Anthony Bourdain’s Top LA Eatery Was In-N-Out Burger.
Los Angeles is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene. From luxurious fine dining establishments to vibrant ethnic neighborhoods showcasing a variety of global cuisines, L.A. is a must-visit for any food lover. During his visit to the City of Angels in 2015 while filming the cooking competition “The Taste,” Anthony Bourdain shared with Eater what his favorite restaurant in L.A. was. Surprisingly, his top choice was not one of the city’s 24 Michelin-starred restaurants, nor a hidden gem in Thai Town or Little Tokyo — it was a fast food chain: In-N-Out Burger.
In a video interview with Eater, Bourdain revealed that upon arriving at LAX, his first stop was always In-N-Out for a burger, and he would also make a point to return before leaving town. He remarked, “it’s the only fast-food chain that I actually like.”
Bourdain was so impressed by the Southern California drive-thru that he extolled the virtues of its burgers. He praised its delicious buns, fresh toppings, and noted that the “cheese-like substance is just perfect.” However, what truly captivated him was the quality of the meat, which he described as “brilliant,” elaborating that the burger’s two thinly pressed patties maximize meat exposure to the palate. He likened it to “a ballistic missile. A perfectly designed … protein delivery system.”
“Animal style” at In-N-Out refers to a burger topped with grilled onions, extra spread, and pickles for added flavor.
During the interview with Eater, Bourdain was filmed enjoying a Double-Double outside of an In-N-Out, delicately unwrapping and savoring the signature burger. The Double-Double features freshly baked, toasted buns, two slices of American cheese, onions, ripe tomatoes, lettuce, and “spread,” which is the restaurant’s take on special sauce. While the precise recipe for the spread remains a secret, it is known to be a Thousand Island-style mix of mayo, ketchup, and relish made from sweet pickles. And, of course, there are the two layers of beef patties, which the company proudly claims are made from 100% USDA ground chuck without any additives.
Bourdain preferred his Double-Doubles animal style — a menu option that signifies that the beef patties are cooked with mustard, topped with pickles, grilled onions, and slathered in extra sauce. Although ordering from In-N-Out’s secret menu may have once been a covert act, the company has embraced popular customizations, now listing many on its “Not So Secret” menu.
While relishing his sauce-soaked burger brimming with toppings, Bourdain confidently declared on camera: “Oh yeah, there it is, my favorite restaurant in Los Angeles. A city with many fine restaurants by the way” (via Eater). Joining him in his admiration for the meaty Double-Double is none other than Gordon Ramsay, who has been quoted stating that he would choose it as his last meal — animal style.
In-N-Out increases prices across California.
In-N-Out Burger was established in 1948, with its inaugural Southern California site opening in Baldwin Park. In 2023, it marked its 75th anniversary and celebrated by opening its 400th location in Meridian, Idaho. Initially confined to the West Coast, In-N-Out has expanded into eight additional states, including Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. Future plans include additional locations in Southern Washington by 2025, Franklin, Tennessee by 2026, and Albuquerque, New Mexico by 2027.
In discussing rumors of potential expansion, Anthony Bourdain noted that “some cruel person starts a rumor … that In-N-Out is coming to Brooklyn or to one of the boroughs.” As a result, he observed, “Everybody in New York … goes insane.” Regrettably, any such gossip about East Coast expansion has no basis in truth. During a 2024 Today Show segment with Lynsi Snyder, the current owner and granddaughter of the founders, she conveyed that the chances of this happening were “probably never.”
Regarding inflation and cost management, Snyder expressed that the company aims to keep prices “that much” lower due to their obligation to care for their customers. However, it was revealed in June 2024 that In-N-Out would be increasing prices in California, bringing the price of a Double-Double with fries and a drink to over $10, including tax. This increase is attributed to California’s $20 minimum wage hike for fast food workers.
