In-N-Out Burger
If you have been reading Random Sarah for a while you know that I have been a vegetarian since about June. It really hasn’t been that hard for me but just because I don’t eat meat doesn’t mean you don’t like it anymore.
The other day I was talking with a friend of mine about how much I love burgers. I guess it’s a strange thing for someone that doesn’t eat meat to love burgers. But I do!
(please keep in mind that this is my list for “fast-food” style burgers. I have a whole other list for “restaurant style” burgers)
#1 on my list is In-N-Out Burger! In my personal opinion you cannot get a better burger anywhere! If you have never been to an In-N-Out Burger you must go! (fly, drive, I don’t care how you get there) Unlike many fast food places these days, In-N-Out’s menu has stayed small. You can get a hamburger, a cheeseburger, or a double-double (double meat double cheese), french fries, and shakes. I recommend you get the double-double “animal style” and fries (which can also be ordered animal style). The cool thing about In-N-Out is that there is a whole “secret menu” that you must know about before you go.
“3-by-3″ = three meat patties and three slices of cheese.
“4-by-4″ = four meat patties and four slices of cheese.
“2-by-4″ = two meat patties and four slices of cheese.
*Note: You can get a burger with as many meat patties or cheese slices as you want. Just tell the In-N-Out Burger cashier how many meat patties and how much cheese you want and that is what you’ll get! For instance, if you want 6 pieces of meat and 10 pieces of cheese tell them you want a “6-by-10.”
“Double Meat” = like a Double Double without cheese.
“3 by Meat” = three meat patties and no cheese.
“Animal Style” = the meat is cooked and fried with mustard and then pickles are added, extra spread and grilled onions are added.
“Animal Style Fries” = fries with cheese, spread, grilled onions and pickles (if you ask for them).
“Protein Style” = for all you low-carbohydrate dieters, this is a burger with no bun (wrapped in lettuce).
“Flying Dutchman” = two meat patties, two slices of melted cheese and nothing else – not even a bun!
Fries “Well-Done” = extra crispy fries . . . even better than the regular!
Fries “Light” = opposite of fries well-done, more raw than most people like ‘em
“Grilled Cheese” = no meat, just melted cheese, tomato, lettuce and spread on a bun.
“Veggie Burger” = burger without the patty or cheese. Sometimes we call this the “Wish Burger.”
“Neapolitan” Shake = strawberry, vanilla and chocolate blended together.
The friendly employees of In-N-Out Burger will take your special order without question, if you use the right terminology. The printed receipt will have your special request typed on it.
Blue 9 Burger
#2 on my list is Blue 9 Burger. Blue 9 is probably the closest thing to In-N-Out in the city. Located at 92 3rd Avenue (between 12th St & 13th St) they have great burgers that are never frozen and fries made in the same style as in-n-out. Yummy
Five Guys Burger
#3 is Five Guys burgers. This will probably be the most accessible place for you all to try out since they have locations in 29 states. They also use fresh never frozen beef (I see a trend here) and have a very limited menu. When you find something you do right, don’t mess it up with other stuff. But they are the only place on this list that also serves hot dogs.
Pommes Frites
Now this list would not be complete without my me telling you my favorite place to get fries. Pommes Frites is a specialty shop serving authentic Belgian fries. They are the BEST fries ever! All they serve here is fries, and they will often have a line out the door.
Located in the East Village the real story is the fact that you can order over 25 different sauces to go with your amazing fries! My favorite is Sweet Mango Chutney Mayo
I hope you enjoyed my list of a vegetarian’s favorite burger places and if you know any good places leave it in the comments so I can send all my meat eating friends out to test them! For now I will stick to the fries! Enjoy!
