Carl’s Jr. is Better Than In-n-Out. Period.

We all know that In-n-Out has legendary status, especially in Claremont. Within my first two hours ever on CMC’s campus during a high school visit, my hosts had already taken me to the one on Foothill. In-n-Out is obviously good. However, Carl’s Jr. is better. Much better. I realize that this statement touches a deadly third rail of life in Claremont, but before you dismiss it or come looking for me to yell at (good luck with that….) hear me out.

The quality of Carl’s burgers is better. Carl’s “Six Dollar Burger” (their standard burger) is tender and has great flavor because of its significant precooking seasoning. It is cooked to the right temperature and never burnt—unusual for a fast food burger. Additionally, it is significantly bigger than In-n-Out’s burger, so you are never left hungry afterwards. Sure, In-n-Out’s burger is tender and has some flavor, but if you were to eat just the burger patty (hypothetically) from Carl’s and In-n-Out, Carl’s would leave In-n-Out in the dust because it simply has more taste, and the temperature of In-n-Out’s burgers is sometimes hit or miss.

Carl’s has variety on their burger menu. When you get a burger at In-n-Out it is almost always the same. Sure you can get a Double-Double instead of a regular burger or if you know about the secret menu you can get grilled onions, but that is about it. Carl’s has real variety. Just a few of the toppings on their various burgers: guacamole, jalapeños, Portobello mushrooms, bacon, and barbeque sauce. The list could go on for awhile. Also, Carl’s frequently has special new burgers that are for a limited time. You will never suffer from a lack of combinations and variety for your burger at Carl’s.

The quality of fries at Carl’s is greater. At In-n-Out the fries are usually small and fairly soggy (getting them animal style is a different story granted). The fries at Carl’s are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside (the way fries are supposed to be) and properly salted (not a salt mine like McDonald’s). Carl’s is also very generous in their portions of fries.

Carl’s has excellent milkshakes. The milkshakes at In-n-Out are okay, but don’t taste significantly different than a typical fast food milkshake. Try an Oreo milkshake at Carl’s. Actual ice cream and Oreos blended together while you wait with whip cream and a cherry on top is an amazing way to cool down on a ridiculously hot day (even if it’s about as good for you as eating pure sugar and whip cream). The ice cream is high quality like you might expect at an ice cream shop instead of a fast food restaurant. There are also several varieties that rotate seasonally.

Carl’s has food besides burgers. Try going to In-n-Out with your friends if you don’t feel like a burger. Good luck. Try going to Carl’s if you don’t want a burger, and you may take ten minutes to figure out what you want. Many Carl’s (including the one in Upland) have a Green Burrito inside of them, which is a Tex-Mex restaurant inside of the Carl’s (you order at the same counter/window). You can order Green Burrito quesadillas, burritos, nachos, and much more. The food is better than both Taco Bell and the beloved Del Taco. Don’t feel like burgers or Tex-Mex? Try one of their chicken sandwiches or salads. Carl’s even offers breakfast. Unlike Jack in the Box which offers everything from Terraki Chicken to mozzarella sticks to tacos, the different varieties of food at Carl’s are actually pretty good. You can go there many times and never run out of new food to try and will rarely be disappointed.

Carl’s has better hours. Hungry at 2:01 am after everything on campus, In-n-Out, and even Taco Bell is closed? No problem, go to the Carl’s at the edge of Pomona on Foothill. Open 24/7, no problem.

Carl’s is more efficient. In-n-Out can be extremely slow. After Wednesday night bowling, you are very hungry and waiting 30 minutes for a burger can be miserable. Go to Carl’s instead, their drive thru is much more efficient and rarely takes more than 5 minutes.

Still not convinced? Feel free to comment away about why I am wrong and evil for not loving In-n-Out more. But don’t knock Carl’s unless you have actually tried it.

