The Ultimate Guide to In-N-Out Delivery And How You Can Order

In today’s fast-paced world, food delivery has become an essential service for many Americans. Few restaurant chains inspire the level of devotion that In-N-Out Burger does, with its cult-like following and reputation for quality. For fans of the iconic California-based burger chain, the question of delivery options is more than just a matter of convenience—it’s about accessing those beloved Double-Doubles and Animal Style fries without having to join the infamous drive-thru lines.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about In-N-Out delivery: the official policies, third-party workarounds, costs, and tips for getting those perfect burgers delivered to your doorstep. Whether you’re craving a protein-style burger or wondering if you can get those hand-cut fries delivered while they’re still hot and crispy, we’ve got you covered with the most up-to-date information available.

Does In-N-Out Offer Delivery?

Let’s address the most pressing question first: Does In-N-Out offer delivery? The short answer is that In-N-Out Burger does not officially offer its own delivery service. Unlike many other fast food chains that have embraced delivery apps and services, In-N-Out has maintained a stance focused on quality control and customer experience that has led them to resist offering official delivery options.

The company’s official position emphasizes their commitment to serving food at its freshest and highest quality. In-N-Out representatives have consistently stated that they believe their products are best enjoyed fresh from the grill, which is why they’ve historically avoided delivery services that might compromise the integrity of their food during transport.

This position reflects In-N-Out’s broader business philosophy, which has always prioritized quality over rapid expansion. The chain famously refuses to franchise, limits its menu to a few core items, and only operates in regions where it can maintain its supply chain standards.

In N Out and Third-Party Delivery Services

Despite In-N-Out’s official stance, many customers still manage to get In-N-Out delivered through third-party delivery services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates. These services essentially act as your personal courier, with delivery drivers placing orders on your behalf and bringing them to your location.

It’s important to note that these third-party deliveries are not officially endorsed by In-N-Out, and in fact, the company has engaged in legal battles with some delivery services in the past. In 2015, In-N-Out filed a lawsuit against DoorDash for using its logo without permission and delivering its food without an agreement in place.

Nevertheless, many delivery services continue to offer In-N-Out as an option in their applications, with drivers essentially acting as proxies for customers. Here’s how the major delivery services handle In-N-Out orders:

DoorDash and In-N-Out

DoorDash sometimes lists In-N-Out as an available restaurant, depending on your location. However, the relationship between DoorDash and In-N-Out has been complicated. Following legal disputes, DoorDash removed In-N-Out from its platform in some areas but still offers it in others.

When ordering through DoorDash, you might notice that the menu options are limited or that prices are higher than in-store. This is because DoorDash drivers are essentially placing orders as regular customers and then delivering them to you.

Uber Eats and In-N-Out

Similarly, Uber Eats may offer In-N-Out delivery in some locations, though the availability varies by region. Like with DoorDash, these orders are not officially processed through an In-N-Out system but rather placed by the delivery driver at the restaurant.

Postmates and In-N-Out

Postmates has been known to offer In-N-Out delivery in many of the regions where the chain operates. The service typically shows the full In-N-Out menu, including secret menu items, though again, these orders are placed by the delivery driver rather than through an official integration with In-N-Out.

Grubhub and In-N-Out

Grubhub’s availability for In-N-Out delivery varies by location. In some areas, In-N-Out doesn’t appear on the platform at all, while in others, it’s listed as an option with the standard menu.

The Cost of In-N-Out Delivery

When ordering In-N-Out through third-party delivery services, you should expect to pay significantly more than you would in-store. Here’s a breakdown of the additional costs you might encounter:

Delivery Fees: Most services charge a delivery fee ranging from $2.99 to $6.99, depending on your distance from the restaurant.
Service Fees: Third-party apps often add a service fee, usually calculated as a percentage of your order total (typically 10-15%).
Surge Pricing: During busy times, delivery services may implement surge pricing, increasing the delivery fee.
Tips: It’s customary to tip your delivery driver, usually 15-20% of the order subtotal.
Markup on Menu Items: Some services increase the price of menu items compared to in-store prices.

For example, a standard In-N-Out meal that might cost $7-8 in-store could end up costing $15-20 when delivered, after accounting for all these additional fees.

In-N-Out Delivery Near Me: Location Matters

The availability of In-N-Out delivery depends heavily on your location. In-N-Out Burger operates in seven states: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, and Colorado. Within these states, delivery options may vary by city and even by neighborhood.

