In-N-Out Burger — Restaurant in Baldwin Park

I hadn't been to an In-N-Out since late 2019... I'd kinda dropped off going to most fast food places since the early stages of the pandemic.

I had just gotten my latest COVID shot at Kaiser Baldwin Park, and was feeling a little hungry and remembered there was an In-N-Out nearby (with the company store and In-N-Out University, no less) so I decided to get a cheeseburger.

I may ruffle a few feathers, but I personally don't think In-N-Out makes the absolute best burgers... I've had bison burgers on brioche buns with bleu cheese and bacon and fig jam and balsamic rediction and micro-greens, which were delicious and fancy, but In-N-Out is the best at making In-N-Out burgers, which for a Southern California native like me are a distinct but quintessential category of food.

I ordered a double-single (two patties, one slice of cheese) with extra grilled onions, fries, and a lemonade.

It was fantastic.

No, it was sublime. Perfectly toasted bun, two patties separated by a layer of melted cheese, with sauce, a generous helping of semi-caramelized onions, fresh lettuce, and tomato. For $2.30, they gave me at least an entire russet potato worth of fries (see picture for the massive stack). After four years without it, this meal immediately brought back fond memories.

I sat on my own near the window facing the cash register, watching working folks, families, and high school students trickle in and make their orders. I thought about how mundane this day must be for most of them, and for the cashiers and kitchen staff who do this work day in and day out. Then I thought about how much I appreciated the employees' work, and also how weird it would have been for me to express my gratitude the way I felt it in that moment. (Shout out to Richard, who took my order... friendly and helpful and efficient... Keep up the good work!)

If you happen to be in Baldwin Park, go there and get a burger, and reflect on what you are grateful for. The burger will no doubt be one of them. I hope the people around you are as well.

(Also please get your COVID shots, so we can all keep enjoying the good...

Even though this In-N-Out is THE In-N-Out to rule all In-N-Outs, located adjacent to In-N-Out University, this location is set up just like every other location (only a tad bigger and with one other surprise). Walk in and there are you face the counter topped with three cash registered. As you walk forward, the restrooms will be on your right (with the men's on the left and women's on the right should you turn into the alcove) and the seating area (ever so slightly bigger than your standard In-N-Out) will be the entire left of the store. You order, making sure to get a Neapolitan shake with your Double-Double and head to your left to fill up the ketchup tubs where you'll find pickled peppers before taking a seat on the benches which will be just in front of you. Don't worry about the soda fountain, which will be to your left, along the wall that's adjacent to the drive-thru, as you have a milk shake coming. Back to those peppers I briefly mentioned. Pickled peppers, you ask. Hell yes. I mean, they're not that great but they're there and that is different. It will make you doubt the existence of the secret menu, it will. You'll fill up a little ketchup tub with four peppers (worry not, you'll only eat two of them). When they call your order (Number 79, I believe), you go to the counter and find yourself a seat...but you can't have both a window and a booth. Should you want a window seat, you'll have to choose from the hard seats that are set up as two-seater tables, some which are bundled with others. You could eat outside, if you're feeling adventurous, but don't you prefer a/c? Yes, you do. Upon finishing your burger, you should toss the garbage either by the secondary entrance or by the ketchup dispenser.

That is the restaurant layout and your experience, neither of which ever changes. Nevertheless, once you walk out the door, the ritual is over so, instead of heading straight to your vehicle, you may walk across the surprisingly large parking lot to the Company Store and buy your vehicle a nice soda cup...

On the way back home after a weekend trip. Super easy freeway exit and return on ramp.

Really wanted to visit the merchandise store for my son who lives their stuff. Was pleasantly surprised to find them open on the 4th of July. Yay!!

The store was clean, well laid out and friendly, helpful staff. Prices reasonable and love that even their bags have a printed bible verse address on the bottom

For my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I met the owner long ago, as a young waitress; he believed in tithing off his business profits. Now tell me that honoring God's instruction hasn't paid off for this business... Then, going the extra mile to point lost souls in HIS direction, with the hidden bible verses on the bottom of their cups.. I wonder how many have looked up those verses and been comforted... what a neat way to minister, without being pushy.

Always happy with the burgers at this company!! They have service and a familiar taste that you can always depend upon. Simple quality, consistent practices = excellent meal. Yum!!

Also, In-N-Out respects Law Enforcement and emergency service providers!!

That alone would guarantee my loyalty; unlike Starbucks and Chipotle who have repeatedly shunned and attacked our protectors. So those 2 companies don't need my money. (Can you think of a more stupid business statement than "We hate cops!" Umm, excuse me, but WHO is going to show up at your store and rescue you when someone is shoving a gun in your employee's face??? Oh, yah, the people you just threw out of your business and spewed hate to... ) Those companies just need to use their brains, and honor those who protect and serve; like In-N-Out does. Sorry, I digress...

I always wondered where their "University" was located, now I know.. it's at this location. Too cool.

Stopping here was like a bonus trip, on our return trip home. Soo, going back again!

Stay safe out there ya'll and don't let stupid drivers turn...