In N Out Burger... really that great?

"Chairman Kaga" (mike-mckinnon)
01/10/2014 at 16:14 • Filed to: None

I had a late morning meeting near the new In N Out in Austin today, so I popped over afterward to see what the fuss is about. Can I just say, while it was fine, and certainly a notch above the usual fast food burger, it wasn't exactly what I'd call an epiphany. I just ordered a double double combo, no secret menu BS. I wanted unfiltered for my first taste of the Texas version. Disclaimer: I ate at In N Out many times while visiting the left coast. At that time, I thought it was the cat's pajamas. Of course, that was relative to my experiences with common fast food circa mid-90s.

Austin has several great burger chains. My favorite is P. Terry's. It's the same basic concept as In N Out. Simple menu, few options, focus on the food, inexpensive. They do what I call "normal sized food" too. None of these half pound monstrosities. Just old school flat, 1/5 pound griddled burgers on a one-handed bun with a few veggies. But P. Terry's meat tastes better. It's spicier and meatier. Their fries are hand cut and crispy fried. Honestly, I thought In N Out's fries, which are supposedly their big draw, were sort of soft and mealy. They definitely didn't taste fresh and homemade. I can't see why I'd pick In N Out over our home-grown option, and not just out of local pride. It's just better.

Anyway, I'm not going to dump on it too much. You guys loooove In N Out. I mean, there were Cali transplants taking their pictures outside this place, exclaiming for everyone to hear, "FINALLY!" I know the Texas version might not be as authentic as the original Cali-style joints, but still, give me P. Terry's, Dan's, Hill-Berts, or Top Notch for a quick fast food burger. Not to mention the MANY gourmet-style burger places around these days (dear lord, Hopdoddy's). Am I just missing something? Does the secret menu make up the difference?

DISCUSSION (83)

EL_ULY > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:18

I went to one in Dallas..

as we say here in Texas, "no mames guey!"

Whataburger is a bazillion trillion times better

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:18

Not what it's hyped up to be.

Casper > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:18

Even those of us on the same coast don't really get it if we are too far north. There are a lot of places as good or better. I think it's more a California culture thing (that or they just normally have really bad burgers).

PatBateman > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:19

For local joints, I enjoy Austin's P. Terry's and Dan's. Statewide, Whataburger is the prime choice. I don't eat fast food often, though.

Where is that In N Out? I'm coming into A-Town tonight, may stop there.

ttyymmnn > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:20

Good review. I still want to try it, though, because of all the hype. I'm waiting for things to cool down, though. I drove past the Airport location last weekend and there was still a cop in the parking lot directing traffic. I still really like Five Guys. And I really like the fries at Whataburger.

ddavidn > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:20

Well... It's not revolutionary. Though I like my double double and fries animal style, I have tried the regular versions and loved them. It's great food, fast, cheap. I also like Five Guys. But it's not gourmet. I don't really like the fries at either place. I don't have an In-N-Out near me, but I do have a new Five Guys. I just don't have many great burgers near me, so to find one that's twice as good at half the price makes me excited. Living in a place with great burgers (Portland, Texas, etc.) will make you a lot pickier.

matthewklein220 > Casper
01/10/2014 at 16:21

I think they're just a bit better in California since the chain started here. Could be wrong though.

jariten1781 > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:23

No...it's just like a bit better McDonalds with better service but longer lines.

Give me Whataburger or Five Guys any day in the same price bracket.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:24

I was introduced to Top Notch while I was down there. Have you gone there when they do movie nights?

Casper > matthewklein220
01/10/2014 at 16:25

I have stopped there in California too (visiting relatives or for races) and it's just nothing special. Here in Oregon and Washington there are specialty burger places all over that are better and even some oldies that are still really good like A&W and Burgerville. Heck, Burgervilles even do seasonal local specialties that are great. Not great enough to make me pay for them very often, but still great.

I will say that I haven't found anywhere else in California that's BETTER than In N Out other than some gourmet restaurants.

PanchoVilleneuve ST > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:25

It's just a fast food hamburger done really, really well. That's why I love them.

Josh Welton > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:26

I'm from Detroit, but I did live for 1 1/2 years in SoCal. Never really got into it. When I travel out west with friends they're always so hyped about it, or when someone posts on FB about heading west everyone's like "In N Out and Animalize it blah blah blah." I eat there. I like it. But it's nothing special. Just another chain joint.

