Our theme for the month of October is “states.”

You can’t talk about California without talking about In-N-Out. It is one of the most iconic things about the state. Yes, there are a bunch of In-N-Out franchises across the West Coast, but California is its home. 

As a Californian, this drive-thru establishment has fueled many of my days. I grew up in a house about five minutes away from one of these red and white buildings that served fresh burgers and fries right next to a freeway exit. This particular franchise lacked an indoor seating area. It was purely a drive-thru with a few tables and chairs parked outside the pick-up window. You’d think a restaurant in sunny California without air-conditioned seating would go out of business. 

But business was booming. 

There was never a day when that drive-thru In-N-Out didn’t have at least eight cars lined up for food at any given hour. 

This adoration of In-N-Out seems to be a West Coast exclusive. My friends from other states don’t quite get to the same level of excitement I have for this franchise, even after traveling to California and trying the food. For the longest time, I was slightly offended by their lack of enthusiasm. The word “overrated” set a burning fire in my soul, set on defending In-N-Out to the grave. But I’ve since taken a step back and come to understand the possible setbacks these people may have encountered. 

First, the menu is rather small. Apart from burgers and fries, In-N-Out only offers drinks and a handful of adaptations to their burgers and fries. There are no chicken nuggets, no tacos, no salads, and no kids’ meals. They’re happy to make your burger Protein Style (lettuce in place of bread), or make your fries Animal Style (burger sauce and onions on fries), but you’re hard-pressed to find a hand-held apple pie at In-N-Out. 

Second, the fries are a little soggy. Yes, I admit it. The fries aren’t nearly as crispy as most fast-food fries. If you happen to like softer fries, then In-N-Out is the place for you. Many have wondered why the fries seem to lack the signature crispiness of fried food. People don’t realize that the crisp comes from the process of being frozen. At In-N-Out, the fries are made fresh to order. Each order of fries is literally a couple of potatoes cut through a machine and dropped straight into a deep fryer. I appreciate the fresh taste, but those unaccustomed to it may find it a little jarring. 

Finally, the average Californian’s obsession with the place is a little frightening. I am definitely part of the problem here. Californians absolutely love this burger establishment. Every time I return to California, In-N-Out is one of the very first stops I make. My family and I have even gotten In-N-Out at 11 p.m. on the way home from the airport. In my mind, In-N-Out means home. And I think In-N-Out means home for a lot of Californians. 

As a missionary kid who has wrestled with their home identity, I felt a sense of comfort and relief every time I was able to go back to California and have an In-N-Out cheeseburger. As the world changed around me, it was one of the few things that never really changed. The drive-thru aspect of the franchise just reminds me of long drives through clogged up freeways, sunny skies, the road to beach days, and the joys of carpooling with friends. In-N-Out always provided the smell and taste of those memories and continues to fill new memories of reunion and connection whenever I go back. 

To the average American, In-N-Out may be just another fast-food franchise with a strong brand and an overly zealous fanbase. But, to the Californian, In-N-Out is the taste of California. It is the simple, sweet, indulgent, and comforting flavor of sitting in your family car while laughing at your father’s fifth dad joke. 

P.S. Go-to In-N-Out order: The number 2, which is the cheeseburger with a drink and fries. Get the grilled onions and swap out your drink for a chocolate milkshake. And look around the packaging for some hidden messages. You won’t regret it. 

Priscilla Chang

Priscilla Chang (’25) majored in English literature and minored in linguistics at Calvin. She now works as a missionary teacher in Thailand, teaching language arts at Chiang Rai International Christian School. Apart from her love of reading and writing, she is also obsessed with learning languages, dancing, and watching the latest Korean dramas.