Idaho’s first In-N-Out burger opens today in the city of Meridian.
And, if the past is any guide, we figure the drive-thru line has reached Winnemucca by now.
But are those oh-so-patient people prepared once they finally make it through the line to order?
The SoCal legend founded in 1948 in Baldwin Park boasts the only truly minimalist menu in the fast-food universe — just burgers, fries, shakes and drinks — but as we Californians know, those aren’t the only options.
There’s the Not-So-Secret Menu, with its Animal Style variations (mustard-grilled patty, pickles and grilled onions) and the Flying Dutchman (two slices of cheese between two burger patties, no bun). And then there are all the In-N-Out hacks developed by devoted fans here in the land of red criss-crossed palm trees.
We asked them to share, and here’s what they divulged. And just as folks on Twitter say that retweets do not necessarily mean endorsements, we like some of these ideas but can’t vouch for the, uh, more unusual ones. (Especially that dip suggestion from the customer named Branden. Consider yourselves warned.)
Bold ideas and not-so-secret menu hacks:
“Double Double with cheese, add whole grilled onion and chopped chiles. Fries either Animal Style or well done with a side packet of special sauce. Enjoy!” (Katie)
“Order a vanilla milkshake and a root beer. Then combine them. My dad used to do it all the time when I was a kid. And get a 4×4. Grilled onions, grilled onions, grilled onions.” (Kristen C.)
“The Neapolitan milkshakes!” with layers of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla (Kristin K.)
“Grilled cheese Animal Style and fries well done. Can’t go wrong! The best!” (Monica)
“Ask for grilled onions; they are much better than plain, raw onions. To be honest, I don’t like mayonnaise-based sauces so my order is always ‘with grilled onions, ketchup and mustard instead.’ Their milkshakes are also really good.” (Diane)
“Animal Style with chiles!” (Kitts-n-boots)
My go-to secret menu order is: Grilled Cheese, one cheese only with extra tomato. Same great taste as a burger but no meat.” (Carrie)
“Ask for the hot peppers on the side.” (Michael G.)
“Double Double Grilled Onions and Animal Style Fries, side of pickles. If you insist on the regular fries, get a milkshake and dip them in it. You won’t be sorry!!” (Branden)
“Obviously Animal Style burger and fries well done, also Animal Style. Sometimes I like protein style. If I get regular fries I get extra spread for dipping. Whole grilled and raw onion, grilled bun, add chopped chiles for spice.” (Sharon)
Is the long wait worth it?
“Exercise patience. Long lines at the drive through are a testament to how good these burgers are. Fortunately, In-N-Out has a great, expeditious system and hires only hard workers making the process surprisingly fast.” (Sergio F.)
“Learn the times when it isn’t overcrowded, if possible.” (Dave S.)
“They are good, but not worth a fist-fight.” (Matt McTasty)
“Don’t worry about long lines. In-N-Out employees get the food out quick. Besides there’s always a bit of a line. Sometimes longer than others. Oh and don’t forget your In-N-Out bumper sticker!!” (Anthony)
“Know what you want before it’s your turn to order. Have your method of payment ready to go too.” (Mary Ann L.)
“Make sure you have a full tank of gas if you’re going through the drive-thru,” (Stephen P.)
French fries, pro and con (mainly con):
“Skip the fries. They suck. Tried extra crunchy. Still sucked.” (George M.)
“Not a Californian. We’ve had In-N-Out in Utah for a while, but the best advice — skip the fries. They are soggy and only taste OK for the first two minutes after cooking.” (Joe J.)
“Am I the only person who just gets a plain burger and plain fries? (Not ‘well done’/double-fried, even. I don’t know why this article is saying ‘eek’ about the fries.) No fanciness needed.” (Lisa)
“The fries are completely inconsistent, going from nearly unsalted, crunchy, dry potato sticks to wet, oily clumps of mashed potatoes.” (Moth0)
“Light well-done fries. Never, ever get the regular fries!” (Carrie)
“Get the burger if you don’t mind smelling like an onion for the rest of the day but ditch the fries.” (Jay R.W.)
The bottom line:
“I challenge you to find a better burger at that price point.” (Robert L.)
“You’ll love it! I don’t like hamburgers as a rule but I love In-N-Out. Fresh meat, crispy fries, nice clean polite young people working there, and open until late.” (Lisa G.)
We’ll let the naysayers weigh in:
“It’s not all that it’s hyped up to be.” (MissLisa)
“Go somewhere else.” (Jeremy L.)
“Best advice? Hope a Shake Shack is opening soon.” (Zocalo)
“Don’t believe the hype. To coin a phrase, it’s a nothingburger. Or, more specifically, a ‘nothing special burger.’ Certainly not worth any wait. The only way to explain the hype is that self-centered, egotistical people feel ‘special’ for knowing about the ‘secret menu’ and ordering off it. Has nothing to do with anything else.” (HelloKitty)
“Advice? Five Guys.” (Marco)
Here’s my .02 on the subject:
Come on, where else can you buy a freshly made burger WITH grilled onions for such a low price?
And we are giving reader M&M the final word:
“There will always be lines! But it’s so worth it!! Welcome to the club.”
Contact Linda Zavoral at lzavoral@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5960.