Mike Whatley

Mike Whatley is a senior at "some college in California" and enjoys being the food critic for the Claremont College Forum.

mike derizzo??

say what????
Almost convinced

Apparently Carl’s Jr. has hired Mike to lobby for them while he is in D.C. I suggest that there be a burger party to resolve the issue once and for all.
mike derizzo??

say what????
Almost convinced

Apparently Carl’s Jr. has hired Mike to lobby for them while he is in D.C. I suggest that there be a burger party to resolve the issue once and for all.
Alex

Well Mike, the fact of the matter is many of the points you brought up against in-n-out are its strengths. You mention that one can only get burgers at in-n-out, well that’s the point. They excel at making burgers and stick to that, there’s no need to expand into the unknown territory of chicken sandwiches and the dreaded fish fillet. Obviously if you want something other than a burger, you should take your business elsewhere. I will also have you know that some of us like the fries at the old in out in out, and there have yet to be objective statistics that prove this in either direction. However, I will concede that the hours and service could use improvement. Finally, I would just like to remind you that there is a great deal of value in being able to watch your food get prepared in front of you from beginning to end in order to avoid the sort of thing that crops up in less transparent food prep environments. (See: Burger King worker taking a bath in sink, condom appearance in McDonald’s happy meal, etc…)
Alex

Well Mike, the fact of the matter is many of the points you brought up against in-n-out are its strengths. You mention that one can only get burgers at in-n-out, well that’s the point. They excel at making burgers and stick to that, there’s no need to expand into the unknown territory of chicken sandwiches and the dreaded fish fillet. Obviously if you want something other than a burger, you should take your business elsewhere. I will also have you know that some of us like the fries at the old in out in out, and there have yet to be objective statistics that prove this in either direction. However, I will concede that the hours and service could use improvement. Finally, I would just like to remind you that there is a great deal of value in being able to watch your food get prepared in front of you from beginning to end in order to avoid the sort of thing that crops up in less transparent food prep environments. (See: Burger King worker taking a bath in sink, condom appearance in McDonald’s happy meal, etc…)
Andrew Bluebond

Ditto on the fries, Mike. Also, In-n-Out has very little portability. There food -fries and burgers included -don’t hold up well unless you eat them as soon as you order.

I will add, however, that In-n-Out burgers are much better and flavorful if you order them medium-rare. Otherwise, I feel like they come overcooked.
Andrew Bluebond

Ditto on the fries, Mike. Also, In-n-Out has very little portability. There food -fries and burgers included -don’t hold up well unless you eat them as soon as you order.

I will add, however, that In-n-Out burgers are much better and flavorful if you order them medium-rare. Otherwise, I feel like they come overcooked.
http://claremontconservative.com Charles C. Johnson

This actually ticks me off more than anything Charlie Sprague has ever written. And yes, this is the real Charles Johnson replying.

If you want the fries to be portable, get them well done. The secret menu at In-N-Out established loyalty in a way that Carl’s Jr never does and on top of that, it is closer, the food is better priced, and the women who work there are fine.

Moreover, any lefty that supports Carl’s Jr over In-N-Out is a hypocrite. In-N-Out gives the best benefits to its members and doesn’t have problems like say, Hepatitis A outbreaks. (http://www.marlerclark.com/case_news/view/carls-jr-hepatitis-a-outbreak-washington)

Christians should support In-N-Out because its run by Christians in a Christian-friendly way, and they don’t run ads with that harlot, Paris Hilton. Carl’s Jr. is so not hot.

Human rights activists should recoil from supporting Carl’s Jr. Unlike In-N-Out which is located in the finest state in the union (and Nevada and Arizona), Carl’s Jr has locations in such totalitarian regimes as Malaysia, Russia, Vietnam and Singapore (Ok, Singapore is awesome, but come on!)

Finally, I once contemplated of getting an In-N-Out tattoo on my right forearm. The only thing that stopped me was them telling me I wouldn’t get a discount. When I explain this to people, they nod. No one would ever contemplate getting a Carl’s Jr. tattoo. There was a four hour wait when an In-N-Out opened in Arizona. No one would wait more than twenty minutes for a burger from Carl’s Jr.

Hunger Reigns Supreme

Loyalty, liberal values, God’s favor, and human rights are all desirable things, but at the heart of the matter, hunger reigns supreme. That is, after all, the point of going to a restaurant. When it comes to that, Carls Jr. reigns supreme! If there were a battle between a double double and a six dollar burger, the six dollar burger would clown the double double and then go back to its curly fries like the stud it is while the double double returns to small “fries”.

http://claremontconservative.com Charles C. Johnson

This actually ticks me off more than anything Charlie Sprague has ever written. And yes, this is the real Charles Johnson replying.

