All that talk about CalTaco and Habit yesterday reminded me of something I need to tell you.

Now this may not go over so well with my West Coast readers, but it’s something I want to get off my chest:
In-N-Out is not that good!

When I used to work at the Santa Barbara Airport, a question people would often ask me was, “Where’s the nearest In-N-Out?”

The question always baffled me – people were flying into one of the most beautiful places in the United States and all they could think of is where the closest fast food joint is located.

That’s a whole other issue in itself – but let’s talk In-N-Out burgers.

If you drive by an In-N-Out during lunch or dinner time, the drive-thru line will be at least 15-20 cars long – no exaggeration whatsoever – people here absolutely love them.

They’re tasty (albeit still a fast-food burger) and nicely wrapped up for you – more complex than McDonald’s and made to order (probably why the drive-thru line is so long).

The fries are a different story.

Anyone remember the fries you were served in fifth grade in the cafeteria?

That might sound harsh, but I’m sure if you ask around you’ll find that’s a pretty damn good description. Just look at the picture!

I guess that is their claim to fame, too – that they make their own fries.

A single tear runs down my face for the multimillion-dollar corporate giant.

Update: Forget to mention the previously unadvertised “Animal Style” option at In-N-Out, which means they put Thousand Island dressing, grilled onions, mustard-cooked beef and pickles on the burger or fries.

In fact, they used to have a secret menu, but there are no secrets on the Internet.