My Journey with In-N-Out: A Love Story from IGNorance to Devotion

Introduction

Have you ever tried In-N-Out Burger for the first time? For me, the experience began in 1986 or 1987, traveling from Barstow to Victorville, California. I was a 16-17-year-old boy, and I distinctly remembered the moment my preconceptions were shattered, leading me to become a lifelong fan.

The First Experience

Our journey took us through a period when I had a strange aversion to putting cheese on my burgers. There was something about the look and texture of melted cheese slices that always put me off, even though I loved cheese on anything else. This unusual habit made me consistently choose a "Big Mac" without cheese from McDonald's. Psychologically, this choice might have ensured that I would always get a freshly made hamburger—every time. All that changed when we stopped at In-N-Out.

Initially, I was just thrilled to be there and appreciative of the moment. I whipped out my menu and ordered what everyone else was having—a "Double Double" with fries and a drink. However, my face likely showed the horror as it dawned on me that a "Double Double" meant double beef, double cheese! This realization hit me suddenly, and I was left to stomach the thought of my potential cheese-laden meal.

But as fate would have it, I decided not to make a scene and simply resigned myself to the situation. After the first bite, I was intoxicated by the flavors. The experience was so extraordinary that it felt as if the world around me was brighter, with angels playing harps in my mind. The realization that I had been missing out on these delicious burgers for so long nearly sent me into a state of disbelief. From that point on, my love affair with In-N-Out began, and I have never turned back since.

A Later Encounter

Years later, during a family vacation in Las Vegas, I stopped by In-N-Out again. This experience was decidedly different from my first visit, largely due to the operational inefficiencies I encountered. The "serve-yourself" area was no joy to navigate, and the overall experience was anything but personalized or enjoyable. Being a seasoned traveler, I noticed the stark difference in my sentiment towards In-N-Out. It was underwhelming, and I found myself comparing it unfavorably to other options, such as Jack in the Box, which we frequented during our stay in Las Vegas.

The food and service do not seem to have improved much in the years since my initial encounter, which was nearly 3-4 years ago. The taste, to me, is just like any other hamburger place. While my kids and wife enjoy the burgers, I have no plans to return because the appeal of In-N-Out has diminished. The burger may still be special to many, but for me, the novelty and the profound love for cheese-laden burgers that In-N-Out offers have a significant emotional value that cannot be matched elsewhere.

Conclusion

In-N-Out Burger offers a unique experience that has captivated many over the years. For me, my journey began with a mixture of fear and excitement, leading to a profound realization and a lasting love for the chain. Whether it's the cheese-laden burgers or the nostalgia of a bygone era, In-N-Out continues to draw in a loyal fan base. If you've never tried it, you might just find a piece of history or a new favorite restaurant. However, for those who have grown to love it just as I did, the experience remains a cherished memory and a delightful part of our shared American food culture.