What In-N-Out Burger Is and How to Order

In-N-Out Burger is a fast-food chain that operates in the western United States, primarily in California, Nevada, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Wyoming. Unlike most burger restaurants, In-N-Out has a limited menu and operates drive-throughs, walk-up counters, and indoor seating. You order at a counter or through a drive-through speaker, pay, and receive your food within a few minutes.

To order, you approach the counter or speak into the drive-through microphone and tell the employee what you want. The menu is small and posted on the wall or on a board above the counter. You can order a burger, fries, a drink, and a shake. Payment happens at the counter or at the drive-through window. Most locations accept cash and card payments. Your food is prepared fresh to order, so there is a short wait — usually under five minutes even during busy times.

In-N-Out does not use a kiosk or app ordering system at most locations. You order by speaking to an employee. Some locations have employees with handheld tablets who take orders in the parking lot or in line, which speeds up the process at the counter window.

Key Takeaways

  • In-N-Out has a small menu: burgers, fries, drinks, and shakes, with no chicken, fish, or breakfast items.
  • You order at a counter or drive-through by speaking to an employee, not through an app or kiosk at most locations.
  • Food is made fresh to order and typically ready within a few minutes, even during peak hours.
  • The chain operates only in western states and does not have locations nationwide.
  • In-N-Out has an unofficial "secret menu" of items not listed on the official menu but that employees will make if you request them.

The Official Menu and Pricing

The In-N-Out menu consists of four main categories: burgers, fries, drinks, and shakes. Burgers come in two sizes — a single patty or a double patty — and include lettuce, tomato, onion, and spread (a special sauce). You can order them "protein style," which means wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. Fries come in one size and are hand-cut from fresh potatoes. Drinks include soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, and coffee. Shakes come in three flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.

Pricing varies slightly by location but is generally lower than other fast-food chains. A single burger costs between $3 and $4, a double burger between $4 and $5, and fries between $2 and $3. Drinks and shakes range from $2 to $4 depending on size. In-N-Out does not publish a nationwide price list, so you can ask the employee or check the menu board at your location for exact prices.

You can customize any burger by adding or removing ingredients. You can request extra pickles, extra onions, no tomato, or any other modification. There is no charge for most customizations. The restaurant does not charge extra for adding a patty or changing the style of preparation.

The Secret Menu and Unofficial Items

In-N-Out has an unofficial "secret menu" of items that are not printed on the official menu but that employees will prepare if you request them by name. These items have become well-known through word of mouth and online forums. Common secret menu items include the "Animal Style" burger (with pickles, grilled onions, and extra spread), the "Protein Style" burger (wrapped in lettuce), the "Flying Dutchman" (two patties and two slices of cheese with no bun), the "3x3" (three patties and three slices of cheese), and the "Fries Well Done" (fries cooked longer and crispier than standard).

Other secret menu items include the "Neapolitan Shake" (a mix of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry), the "Lemonade" (fresh-squeezed, though availability varies), and the "Iced Tea." You can also order a "Burger" with no meat (just bun, lettuce, tomato, onion, and spread), which some people call a "Veggie Burger," though it is not an official menu item.

Employees are trained to honor these requests, and there is no penalty or surcharge for ordering from the secret menu. However, not all locations may be equally familiar with every secret menu item, so if an employee does not understand your request, you can describe what you want instead.

How to Pay and What Payment Methods Are Accepted

In-N-Out accepts cash and major credit and debit cards at all locations. You pay at the counter or at the drive-through window after you order. Most locations do not require a minimum purchase. If you pay with cash, the employee will give you change. If you pay with a card, you will be asked to insert, tap, or swipe your card depending on the terminal type.

In-N-Out does not have a loyalty program, rewards card, or app-based payment system at most locations. You cannot pre-order through an app or website. Some locations may accept mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay at the card terminal, but this varies by location. If you want to know whether a specific location accepts a particular payment method, you can call ahead or ask when you arrive.

Drive-Through, Walk-Up, and Indoor Seating Options

Most In-N-Out locations have a drive-through lane where you order at a speaker and pick up food at a window. You do not need to leave your car. The drive-through is typically the fastest option during busy times because employees with tablets can take your order while you wait in line, and your food is ready when you reach the window.

You can also walk up to the counter and order inside. Indoor seating is available at most locations, with tables and booths. Some locations have outdoor seating as well. If you order at the counter, you will receive a number or your name will be called when your food is ready. You can sit down and wait, or stand at the counter.

A few In-N-Out locations have walk-up windows only, with no drive-through or indoor seating. These are typically in urban areas or locations with limited space. You can ask the employee or check the location's hours and details online to find out what options are available at the specific restaurant you plan to visit.

Locations and Hours of Operation

In-N-Out operates only in western states: California, Nevada, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Wyoming. The chain does not have locations on the East Coast or in the Midwest. If you are traveling to one of these states, you can find the nearest In-N-Out by searching online or using the restaurant's website locator.

Most In-N-Out locations are open from mid-morning to late evening, typically 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. or 11 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some locations may have shorter hours on certain days. You can check the hours for a specific location by searching online or calling the restaurant directly. During peak times — lunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) — the drive-through and counter can have long lines, but service is usually still fast.

What to Know About Food Preparation and Freshness

In-N-Out prepares all food fresh to order. Burgers are cooked on a griddle after you order, not kept warm under heat lamps. Fries are hand-cut from fresh potatoes and cooked in vegetable oil. This means there is always a short wait, but the food is hot and fresh when you receive it.

The restaurant does not use frozen beef patties. All beef is fresh, never frozen, and is sourced from regional suppliers. The buns are baked fresh daily by suppliers. Tomatoes, lettuce, and onions are fresh produce. This commitment to fresh ingredients is a core part of In-N-Out's brand and operations.

If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, you can ask the employee about ingredients. In-N-Out does not have a published allergen menu, but employees can tell you what is in each item. If you have a severe allergy, you may want to call ahead and speak to a manager to discuss preparation and cross-contamination risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order In-N-Out online or through an app?

No. In-N-Out does not offer online ordering or a mobile app at most locations. You must order in person at the counter or drive-through. This is by design — the company prioritizes fresh-to-order food and does not use a pre-ordering system.

Does In-N-Out have chicken or fish sandwiches?

No. In-N-Out serves only beef burgers, fries, drinks, and shakes. There are no chicken sandwiches, fish sandwiches, salads, or other entrees. If you do not eat beef, you can order fries, a drink, and a shake, or a lettuce-wrapped burger with no patty.

What is the difference between a single and a double burger?

A single burger has one beef patty and one slice of cheese. A double burger has two beef patties and two slices of cheese. Both come with lettuce, tomato, onion, and spread. You can order a "3x3" (three patties and three slices of cheese) or higher if you want more meat.

Are In-N-Out fries good, and why do people have strong opinions about them?

In-N-Out fries are hand-cut from fresh potatoes and cooked to order. Some people prefer them thin and crispy, while others find them too soft. If you want crispier fries, you can order them "well done" or "extra crispy," and the kitchen will cook them longer. This is a common secret menu request.

Can I get a refund if I am not satisfied with my food?

In-N-Out has a straightforward return policy: if you are not satisfied, you can return to the counter and speak to a manager. Most locations will remake your food or refund your money without requiring a receipt. The company prioritizes customer satisfaction and does not have a formal dispute process.