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While most Angelenos will urge their visitors to try a meal at In N' Out (the best to capture that classic sunshiney L.A. drive-through burger experience), they often forget about the other local fast-food burger phenomenon: Fatburger. Both establishments boast excellent burgers and a fool-proof menu, but there are some major (and delicious) differences that make it almost impossible to decide which is better (kind of like the Pink's versus Skooby's debate -- but that, dear reader, must wait for another time).
Fatburger just as much the juicy slice of L.A. history that In N' Out is: the first of the spreading chain was opened in 1952 by Lovey Yancey and Charles Simpson at 31st Street and Western Avenue (In N' Out got its start in Baldwin Park in 1948); the decor and free-wheeling spirit were inspired by Yancey's home-cooking style and love of r&b, soul, and rock n' roll music. They've franchised out much further than In N' Out, and you can now enjoy Fatburgers in New Jersey, Florida, and Texas - but I'll bet that nothing comes close to a Kingburger with Skinny fries, topped with an egg and chili, enjoyed at your closest SoCal location. You can't franchise freshness, my friends.
Everyone knows about In N' Out's "secret" menu (you probably had a friend in college who ordered 6x6's and 8x8's, I did, and his name was Josh Brooks and he had been an undergrad at UCLA for nine years, but that is also another story), but Fatburger really brings is with the add-ons: chili, fried eggs, bacon (cheaters), pickles, and a lavish helping of pickle relish, which bring a tangy crispness to each bite of burger.
But how strange is it that one particular geographical area led to such different interpretations of the burger? In N' Out chooses to garnish its burgers with grilled onion, cheese, and that inimitable special sauce -- pink, speckled with their own relish, and absolutely luscious once it mixes with the juices of an well-grilled all-beef patty. We are surrounded by an embarassment of hamburger riches, people. Don't even breathe the word Tommy's. Just don't. Not now.
Both chains aspire to an ideal of "freshness" and hand-grilled goodness that are meant to contrast against the frozen, warmed-over artificial yuckiness of your corner McDonald's. This doesn't mean the food's that much healthier than ol Mickey D's, but it does taste a heck of a lot better.
Wanna take a look at Fatburger's nutrional stats? Oh, come on, it'll be fun! The Kingburger definitely should be avoided if you're worried about calories: one of the fun things about Fatburger is that you can pile on a ton of extras, so you don't need a giant 800-calorie burger on top of that. The In N' Out Double-Double, on the other hand, packs in only 690 calories, but 90% of your daily fat intake. (Blame cheese: the food that giveth the taste but taketh away the slim waist.)
The Baby Fat is a great option for those of us less interested in pigging out -- all the phat flavor in a 300-calorie package (so you can go a little crazy with the egg & bacon toppings if you want). An In N' Out hamburger (no cheese), with mustard & ketchup substituted for the pink spread, comes in at a tidy 310 calories - score on both counts, honestly. Although - that pink mayo-relish secret sauce is pretty phenomenal.
Like I said, Fatburger's fries win for crispiness and seasoning, but In N' Out does have that great super-secret menu option: fries doused in grilled onions, special sauce, and cheese. Ask for it next time, I think it's just called "fries animal style".These are the things that unite us as Americans: melty cheese and special sauce over grilled onions and fries.
The burgers themselves are about equal quality: although I have to say, I prefer Fatburger fries, and you can get them skinny or fat. I've never really understood In N' Out's fries. They're almost never crispy (except for those little ones), and they get cold and soggy almost immediately out of the fryer. Fatburger fries stay crispy and warm - unless you choose to dump chili all over them, which is a totally understandable impulse. One advantage In N' Out does hold is that it's a lot cheaper: two burgers, two drinks, and one order of fries came to $15.00 at Fatburger, while the same could be gotten for under $10 at In N' Out.
What's that you're saying? You want to know about the shakes? Erm. Uh. Well, see, the thing is -- you've just discovered the chink in my foodie armor. I am not into shakes. I am not into soda pop. When I go to a burger stand, I want nothing but burger -- perhaps a cool iced tea on the side, but I have no time for these sweet, thick, mucus-making "shakes" you speak of. I could not tell you who does it better if you paid me twenty bucks (I'll take your money though). But I am absolutely sure that somebody out there has an informed opinion. Do share. Do.