If you want the fries to be portable, get them well done. The secret menu at In-N-Out established loyalty in a way that Carl’s Jr never does and on top of that, it is closer, the food is better priced, and the women who work there are fine.

Moreover, any lefty that supports Carl’s Jr over In-N-Out is a hypocrite. In-N-Out gives the best benefits to its members and doesn’t have problems like say, Hepatitis A outbreaks. (http://www.marlerclark.com/case_news/view/carls-jr-hepatitis-a-outbreak-washington)

Christians should support In-N-Out because its run by Christians in a Christian-friendly way, and they don’t run ads with that harlot, Paris Hilton. Carl’s Jr. is so not hot.

Human rights activists should recoil from supporting Carl’s Jr. Unlike In-N-Out which is located in the finest state in the union (and Nevada and Arizona), Carl’s Jr has locations in such totalitarian regimes as Malaysia, Russia, Vietnam and Singapore (Ok, Singapore is awesome, but come on!)

Finally, I once contemplated of getting an In-N-Out tattoo on my right forearm. The only thing that stopped me was them telling me I wouldn’t get a discount. When I explain this to people, they nod. No one would ever contemplate getting a Carl’s Jr. tattoo. There was a four hour wait when an In-N-Out opened in Arizona. No one would wait more than twenty minutes for a burger from Carl’s Jr.

Hunger Reigns Supreme

Loyalty, liberal values, God’s favor, and human rights are all desirable things, but at the heart of the matter, hunger reigns supreme. That is, after all, the point of going to a restaurant. When it comes to that, Carls Jr. reigns supreme! If there were a battle between a double double and a six dollar burger, the six dollar burger would clown the double double and then go back to its curly fries like the stud it is while the double double returns to small “fries”.

http://www.greattacohunt.com Bandini

I remember when the 6 dollar burger first came out it was quite good. But it is dreadful now. The meat is lower quality. They say its Angus beef but I doubt that it is. The other day i had one and it was the last straw- the patty was burnt and inedible.
http://www.greattacohunt.com Bandini

I remember when the 6 dollar burger first came out it was quite good. But it is dreadful now. The meat is lower quality. They say its Angus beef but I doubt that it is. The other day i had one and it was the last straw- the patty was burnt and inedible.
Charlie Sprague

I’m with Charles Johnson on this one (I’m still shocked to put that in writing). In-N-Out offers much better quality and friendly service. And Charles is right, In-N-Out treats its employees much better than any other burger chain. The bible verses on the cups are a little strange, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m just glad the company has a dedication to fresh ingredients and happy employees.
Charlie Sprague

I’m with Charles Johnson on this one (I’m still shocked to put that in writing). In-N-Out offers much better quality and friendly service. And Charles is right, In-N-Out treats its employees much better than any other burger chain. The bible verses on the cups are a little strange, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m just glad the company has a dedication to fresh ingredients and happy employees.
Kelsey Brown

Anyone from the Midwest knows that neither In ‘N Out nor Carl’s Jr. compares to Culver’s.

Hmm…

I’m from the Midwest, and Culver’s isn’t in the same league as In-n-Out. Culver’s is a typical fast-food place with mediocre food made of far-from-fresh ingredients and nothing unique. In-n-Out, meanwhile is a regional powerhouse that has carved out a unique niche because of its fresh ingredients, happy employees, and unmatched customer loyalty.
http://cmcforum.com/author/cpeaslee11 Carl Peaslee

Woot Woot. Yeah KBrown! Give me one of them Butterburgers and some custard!

Kelsey Brown

Anyone from the Midwest knows that neither In ‘N Out nor Carl’s Jr. compares to Culver’s.

Hmm…

I’m from the Midwest, and Culver’s isn’t in the same league as In-n-Out. Culver’s is a typical fast-food place with mediocre food made of far-from-fresh ingredients and nothing unique. In-n-Out, meanwhile is a regional powerhouse that has carved out a unique niche because of its fresh ingredients, happy employees, and unmatched customer loyalty.
http://cmcforum.com/author/cpeaslee11 Carl Peaslee

Woot Woot. Yeah KBrown! Give me one of them Butterburgers and some custard!

Nico

Kelsey how could you?! Obviously the best fast food in the Midwest is Steak & Shake (famous for Steak burgers). Plus they are open 24/7. The saddest part (arguably the only sad part) about moving to California was discovering that there are no Steak and Shakes in the Golden State.

http://claremontcurrents.com Jeremy

We have Steak & Shake in North Carolina. It is very good.

