Anthony Bourdain’s top LA restaurant was In-N-Out Burger.

Los Angeles is a bustling city teeming with incredible dining options. From upscale fine dining to vibrant ethnic neighborhoods showcasing a variety of international cuisines, L.A. is a top destination for food lovers. When Anthony Bourdain visited the City of Angels in 2015 to film “The Taste,” he discussed with Eater his favorite restaurant in the area. To everyone’s surprise, Bourdain revealed it was not one of the city’s 24 Michelin-starred establishments or a hidden gem in Thai Town or Little Tokyo, but rather a fast food chain: In-N-Out Burger.

In the Eater YouTube video, Bourdain shared that his first stop after arriving at LAX was always In-N-Out for a burger, and he would make sure to return before leaving town. He declared, “it’s the only fast-food chain that I actually like.”

Bourdain was so captivated by the SoCal drive-thru that he praised the qualities that made its burgers remarkable. He admired the delicious buns, fresh vegetables, and claimed that the “cheese-like substance is just perfect.” However, it was the quality of the meat that Bourdain described as “brilliant,” explaining that the burger’s two thinly pressed patties were crafted to maximize the exposure of one’s tongue to the meat. He compared it to “a ballistic missile. A perfectly designed … protein delivery system.”

During the Eater interview, Bourdain was seen sitting outside an In-N-Out, respectfully unwrapping and enjoying the restaurant’s Double-Double. This signature burger features freshly baked, toasted buns along with two slices of American cheese, onions, juicy tomatoes, lettuce, and a “spread,” the brand’s version of special sauce. Although the precise recipe for the spread remains undisclosed, it is essentially a Thousand Island dressing made from mayo, ketchup, and relish with sweet pickles. Also noteworthy is the meat: two layers of beef patties made exclusively from 100% USDA ground chuck, produced without additives.

Bourdain preferred his Double-Doubles animal style — a menu term indicating that your beef patties will be cooked in mustard and topped with pickles, grilled onions, and extra sauce. Ordering from In-N-Out’s secret menu isn’t as clandestine as it once was; the company has recognized popular customizations and now features some on the “Not So Secret” menu on its website.

While savoring his delicious hamburger loaded with all the toppings, Bourdain confidently declared on camera: “Oh yeah, there it is, my favorite restaurant in Los Angeles. A city with many fine restaurants, by the way” (via Eater). He is not alone in his admiration for the meaty Double-Double; Gordon Ramsay has also claimed it as his favorite fast food burger, famously stating that he would choose it as his last meal — animal style.

In-N-Out Burger was founded in 1948, launching its first location in Baldwin Park, Southern California. In 2023, it celebrated its 75th anniversary and also marked a significant achievement with the opening of its 400th location in Meridian, Idaho. Initially confined to the West Coast, In-N-Out has now expanded to eight additional states, including Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. Future plans include new locations in Southern Washington by 2025, Franklin, Tennessee by 2026, and Albuquerque, New Mexico by 2027.

Anthony Bourdain mentioned to Eater that from time to time, “Some cruel person starts a rumor … that In-N-Out is coming to Brooklyn or to one of the boroughs.” Consequently, he noted, “Everybody in New York … goes insane.” Regarding potential expansion to the East Coast, such rumors appear to be unfounded. In a 2024 Today Show interview with Lynsi Snyder, the current owner and granddaughter of the company founders, she suggested that the chances were “probably never.”

As for inflation and maintaining quality, Snyder indicated that the company would not significantly increase prices because she feels “an obligation to look out for our customers.” However, in June 2024, it was reported that In-N-Out had raised its prices in California, making the cost of a Double-Double, fries, and a beverage exceed $10 after tax. This price adjustment has been attributed to California’s $20 minimum wage increase for fast food employees.