I do not see an end in sight to these burger wars: and like I said, I haven't even begun to explore the many-lettered world of Tommy's (Tomy's? Tommi's? Tomi's? the mind is boggled!). All I know is that thanks to the many In N' Outs and Fatburgers scattered around the Southland, I could conceivably go the rest of my life without ever venturing into a McDonald's. And that, my fellow foodies, is a very, very, very good thing.
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melty cheese is the reason i get up in the morning.
in n' out makes their fries fresh every day, you can see them cutting up the potatoes. you have to get used to them, but I'm a convert. Mickey D's still has the best fries, though.
In N Out is always good, especially on a tight budget. We reserve Fatburger for when we have some extra cash. :) The shakes are great at both burger stands. In N Out has the classics (vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, and the always yummy neopolitan), and Fatburger has a couple extra. They're all thick and fattening, and mucus-making. Gotta love it!
I can't choose, either, though not all Fatburgers have drive thrus. So if I'm in a hurry the choice is made for me, because nothing is worse than the wait for a grilled-to-order fatburger when time is short.
I prefer In N' Out's fries. Fresh cut beats frozen anyday, though I'll admit I prefer to eat them in the car on the way home for fear of soggy fries.
OK, I know what I'm having for lunch now.
OMG Carrie you are opening up Pandora's box with this debate.
Since I am one of approximately six people in the world that HATES In-N-Out (it's the only place - McD's included - that I've wretched multiple times after eating their burgers), I fall squarely on Team Fatburger for this one. Fresh meat fresh potatoes blah blah blah. Double kingburger and fat fries pleez. And if we're going with the low-quality fast food variety, I'll take a Famous Star (or a Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger, yum!) and McD's fries.
Although I don't know that I can ever look at you the same way now that I know you don't drink milkshakes. Oh wait bacon is one of your primary food groups. Scratch previous comment.
Ryan, I was about to ask you how in the world you ever got through your career at UCLA *WITHOUT* In N' Out, but then I remembered...there's a Fatburger on Kinross! How could I have forgotten!
Was it the one in Westwood that made you ralph? So weird!
I take out-of-towners to in-n-out. I take myself to fatburger. Both are excellent but you have to learn in-n-out before you learn fatburger. You have to walk before you can run.
It's no contest. Fatburger wins. Nothing in the world beats the Double Kingburger with an egg on it.
Also, unless you're into waking up with a colon that hates you, avoid Tommy Burgers. At all costs. Tastes good at the time, but their chili is nuclear waste.
Lots and lots of Diddy Riese ice cream sandwiches. And Buck Fiddy sandwiches. And once I got a car, I made a lot of runs over to the McDonald's on Wilshire/Brockton back when they had the $.89 McNugget Tuesdays and $.29 hamburger Wednesdays. I think my record was 20 hamburgers and it only cost like six bucks. Good times. I miss college.
I think the Gayley/LeConte In-N-Out only opened like my junior year, but I did have a late night ep one night and swore I would never go back to that one. Of course it may have had something to do with what was consumed before going to In-N-Out but I can't lose the negative association.
Although I have to admit my all-time fave Westwood meal was the Shakey's meal deal with the mojo potatoes, chicken, and pizza. That helped get me through a lot of term papers and finals.
I would never even think to compare the two. Even though they both sell burgers, I have to be in a certain mood to go to either one.
Dear Ryan Young,
DUDE! I am one of the other 6 human beings alive that thinks In-N-out is gross. I too have wretched after each time i have eaten there.
Plus i would like to add that i think its extremely poor taste to include "John 3:16" on the bottom of the In-N-Out cups.
FATBURGER FAN FOR LIFE!
The only thing that happens to me after i eat at fatburger is an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.
In N Out has great customer service, but thats it.
so what if their fries are made in front of you, they have no personality. McDonalds now makes theres right in front of you too and theres is far superior to anyones except Jack in the Crack.
so yes, im totally Team Fatburger.
i think their secret is their pepper. and their juicy burgers.
and the idea that you could put a damn egg on the burger if you were that drunk.
