Bites Nearby: In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger

798 Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley

(800) 786-1000

Open Daily: 10:30 a.m.- midnight

Owned since 1948 by the Snyder family, In-N-Out Burger is a solid choice for a quick meal. Consistently, the store hires friendly, bright, enthusiastic counter help and cooks, who work hard at their jobs. Just watch the fellow who puts the potatoes through the cutting machine – not a job for light-weights.

The first time I went to an In-N-Out was with my teenage godchild at her urging. As a food writer and former professional cook, I wasn’t a fan of fast food burger joints. I’m still not a fan generally, but am a fan of In-N-Out.

It was she who told me to order a double-double (Yes!) and also she queued me to the chain’s secret menu.

Here is part of the secret menu:

Double Meat is two patties on one bun with all the fixings.

3 X 3 is three patties on one bun.

4 X 4 is four patties on one bun.

Protein style is a burger wrapped in lettuce, not on a bun.

Grilled cheese is double cheese, the fixings, no burger.

And the very-popular Animal style, which is a burger with mustard cooked into it, an added pickle, extra spread, grilled onions and the rest of the fixings. 

A big plus is the French fries prepared freshly, not frozen like most places, are fried crisply in cotton seed oil. 

Décor:

Hospital white interior with red touches, a la old timey diners, add to its appeal. 

The Drinks:

Sodas and very good milkshakes are the way to go.

Appetizers:

Go for the burgers.

Entrees:

I was pleased to see that, according to the chain’s website, a double-double, my favorite, has just (630) calories. But when you add the fries (395) and a chocolate shake (590) we’re talking a diet disaster (1615), however yummy. 

Desserts:

Go for the burgers.

Service:

Terrific

Cost: 

$ under $10

Handicap accessible:

Yes

Noise level:

Talking normally gets difficult at peak times.