Keegan Murray Intro Press Conference

[Warhawk]

Shake Shack above In-N-Out is sus though…might have change my choice in the Grade thread.

No, it isn’t. In-N-Out is highly overrated.

 

[MeddlingKid]

No, it isn’t. In-N-Out is highly overrated.

Disagree. Had you asked me after I tried Shake Shack in NYC 10 years ago, I would have agreed. The last couple times I've had it (at the Las Vegas and Century City locations) it was pretty nasty.

 

[hrdboild]

Shake Shack is alright. The part where it costs twice as much as In-n-Out for basically the same food is where they lose me.

 

[est.1999]

If in n out had shake shack’s buns, no one would touch them. The one thing I actually dislike from in n out is their buns. Eat it there and it’s good 90% of time. Drive a few minutes home(in a box with lid not closed all the way to allow ventilation) and it goes to crap most of the time.

 

[Sluggah]

No, it isn’t. In-N-Out is highly overrated.

Fightin words!

 

[PurpleHaze]

Expert De'Aaron Fox got it right! Wattaburger rules. I had it before south Texas and with jalapenos (which you have to ask for). Cost same or bit less In-N-Out double-double but WAY bigger in size, bun, meat, all of it.

 

[tyguy]

In n out has way cheaper burgers than the ones people feel are better. In n out doesn’t make the best burgers; they make the best bang for your buck burgers.

 

[iowamcnabb]

Shake shack at it’s best is tough to beat chain wise. Consistency is not there though

 

[funkykingston]

In n out has way cheaper burgers than the ones people feel are better. In n out doesn’t make the best burgers; they make the best bang for your buck burgers.

I feel like this point is often lost. Yeah, I've had better burgers than In-N-Out. But rarely (if ever) do you get a better burger for less money.

Their fries are a weak point though. They don't blanch them or double fry them.

 

[NiNetNiNe]

There are plenty of fast food chains with good burgers. But you're not going to find a burger, with fries and drink, as good as In-n-Outs that costs less than a McDonalds meal.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

No, it isn’t. In-N-Out is highly overrated.

Couldn’t agree more.

I wouldn’t go as far as say it isn’t any good at all, but even as a biased Californian I’ve never understood the hype behind In N Out. It’s merely ok or good. Just like a ton other burger joints out there.

I happen to believe The Habit is superior, as is Squeeze Inn. I even prefer Carl’s JR $6 burgers to it. As well as a few others places.

IMO a lot of In N Out’s popularity comes from reputation and the fact that it isn’t omnipresent and limited to 5 Western States which creates intrigue. And also helped to build up local pride from Californians.

To me it’s akin to the demand and popularity over Pliny the Elder craft beer. Due to it’s scarcity and marketing it developed a reputation as a much better beer than it actually is. I’d say that while majority finds it to be good, most beer connoisseurs know there to be vastly superior options out there.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

There are plenty of fast food chains with good burgers. But you're not going to find a burger, with fries and drink, as good as In-n-Outs that costs less than a McDonalds meal.

That’s because In N Out’s fries are DREADFUL. Among the worst around. You couldn’t give them away to many customers.

People can mock McDonalds burgers compared to the likes of In N Out, but their fries are much preferred by the masses.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

Shake Shack is alright. The part where it costs twice as much as In-n-Out for basically the same food is where they lose me.

I’ve had Shake Shack a few times and you’re spot on re: the pricing. Same goes for Moo Yah Burger if you’ve ever had it.
Way too over priced, especially for the portion sizes.

They don’t have them out West, but I thought Steak N Shake was pretty good for the price. But that was nearly 15 years ago when I tried it in St. Louis. IDK how it compares now.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

Expert De'Aaron Fox got it right! Wattaburger rules. I had it before south Texas and with jalapenos (which you have to ask for). Cost same or bit less In-N-Out double-double but WAY bigger in size, bun, meat, all of it.

Never had it, but always been curious. I’ve heard similar things from several others before.

 

[Noble]

You guys actually get burgers at In-N-Oit? I just get stuck in an infinite line and use 2 gallons of gas while idleing

 

[NiNetNiNe]

That’s because In N Out’s fries are DREADFUL. Among the worst around. You couldn’t give them away to many customers.

People can mock McDonalds burgers compared to the likes of In N Out, but their fries are much preferred by the masses.

