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

Los Angeles is a vibrant city with a rich culinary scene. With upscale dining options and ethnic neighborhoods showcasing a variety of international cuisines, L.A. is a must-visit for any food lover. In 2015, while filming “The Taste,” Anthony Bourdain talked to Eater about his favorite restaurant in Los Angeles. Surprisingly, his top choice wasn’t among the city’s renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, nor was it a hidden gem in Thai Town or Little Tokyo; it was In-N-Out Burger, a fast food chain.

In an Eater YouTube clip, Bourdain shared that his first stop after arriving at LAX would be In-N-Out for a burger, and he would also return before leaving town. He remarked, “it’s the only fast-food chain that I actually like.”

Bourdain expressed his admiration for the SoCal drive-thru, eloquently explaining what made its burgers exceptional. He praised the delicious buns, fresh toppings, and mentioned that the “cheese-like substance is just perfect.” However, he particularly lauded the quality of the meat, calling it “brilliant,” and highlighting how the two thinly pressed patties maximize the meat’s surface area. He compared the burger to “a ballistic missile. A perfectly designed … protein delivery system.”

During the Eater interview, Bourdain was seen sitting outside an In-N-Out, gracefully unwrapping and savoring the restaurant’s Double-Double. This signature burger is served on freshly baked, toasted buns, accompanied by two slices of American cheese, onions, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and “spread,” the brand’s take on special sauce. Although the exact recipe for the spread is a secret, it’s a Thousand Island-style mix of mayo, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish. Of course, the centerpiece is the meat: two beef patties made from 100% USDA ground chuck with no additives.

Bourdain preferred his Double-Doubles animal style — a term indicating that the beef patties are cooked with mustard and topped with pickles, grilled onions, and extra spread. While ordering from In-N-Out’s secret menu isn’t a secret anymore, the company has embraced fan-favorite modifications, now featuring popular options on its “Not So Secret” menu.

While relishing his generously topped burger, 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 wasn’t alone in his admiration for the meaty Double-Double; even Gordon Ramsay has said it’s his all-time favorite fast food burger, claiming he’d choose it as his last meal — animal style.

In-N-Out Burger was established in 1948, debuting its first Southern California location in Baldwin Park. It celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023, coinciding with the opening of its 400th restaurant in Meridian, Idaho. Once 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 set for 2025, Franklin, Tennessee, in 2026, and Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2027.

Bourdain mentioned to Eater that rumors occasionally arise about In-N-Out reaching the East Coast, particularly Brooklyn, leading New Yorkers to get excited. However, he clarified that such rumors are false. During a 2024 Today Show interview with Lynsi Snyder, the current owner and granddaughter of the founders, she indicated that expansion to the East Coast was “probably never” going to happen.

Regarding inflation and cost-saving measures, Snyder assured that the company would not raise prices “that much” as she felt “an obligation to look out for our customers.” In June 2024, however, In-N-Out announced a price increase across California, resulting in the total cost for a Double-Double, fries, and a drink exceeding $10 with tax included. This increase has been attributed to California’s $20 minimum wage hike for fast food workers.