Long Lines and Loyal Customers at Culver City’s In-N-Out

The drive-thru line at the In-N-Out on Venice Boulevard in Culver City stretches far past the parking lot, down the street. Cars are waiting, engines running, with no signs of anyone pulling away.

It seems no one wants to give up on this line. For many locals, this wait is just part of the experience.

“I’ve been coming here since I was a kid,” shared Devante, a 26-year-old Culver City resident. “It’s probably a bit nostalgic for me. It might be the first burger I really remember, and honestly… it’s delicious. Plus, it’s reasonably priced.”

Even on a typical Friday afternoon, customers are prepared to wait at least 20 minutes to order their double-doubles and animal-style fries—well before the lunchtime rush.

Given the straightforward menu, the wait doesn’t tend to bother them. The burgers are always fresh, the value is solid, and the consistency is reassuring.

People often rave about the service too; there’s a unique Southern California vibe here that other fast food chains just can’t replicate.

Industry standards reveal that this wait time is significantly longer than what’s seen at major chains. The 2025 Mystery Shopper Study states that the average fast food drive-thru order takes about 5 minutes and 35 seconds, while it takes roughly 6:03 at McDonald’s and 7:07 at Chick-fil-A.

The long lines in Culver City stand apart from the usual fast food experience, contributing to what makes this place special.

“That’s always what I expect,” DeVante commented. “It’s exactly that.”

This authenticity resonates throughout the brand’s appeal.

Interestingly, In-N-Out’s presence in Los Angeles is quite modest compared to its competitors. The chain has 85 locations, while McDonald’s boasts over 300 in the same area.

Despite being smaller, In-N-Out consistently outshines its rivals in customer loyalty metrics.

A survey by Nation’s Restaurant News found In-N-Out ranked first for “True Loyalty,” with 63% of patrons choosing the restaurant for its brand rather than convenience, and 70% rating their service as “best in class.”

This level of loyalty isn’t just local.

With over 120,000 reviews, Yelp declared In-N-Out America’s favorite burger chain for 2025, outpacing other major competitors.

The chain frequently ranks at the top of surveys that assess freshness and quality, and it seems Angelenos know this well.

Ulises España, 26, who resides in Los Angeles, mentioned he’s been eating In-N-Out “since I was about 6 years old,” now averaging visits about twice a week.

“It’s just a straightforward burger that’s relatively affordable. I think that’s why I keep coming back,” España noted, adding that he finds competitors’ burgers “too small for the price,” alluding to In-N-Out’s superior value.

These claims hold up under scrutiny. Reports indicate that a double-double meal (including fries and a drink) costs about $10.45 before taxes in California, going up to about $11.44 in Los Angeles County.

In contrast, a Big Mac meal rings in at $12.38 after tax and can even hit $14 based on where it’s purchased.

In-N-Out’s pricing, despite the high cost of living in California, remains attractive enough that its loyal customers feel they’re getting a good deal.

Is there ever a chance España would stop coming?

“Honestly, there’s no reason to switch or not come here.”

Kristen Lawson, 20, of Inglewood, chimed in, saying, “I’ve been eating here since I was born…my whole family loves it.”

She expressed her loyalty, reasoning that it’s a healthier option while also being affordable.

For Sheena, another Culver City visitor, the appeal is clear.

“I appreciate simple ingredients in my burgers,” she said. “I like ordering animal-style fries, so that’s my go-to.” She added, “This is kind of our family spot. It’s well-priced… you get fries, a drink, and a burger. Really, that’s all we need.”

The chain’s allure can be attributed to its restraint in menu expansion, maintaining familiar flavors, and keeping prices reasonable.

Ravi Sawhney, a Southern California native and CEO of RKS Design, observed that the brand’s charm goes beyond the food.

“It genuinely represents a California cultural experience,” he noted.

The company emphasizes “only the freshest ingredients,” operating without heat lamps, freezers, or microwaves. This strategy lends a “made-to-order” feel while supporting a disciplined production line.

Their approach ensures that food is prepared quickly, often within a day for maximum freshness.

Sawhney points out that this model captures the essence of car culture and nostalgia that rivals can’t replicate.

“It gives you a taste of nostalgic car culture,” he said, remembering cruising in his youth. Becoming part of the line is almost a ritual.

“You’re on a mini-hero’s journey,” he mused.

Unlike McDonald’s—with its focus on speed—In-N-Out gives customers a richer experience.

“It takes longer to get your burger, shake, and fries here than at McDonald’s. But the quality has definitely improved,” he added.

A streamlined approach enhances In-N-Out’s image, he explained.

“They keep a limited menu. That signals we focus on doing a few things really well and consistently.”

He likened the experience to receiving a meal lovingly prepared by a family member.

“There’s a depth to that hamburger,” Sawhney reflected.

While the chain doesn’t disclose local sales figures, national estimates suggest it achieves impressive profits relative to its size. In-N-Out reportedly made around $1.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to hit about $2.1 billion in 2023, despite having only around 400 locations nationwide.

The company has intentionally kept its growth to eight states and has resisted franchising, helping preserve its cult status.

Back in Culver City, cars inch closer to the drive-thru.

DeVante mentioned there’s only one thing that might change his loyalty.

“If I learned there was something weird in it… then I’d have to think twice,” he said. “Yes, that would be a game changer.”

Until then, the line will keep growing, and loyal customers will keep waiting.