Chairman Kaga > PatBateman
01/10/2014 at 16:27

45th/Airport at I35 North. There's also one up in Round Rock and one either just opened or opening soon in Cedar Park (if you come down 620 or 1834 to avoid I35).

camaroboy68ss > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:28

I think it boils down to if its more of a place down the street or if its a place you hit on a vacation. Here in Oregon there are no In and Outs but there is a chain like them called Burgerville. If I head to Cali I have to get In and Out while peoplei know from Cali have to Burgerville I think it's just a treat thing you look forward to because its not accessible from home at any time.

SubiSanchez > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:29

I'd say it's more of a cult thing now. Their food is great and I love their shakes and fries animal style but I think the main draw is it's exclusivity. I know that for me a trip to California doesn't feel complete without a stop at an In N Out joint.

For Sweden > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:30

I just ordered a double double combo, no secret menu BS

This is where you done goofed.

For Sweden > ddavidn
01/10/2014 at 16:31

Have you ever ordered the fries well done? They'll make them crispier.

Chairman Kaga > ttyymmnn
01/10/2014 at 16:31

That's the one I hit today. It was 12:45 and the drive-thru was bonkers, so I went inside. I had to park in the dirt lot and was prepared to walk if the line was too long, but is was surprisingly quite short, and credit where credit is due, I had my food in less than 5 minutes.

Fun fact: Chief Acavedo was there with his wife, and some random dude asked him for his autograph.

The burger itself was fresher tasting that what I usually get at Whataburger, but I still though just in terms of flavor it was a little bland.

Mighty Fine is slightly preferable to Five Guys. Not a whole lot of difference, I guess.

ddavidn > For Sweden
01/10/2014 at 16:33

Where? I do order fries extra crispy at Red Robin every time I go there. So much win.

Manuél Ferrari > ddavidn
01/10/2014 at 16:34

I like both as well.

And I totally agree. In N Out isn't revolutionary, and I don't think it's meant to be. Anyone that expects it to be a religious experience will be let down.

What's great about In N Out, if you live near one, is that you can get it all the time. The quality is always consistent.

In N Out isn't a Lambo. It's more of an M3. You can use it everyday :)

Chairman Kaga > Where have all the lightweights gone?
01/10/2014 at 16:35

Not in years. It's quite a hike from our house, and from work, so it's usually when I'm taking a long lunch to go up north to Pinballz or shop for vintage games at Game Over.

And man, was I happy when they got bought out after the original owner died, and the new owner didn't change a single thing. Same weird late 60s decor, same drive-up carhop service, same menu, same charcoal grill. Well, except they now take credit cards and Go Local cards! Longhorn burger, tater tots and a fried pie. I'm not a natural born Texas, but that meal makes me feel like one.

AMC/Renauledge > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:37

People here in Oregon go nuts every time they go to an IN-n-Out Burger in California.

It's even become a thing for OSU Beavers football players .

I lived in Cali for a couple years before moving back to my native Oregon land. I had many In-n-Out Burger experiences, and I have since concluded that I like our local Burgerville chain better. At the flagship location in Vantucky, WA, they'll even serve you beer and wine .

For Sweden > ddavidn
01/10/2014 at 16:37

Just ask for "fries well done" and they'll cook them for longer.

Other good In-N-Out mods: (mods? because cars? whatever)

Mustard grilled: Animal style burgers are like this by default, but any burger can be grilled on a small serving of mustard.

Grilled Onion: Instead of raw onion, chopped onions are cooked with burger, similar to a patty melt

Whole Grilled Onion : Same as grilled onion, but an entire slice of onion is grilled, not chopped onions.

ddavidn > Manuél Ferrari
01/10/2014 at 16:38

Hey, I DO use an M3 every day! Good comparison. I would definitely stop by In-N-Out regularly if I lived in California, just like I go to Five Guys. It's never fancy or particularly amazing, but the menu is simple and I can get whatever I want on a burger. And we have the Pinifarina Coke machines now. Woot!

I do think that In-N-Out's selling point for me is the animal sauce.

ddavidn > For Sweden
01/10/2014 at 16:39

Nice. I'll remember that next time I'm down there.

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:46

It might be that the stores at the far reaches of the corporate tendrils are not as good, like they don't really have the right culture. Here in Arizona, we're still close enough to the SoCal mothership for In-n-Out that its good here. We've also got a couple of Whataburgers, which I can not stand for the life of me and I've tried them twice . Perhaps the situation is reversed in Texas.

