In-N-Out Burger — Restaurant in San Jose

I had to go to Lowe's, so, since it was lunchtime, I decided to stop in for a bite. I don't usually eat at In-N-Out, but, as it was right there in the same lot as Lowe's, I decided "what the heck?"

I was surprised to find, though the drive-thru was bumper-to-bumper cars, inside was much calmer. There were only a few tables left, but there was no line whatsoever to order. I walked up, was greeted by a gentleman (didn't catch his name because I was acquainting myself with the menu, though I think it was Elian or Elias. It definitely started with an "El"), who gave me time to decide, then took my order. I got my cup and then went for my drink.

I'm the sort of girl who likes big beverages that will last me through my meal and then travel with me in the car. Their XL size did just that. And they had TWO compartments of FRESH lemons right there at the iced-tea dispenser! Excellent! And tongs to select them that weren't missing or messy. Nice!

I found one of the only tables left, and it sat four. However, before my meal came, a family of four came in, so I relinquished my table to them, asking my cashier if he could clean off a newly vacated table.

He turned the task over to Andrea, who was super sweet. She APOLOGIZED that the table was dirty, cleaned it, then asked if she could do anything else for me. When I declined, she commented on the book I'm reading, saying: "Cool book. I like it." (It's about making a living as an author.) I didn't think to ask if she dreams of writing, but, Andrea, if you do, follow that dream all the way through. Don't let anyone or thing stop you, not even traditional publishing companies or agents. You're a sweet girl, who went beyond the extra mile (and I know how stressful the service industry can be), so I'm certain you'll go far in whatever you do. But if writing is a passion, pursue it. I just bet the world should hear what you have to say. (Especially if it's a book on staying cheerful, helpful, and kind in fast food!)

Now, back to the review. (Pardon for the digression, but I like to encourage anyone who aspires to be a writer!) The cheeseburger was perfect (and messy, which makes it perfect in my eyes 😀), and, though I'm not a fan of the fries, with ketchup, they were good. My tea was refreshing, my "dessert" (a small vanilla shake) was a nice ending, my book was enjoyed in a pleasant environment, and the three employees I met were wonderful and efficient. (Another gentleman came by to collect my tray when I was done but still hanging around to finish the chapter I was reading. Great customer service!)

By all means, stop in and enjoy a meal. The staff will, no doubt, make the visit...

Tough to say something about the best fast food burger around that hasn’t already been said. Im lucky to live near two In n Out burger restaurants. The Cottle Av location is my favorite. The staff are super friendly and attentive to your specific order. The drive thru line is manageable altho you gotta make sure you clear the large boulders at the start of the drive-thru I’ve seen two cars take out body panels cutting the corner. They’re open late-like into the wee hours. The parking lot is fairly small but there’s a large lot nearby. There’s also a city park across the street if you want to make it a picnic.

Update 2024-the drive thru merge is nuts. Drive thru starts as two lanes then merge into one. INO relies on folks to be courteous and alternate one lane then the next. Sometimes one lane is longer than the other which puts a late comer ahead of the folks who were already waiting....

Good okay burgers. Near top five of fast food burgers. Plus is the quality control of their burgers. If you order it once and liked it, it WILL taste the same the next time. NOT like cardboard, but the same. Plus is also low cost. Minus is the wait. Although this Great Oak San Jose location seems to manage traffic flow good. It is deceptive upon drive by as you can not see how drive thru line snakes at first. So your wait can be MUCH longer than you think. Still they manage not to block streets or nearby businesses like other locations, ie Blossom Hill Rd and Sunnyvale do. My biggest gripe is lack of variety. No chicken sandwiches or onion rings or salads. No veggie burgers. They even seem to have stopped doing messy style, ie grilled onions and mushrooms.. it is okay for price, but often not always worth wait. 3 and...