Love In-N-Out? These 8 Reasons Might Make You Think Twice
Even a Double-Double comes with a few trade-offs. In-N-Out Burger opened another California restaurant in Stockton on October 9, 2026, but the chain still operates in just 10 states and continues to reject mobile ordering and delivery services.
Its popularity is undeniable. In-N-Out topped Yelp’s 2025 ranking of America’s best burger chains, with more than 119,000 reviews across more than 400 locations at the time. Still, from long opening-day lines to limited menu choices, eight reasons might make even loyal customers reconsider their next visit.
Limited Locations Make It Difficult to Find Nationwide
In-N-Out remains unavailable in most American states, despite gradually expanding beyond its California roots. As of October 26, 2026, the company operates in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, Washington, and Tennessee.
Tennessee became its tenth state when the company opened its first restaurants there in December 2025, according to In-N-Out’s official history. The company is also planning restaurants in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a stated goal of entering that market in 2027, although individual opening dates have not been confirmed. For customers living outside its existing markets, enjoying a Double-Double can still require considerable travel.
Long Lines Can Test Your Patience
In-N-Out’s popularity can produce extraordinary waits, especially when the company enters a new market. When Washington’s first restaurant opened in Ridgefield on August 20, 2025, hundreds of customers gathered, with some arriving the previous evening.
Tennessee experienced similar enthusiasm when its first restaurants opened in December 2025, including a Lebanon location with a vehicle holding area designed for more than 800 cars. For comparison, Intouch Insight’s October 2026 drive-thru study found an average visit of five minutes and 24 seconds across 13 restaurant brands, although In-N-Out was not included. These opening-day crowds don’t represent typical service times, but they demonstrate why visiting a newly opened location may require extra patience.
Mobile Ordering Still Isn’t Available
Customers hoping to order their burgers ahead through a mobile app are out of luck. During a March 31, 2026, appearance at Pepperdine University, In-N-Out president and owner Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson explained why the company would not embrace mobile ordering.
“We have, for sure, had that put in front of us, and the answer is no,” she said, according to ABC7’s April 9, 2026, report. Her explanation emphasized face-to-face customer service and the company’s commitment to serving freshly prepared food. Meanwhile, a May 2026 Intouch Insight study examined 449 mobile-ordering experiences across nine competing restaurant brands, highlighting how established ordering ahead has become elsewhere.
Delivery Services Aren’t Part of the Plan
In-N-Out customers still need to visit a restaurant to pick up their food, rather than rely on delivery services like DoorDash. Snyder-Ellingson reaffirmed the company’s stance against third-party delivery during her March 2026 Pepperdine appearance, and multiple news organizations reported her comments in April.
She argued that delivery could compromise the experience associated with receiving freshly prepared burgers and fries. This approach distinguishes In-N-Out from fast-food competitors that allow customers to arrange delivery through their websites or third-party platforms. For someone who prefers having dinner delivered after a long workday, that absence of convenience could be a deciding factor.
Related: 20 Unforgivable Blunders When Dining Out: Don’t Be Caught Making These
The Main Menu Doesn’t Offer Much Variety
In-N-Out has built its reputation around a deliberately small selection of familiar foods. Its official menu centers on three classic burgers, the Hamburger, Cheeseburger, and Double-Double, plus French fries, beverages, and milkshakes.
The company also offers customization options, including Animal Style burgers and larger combinations featuring additional beef patties and cheese. However, customers won’t find standard chicken sandwiches, fish sandwiches, or a breakfast menu among its regular offerings. If your family or group wants something beyond burgers and fries, choosing In-N-Out may not satisfy everyone’s preferences.
Related: Hungry? Here Are 11 Ways to Get Free Food With No Money.
Meatless Burger Alternatives Are Limited
In-N-Out offers some meatless choices, but it doesn’t have a dedicated plant-based burger patty on its official menu. Customers can order a Grilled Cheese sandwich featuring two slices of melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, spread, and optional onions.
The Grilled Cheese is listed on the company’s Not-So-Secret Menu, alongside other customizable favorites. However, customers seeking a meatless patty that resembles a traditional burger won’t find that option among the chain’s listed selections. The available alternatives may work for some customers, but they offer less variety than menus built around several different sandwich fillings.
Fries and Milkshakes Have Limited Choices
The company’s side dishes and desserts follow the same straightforward approach as its burgers. It serves familiar French fries made from whole potatoes, and its classic milkshakes include chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
Customers can personalize orders, including requesting Animal Style fries topped with cheese, spread, and grilled onions. Nevertheless, In-N-Out’s standard menu doesn’t feature onion rings, mozzarella sticks, or a rotating collection of specialty desserts. That consistency appeals to fans who know exactly what they want, but customers who enjoy exploring new menu offerings might prefer another restaurant.
Menu Prices Have Increased Before
Even In-N-Out hasn’t avoided raising prices, although it’s important to distinguish documented increases from claims about new changes. On April 1, 2024, the chain increased prices at its California restaurants alongside higher employee wages.
According to KCRA’s June 13, 2024, reporting, a Double-Double meal with fries and a drink increased by approximately 25 to 50 cents, depending on the restaurant. The company explained that the adjustments accompanied employee pay increases and helped maintain its operating standards. These figures describe a confirmed 2024 increase, not a newly announced nationwide price change in October 2026, and customers should check their local restaurant for current prices.
In-N-Out still offers the burgers its fans love, but weigh location, convenience, menu variety, and price before your next visit.
