A stop at In-N-Out Burger

By Melissa Stephans

No West Coast food report would be complete without giving necessary props to In-N-Out.

California’s beloved burger chain, which has expanded beyond the Golden State’s borders into neighboring Nevada, Arizona and Utah (not surprising, since this is a Mormon-owned chain), is a local obsession for a reason. In business for sixty years, In-N-Out has perfected the art of the burger–even creating unique variations for their mysterious “secret menu”.

The listed menu is refreshingly minimal–it only offers a hamburger, cheeseburger, the famed “double double,” and fries. But ask any fan of the food chain what they order, and they will likely utter strange phrases that are unfamiliar to any outsider. This, my friends, is courtesy of In-N-Out’s secret menu. Okay, it’s not that much of a secret, since it can be found on the company’s website. Popular secret menu selections include “caveman/protein” and “animal style” burgers.

The former is perfect for those who live in fear of carbs (not me). Instead of being served in a bun, the burger and all its fixings are wrapped in crispy, hand-leafed lettuce. The latter option is a burger smothered in special sauce (a yummier version of Thousand Island dressing), grilled onions, a pickle, lettuce and tomato.

The not-so-secret menu also includes my personal favorite–the grilled cheese sandwich. I have never been much of a carnivore, so all I ever really indulge in from In-N-Out is their crunchy, melted grilled cheese sandwich with its super-creamy secret sauce and savory grilled onions. If only they did this to fries…oh wait…they do! But don’t expect to see “animal fries” on the secret menu. In fact, animal fries are not listed on any menu. Whatever the reason for keeping this genius, artery-clogging creation a secret, it is well-worth the calories.

Check out their menus, locations and charity foundation (benefiting abused and neglected kids) at www.in-n-out.com.