As someone who lived in LA for over 20 years and considers it home still, I continue to be mystified at the hold In N Out has on the psyches of those who swoon for it. Their burgers are average at very best... shows that branding is a Thing.
So true! This is very powerful brand -- and they've been faithful to it from the beginning. Not too much experimentation. I'd say the food is generally better than most national fast-food chains, which gives it an extra boost in certain precincts. And their focus on fresher ingredients -- and not expanding too far from their base, though that is changing -- has added to the cultish following. It's an indulgence for me on most California trips.
I mean, a friend of mine told methe other day that she'd tried a Krispy Kreme "hot now" donut* and was unimpressed. I shook my head in bafflement. Different strokes, I suppose.
*I'm not sure she fully grasped that it HAS to be a "hot now" donut. That's the explanation I'm clinging to anyroad.
I’ve only been once, in Austin at midnight, and it was a disappointment to me. I’m picky as can be, so only want a plain burger with fries, and In n Out didn’t succeed at that. If you need toppings to make it great, you aren’t doing it right. The burger itself needs to stand alone.
As for the fries, they reminded me of Wendy’s fries that had sat on the counter for an hour.
I’ll give it another chance, but first impression was totally overrated.
As someone who lived in LA for over 20 years and considers it home still, I continue to be mystified at the hold In N Out has on the psyches of those who swoon for it. Their burgers are average at very best... shows that branding is a Thing.
So true! This is very powerful brand -- and they've been faithful to it from the beginning. Not too much experimentation. I'd say the food is generally better than most national fast-food chains, which gives it an extra boost in certain precincts. And their focus on fresher ingredients -- and not expanding too far from their base, though that is changing -- has added to the cultish following. It's an indulgence for me on most California trips.
I mean, a friend of mine told methe other day that she'd tried a Krispy Kreme "hot now" donut* and was unimpressed. I shook my head in bafflement. Different strokes, I suppose.
*I'm not sure she fully grasped that it HAS to be a "hot now" donut. That's the explanation I'm clinging to anyroad.
I’ve only been once, in Austin at midnight, and it was a disappointment to me. I’m picky as can be, so only want a plain burger with fries, and In n Out didn’t succeed at that. If you need toppings to make it great, you aren’t doing it right. The burger itself needs to stand alone.
As for the fries, they reminded me of Wendy’s fries that had sat on the counter for an hour.
I’ll give it another chance, but first impression was totally overrated.