Ryan: SHAKEY'S!!!! Oh god Mojo Potatoes...I can't even count the number of nights we ordered those after a party to soak up all the alcohol. That was an excellent memory you just inspired.
Josh: Please elaborate and quantify as precisely as possible EXACTLY your mood when frequenting said establishments. I want EXACT-ICITY here. Like...hm, today I'm cranky and bored, I want In N' Out? Or today I'm happy and drunk, and I want Fatburger? 'Splain.
Anti: Totally with you on the God-shout-outs (they include them on all the paper packaging, actually); like, did I order a side of JESUS with my fries? No I did not.
I just got so worked up about all of this that I spilled half a bottle of water down my shirt, THANKS EVERYBODY.
For me, the deciding factor is one of the menu items Fatburger offers that In'N'Out does not -- fresh cut onion rings. Order them and the cashier will yell back, "Homestyle". It's one of the only places you can get home made onion rings (not the frozen comes from a bag Burger King style onion rings).
The burgers are better at Fatburger, too. And there are simply no In'N'Outs with jukeboxes blaring Isley Brothers.
No contest.
I gotta say I'm surprised that IN-N-OUT is taking a beating here. My vote is for them any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
I grew up on IN-N-OUT (La Verne, CA). They took me threw all of the phases of my life so far. The vegetarian phase, the grilled cheese phase, the protein burger phase . . . . When my brother flys home if I'm not waiting at baggage claim with a double double and chocolate shake he gives me a dead leg.
That said, I do love Fatburger's turkey burger (and the tabasco on the tables). But living in Weho I find that I usually go across the street to the Astroburger rather than wait for Fatburger and I end up paying way less.
As far as the God thing goes, I don't care if you put Satan is king on the bottom of my chocolate shake, that shit is just good.
I've never noticed the bible verse on the bottom of In N' Out's cups... that IS in bad taste, and plenty of reason for this non-superstitious diner to drive right on past to Fatburger.
Also, you may have to wait an eon for your food at fatburger, but at least they're open late
The "secret sauce" at In-N-Out is just a recipe of 1000 island dressing, aka ketchup, mayo and relish. I get baffled when it's referred to as if it's something mysterious and secret. It's really good 1000 island, but it's 1000 island nonetheless.
I take visitors to In-N-Out, and if they're here long enough and they've got a steel stomach, I'd take them to Tommy's too. Fatburger's in 16 states now, and yet no one asks to go to Fatburger like they ask to go to In-N-Out. At least in my experience. Fatburger would be #3 on the hit list for out-of-towners, even though they are better than Tommy's (on multiple dimensions). But Tommy's is just an LA landmark in a way that I just don't think of Fatburger. I had no idea they were even from LA. (Of course, let us not forget that McDonald's came out of the Inland Empire and Carl's Junior was spawned behind the Orange Curtain.)
That said, I love Fatburger, and my stomach can no longer handle Tommy's. But I think this should be a three-way discussion. I mean, Tommy's has it's own unique set of toppings (can anyone say, HUGE tomato slice larger than the patty?). And although I wouldn't accuse them of being "fresh" they are damn good. It's all about that greasy, gooey chili all over the burger and fries. Amazingly, only 490 calories.
Also, Carrie, stay away from all the Tommy's imitators. Two m's, one y, and of course the shack logo. "If you don't see the shack, send it back." Why did Tommy's spawn a whole slew of fakes? Did they lost a lawsuit? Can you imagine "Phatburger" and "In-And-Owt" or "Innannout Burger"?
Oh, and despite my atheist leanings, I've always thought the bible verse reference on the In-N-Out packaging were cute. Like something someone's American-as-apple-pie grandma would do if she owned a fast food chain. It's not like you even see them if you don't go looking for them. And if you're looking for something to get offended by, well that's your problem.
Anti, now we just have to find the other four people to spread our gospel of In-N-Out hate. It's called In-N-Out for a reason dammit, not In-N-Stays-In.