Brian Silvestro > jariten1781
01/10/2014 at 16:49

Five Guys burgers are delicious, their fries are nothing special, however.

All Motor Is Best Motor > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 16:57

In-N-Out burger isn't as good as everyone makes it out to be. Yeah, it's good, and much better than Wendy's/McDonald's/Burger King/Hardees/Carl's Jr, I prefer Culver's burgers. Those butterburgers are amazing. So much flavor, so juicy.

Manuél Ferrari > ddavidn
01/10/2014 at 17:07

Me too! Well it does sit some days when I drive the 997 to work. But the M3 would have been the dedicated DD if I could only have one car right now.

And I do eat both In N Out and 5 Guys in the M3. I know that's bad and that I should never eat in a nice car. But I work a LOT and sometimes I leave work pretty late and I'm too hungry to wait until I get home to eat my burger(s). And sometimes I have really short lunch breaks before my next meeting so I just eat the burger on the drive back to the office...

I get both In N Out and 5 Guys at least once a week. When I'm tired of one I get the other. 5 Guys rules because it has BACON

Korea Miéville > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 17:09

In-N-Out is conflicting to me because I don't find them the best-tasting burger joint, but they're probably among the best of the (non-gourmet) fast food burger joints in terms of the quality of ingredients — never-frozen, high-quality beef patties, fresh veggies, etc. — and the high level of service. On the level of ingredients they're leagues beyond the garbage you get at places like Burger King, or even many regional burger joints that don't have the same standards. On the other hand, some places serve up pretty tasty garbage! So, for me In-n-Out is great for when I want the particular thing they offer.

The problem with the fries I think epitomizes the whole In-N-Out conundrum. The fries are limp as a consequence of the whole "freshness" mandate. Their selling point is that they're not frozen or pre-cut, but made fresh to order from a real potato. Which is great except that in order to get crispy fries, you actually can't just cut and fry them — you have to double fry them, with a resting/cooling interval in between. Most fast food fries are par-cooked and (usually) glazed and frozen, so they fry up crispy. The way In-N-Out does them, they're super-fresh, but limp and mealy, and practically inedible after a few minutes. I do like them, but they're more like hot potato strings than french fries.

Also, if there's one thing I've learned from living in various regions of the country, it's that everyone loves the burgers they grew up with, no matter how objectively mediocre they are. One city I moved to had this legendary burger joint that the locals absolutely raved about. I finally caved and tried one, took two bites and threw the dried out hockey puck sandwich into the trash. My (native born) friend was like, "Are you crazy? It's delicious!" Taste is a mysterious thing.

ddavidn > Manuél Ferrari
01/10/2014 at 17:15

I can't stand eating in a car. I don't even like transporting coffee in my car. And my car isn't even that nice. I would (and have, many times) skip lunch instead of eating in my car. Usually it would be a better idea to eat in my car...

Bacon cheeseburgers are seriously the best. Sometimes I go to five guys and get a bacon cheeseburger (the big one) with nothing on it. Or everything. Depends on what mood I'm in, aside from feeling rich enough to afford that burger.

Manuél Ferrari > ddavidn
01/10/2014 at 17:25

I'm a bad person, I know... Bad habit. But I just love doing everything in my car. Cause I love being in my car. I love listening to the radio in my car. I love checking emails on my phone in my car. Hopefully I'll sire my first child in my car. I'd just rather be in my car than at my desk or on my couch. It's like being on a comfy leather chair where everything is at your fingertips. Radio, sat radio, and lots of N/A ponies that are ready to take you anywhere you want very quickly :)

The large bacon cheeseburger at 5 Guys is one of America's best meals. It's not cheap like going to a 99 cent menu but it's still good value cause you were be full for a LONG time.

ddavidn > Manuél Ferrari
01/10/2014 at 17:28

What year is it? I've now got to draw a mental picture of you living in your car. I don't have a radio now, but I used to and that was cool.

You underestimate my appetite, but yes. The value is there. My meal budget usually just ranges from $3-5. And that's why they have the little burgers!

Manuél Ferrari > ddavidn
01/10/2014 at 17:35

Haha I thought I had a big appetite! Everyone always tells me I eat too much.

It's a 2011 E90

I also have a 2004 E46 M3 coupe that actually has less miles than the E90. But low on money and selling it to an opponaut. He's coming over Sat to drive it for the 2nd time.