What? I think In-N-Out's fries are really good once you toss a little more salt on them. Meanwhile, you let McDonald's fries sit for 5 minutes and they become tasteless pieces of cardboard.

 

[Warhawk]

There are plenty of fast food chains with good burgers. But you're not going to find a burger, with fries and drink, as good as In-n-Outs that costs less than a McDonalds meal.

I can afford an extra dollar or two to get good food.

 

[MeddlingKid]

Couldn’t agree more.

I wouldn’t go as far as say it isn’t any good at all, but even as a biased Californian I’ve never understood the hype behind In N Out. It’s merely ok or good. Just like a ton other burger joints out there.

I happen to believe The Habit is superior, as is Squeeze Inn. I even prefer Carl’s JR $6 burgers to it. As well as a few others places.

IMO a lot of In N Out’s popularity comes from reputation and the fact that it isn’t omnipresent and limited to 5 Western States which creates intrigue. And also helped to build up local pride from Californians.

To me it’s akin to the demand and popularity over Pliny the Elder craft beer. Due to it’s scarcity and marketing it developed a reputation as a much better beer than it actually is. I’d say that while majority finds it to be good, most beer connoisseurs know there to be vastly superior options out there.

Spot on re: Pliny. I remember pre-pandemic it was tough to find down here. Now you walk into any Whole Foods, Total Wine and they have numerous bottles of it. It's pretty good, but I don't even think it's as good as the Blind Pig beer they make.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Spot on re: Pliny. I remember pre-pandemic it was tough to find down here. Now you walk into any Whole Foods, Total Wine and they have numerous bottles of it. It's pretty good, but I don't even think it's as good as the Blind Pig beer they make.

I agree, I’d take Blind Pig over Pliny the Elder most days. I still haven’t tried Pliny the Younger, though, so I can’t say whether or not it lives up to the hype.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

Spot on re: Pliny. I remember pre-pandemic it was tough to find down here. Now you walk into any Whole Foods, Total Wine and they have numerous bottles of it. It's pretty good, but I don't even think it's as good as the Blind Pig beer they make.

I give Russian River a lot of credit. By making it scarce, they created higher demand. They’ve done the same with Pliny the Younger.

We see similar behavior from the masses when new restaurants or entertainment centers open up. In the beginning when it’s hard to get in it seems like more people want to do it.

Smart people have learned to take advantage of the FOMO and the need to be the first to experience something.

Local/regional only businesses get the advantage of scarcity. That’s key in the craft beer business and also plays a part in why the likes of In N Out get a reputation and cult following.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

You guys actually get burgers at In-N-Oit? I just get stuck in an infinite line and use 2 gallons of gas while idleing

Lol. Yep. Another reason I don’t frequent it much.

A week or so ago I happened to pass by a Sonic in the late evening and the drive thru easily had 25 cars in it.

My first thought was “Sonic ain’t that good people!”

Not only that, there are a Raising Cane’s and Local Kitchens super close by that is open super late with not even a 3rd of the line.

Chik Fil A often has the same huge lines. I really like their food, but not enough to ever sit in those lines!

 

[KingsFanSince85]

What? I think In-N-Out's fries are really good once you toss a little more salt on them. Meanwhile, you let McDonald's fries sit for 5 minutes and they become tasteless pieces of cardboard.

No amount of salt or condiments can save that disaster!

But I agree, like most food, McD’s fries gone cold or not fresh aren’t too good.

But I’ll still take them any day over whatever In N Out is producing.

 

[hrdboild]

I’ve had Shake Shack a few times and you’re spot on re: the pricing. Same goes for Moo Yah Burger if you’ve ever had it.
Way too over priced, especially for the portion sizes.

They don’t have them out West, but I thought Steak N Shake was pretty good for the price. But that was nearly 15 years ago when I tried it in St. Louis. IDK how it compares now.

There used to be a Steak n Shake about a mile from me in downtown Burbank and as I recall it was WAY better than Shake Shack. That place was always empty though, and they're gone now. I don't think they advertised enough.

It does matter to me that In n Out's food is still delivered fresh every day, not pulled out of a freezer. I don't know if that's true for any other fast food burger chains.