In-N-Out Delivery in California

As the home state of In-N-Out, California has the highest density of locations and subsequently the most delivery options. Major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento generally have good coverage through third-party delivery services.

In-N-Out Delivery in Texas

In Texas, In-N-Out has expanded significantly in recent years, with locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio. Delivery options in these areas are typically available through most major delivery platforms.

In-N-Out Delivery in Arizona

Phoenix, Tucson, and other Arizona cities have numerous In-N-Out locations, making delivery a viable option in many areas through third-party services.

In-N-Out Delivery in Nevada

Las Vegas has several In-N-Out locations, and delivery is generally available through most major platforms throughout the city.

In-N-Out Delivery in Utah, Oregon, and Colorado

These states have fewer In-N-Out locations, so delivery availability is more limited and typically centered around major cities like Salt Lake City, Portland, and Denver.

Best Practices for Ordering In-N-Out Delivery

If you decide to order In-N-Out through a third-party delivery service, here are some tips to ensure the best possible experience:

1. Order During Off-Peak Hours

In-N-Out is known for its long lines, especially during lunch and dinner rushes. Ordering during off-peak hours (typically 2-4 PM or after 8 PM) can result in faster service and potentially fresher food.

2. Be Strategic About Menu Choices

Not all In-N-Out items travel well. Here are some suggestions for delivery-friendly options:

Double-Double: The flagship burger holds up reasonably well during delivery.
Protein Style: Burgers wrapped in lettuce instead of buns may actually travel better since they don’t get soggy.
Animal Style Burgers: The extra sauce and grilled onions help keep the burger moist even if it’s not piping hot.

Items that don’t travel as well include:

French Fries: In-N-Out’s fresh-cut fries notoriously have a short window of optimal crispiness.
Shakes: May melt during transit.

3. Consider Ordering “Animal Style Fries” for Delivery

If you must have fries, ordering them “Animal Style” (with cheese, spread, and grilled onions) can help mask the loss of crispiness that occurs during delivery.

4. Use Delivery Instructions Effectively

When placing your order, include specific instructions for both the restaurant and the driver:

Ask for sauces on the side
Request that burgers and fries be packaged separately
Specify if you want utensils or extra napkins

5. Track Your Order

Most delivery apps allow you to track your order in real-time. Keep an eye on your delivery to know when to expect it, especially if you’re ordering temperature-sensitive items like shakes.

6. Be Prepared to Reheat

If you’re concerned about temperature, be prepared to quickly reheat your food. For burgers, a few seconds in the microwave can help. For fries, a quick reheat in a toaster oven can restore some crispiness.

In-N-Out Mobile Ordering and Alternatives

While In-N-Out doesn’t offer delivery through its own channels, the company has taken steps to modernize its ordering process in other ways:

In-N-Out Mobile Ordering

In-N-Out has introduced a mobile app that allows customers to place orders for pickup. This doesn’t solve the delivery issue, but it does offer a more convenient way to get your food without waiting in the traditional line.

The app allows you to:

Browse the menu, including secret menu items
Customize your order
Pay ahead of time
Schedule a pickup time

In-N-Out Drive-Thru

The drive-thru remains In-N-Out’s primary service method. The chain is famous for its efficient drive-thru operations, with employees sometimes taking orders from cars in line using tablets to speed up the process.

In-N-Out Pickup

Another option is to place an order via phone or through the mobile app and pick it up at the counter. This can be faster than waiting in the drive-thru line, especially during peak hours.

In-N-Out Secret Menu Delivery

One of the most exciting aspects of In-N-Out is its “secret menu,” which includes popular items not listed on the official menu. The good news is that these secret menu items can generally be ordered through third-party delivery services as well.

Popular secret menu items available for delivery include:

1. Animal Style Burger

A mustard-cooked beef patty with lettuce, tomato, additional spread, pickles, and grilled onions.

2. Protein Style Burger

Any burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun, perfect for those watching their carbs.

3. 3×3 or 4×4

Three or four beef patties with three or four slices of cheese, respectively.

4. Animal Style Fries

Fries topped with cheese, spread, and grilled onions.

5. Neapolitan Shake

A shake with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors mixed together.

When ordering these items through delivery apps, you may need to add special instructions to ensure they’re prepared correctly, as not all apps have these options built into their menus.

