THE MOST EXPENSIVE COMBO ON THE MENU is $11. That extra dollar is inconveniencing me from being able to place it in the category that is the least expensive on Google Maps; otherwise, it could be the perfect fast food burger experience.
No matter what's been going on economically, the fact that the most expensive combo at In-N-Out Burger is still only $11 speaks to everything that's still right in this world. So, now I have the impossible task of finding a way to rate my home state's burger joint as the reigning champion without seeming biased. In short, I have to make an effort to write the perfect Google Maps review.
If you're going to make an effort to write a perfect, scientific fast-food burger review, you have to establish your testing criteria, so let's start by clarifying the "fast food burger" category. Customers can identify a fast food restaurant by the inclusion of one primary feature, a drive-thru. That means Five Guys, Smash Burger, and Shake Shack aren't in the running for this one.
In-N-Out, as a regional fast food burger spot, is really up against Wendy's, McDonald's, Burger King, etc., so before going h.a.m. on this review make sure to keep that in mind. When any burger chain decides to enter the California market they fear one thing, competing against In-n-Out.
There are a lot of other regional burger joints that are top notch, and having eaten at Whataburger, Sonic, White Castle, etc., I'm giving In-N-Out Burger the crown based on the following criteria: food quality, atmosphere, environmental impact, and employee satisfaction.
Food Quality - It's not even close, especially at ~ $11, it's the best tasting burger you can get in a drive-thru. You can taste the quality. The vegetables are fresh, the meat is fresh, and the buns are among the best in the business. If there's something most people mention, it's always the fries. The fries are always up for debate. Like everything else here, they're fresh, but notablely served unsalted. For people used to McDonald's or Wendy's, it's a dramatic shift in flavor. The good news is salt and ketchup are available for customers to season to taste, but if you're not really putting in the effort this is the only area where the food may fall short of expectations.
Atmosphere - I don't think I've ever seen a messy In-N-Out burger. Let that settle in... Think about the cleanliness of other fast food burger joints and consider if you can say the same. That should clinch this category by itself, but just like the golden arches are a staple of McDonald's, palm trees, outdoor seating, and efficient disposal stations ring true at every In-N-Out.
Environment Impact - Everything from utensils, trays, ketchup cups, and salt packets are designed with sustainability in mind. The use of compostables materials makes sorting the meal's aftermath easy. Anything with food scraps is compostable and everything else reusable. Other restaurants aren't even close.
Employee Satisfaction - With all the talk surrounding inflation, it should come as a surprise that the average meal is $3 less than any other fast food burger joint. With that in mind, the starting wage at In-N-Out is $21.50/hr, shaming places like Tesla (shame on you), retailers, and just about every other entry level job. Employers used to use "flipping burgers" as the ultimate insult, but now people with Master's degrees barely make more. Think about that...
Conclusion - Given the current economy, comparative restaurants, and overall food quality, it's hard to even put other fast food places in the same ballpark. Hands down the best,...
Read moreIn-N-Out Burger at 32060 Union Landing Blvd in Union City is a burger aficionado's paradise! This fast-food gem consistently delivers an unparalleled dining experience that keeps me coming back for more.
The moment you step inside, the inviting aroma of freshly grilled burgers and golden fries wafts through the air. The restaurant maintains its trademark cleanliness, and the friendly staff exude a genuine passion for customer satisfaction. The service is prompt, and the team works together seamlessly to ensure every order is prepared with precision.
The menu is refreshingly simple, focusing on quality over quantity. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Double-Double – a mouthwatering masterpiece of two succulent beef patties, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and the iconic In-N-Out spread, all sandwiched between perfectly toasted buns. The ingredients are fresh and sourced locally, making each bite a burst of flavor.
What sets In-N-Out apart is its commitment to consistency. Every visit is a carbon copy of the last – a testament to their dedication to delivering a reliable and delicious product. The burgers are cooked to perfection, and the fries are the ideal balance of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
In-N-Out Burger at Union Landing Blvd is not just a place to grab a quick bite; it's an institution that celebrates the art of crafting exceptional burgers. If you're a fan of delicious, no-frills fast food, this is the...
Read moreConsistently Undercooked Burgers – Serious Health Risk
I’ve given In-N-Out multiple chances, but I’m officially done. Time and time again, the burgers I’ve received have been shockingly undercooked — pink and raw in the middle, not just rare, but completely unsafe. I’ve actually gotten diarrhea after eating there more than once, and that’s not something I take lightly.
What’s worse is that this doesn’t seem to be a one-time issue or an off-day. It’s clearly a quality control failure across multiple visits. It honestly feels like the newer employees are just being told to brown the outside of the patty and call it “well done” — which is dangerously far from the truth.
For a chain that prides itself on freshness and consistency, it’s incredibly disappointing that food safety is being brushed aside. If you can’t cook a burger properly, what’s the point? I don’t care how “iconic” the brand is — serving raw meat to customers should never be acceptable.
I hope someone at corporate finally wakes up and starts holding their staff accountable. Until then, I won’t be coming back, and I’d advise others to think twice before risking...
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