I got myself into way too many car loans. Even the E46 is financed. My credit union will finance anything and everything. They just keep pre-approving me for more and more debt. It's awesome but kind of bad at the same time!

I'm really hoping they don't send me an offer letter to finance the new Lambo over 15 years with 0% down. That would get me in trouble...

ddavidn > Manuél Ferrari
01/10/2014 at 17:41

I eat way too much sometimes, other times I eat way too little. It balances out in the least healthy way. It's strange, because I can convince myself that by eating some crackers, I am good for the rest of the day. But if you put a whole medium-large pizza in front of me, there won't be any left. Usually I just eat a big lunch and a light dinner, or skip dinner. There isn't much food at home.

I never want a car loan. But it will likely happen. Luckily, my credit isn't very fantastic anyway. So I don't get good offers.

That would be a pretty good deal, as long as you also get a 15-year warranty... Otherwise you'll regret it...

Manuél Ferrari > ddavidn
01/10/2014 at 17:44

That's actually pretty healthy the way you do it. Eating a lot then skipping dinner or having a light one is good for you. That way you don't sleep while food is digesting. And you don't eat a ton of carbs late at night that don't get burnt off.

Once your credit gets better be very afraid. It's hard not to use low interest rates and 5 year loans when you really love a car. It's so much better to not have them as you do now. Owning a car cash is better for so many reasons. Not only do you not have a payment but if you need cash quickly you can sell it and buy a beater. The big down payment I put into the E90 loan is already gone. It's depreciated so much that if I sold it I'd just be able to pay off the loan.

ddavidn > Manuél Ferrari
01/10/2014 at 17:49

Yeah, but sometimes I go a whole day without eating anything, and sometimes I eat a big lunch and a big dinner. Today will be a day where I eat a big lunch and a big dinner. But, I seem to be the only one at work who doesn't get sick, so I must not be that unhealthy. (Sound reasoning, right?)

Yeah, depreciation does not sound fun. I might end up in a loan for a $10k car though, eventually. I'm building my credit back up from living off a few credit cards in 2012. They won't be paid off for quite some time. Only then can I start saving for a downpayment on a car. Problem is, I really don't mind beaters very much. I'm never sure if I can consider my M3 a beater, but I bought it for $2,500 and it makes me much happier than an E46 with payments would.

Manuél Ferrari > ddavidn
01/10/2014 at 17:53

It's Friday, so a big lunch and big dinner is required!

I don't think an M3 can be considered a beater. It can have 250,000 miles on it and bad paint. But it's still an M3 so it's not a beater, it's just a nicely used performance car :)

ddavidn > Manuél Ferrari
01/10/2014 at 17:56

More importantly... payday AND Friday! It's the only day every month I feel like I have enough money to live.

Paint is pretty good, it hasn't quite hit 200k yet, but has a broken strut, an electrical gremlin, a slight fuel leak, lifter tick, broken windshield, no radio and the ignition tumbler is totally non-operational. But I love her, all these things can be fixed in time. Lots of time. Three years and counting. She wasn't very nicely used by the previous owner.

Flat Six > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 18:11

I still haven't tried In N Out in Austin yet, although I've had it many times in California. It always tasted delicious when I stopped along I-5 on the way from San Jose to LA, but other times the I thought the fries were pretty gross.

I really like P. Terry's too. Hopdoddy's is awesome but it is so rich and usually there is beer involved so it puts you in the food coma. I've been going to Phil's Ice House lately - good burgers with interesting toppings and a playground for the kids.

Kinja'd!!!

Manuél Ferrari > ddavidn
01/10/2014 at 18:13

Nice! You should buy a steak and grill it up tonight!

The fuel leak should be the next thing to get fixed. You don't want to waste fuel or catch fire!

The gremlin can be postponed. She's just being her German self ;)

ddavidn > Manuél Ferrari
01/10/2014 at 18:15

Even better, company holiday party. Free drinks and dinners.

Don't worry. I carry a fire extinguisher. The strut is next, it's pretty bad. The fuel thing gets postponed because I am taking it to a mechanic for that. I tried to fix it myself, and only made it slightly better. And I want to make sure there are no other fuel system issues.

Totally. I thought I had fixed it, but sure enough this morning I had to jumpstart her.

Chairman Kaga > Flat Six
01/10/2014 at 18:19

I have to say, I do not like the sweet buns Phil's and Moonie's use. They taste like the dinner rolls my high school cafeteria served.