Comparing In-N-Out Delivery vs. Pickup

When deciding between delivery and pickup, consider these factors:

Delivery Pros:

Convenience of not leaving your location
Saving time you’d spend driving and waiting in line
Useful for group orders or when you can’t leave (work, home obligations)

Delivery Cons:

Significantly higher cost with fees and tips
Food quality may diminish during transit
Longer wait times (especially during peak hours)
No direct quality control

Pickup Pros:

Fresh, hot food at its intended quality
No delivery fees or markups
Mobile ordering can reduce wait times
Control over when you receive your food

Pickup Cons:

Requires travel to the restaurant
May involve waiting in long lines
Time spent driving and parking

For many In-N-Out aficionados, the quality difference between fresh In-N-Out and delivered In-N-Out is significant enough that they prefer pickup. However, for those with limited mobility or time constraints, delivery offers access to the beloved chain’s offerings that might otherwise be inaccessible.

Reviews of In-N-Out Delivery Experiences

Based on customer reviews from various platforms, here’s a summary of common experiences with In-N-Out delivery:

Positive Experiences:

Many customers report that burgers generally arrive in good condition
Delivery drivers often communicate well about potential delays
The convenience factor is highly valued, especially for those who can’t easily visit a location

Negative Experiences:

Fries frequently arrive cold and soggy
Long delivery times, especially during peak hours
Higher costs compared to in-store purchases
Occasional confusion with secret menu items

A common thread in reviews is that while delivered In-N-Out may not match the experience of eating in-store, it satisfies the craving when going to the restaurant isn’t an option.

The Future of In-N-Out Delivery

As food delivery continues to grow in popularity, many wonder if In-N-Out will eventually launch its own delivery service or officially partner with third-party platforms. While the company has remained steadfast in its position against delivery, the industry continues to evolve.

Some potential developments to watch for:

1. Custom Packaging

Some fast food chains have developed specialized packaging to maintain food quality during delivery. If In-N-Out were to embrace delivery, they might invest in innovative packaging solutions.

2. Limited Delivery Menus

Another approach could be offering a limited menu of items that travel well, protecting the integrity of their brand while still meeting customer demand for delivery.

3. Expanded Mobile Ordering

While not delivery, In-N-Out could further enhance its mobile ordering capabilities to make pickup even more convenient.

4. Ghost Kitchens

Some restaurant chains have established delivery-only locations (ghost kitchens) to serve delivery customers without impacting their traditional restaurants. This would be a significant departure from In-N-Out’s current model but could be a future possibility.

Conclusion

While In-N-Out Burger doesn’t officially offer delivery services, the demand for their iconic burgers and fries has created a thriving ecosystem of third-party delivery options. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, or any other city with In-N-Out locations, there’s likely a way to get your Double-Double fix delivered.

The trade-off between convenience and quality is real, and customers should manage their expectations accordingly. Delivered In-N-Out may not provide the same experience as visiting the restaurant, but for many fans, it’s a worthwhile compromise when going to the restaurant isn’t possible.

As with any food delivery, costs are higher than dining in or picking up, wait times can be longer during peak hours, and the quality of certain items may diminish during transit. However, with strategic ordering and proper timing, you can still enjoy a satisfying In-N-Out experience from the comfort of your own home.

Whether you’re a longtime In-N-Out devotee or a curious newcomer, we hope this guide helps you navigate the world of In-N-Out delivery and make informed decisions about how to enjoy this beloved California institution.

Remember, the best way to experience In-N-Out is still fresh from the grill—but when that’s not possible, delivery can be the next best thing.

Does In-N-Out do delivery?

In-N-Out Burger does not offer direct delivery from its restaurants. The chain focuses on dine-in and drive-thru experiences only. They prioritize freshness and quality control within their physical locations.

How to order In-N-Out delivery?

You cannot order delivery directly from In-N-Out. Some third-party platforms may offer In-N-Out delivery in certain areas. Check apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, or Postmates to see if they deliver In-N-Out in your location.

How can I find out if In-N-Out is available for delivery in my location?

Download a delivery app like Uber Eats or DoorDash
Enter your delivery address
Search for “In-N-Out Burger
Check if the restaurant appears in search results
Check if the restaurant appears in search results

Does In-N-Out plan to expand its delivery services?

In-N-Out has not announced plans to expand their delivery services. The chain continues to focus on quality through in-restaurant and drive-thru experiences. They may explore more third-party partnerships but maintain their commitment to food quality standards.