But Cookout is far superior. 44 varieties of milkshake, including watermelon, peach (both only when in season), bad-ass hush puppies and cajun fries? Yes plz. Plus, some Cookouts sell drugs!

Munchies

Cookout has some super dope milkshakes.

Nico

Kelsey how could you?! Obviously the best fast food in the Midwest is Steak & Shake (famous for Steak burgers). Plus they are open 24/7. The saddest part (arguably the only sad part) about moving to California was discovering that there are no Steak and Shakes in the Golden State.

http://claremontcurrents.com Jeremy

We have Steak & Shake in North Carolina. It is very good.

But Cookout is far superior. 44 varieties of milkshake, including watermelon, peach (both only when in season), bad-ass hush puppies and cajun fries? Yes plz. Plus, some Cookouts sell drugs!

Munchies

Cookout has some super dope milkshakes.

Kelsey Brown

To Hmmm…

How many typical fast food places serve FRIED CHEESE CURDS!?

Case closed.
Kelsey Brown

To Hmmm…

How many typical fast food places serve FRIED CHEESE CURDS!?

Case closed.
Tom Clifford

Yep, Culver’s has fried cheese curds, something no one else can match. Oh, you like ice cream, or maybe froyo? You’re a panzy. Culver’s has frozen custard, which has more fat plus egg yolks. And butter on a burger, how can you get more indulgent? (with a fried egg, but that’s another story)

Steak ‘n’ Shake makes a great milkshake, but the rest of the menu is pretty mediocre. A classic example of a food chain expanding faster than its quality-control can handle.

midwesterner

i would pretty much do anything for a butter burger right now

Tom Clifford

Yep, Culver’s has fried cheese curds, something no one else can match. Oh, you like ice cream, or maybe froyo? You’re a panzy. Culver’s has frozen custard, which has more fat plus egg yolks. And butter on a burger, how can you get more indulgent? (with a fried egg, but that’s another story)

Steak ‘n’ Shake makes a great milkshake, but the rest of the menu is pretty mediocre. A classic example of a food chain expanding faster than its quality-control can handle.

midwesterner

i would pretty much do anything for a butter burger right now

Patrick Atwater

Point by point:

“The quality of Carl’s burgers is better.” – False

“Carl’s has variety on their burger menu.” If it aint broke…

“The quality of fries at Carl’s is greater.” Again false. And casually dismissing animal fries is an gastrointellectual travesty.

“Carl’s has excellent milkshakes.” You can taste the love in Inzers shakes. And I mean taste it.

“Carl’s has food besides burgers.” Do you hate America?

“Carl’s has better hours.” Don’t be fat.

“Carl’s is more efficient. ” That’s because their burgers aren’t real food. They’re microwaved monstrosities. Inzer, on the other hand, is made with love. And Jesus, if those delightful bible verses are any indicator.

PS I can’t help but notice that CJ referred to California as the greatest state in the union. Another convert, check.

http://claremontconservative.com Charles C. Johnson

That was meant sarcastically, Patrick. The greatest state is clearly Wyoming.

Patrick Atwater

Point by point:

“The quality of Carl’s burgers is better.” – False

“Carl’s has variety on their burger menu.” If it aint broke…

“The quality of fries at Carl’s is greater.” Again false. And casually dismissing animal fries is an gastrointellectual travesty.

“Carl’s has excellent milkshakes.” You can taste the love in Inzers shakes. And I mean taste it.

“Carl’s has food besides burgers.” Do you hate America?

“Carl’s has better hours.” Don’t be fat.

“Carl’s is more efficient. ” That’s because their burgers aren’t real food. They’re microwaved monstrosities. Inzer, on the other hand, is made with love. And Jesus, if those delightful bible verses are any indicator.

PS I can’t help but notice that CJ referred to California as the greatest state in the union. Another convert, check.

http://claremontconservative.com Charles C. Johnson

That was meant sarcastically, Patrick. The greatest state is clearly Wyoming.

