Why In-N-Out Burger Is So Popular on the U.S. West Coast

Why In-N-Out Burger Is a West-Coast Sensation

In-N-Out Burger may be exclusive to America’s West Coast, but it has quite the following in Japan as well.

When the chain held a one-day pop-up in Ebisu, Tokyo, in June 2023, the lines were endless, and Japanese celebrities were posting about it on social media—proof that In-N-Out is a hot topic here, too.

And on June 15, 2024, the brand returned for another single-day pop-up at RIDE Shinagawa Tennozu (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

Tickets were gone even before the 9 a.m. opening, showing just how intense the demand was.

With two consecutive years of pop-ups, there’s a good chance In-N-Out could be back for another limited event in 2025.

This time, we’ll explore why people crave In-N-Out Burger and share the secrets behind its popularity—plus our favorite ways to order.

1. Overview

In-N-Out Burger was founded in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California, by husband-and-wife team Harry and Esther Snyder.

Launched as America’s first drive-thru hamburger stand, the brand has been expanding ever since.

True to the “Quality You Can Taste” sign you’ll find in every restaurant, you can enjoy fresh, high-quality burgers and fries at wallet-friendly prices.

Decked out in a cute red-and-white color scheme, each location stays busy no matter the day or time—In-N-Out is one of the most popular burger joints around.

During the “FanFest” at Dodger Stadium in February 2024, Shohei Ohtani mentioned that In-N-Out is his favorite burger spot, sparking even more buzz in Japan.

2. Commitment to Quality

They’re serious about using only the freshest ingredients!

Specifically, nothing is ever frozen, pre-processed, or microwaved.

The patties are 100 % beef with no additives or preservatives.

For the fries, each potato is hand-cut and cooked to order.

Produce—like tomatoes and lettuce—is delivered fresh every day.

Even the shakes are made with real ice cream. One bite is enough to rethink everything you thought you knew about burgers.

Because the patty is never frozen, it’s juicy and completely free of that “frozen beef” aftertaste.

The combo of fresh veggies and quality meat is simply unbeatable!

3. Limited to Specific Regions

In-N-Out Burger operates almost exclusively in West Coast states.

Because the chain refuses to use additives, freezing, or pre-processing, proximity to its own distribution centers is critical for keeping ingredients fresh.

Stores are opened only within a short, quality-preserving distance of those distribution hubs.

4. Simple Menu & Secret Items

The core menu is just the Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Double-Double, French Fries, and Shakes.

The go-to order is the Double-Double, which packs two patties.

You can add extra lettuce or tomato for free, and skip the onions if you prefer.

Their signature “spread” sauce tastes a bit like ketchup and mayo blended with chopped pickles—absolutely delicious.

Just ask when you pick up your food and they’ll give you extra packets for free—give it a try!

There are also “secret” options such as the Animal Style—topped with spread, grilled onions, and cheese—and the Protein Style, which swaps the bun for lettuce, letting you customize to your taste.

Protein Style is unlike anything you typically see in Japan. It’s perfect for days when you’ve over-indulged or want to cut back on carbs!

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For more details, check out the Instagram Reel!

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5. What About the Prices?

In-N-Out Burger isn’t just tasty—its prices are easy on the wallet, too! (Prices are current as of this blog’s publication.)

The classic Double-Double runs $5.15 each; a Cheeseburger is $3.65, and a Hamburger is $3.25.

French Fries cost $2.20, or $4.40 if you upgrade to Animal Style.

Drinks are $1.95 for a small, $2.10 for a medium, $2.30 for a large, and $2.50 for an extra-large. Dine-in customers enjoy free refills on any drink size!

6. Conclusion

Why is In-N-Out Burger so beloved?

The secret is an unwavering commitment to quality that hasn’t changed since day one and a simple yet endlessly customizable menu that invites creativity.

There are plenty of burger joints across America, but when you’re in Los Angeles, make sure to sample the magic of In-N-Out Burger at least once!

Check out our other burger posts, too!

Frontier by EcoDrive (@frontier_ecodrive)