If You Like In-N-Out Burgers, You Can't Skip This Overlooked West Coast Chain

Over the last few decades, In-N-Out has become one of the more popular burger chains in the United States. Now with more than 400 locations, the chain has expanded well beyond California into nine other states — as far east as Tennessee. It's a favorite of many celebrity chefs as well, whether it's Gordon Ramsay, Anthony Bourdain, or Julia Child. But though In-N-Out might be one of the big bosses in the game, that doesn't mean there aren't other chains that can serve an outstanding burger.

Case in point: Fatburger, one of the best regional chains in the United States. Fatburger is another historically California-based burger chain that now has 66 locations in 13 states, as well as 91 international locations. Originally founded in Los Angeles in 1947, the chain was first known as Mr. Fatburger and was the creation of Lovie Yancey and her husband. It was a hamburger stand that could seat three customers on stools. Several years later, the two split and Mrs. Yancey dropped the "Mr." from the name — and that's how Fatburger became Fatburger. 

While certainly not as large an operation as In-N-Out, Fatburger checks all the boxes for a burger chain with a long history of serving up simple but delicious hamburgers, french fries, milkshakes, and a few extra menu options. The chain's burgers are so good that Ice Cube actually referenced it in his 1992 hit "It Was a Good Day." The menu includes plenty of burger and cheeseburger options, an impossible burger, turkey burgers, plus chicken sandwiches. There are shakes galore, fries, chili cheese fries, and onion rings. Fatburger even offers bone-in and boneless wings — and all of this adds up to many positive reviews.

Though prices are more on par with Five Guys than In-N-Out — an original Fatburger meal with a ⅓-pound burger, fries, and a drink costs $14.49 — many reviewers don't seem to mind. Take Redditors, for instance. They're never shy to express their opinion, and, when it comes to Fatburger, they seem to love it. "Fatburger is LEGIT," one Redditor wrote in r/burgers. "They don't get enough recognition." They go on to say the chain makes some of the best milkshakes out there. Another Redditor shared the same sentiment: "Fatburger is the stuff dreams are made of. I could drown in one of those milkshakes and die happy."

Many reviewers even say Fatburger is better than In-N-Out. "I lived in California for 20+ years and I was always apprehensive to admit it in front of others due to the backlash, but I always thought Fatburger was better than In-N-Out," one Redditor said. Across the board, Fatburger gets a lot of great reviews, with even professional reviewers calling the chain underrated. The one criticism Fatburger receives a good bit is its price point. But, alas, that seems to be the case for many burger chains these days.

So if you're a little tired of In-N-Out or are simply looking for something different, definitely check out Fatburger. The burger chain is still mostly prominent in California with 39 locations, but it has expanded as far east as Pennsylvania and Florida. If you live nearby, it's absolutely worth a visit.