I like The Habit because they have tempura green beans and you can get avocado on your burger like a proper Californian but they don't quite scratch the In n Out itch. I think for some of us it's just a nostalgia thing. Nothing else tastes quite like it. It may not be objectively better than a burger I can make at home (I got pretty good at it during the 2020 lock down) but sometimes I feel like having an In n Out burger and chocolate shake and nothing else will satisfy that craving. I'm also in the extreme minority of actually liking their fries. They slice and fry the potatoes right in front of you. They don't taste weird to me, they taste like actual potatoes. Always park and walk in though. The drive through line is not worth it.

 

[gunks]

Well this thread has certainly taken a turn into TDOS territory!

.... team Habit btw. In-N-Out needs to rebrand as In-A-Line. And those bland fries! Yeesh...

 

[NiNetNiNe]

There used to be a Steak n Shake about a mile from me in downtown Burbank and as I recall it was WAY better than Shake Shack. That place was always empty though, and they're gone now. I don't think they advertised enough.

It does matter to me that In n Out's food is still delivered fresh every day, not pulled out of a freezer. I don't know if that's true for any other fast food burger chains.

I like The Habit because they have tempura green beans and you can get avocado on your burger like a proper Californian but they don't quite scratch the In n Out itch. I think for some of us it's just a nostalgia thing. Nothing else tastes quite like it. It may not be objectively better than a burger I can make at home (I got pretty good at it during the 2020 lock down) but sometimes I feel like having an In n Out burger and chocolate shake and nothing else will satisfy that craving. I'm also in the extreme minority of actually liking their fries. They slice and fry the potatoes right in front of you. They don't taste weird to me, they taste like actual potatoes. Always park and walk in though. The drive through line is not worth it.

I'm there with you, In-n-Outs fries are good along with their burgers being really good for a fast food place. Hell, even Gordon Ramsay loves them, it's the only fast food burger he likes.

 

[NME]

Their fries are a weak point though. They don't blanch them or double fry them.

Ask for "Well Done" fries.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

There used to be a Steak n Shake about a mile from me in downtown Burbank and as I recall it was WAY better than Shake Shack. That place was always empty though, and they're gone now. I don't think they advertised enough.

It does matter to me that In n Out's food is still delivered fresh every day, not pulled out of a freezer. I don't know if that's true for any other fast food burger chains.

I like The Habit because they have tempura green beans and you can get avocado on your burger like a proper Californian but they don't quite scratch the In n Out itch. I think for some of us it's just a nostalgia thing. Nothing else tastes quite like it. It may not be objectively better than a burger I can make at home (I got pretty good at it during the 2020 lock down) but sometimes I feel like having an In n Out burger and chocolate shake and nothing else will satisfy that craving. I'm also in the extreme minority of actually liking their fries. They slice and fry the potatoes right in front of you. They don't taste weird to me, they taste like actual potatoes. Always park and walk in though. The drive through line is not worth it.

I hear ya on the fresh part, however, I’d point out freshness doesn’t matter if you don’t like the food! Or at least if it isn’t among your favorites.

I have a buddy that‘s been an area and regional manager for Del Taco for years (he’s moved up the chain even further now) and he says their beans and other ingredients are made fresh daily as well. Outside of those two examples, I couldn’t tell you who else does it that way.

For me a Double-Char with Cheese from Habit destroys anything on In N Outs menu and their fries, onion rings, tempura beans and seasoned Brussel sprouts are vastly superior side options. I can’t speak to the milkshakes because I don’t do shakes from fast food joints often. That might be a good spin-off topic to this off-topic — who has the best milk shakes!!!

You are spot on regarding parking and walking. I mostly do In N’ Out when my adult son wants to go and that’s how we do it. Never the drive thru. I honestly can’t understand why anyone would be sit and wait through that. No fast food is worth a 30-60 minute wait or longer.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

Well this thread has certainly taken a turn into TDOS territory!

.... team Habit btw. In-N-Out needs to rebrand as In-A-Line. And those bland fries! Yeesh...

It certainly has. But in a fun way!

At least I now know who else is part of Team Habit!

 

[King Baller]

I like In N Out Burgers and fries. The burgers we make on our own grill at home are better though

 

[midtowner]

If you all are in Sac, treat yourself: https://yelp.to/ZyEixLMUfrb

Cookies Drive In makes an excellent burger (and the shakes are great as well).