The quintessential California fast-food experience, In-N-Out has been serving fresh, never-frozen burgers since 1948. The secret 'Animal Style' menu upgrades any burger with mustard-cooked beef, pickles, grilled onions, and extra special sauce. Lines are always long but move fast.
In-N-Out Burger is arguably the most beloved fast-food institution in California, a family-owned chain founded in Baldwin Park in 1948 that has never compromised on its founding principles: fresh beef never frozen, hand-cut fries from whole potatoes, milkshakes made with real ice cream, and no microwaves, heat lamps, or freezers on the premises. The menu is famously compact — burgers, fries, and shakes — but a legendary secret menu known as the 'Not So Secret Menu' expands the options considerably. Animal Style is the defining secret-menu order: any burger cooked with mustard seared into the patty, topped with pickles, grilled onions, and extra Thousand Island sauce. Protein Style replaces the bun with a lettuce wrap for a lighter option. The Double-Double — two beef patties with two slices of American cheese — is the flagship item and remains one of the best fast-food burgers in the country by almost any measure. In-N-Out locations across California, Nevada, and a handful of other Western states are distinguished by their retro yellow arrows and red palm trees, and each location is owned and operated directly by the company rather than franchised. Lines at busy locations, especially the Beverly Hills outpost on West Olympic Boulevard, can stretch significantly during peak hours but move quickly thanks to an efficient assembly system. The restaurant represents an essential California cultural experience, as much a tradition as a meal.
Location
9245 W Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Highlights
- California's most iconic fast-food chain since 1948 — fresh beef, hand-cut fries, and real ice cream milkshakes, never frozen
- The Double-Double burger with two patties and two slices of American cheese remains the definitive menu item
- Legendary 'Animal Style' secret menu — mustard-seared beef, grilled onions, pickles, and extra Thousand Island sauce
- Family-owned and operated, never franchised, with uniform quality maintained across all California locations
- Protein Style option wraps any burger in lettuce instead of a bun, a popular California substitution
Tips for visiting
- Order 'Animal Style' for the cult secret menu experience. Protein-style replaces the bun with lettuce wraps.
Accessibility
In-N-Out Burger locations are generally accessible at ground level with drive-through and walk-up counter service. The dining areas accommodate wheelchair users; accessible parking is available at most California locations.
Frequently asked questions
What is 'Animal Style' at In-N-Out?
Animal Style is the most popular secret menu modification. Any burger can be ordered Animal Style, which means the beef patty is cooked with mustard pressed in, and the burger is topped with pickles, grilled onions, and extra Thousand Island sauce. Animal Style fries add the same toppings to fries.
Does In-N-Out have a secret menu?
Yes. In-N-Out's Not So Secret Menu includes Animal Style, Protein Style (lettuce wrap instead of bun), 3x3 and 4x4 burgers with extra patties, Neapolitan milkshakes, and Flying Dutchman (two patties with cheese, no bun). Any team member can take these orders.
Are the fries fresh?
Yes. In-N-Out cuts its fries from whole potatoes on site at each location. The fries are notably lighter and less salty than competitors'; some regulars prefer them well done, which can be requested at the counter.
Is In-N-Out only in California?
In-N-Out originated in California and the majority of locations are in the state, but the chain also operates in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Colorado, and Oregon. It remains a privately held family company with no international locations.