Drew

Carl’s Junior is delicious

In N Out is delicious

In N Out is cheaper

In N Out wins
Drew

Carl’s Junior is delicious

In N Out is delicious

In N Out is cheaper

In N Out wins
cardiac arrest

i feel like i gained 10 pounds just by reading this article. my arteries are clogging and im gasping for breath. the carl’s jr bacon cheeseburger has 900 calories with 49 grams of fat. milkshakes at both restaurants average 600 calories. it amazes me that such intelligent young people regard many of these products as ‘food’. respect your bodies.

http://www.shapefit.com/carlsjr.html
http://www.in-n-out.com/pdf/nutrition_2008.pdf

hmmm…

Haha, you’re worried about this on a campus where the vast majority of people have a BMI under 25 and exercise regularly? (plus, our fast food consumption calories pale in contrast to our beer calories).

bigchris1313

The BMI is a joke. According to that metric, I should be dead several times over.

bigchris1313

You are clearly ignorant of the One True Gains.

cardiac arrest

i feel like i gained 10 pounds just by reading this article. my arteries are clogging and im gasping for breath. the carl’s jr bacon cheeseburger has 900 calories with 49 grams of fat. milkshakes at both restaurants average 600 calories. it amazes me that such intelligent young people regard many of these products as ‘food’. respect your bodies.

http://www.shapefit.com/carlsjr.html
http://www.in-n-out.com/pdf/nutrition_2008.pdf

hmmm…

Haha, you’re worried about this on a campus where the vast majority of people have a BMI under 25 and exercise regularly? (plus, our fast food consumption calories pale in contrast to our beer calories).

bigchris1313

The BMI is a joke. According to that metric, I should be dead several times over.

bigchris1313

You are clearly ignorant of the One True Gains.

Spiderman

I think it’s hilarious that this article elicited more comments than 90% of other Forum articles.
Spiderman

I think it’s hilarious that this article elicited more comments than 90% of other Forum articles.
huh?

carls jr has crappy food with typical (read bad) service. most times i order a 6 dollar burger and its barely warm. you can’t even compare the two. its like saying mcdonalds is better than a 4 star restaurant.
huh?

carls jr has crappy food with typical (read bad) service. most times i order a 6 dollar burger and its barely warm. you can’t even compare the two. its like saying mcdonalds is better than a 4 star restaurant.
craig

in/out that’s what hamburger is about,i new the dad, rick,guy, there dad was a good man and rick was also great to work for i bet not to manny people know if your are a store mg for 10 years i you get a month off!! how about that what great Co
craig

in/out that’s what hamburger is about,i new the dad, rick,guy, there dad was a good man and rick was also great to work for i bet not to manny people know if your are a store mg for 10 years i you get a month off!! how about that what great Co
In-N-Out > CJ

“Carl’s is more efficient” probably the biggest joke of the whole article. Want to know why it’ll take longer to get food at In-N-Out? Because there’s actually people at In-N-Out. There’s actually cars lined up in the drive-thru. It takes less for CJ because there is barely anyone in the restaurant. And comparing In-N-Out to CJ is like comparing a Ferrari to a Pinto.
In-N-Out > CJ

“Carl’s is more efficient” probably the biggest joke of the whole article. Want to know why it’ll take longer to get food at In-N-Out? Because there’s actually people at In-N-Out. There’s actually cars lined up in the drive-thru. It takes less for CJ because there is barely anyone in the restaurant. And comparing In-N-Out to CJ is like comparing a Ferrari to a Pinto.
Culver’s Fan

Culver’s Concrete Shakes are one of the understated miracles on this earth.
Culver’s Fan

Culver’s Concrete Shakes are one of the understated miracles on this earth.
http://www.cardboardliving.com Lewis Corson

incorrect on all accounts.

IIII

Carl’s Jr is the best cheaper prices better taste psshhh two burgers only at in n out boring any burger beats in n outs espically the western back cheeseburger

http://www.cardboardliving.com Lewis Corson

incorrect on all accounts.
none

All these comments below about how In N Out is better start to talk about some nonsensical shit that isn’t even related to the taste of the burger. I’ve tasted burgers everywhere time after time, and I just don’t know what the hype is about In N Out. People say it’s better simply because of the name. Not saying that In N Out sucks, in fact, I love their burgers, but Carl’s simply tastes noticeably better, although not by a whole lot. Carl’s know how to season their meat and other ingredients better.

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Carl’s Jr. is Better Than In-n-Out. Period.

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Mike Whatley