I am going to the states in a couple of months so your foodie adventures will be very well appreciated.
how exciting that you are in the states – I have never heard of In N Out Burger but am fascinated – and a little grossed out by the 4×4 – but pink lemonade does excite a little girl in me – actually that same little girl had been really excited at fries in animal shapes before reading what animal style was
I just returned from LA, and it was the ONE time I didn’t get to IN and Out, the only fast food I eat. I never heard of animal style (must be new). The fries are always good and hot, so your’s was a fluke. Lorraine, if you came all the way to Los Angeles, you would naturally pop up to San Francisco, how could you not? That’s the most foodie city in America. I hope you get there.
Oh, Lorraine…I am extremely jealous of you!!! I really want to go to the US!! Badly!!!!!
I think the idea of their “Not-So-Secret Menu” is great! A friend of mine in LA says the first place he’ll take me once I land (whenever I get there) is In-N-Out…
Can’t wait to see where you’re off to next…maybe Vegas?
Or Hollywood? 
How sad is it that my mouth started watering when you mentioned the french fries ‘animal style’. Not that I’ve ever had that, but french fries, cheese and fried onions, just sounds so good!! Especially from someone who has been off non-essential carbs for a couple of weeks! ( i know crazy!)
ohhhhhhh now I want to go there!!!!!!! I never thought of you as the running to a burger joint kind of girl and almost get knocked down by a car in the rush!!!!!
this post just made me laugh out loud – lots of times!!!!!!!!
enjoy……
Please order two serves of yoghurt for me at Pinkberry aka Crackberry!
LA! You are such a jetsetter. Can’t wait to read more of your adventures. Where next? Hollywood?
Eating at In’n’ Out is my primary life goal. After achieved, I will die happy.
Oh my god, 4×4 burger is hilarious but you are right, the burgers are quite skinny looking so I’ve seen single burgers that look more foreboding than that.
I’m intrigued by all the biblical stuff… LA is hardly bible belt is it?!
I love the protein burger, but with everything in double.
Enjoy your stay at LA 
You should try to go to Porto’s Bakery, is one of the busiest bakeries you will see in your life (at least for us), there are 2 locations, Glendale and Burbank…let me know if you need more info
Aw what a fun experience. I’m glad as a nearly vegetarian to hear that their vegetables and grilled cheese are good. What are you doin on our side of the pond?
I can’t believe you’re in LA and I didn’t even know. I guess Mums are always the last to know. Curiouser and curiouser. xoxo Mum
we were just in LA a couple of weeks ago! our friends offered to take us to in n out but we were way too stuffed.
if you’re still in LA, you should try this place:
http://www.jinpatisserie.com/
it was fabulous!
*Jaw drop*
=D
There’s something about the states and actually enjoying all the really unhealthy food! I was there for 3 weeks in 2003 and I swear I came back 5 kilos heavier.. although that might have had something to do with the copious amounts of Dr Pepper I drank… cant say i didnt enjoy it! when in rome…
I’m def going to try In and Out burger upon landing in Los Angeles or wherever I may come across it on my travels throught the US.
Can’t wait for more American posts!
Hmm I’ll guess Vegas for the next destination.
That 4×4 looks a little much for me. Love the look of the hamburger animal style although I agree most things are better with the addition of cheese
are you sticking with the junk/ fast food theme?
try out chipotle – imo much better than guzman e gomez and the other “mexican/ tex-mex” served in sydney.
Ooh I read this post second (after your American Pie cupcakes) and didn’t realise you are actually in the US now! How brilliant – i’m sure this is for some wildly exciting blog experience?
Can’t wait to hear more of your USA experiences! I’m off there next week, so you’re definitely putting me in the mood. I plan to come home with a bag full of sweet cheese buns (you can only get them there), cinnamon gum, maple syrup (so much cheaper there) and tootsie rolls.
Safe travels darling.
Briony xx
Well, if you are coming to NY, then you obviously have to go to Shake Shack. Heh.
I compiled a list of some foods that one should experience at some point in one’s life. Pupusas are high up there, as is the pork gyro from BZ Grill. And Colombian breads.
And while you’re in LA, you must get authentic Mexican food, especially carnitas and al pastor.
You’re getting some fun in with your travels! Hopefully you’re off to Vegas. Yes?
The burgers seem so cheap and big!! hehehehe
Yeah heard about Shake Shack. That’s on my “to go to” list as well.
Yes, Vegas is the next destination…or maybe even San Francisco…Napa Valley!
So crazy!! I was eating an in’n'out burger on the day you posted this! We were too scared to order from the secret menu in case we got it wrong, such wusses! I liked the burger but found the fries a little cold too!
I am in awe at your bravery…trying a 4×4, I mean. Wow. I’d love to try In n Out one day!
Oh my!! Are you off to NYC!!?? (please say yes)
I’m waiting for my boyfriend to pick me up and take me to tapas tonight, but after seeing those burgers I’m in the mood for two all beef patties, special sauce…and some wicked animal fries!!!
Bring it on!
Oh oh oh , we were in LA 2 months ago and went to the IN N OUT just off Hollywood Blvd!!!
Oh & we got sooo addicted to the old style super sweet Lemonade over there and cant wait to go back in a few months for more!!!!
Amazing. Always a highlight of any trip to the West Coast.
As a couple of posters have mentioned Shake Shack in NY is a must for any fan of burgers or dogs. The Shakes are good too!
I have not read your blog in far too long! I didn’t know you were coming to LA. I work just 10 minutes from that In&Out. My order is always cheeseburger with grilled onions and a chocolate shake.
Happy you got to experience it! Tip for next time: ask for the fries ‘extra crisy.’
Going to the states in december so thought i’d check out what you had to report. this place sounds hilarious! I have a feeling I’ll be rolling home from america!
i’m seeing nice nails , lol
oooh those burgers,
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