Manuél Ferrari > ddavidn
01/10/2014 at 18:21

Free drinks and dinner is way better!

That broken strut would be annoying. Good idea to have a mechanic look at the fuel system issue.

Did your gremlin cause a parasitic drain on the battery? I bought one of those battery chargers for situations like that. If a problem is not resolved then you can charge the battery overnight so you don't need a jump

ddavidn > Manuél Ferrari
01/10/2014 at 18:24

I have a portable battery charger, it has been awesome. It's a random parasitic drain, really really weird. I can let the car sit for a week, come back and fire it right up. But randomly once every 1-2 weeks, it won't have enough juice to start. Could be overnight, could be just 10 minutes. Nothing I know of could cause a severe battery drain like that without being obvious. I have checked wires and connections and recently replaced the alternator, alternator idler pulley and battery. One time, I pulled off to help my wife with her broken car, jumped back in 20 minutes later and mine wouldn't start. I just left it, came back a couple hours later and it started. Boggles my mind.

Manuél Ferrari > ddavidn
01/10/2014 at 18:37

That is random!!

Is your car stick? If so you could push start it when it happens

ddavidn > Manuél Ferrari
01/10/2014 at 18:39

Yeah, it's a stick. I've never tried to push-start it I guess. I assumed the computer would have something to say about that.

Flat Six > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 18:40

They can be a little heavy - especially Moonies.

Manuél Ferrari > ddavidn
01/10/2014 at 18:41

you should try it! it might work

ddavidn > Manuél Ferrari
01/10/2014 at 18:42

Usually, I don't have enough room in my garage to try it. Not sure if I could pull it off. But next time it's appropriate, I will.

But those portable jumpstarters really are fantastic.

Manuél Ferrari > ddavidn
01/10/2014 at 18:46

yeah you really don't want to try it in the garage. it would only work if you could roll it onto the drive way or street to do it

the portable jumpstarters are badass. that would be the best tool to have

ddavidn > Manuél Ferrari
01/10/2014 at 18:48

I was trying to think if I could pull it off or not. I have a level garage, but then it's a sharp incline and about 1 and a half carlengths until I need to turn to avoid a stone wall. I see things going poorly.

Manuél Ferrari > ddavidn
01/10/2014 at 18:48

haha that does sound like things could go very poorly

bhardoin > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 19:21

It isn't that it's really good, it's just an awesome value. I can't think of any meal as tasty that I can get as fast, reliably along any freeway for $6.50.

John Norris (AngryDrifter) > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 19:36

Grew up in LA live in Georgia. I miss it. I visit In N Out a few times every trip back.

George McNally > Chairman Kaga
01/10/2014 at 23:15

5 Guys makes really good burgers as well.

Torgen > Brian Silvestro
01/12/2014 at 02:12

Ordering fries from Fiive Guys made me feel like a terrible person for wasting 2/3 of a SMALL order of fries.

Brian Silvestro > Torgen
01/12/2014 at 09:40

THIS. Why the fuck do they give you so much fries!!!!

His Stigness > ddavidn
01/12/2014 at 14:27

We just got a Five Guys near and I was super unimpressed. It was wayy to expensive for some frozen patties you could get at Costco. It did not live up to its height, and I could not believe how expensive it was. We also got a new once called way back burger, and that place was wayy better than five guys, and cheaper. But we also have the Habbit which is really good, and Fat Burger which is the best. In N Out is way overrated, it bugs me when people rave about it here considering the great alternatives.

ddavidn > His Stigness
01/12/2014 at 21:47

See... I think Fatburger is way overpriced. Five guys isn't cheap, at $9-10 for a burger and fries, but there aren't a whole lot of options where I am. It's the best $7 and I usually skip the fries. I thought it tasted good, though, and the variety of free toppings is nice. They are also really fast.

What I really want is a Wing Stop.

qmc > Chairman Kaga
01/13/2014 at 06:28

fries less soft? or so that they hold up til you finish your burger? order them well done.

