IN-N-OUT DRAWS HUGE CROWD DURING GRAND DEBUT IN HOUSTON, TX

The private family owned restaurant, IN-N-OUT, had lines of people wrapped around the building and droves of cars waiting half a mile to visit the popular California burger joint that is now home to Houston.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of Houstonians visited the new restaurant in Stafford to taste the latest craze in hamburger mania. A second location in Katy, TX also held their grand opening today to signify a new beginning.

While speaking with one of the restaurant’s workers, they described how a special container filled with additional meat and fixings sits outside of the building to prepare for hungry customers. Therefore the idea of running out of food on opening day will not be a concern.

IN-N-OUT Greeters and crowd enthusiasts offered free paper hats, stickers, menu previews, and suggestions to showcase the restaurant. And comically, kids receive free hot cocoa only when it’s raining. I’m sure this freebie will come sooner than later in Bayou City.

Compared to another popular Texas bred hamburger joint, IN-N-OUT burgers are provided on a smaller scale. The Double Double Burger is said to be the biggest selection on the menu. Customers can request to have their meat cooked to their liking, as long as it does not taint the quality of the meat. Lettuce, tomato, sauce, and onions grilled or not are included on the basic hamburger item.

A cheeseburger combo comes with fries and a drink for $6.30 plus tax. Animal Fries are a specialty request that involves grilled onions, cheese, and a special sauce. A Neapolitan shake adds a trio of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry to make your meal complete.

Overall, the burger was petite and packed with a subtle flavor. For some reason, the bun caught the attention of my taste buds. The grilled onions on my cheeseburger added a special touch that was nice. A special sauce reminded me of a mild thousand island dressing, and it wasn’t too bad. If you prefer a regular style, sauce on the side is an available option.

Out of the bazillion times I’ve been to California, I never frequented the IN-N-OUT restaurant. Therefore this was my first experience taste testing the food.

By all means, you can visit one or both locations to explore the limited possibilities in this hamburger arena. Be patient though, IN-N-OUT will have you standing and waiting until Houston becomes familiar with the brand.