There’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh, hot In-N-Out burger—the perfectly grilled patty, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and soft bun. But let’s be honest, not every burger is peak freshness every single time. Sometimes, the cheese isn't fully melted, or the veggies aren't as crisp as they should be.
If you want to guarantee the best, freshest In-N-Out experience, there are a few smart ordering tricks that can make a huge difference. I’ve tested them out, and trust me—they work.
Why Freshness Matters at In-N-Out
One of the biggest reasons In-N-Out stands out from other fast-food chains is its commitment to fresh ingredients.
- Never frozen beef – patties are made fresh daily
- Hand-leafed lettuce – no pre-shredded, soggy lettuce here
- Fresh tomatoes, onions, and buns – prepared in-store, not shipped pre-cut
- Made-to-order – no burgers sitting under heat lamps
But here’s the thing: while everything is technically fresh, there are still ways to ensure you get the absolute best version of your burger every time.
1. Order Your Burger Cooked “Medium-Well” or “Extra Well-Done”
If you like a hot, juicy patty that hasn’t been sitting for even a few minutes, ask for your burger medium-well or extra well-done.
- Medium-well – Slightly more cooked than the regular patty, but still juicy
- Extra well-done – Crispier edges and a firmer texture
Most In-N-Out burgers are cooked in batches, so some patties might sit for a short while before making it into your order. Asking for a specific cook level forces them to make yours fresh on the spot.
2. Request “Extra Toast” on the Bun
One of the easiest ways to upgrade your burger is to ask for an extra toasted bun. The standard bun is soft, but with extra toasting, it adds a bit of crunch and warmth that makes a huge difference.
- Keeps the bun from getting too soggy
- Enhances the buttery, slightly crispy texture
- Makes the burger hold together better
It’s a small but noticeable change that makes the entire burger taste fresher.
3. Customize Your Veggies for Maximum Freshness
The vegetables at In-N-Out are already fresh, but you can make sure they’re at peak crispness by customizing your order.
- Ask for extra lettuce & tomato – This ensures your veggies are hand-placed fresh, not just taken from the standard prep bin.
- Request whole-grilled onions instead of chopped – They hold in the flavor and texture better.
- Say “fresh onions” instead of just “onions” – This signals that you want them freshly cut instead of onions that may have been sitting out.
4. Order “Fries Well-Done” for a Fresher, Crispier Side
If you want In-N-Out fries at their best, always order them well-done for a crispier texture and better taste.
5. Time Your Visit for Peak Freshness
Ordering during peak hours (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM) ensures your burger is made fresh due to high turnover.
6. Always Eat It Fresh—No Takeout!
In-N-Out burgers are best eaten immediately. Dine-in when possible or keep the bag open to prevent sogginess.
7. Order “No Salt” on Your Patty (Then Add It Yourself)
Requesting "no salt" forces the kitchen to cook a fresh patty just for you.
Final Thoughts
Follow these simple tips to ensure you always get the freshest In-N-Out burger. Try them and enjoy your perfect bite!