His Stigness > ddavidn
01/15/2014 at 21:24

It's been a while since I've been to Fatburger (I always forget about and go to the Habbit) but I don't remember it being expensive, I always felt the price was fair for the amount of food. Five Guys was ridiculously overpriced though for frozen hamburgers. The fries were good, but not the best. I'd say for Southern California Fatburger is the best, followed by the Habbit, then Way Back, then. Anne In N Out (which I don't like and think is WAY overrated) then below that is Fine Guys.
But hamburgers are easy really, and they're hard to screw up, but it's really good Mexican food (particularly burritos) that is hard to find, but since I live in Southern California I'm kind of spoiled for choice.

ddavidn > His Stigness
01/16/2014 at 01:06

Yeah, I am definitely envious of your Mexican food. I consume huge amounts of it when I visit. Very large amounts of food. I don't remember if I've been to a fatburger down there, but chains are known to be quite different on opposite ends of our coast. For example, your Taco Time is nothing like our Taco Time. Ours sucks even worse. And your Carls Jr. establishments are better and more plentiful. I could go on, but I'm hungry now.

His Stigness > ddavidn
01/16/2014 at 10:36

I've never heard of Taco Time. Mexican food chains are t that good though compared to local places. Like Chipotle, they suck major ass. People either love or hate that place. Then there's Freebirds that came to Ventura. It sucks too but not as bad Chipotle. The problem with Freebirds is that the original is only in Santa Barbara at UCSB, and there really is no equal to Freebirds. You ask anyone in Ventura County about the original Freebirds and they start salivating...

ddavidn > His Stigness
01/16/2014 at 11:04

I hate Chipotle and its sister Qdoba, which is mostly what we have here. I'm lucky enough to live and work close to good taco trucks, though not quite as good as yours. I am pretty sure I could live off a taco truck.

One chain I wish we had is WingStop, though I don't know if you have any. Mmmmm... wings...

His Stigness > ddavidn
01/16/2014 at 15:51

I've never had a taco truck come to work, just a "roach coach" (that's my VW mentor called it, I had no idea what he was talking about) which wasn't bad, but it always came at 10:30 which was a horrible time, too late for breakfast and too early for lunch.

I've never hear of WingStop, but I don't crave wings. Sure, they're good, especially the ones from Costco (have you had them? We get those at mine a lot, and the calzones, but I get tired of those quickly). But other than those I never order wings when I go out, I either get a burger or burrito at restaurants, makes it easy when ordering.

I just ate lunch but now I'm hungry with all this food talk...

ddavidn > His Stigness
01/16/2014 at 15:55

...Your Costco has wings? My Costco has frozen wings... none available to eat. I hate bad wings (Buffalo Wild Wings, etc.) but love good, expertly-fried wings. And WingStop has them.

His Stigness > ddavidn
01/16/2014 at 16:04

Yeah you know how they always have locally preprinted stuff, like the shrimp, sandwiches, the to go pizzas; things like that that Costco makes at the warehouse. Mine has wings on a regular basis, the calzones. And my mom brought home some salsa Verde pork and Spanish rice from San Luis Obispo and holy shit it was good. It was expensive but it was good, but my costco doesn't have which makes me sad.

ddavidn > His Stigness
01/16/2014 at 16:06

Interesting. We have the pizzas, chicken alfredo, hye rollers, salads etc but have never had wings that I've seen. But I always find cool stuff at your Southern Cali Costcos. At least we have liquor now, even if the taxes are crazy.

His Stigness > ddavidn
01/16/2014 at 22:59

We have all of that stuff on a regular basis. The enchiladas we have are really good too, but I rarely get them because my mom makes some bomb ass ones.
You just recently got alcohol? We've had it for as long as I can remember, and the prices seem really cheap, but I don't drink (and shouldn't start) so I never get anything.

ddavidn > His Stigness
01/17/2014 at 00:36

Washington State ran all of our liquor stores and nobody else was allowed to sell it. It was locked into distributors and state stores. A couple years ago, we finally killed it so that stores above a certain size could sell liquor. Everyone has always had beer and wine, but now with a small 20.5% tax rate plus a flat fee per liter, we can buy it at Safeway or Costco or Walmart or wherever. It's still way cheaper where you are, even before the crazy tax. I brought a bottle of Scotch back a year ago that I paid $60+tax for. Here, it would've cost me $75 plus about $18 in taxes....

His Stigness > ddavidn
01/17/2014 at 13:01

Holy shit balls! Did some Puritans take over the state legislature and decide to basically outlaw drinking? Those taxes are insane. Well if you want me to start shipping you liquor from here I'm sure it would still be cheaper, even with shipping costs. Or I can get you Eberle Wine at a discount.

ddavidn > His Stigness
01/17/2014 at 13:05

Well, believe it or not, I'm actually happier with free sales and high taxes instead of everything being state-ruined. I mean state-run. The liquor selection is dramatically better where I live as a result of the new laws. I'm sure the taxes will go down in time.

