I don’t hate In-N-Out. Their burgers just aren’t anything special unless the only point of comparison is other chain burger places such as McDonald’s. The idea of someone from New York in town for a few days wasting a meal on one makes me sad.
The fries are terrible because of their misconception that fresher potatoes make better fries. In fact what you want are potatoes with a lower, and consistent, moisture level.
If ordering Animal style fries, I opt for extra well done fries. If I’m having the fries plain, then well done fries. I need the textural contrast.
My kids, however, like them just the way they are…soggy. It boggles my mind.
A lot of “kids” like the soggy fries. Our kids (18 and 16) love all fries, soggy crud to Belgian frites - go figure.
Trying INO is such a small financial investment. It’s the amount of potential time that one has to consider. So if the OP can pick the time, it’s a no-brainer.
INO is one of those checklist experiences for so many out-of-town folks. Our relatives in Malaysia and Singapore had to try it for that reason. They all enjoyed it without exception (got both regular and well done FF each time). Going back to wherever home is and saying one didn’t try it causes regret. Why leave with regrets on such a simple experience?
Hey, I didn’t say that part! LOL
This is why. You don’t go to INO because the burgers are the best burgers around. You go there because it’s something unique to the area. Whenever we have visitors from the East Coast, Canada, Australia, Asia, etc they all want to go to INO. It’s not because they can’t get good burgers where they live, but because it’s something unique to California. No one wants to go back from California and get asked “did you try In N Out?” and say “Nah, I heard it’s just ok”. Everyone tries it at least once just so they can say they did. Some people like it and want to go again. Others say it was just ok, but they’re glad they tried it.
It’s the same reason people go to places like Pink’s and Tommy’s. They aren’t the best versions of what they sell, but they are known for them, and are unique to the area, so people want to be able to say they went there and ate their food.
I know. Sorry.
Note for @Howdini: the mole place @ipsedixit suggested is about 20 minutes southeast of USC in no traffic. In traffic, expect a drive of at least 35-45 minutes…and the carpool lanes won’t be of any help during peak traffic.
The menu, however, looks fabulous and completely worth a try.
Or hit up Rocio’s Mexican Kitchen … La Diosa de los Moles’ sister kitchen on the way there.
Or, better yet, hit up both and do a Oaxaca bang-bang.
Other options are Juquila and Monte Alban in West LA. Both are within easy driving distance of UCLA. I wouldn’t say either is life changing, but you’ll get a sense for the unique flavor profile of Oaxacan food. OP and family could then walk down Sawtelle, which might be fun. Or perhaps get some ice cream at Sweet Rose. And then perhaps stay long enough to see the sunset in Santa Monica along Ocean Ave.
Is there a lot of Persian food in NYC? Javan might be enjoyable (also within easy driving distance of UCLA).
I very much enjoyed my one visit to Rocio’s, back when she was in Sunland/Tujunga…
Pine and Crane in Silver Lake is very vegetarian friendly for the GF and kid!
Get any of the fresh green vegetables that are available. There is a small sign next to the register that shows whats available from the farm. Get 2 in fact, with extra garlic!!
Daikon Potstickers
Also to the left of the register is the refrigerator with a selection of cold apps, most if not all are vegetarian, i.e. cold marinated cucumbers
Dan Dan Noodles
Three Cup Mushroom
Vegetarian Mapo Tofu
The seating situation is not too ideal, as you pay first then find a table, so I suggest go at opening or off hours. Enjoy!
How about Guerilla Tacos? Taco truck, great ingredients, vegetarian options.
Chengdu Taste? i’m not sure if NYC has good Sichuan if compared to Los Angeles and i’m sure there’s some vegetarian stuff on the menu. I still think they’re pretty great
one food writer from the east coast happens to love in n out. this is not the point; it’s that when he brings bags of in n out back to his beverly hills hotel, it’s the only fast food that doesn’t draw a sneer from the hotel staff. if anything, they all smile and nod approvingly. that i found interesting.
Sounds like Anthony Bourdain, he’s made similar comments.
No fries on that plate…
Sure, but you don’t need to come to a board like this one to get recommendations for famous places tourists insist on visiting regardless.
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing though. You can eat at “foodie” places and still fit in a couple of “touristy” meals too.
This is exactly how I vacation eat. Mix both parts so you don’t feel like you missed out on anything.
When I’m visiting a great food town like LA, I feel like I’ve missed out every time I choose badly and waste good appetite on a mediocre meal.
I’m sure most people (at least on this board) don’t want mediocre food on a vacation, but I look on it as an opportunity to plan another trip.
We get it. It’s not your thing. That’s great.
There are many on this board (including me) that think it’s really good. Clearly, YMV.