13 Reasons In-N-Out Is Ridiculously Overrated

Anyone who has tried In-N-Out Burger seems to love it. The restaurant was voted the top fast food burger chain by Yelp reviewers this year.

Since the first store opened in 1948, their freshly grilled patties sparked a wave of popularity. While eating out can get expensive, there are many ways to stretch your fast food budget to indulge in the famous West Coast burger spot.

But not all hamburger enthusiasts love it. One critic on Thrillist even dubbed In-N-Out as "the most overrated burger in America." So, whether you love it or hate it, here are some reasons why In-N-Out is ridiculously overrated to online food critics.

The hamburger chain has a sparkly vibe, similar to Chick-fil-A. But where the chicken chain has a contemporary feel, In-N-Out boasts a more traditional, 1950s ambiance. People love the mid-century Americana vibe with the red and white booths, crisp white aprons, and cooks' paper hats. But many critics on Reddit say the branding is better than the food itself. 

If you're dining out at In-N-Out Burger, bring a book or a form of entertainment because the lines are long. And the drive-thru is even worse, with longer lines snaking through the parking lot and often backing out onto the street.

One user on Reddit says the food quality is inconsistent after dining five times at In-N-Out; the fries were crisp and hot on just three of those visits. On the other visits, the fries were soggy and unappetizing. 

Many food critics on Reddit hate In-N-Out's French fries. The digital pitchforks are out, calling the fries "oily," "gross," and "horrendous." One even called it "a culinary nightmare," for which the fast food restaurant should be held accountable for wasting potatoes. 

Many critics on Reddit claim that Five Guys is a better choice than In-N-Out. It can be a matter of preference, but also a small dose of regional pride. 

Although Five Guys has a similarly delicious burger, it costs significantly more. A single hamburger from Five Guys can go for around $9, and an In-N-Out Burger is usually around $4. These prices can vary by location.

In-N-Out Burger is proud of its fresh beef, but it's not the only joint selling fresh-meat sandwiches. Other fast food chains serving never-frozen beef patties include Culver's, Wendy's, Smashburger, and the Habit Burger & Grill.

Many diners on Reddit claim that In-N-Out Burger isn't deserving of all the hype, claiming it's just regional bias. Those who live back East, where the chain doesn't operate, seem particularly underwhelmed.

One Reddit diner comments that the chain is "just a ploy to [anger] East Coasters." Another observes that the chain's exclusivity makes it seem more "idealized" as a restaurant from a "sun-filled land of paradise."

"Absence makes the heart grow hungrier," claims one Reddit diner. They observe that In-Out-Burger is "a nostalgia thing for people who moved out of an area [that] had one."

In-N-Out Burger loyalists love ordering off-menu, requesting their burger "Animal Style." This secret menu option gives the brand mystique, but one user on ResetEra comments that Animal Style is a gimmicky hack.

Animal Style means getting your order loaded with extra pickles, onions, and a special sauce, which some might not find so special. Many believe it's similar to Thousand Island dressing.

In-N-Out Burger is tasty food, but don't overindulge. One fan on Reddit claimed, "If you eat it once in a blue moon, it's pretty good, but if it's your local [joint], it would quickly lose its luster." 

Even if you have the best cash back credit cards, it could incur a pretty large cost over time. 

Some critics see the Bible verses printed on the food wrapper as not the best move for the company, as customers can come from different religious backgrounds. 

"It's a family business and will always be, and that's a family touch," said In-N-Out's Owner and President, Lynsi Snyder, in regards to the food wrappers with Scripture printed on them. 

Love them or loathe them, In-N-Out Burger makes some good burgers and fries, if the order is turned out fresh and hasn't wilted under heat lamps. 

Some might argue the food chain is, if anything, ridiculously underrated. The late Anthony Bourdain, a renowned celebrity chef, once called it the best restaurant in Los Angeles. If you live on the West Coast or are planning to start traveling more and may visit, let your stomach be the judge.