Carrie, I'll bring you a box of mojos to the next BBQ for old times sake. You bring bacon salt.
i was a late convert to in 'n' out. yeah, their fixin's are fresh, but their burgers are *so* thin. where's the beef? if i hadn't gone vegetarian, i'd be at the counter on ocean park ave. in santa monica more often. now *there's* one of the best burger joints in town! (but won't rank at all on the price, quickness, convenience of location fronts.) if you're on the west side, the beacon cafe in culver city also makes a darn fine gourmet burger -- with kobe beef, thick slabs of artisinal bacon and gruyere cheese. sure, it's an asian-fusion place, but still. as for fatburger, i've never had one in my whole life. nor a double-double. cheese burger at in 'n' out was as "wild" as i got. i understand that stacking more and more patties onto your sandwich (8x8!?!?) would alleviate the thin burger problem there, but really it sounds gluttonous to order something like that. plus, '8x8 monster-style' isn't v. ladylike. unless you're ryan young and a natural purger. :)
I'm a huge Fatburger fan too.. in order of preference for me:
1) Fatburger
2) Tommy's
3) McD's
I'd eat In-N-Out in a bind, (like, if all my co-workers are going there), but not by choice.
Colinski - I'm not so sure John 3:16 falls in the realm of Mom & apple pie.. it's more crazy-guy-with clown-makeup-holding-a-sign-at-the-end-zone..
California is wasted on the Californians. On those rare occasions when I hit the West Coast, I hit In-And-Out. Fatburger is okay, but it's not something I crave from 2,500 miles away. But all this talk of In-And-Out just about has me ready to spring for a plane ticket.
You people just don't know what you have.
I love In n Out but nothing beats Tommy's!
I'm trying to write about why I go to In N Out or Fatburger or the Habit or Tommy's, but I think almost all the time it's a geographical answer. Which is closest? Is there something that's second-closest, but cheaper? Honestly I think I pick my burgers for convenience.
Like when I lived in Santa Barbara. The Habit and Carl's Jr. and McDonalds are all about a mile apart (ten miles from home, goddamnit) but Carl's almost always won because it was so affordable and not gross like McD.
Can I say the best thing about burgers is onions? Like McD, when I was little I thought those little onion pieces were RICE. Because they don't taste like onion but were rice shaped. Carl's has fresh onion, which is kinda an extravagance. I mean, sometimes a girl has to get kissed. Fatburger has onion RINGS-- OOOH FABULOUS, with ranch please. (Incedentally the best onion rings are beer battered ones... from Vons...) Fatburger and In N Out you can have the onions on your burger grilled or not. It's all about grilled onions.
Tommy's... what can I say. I went with a guy to his prom and afterwards, in my red satin ball gown and him in a tux, we went to Tommy's and got what seems to be one of everything. I will always associate Tommy's with watching Tom pig out on chili fries and a chili burger. Carrie, you like chili, is Tommy's chili good? Because it sure as hell looks disgusting.
Mind you In N Out special sauce looks pretty revolting but tastes good :)
Anyway... I reserve judgement for best burger for until I can do a side-by-side comparison of fresh fare.
Speaking of junk, Krispy Kreme are the best donuts hahahaha
Yesterday, I had a Fatburger and an In and Out burger. The Fatburger, no relish/no onions, won hands down; it's a old fashoined good tyme burger. The Fat Burger onion rings are simply delicious.
In And Out is quick and clean but dull. The french fries are fresh but very slight.
In N Out, no contest.
#16, they mean no harm with the bible stuff - stop looking for ways to be offended. By the way, In and Out is the only fast food company recomended in the book Fast Food Nation.
It's a very nicely run company that makes a good product.
Sorry, niether. Original Tommy's, hands down.
FatBurger blows chunks of poo covered diaper chips. Overpriced and no secret menus or bible messages. BOOO RING!
I prefer EZ Take Out. There aren't any actually in LA, but they're dotted around various other parts of southern California. They're basically a clone of In-N-Out, but they're better. And they have boysenberry shakes. :-)
OsM, you are a douchebag and can lick my salty balls. Fatburger has BACON you idiot, BACON!!!!!
I have never heard of EZ TakeOut, I must put on my super-foodie-hero cape and seek out one immediately!
Fatburger. For one reason: THE CHAR.
You MUST tell them to put it on the char or else they throw on the griddle just like everywhere else. A charbroiled burger not only tastes better - it is better for you since all the fat drips down onto the fire just like when you BBQ em yourself! YUM!
