The Fast Food Stop You Can’t Miss When Visiting Los Angeles

Southern California is foodie heaven and that reputation often extends to its fast-food options, as well. Visitors find themselves flooded with choices, enjoying one fantastic meal after another. But with so many options, deciding where to start can easily be a problem, especially for families with kids. If you’re looking for something quick and easy that still satisfies every member of the family and doesn’t fall short on taste or quality, In-N-Out is an absolute must.

This local burger chain is a So Cal institution that earned a reputation of epic proportions thanks to its fresh food and consistent quality. The burgers are made fresh, nothing is ever frozen, and the potatoes are peeled and cut right in front of you for the French fries.

The menu is simple: burgers, fries and drinks, but the not-so-secret “secret menu” lets you completely customize your meal, ensuring there is something for everyone in the family. For the meat lovers, you can get a burger or a cheeseburger or make it a classic “double double” with two meat patties and two slices of cheese. If you’re really hungry, you can keep going with a 3×3 or a 4×4, and for those who don’t eat meat or for kids who like classic kid fare, you can opt for a “grilled cheese,” a cheeseburger minus the meat patty that is worth every penny.

© Eugenia Lazaris

In-N-Out also offers the perfect touch to make sure it is kid-friendly during the winter season. On rainy days, kids 12 and under can get a free cup of hot cocoa to keep them warm. They’ve also recently added some new beverages to the menu – Cherry Coke and a lite pink lemonade (the first additions the chain has introduced since 2018). The shakes, just as good as the burgers, are also customizable with the “secret menu.” You can get a unique treat by ordering a Neapolitan shake, which gets you a milkshake with all three classic flavors: chocolate, strawberry and vanilla all swirled together.

One visit to In-N-Out will prove why it is a Southern California favorite and give the family a chance to eat like the locals do. In recent years the chain has made its way to neighboring states like Arizona and Nevada, bringing with it the telltale crossed palm trees standing proudly outside of each location. But despite this gradual expansion, grabbing a meal at this burger stand remains an iconic experience for families visiting Southern California.