His Stigness > ddavidn
01/17/2014 at 13:13

Well I guess that's the trade off you get with having more access to liquor.

ddavidn > His Stigness
01/17/2014 at 13:23

I really don't drink very much, so it doesn't bother me a ton.

His Stigness > ddavidn
01/17/2014 at 15:47

I bet if it was coffee that was taxed you'd be mad lol. I read something recently though on Gizmodo that said that coffee doesn't dehydrate you. Apparently it's a popular belief that it does? I've never heard that and found it odd that people thought it did since it amounts to flavored water. Or maybe I'm wrong and it's much more complex than that.

ddavidn > His Stigness
01/17/2014 at 15:49

It's been a popular belief that I don't subscribe to. It's not like you can drink it instead of water, as it's slightly acidic and wears away linings and things, but you don't need to compensate for it. You're right, it's like 99% water.

If coffee was taxed like this, I'd be the biggest underground black market coffee dealer in the world.

His Stigness > ddavidn
01/17/2014 at 16:12

True it's not a substitute for water, but from my basic understanding of it's not like soda which needs to have equal amounts of water consumed to prevent kidney stones and proper hydration.
It was interesting though that the research quoted in the piece said that regular coffee drinkers adapt to the diuretic effects of coffee and don't have to pee every ten seconds after they have some. And I've noticed that.

Lol, you'd only be the world's biggest underworld supplier in Washington, because these hypothetical taxes would be just like your alcohol taxes where only you're affected and I continue to get it cheap, along with sunshine.

ddavidn > His Stigness
01/17/2014 at 16:14

Yup. I never have to pee because of coffee. Just water. I consume lots of both.

Yeah, you and your liquor, sunshine and ability to grow something besides apples! I wish I could grow citrus and avocado. One of the very few things I don't like about the Northwest. But I do really like apples, so it's fine. Still wouldn't want to live in SoCal.

His Stigness > ddavidn
01/17/2014 at 21:51

It is nice having an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables available, but all the agricultural land surrounding me is slowly being converted to homes, which is just sad. Oxnard, which used to be just farmland, is getting overcrowded because they're allowing developers to do whatever they want. In Ventura however (where I live) the city at least has limits so overcrowding is limited somewhat, but it's not great.

You wouldn't want to live in Southern California? I love it here because of the mild weather, I hate extremes. Ventura is perfect because it never gets way to cold or way too hot. The only place I would consider moving if not in Ventura would be new Hamburg in Germany, specifically Elmshorn. The weather there is really nice and it's also a super nice town.

Stef Schrader > Chairman Kaga
01/21/2014 at 01:09

Man, I have never had a spiced anything from P. Terry's. Totally missing the love. Same goes for Five Guys - do they cook all the flavor out of them?

I liked the milkshake I had from In-N-Out. Strawberry. Creamy. Ticked all the boxes. Line moved bizarrely quick for how long it was. Was behind Cali plates, because duh. Haven't actually tried the food yet, though. Haha.

Whataburger and Phil's are my "I need a burger" joints. Casino El Camino, Big Daddy's or Hopdoddy if I want t3h fanciez. Tried Moonie's the other day, too—'sokay. Needs more pink in the meat, though.

Chairman Kaga > Stef Schrader
01/21/2014 at 10:23

To be fair, I only ever hit the one by my house, and those guys pepper everything with fervor.

Moonies and Phil's use those gross dinner roll buns, so to my palate it wouldn't matter if they cooked wagyu burgers in pure duck fat, I'd still gag.

Mighty Fine is alright. Hopdoddy is fabulous but Jesus jumped up, $20 is too much for a burger, fries and a drink.

My favorite burger isn't in Austin though, or even Texas. It's Buffalo Grill in Little Rock, around the corner from my dad's house. I have no idea what they do differently, but I speculate it's a combination of the horribly unhealthy sesame seed white bread bun that came that morning from the old-timey Ideal bakery, 75% lean ground beef (more fat = more flavor), and ancient gas griddle, and letting that bleached, fluffy bun soak up the greasy goodness. Honestly the best burger I've ever had in a restaurant. It's my happy place.

Stef Schrader > Chairman Kaga
01/21/2014 at 14:38

Heh, I usually do the wheat or jalapeno cheddar buns at Phil's. I like dinner roll buns, though.