In N Out onions are too potent and their fries taste like paper. I love Dino's burgers with their spicy salsa and before 11 am you can get a Tommy's breakfast sandwich with sausage, egg and of course, chili. It's so bad but so delicious.
It's funny how many people actually think of FATBURGER as a LAS VEGAS thing, like at 3:30am drunk out of your mind on the Vegas Strip.
Actually, FATBURGER grew up on the wrong side of the tracks in LA. It was started by a Black Woman in 1952. (remember seperate but equal?)
She never sold out her menu and the FATBURGER fans pretty much set the agenda even today.
My favorite burger... 1/2lb Kingburger with Egg, Cheese, & Grilled Onions, fully loaded!
I love it so much, I bought a Franchise :)
i'm one for loving both in n out and fatburger.
as for the in n out fries, i never thought they were a big deal either, until i realized you can get them both "light" or "well done" ...as well as animal style. I tend to prefer either soggy, or crispy fries, so those 2 options allow me that. sometimes well done aren't that well done... but sometimes they're like potato chips. and well... animal style... who doesn't love a heart attack in a basket?
Sigh.
Carrie, you and the rest of the commenters miss an integral part of the pseudo-fast food eating experience. Cheese paper, plain and simple. And I know you know what it is because anyone with as unhealthy an obsession for bacon just HAS to since an obsession for cheese paper is just as ridiculous (but heavenly). So, factor cheese paper into the debate, and I take In-N-Out over Fatburger any day. Without cheese paper clouding my judegement, however, it's Fatburger all the way (come on dude, an EGG as a TOPPING? With BACOOOOOON!!!! Of COURSE I choose Fatburger). But alas, that's where my love for In-N-Out stops because 1) I wouldn't touch their fries with a 10 foot pole unless made animal style and 2) In-N-Out shakes are nice and thick, but I would venture to say they're TOO thick. I'm a fan of actually sipping my shakes through a straw and you can't do that with In-N-Out shakes until they melt a lot, and then they're just not good.
Nonetheless, long live their cheese paper. Word.
IN 'N' OUT... it's what a hamburger's all about.
If you grew up in Southern California, esp. in the San Gabriel Valley, you love In 'n' Out, hands down, if only to modify the bumper stickers to read "In 'n' Out Urge" (look at the sign and then hold your thumbs up to cover the "B" and the second "R" in "Burger.")
The burgers are superior because they're simple. I love bacon more than the next person, but there's no fast food place that puts enough good bacon on a burger to make it worthwhile. Father's Office or Hungry Cat... now that's bacon.
Regarding fries... In 'n' Out's better because the fries are fresh. McDonald's pre-cooks and then freezes their fries, which are then finished in store. I'm guessing, but don't know for sure, that Fatburger must use some sort of similar product. Truth be known, really good fries are cooked twice. Try the fries at Oinkster and you'll find the pinnacle of twice-cooked fresh fries.
Now In 'n' Out is fast food and the only way to do fresh fries fast is to cook them once. No freezers at In 'n' Out, thus no pre-cooked frozen fries. If you like crisp fries, order them well-done and you'll be happy. Otherwise, enjoy fries that were a potato when you were driving up.
Regarding the Bible quote, I'm not a fan of religion, but now that I know that that crapmeister pAnti doesn't like it, I'm going to enjoy every time I see it.
I'll go for either, but I slightly favor the Fatburger. However, the late-night drunkburger of choice would have to be the Astro-burger.
P.S. FATBURGER franchise man -- how about a new one in the Pioneer chicken space on Echo Park Ave. or something ;-)
Order your In'n'Out fries well done. Then they won't get soggy!
Two "secret" words in your order will make your In n'Out potatoes much better than the rest: "Fries Well". Well-done fries get cooked on the griddle after being deep fried and are wonderfully crispy.
Finally someone has brought this debate to a public forum. I don't hate In N Out, I just always thought it was overrated. The burgers are little too neat and tidy for my taste. Fatburgers are juicy, messy, and as mentioned EGG, BACON, & CHILI as toppings!! Simply put, its the best burger in town... I live in Alhambra, and I haven't been to the new In N out since it opened two years ago. Yet, I was crushed when they closed the Fatburger on Atlantic (Monterey Park) Someone please open a franchise near here!