We've only ever eaten at an In-N-Out Burgers twice on our visits to California. In fact, many years ago I spent a summer in southern California and never laid eyes on an In-N-Out. So, I'm not exactly sure in what regions they are located, but it's a chain with branches even in Arizona. The restaurant offered a map for people traveling by car this summer to locate restaurants along the way. It would have been fun to get one, but I am learning to be more concerned about the environment and not so wasteful. Since I didn't expect to be near one again for a long time, I chose to leave the maps alone.
Both experiences, happening about three years apart were generally positive and very entertaining. I can't remember the prices three years ago, but if they've gone up, they're still cheaper than any other fast food restaurant out there. I believe total for a sandwich and fries is right at $3. The menu is simple: Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Double Cheesburger, Fries (one size fits all), and shake (the usual three varieties, one size fits all). Not on the menu, however, but very easy to order is a grilled cheese with all the fixings, including a thousand island style dressing of pickles, ketchup, mustard and mayo; as well as raw or grilled onions. The grilled onions touch you won't find at BK. Just like most fast food restaurants, I wouldn't call this meal healthy, even if the fries are sliced fresh in the restaurant daily and can boast cholesterol and trans-fat free because of the oil they use. All the quality details can be found on their website.
Three things really stuck out about the company in general. The first is that discretely, but wisely placed on the bottom of cups and burger wrappers is a positive Bible verse. Just the text. We looked them up on our phones while we were eating. Secondly, a little guy stood outside in the major summer heat and at one point was practically standing in the road with the line for the drive through. He takes your orders and types them into a computer to make sure it gets done right. I suspect it speeds up the process, too. Both of these make the final point not so surprising. This company has actually been around 60 years. And judging by the standing-room-only lines inside the restaurant, too, I don't see it disappearing any time soon.
Lessons to be learned from this post. First and foremost for a vegetarian is ASK. Even when there isn't a vegetarian option on the menu, the company may have no problems working with you. Secondly, for an unusual positive experience at a restaurant, use that 20% of your diet you're allowed to eat not-so-perfectly on In-N-Out.
Note: The 20% is from Mollie Katzen's Eat, Drink, and Weigh Less, a book about losing weight that makes diet change easy--including the fact that it allows people room to make occasional dining choices that might include less healthy things like white bread or a fried food. She recommends being "good" 80% of the time.
