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

Los Angeles is renowned for its incredible culinary scene. With a mix of upscale restaurants and vibrant ethnic neighborhoods, this city is a must-visit for any food lover. When Anthony Bourdain visited Los Angeles in 2015 while filming “The Taste,” he shared with Eater his favorite local eatery. Surprisingly, it wasn’t one of the city’s 24 Michelin-starred establishments or a hidden gem in places like Thai Town or Little Tokyo — it was a fast food chain: In-N-Out Burger.

In a YouTube interview with Eater, Bourdain mentioned that the first thing he would do after arriving at LAX was head straight to In-N-Out for a burger. He made sure to stop by again before leaving the city. He expressed, “it’s the only fast-food chain that I actually like.”

Bourdain was so taken with the Southern California drive-thru that he passionately described what made its burgers exceptional. He admired the quality of the buns, fresh toppings, and noted that the “cheese-like substance is just perfect.” However, he lauded the meat’s quality as “brilliant,” explaining that the burgers’ two thinly pressed patties maximize the surface area of the meat exposed to one’s taste buds. He compared it to “a ballistic missile. A perfectly designed … protein delivery system.”

During his interview with Eater, Bourdain was captured sitting outside an In-N-Out, eagerly unwrapping and devouring a Double-Double. This signature burger features freshly baked, toasted buns, two slices of American cheese, onions, ripe tomatoes, lettuce, and the brand’s special sauce known as “spread.” Though the exact recipe for the spread remains a secret, it consists of a Thousand Island style blend of mayo, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish. The beef patties are made with 100% USDA ground chuck, free of additives, which the company proudly boasts.

Bourdain preferred his Double-Doubles “animal style,” a term indicating that the patties are cooked with mustard, complemented by pickles, grilled onions, and extra spread. While ordering from In-N-Out’s secret menu has become a popular trend, the company has recognized many fan-favorite items and now features several on its “Not So Secret” menu.

While enjoying his generously topped burger, Bourdain confidently stated 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’s not alone in his adoration for the meaty Double-Double; celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has also declared it his top fast food burger, even suggesting he would choose it as his last meal — animal style.

Founded in 1948 in Baldwin Park, In-N-Out Burger celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023 and marked a significant milestone with the opening of its 400th restaurant in Meridian, Idaho. Initially exclusive to the West Coast, In-N-Out has 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 in 2026, and Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2027.

Anthony Bourdain shared with 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.” This tidbit sends New Yorkers into a frenzy, but sadly, expansion to the East Coast is not on the table. When Lynsi Snyder, the current owner and granddaughter of the founders, was asked during a 2024 Today Show interview about the chances of such expansion, she stated it was “probably never.”

Regarding price increases and inflation, Snyder suggested that the company intends to keep price hikes minimal, emphasizing her commitment to customer care. However, in June 2024, it was announced that In-N-Out would be raising prices in California, with the cost of a Double-Double, fries, and a drink exceeding $10 after tax. This increase has been attributed to California’s new $20 minimum wage for fast food employees.