Sunday Gravy with yeah right: In-N-Out Burger and the “Secret Menu.”

Hello hello again everyone.

We slowly but surely approach the return to my football viewing slovenly ways. I’ve got this. Just one more week of Season 8 and I hit my offseason.

I confess to extreme burnout and laziness regarding todays post. The temperature just hasn’t been friendly and it’s only a forced labor of love that drives me to get my ass in the kitchen and turn the oven on.

Time for a break and a little something different.

It wasn’t easy trying to think of an idea that would be intriguing, I really couldn’t come up with anything until…

I was presented with a gift card.

One of the things that makes the idea for today more interesting is the simple fact that In-N-Out Burger only exists in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Texas. And considering the affinity that Texas has for Whataburger I’m pretty goddamn surprised that they were able to get an In-N-Out constructed there without starting some kind of burger civil war.

So I’m pretty sure we’ve got plenty of folks out there who may have heard of In-N-Out burger but aren’t that familiar with them.

A perfect opportunity to elucidate!

The fun part about getting that gift card was this was given to me and a couple of my crew for literally doing our jobs. We had a new customer seek out our services and we kicked ass as we always do and completed the job in about 3 hours when she was expecting it to take weeks and we just blew her mind with our skills.

Cool.

I have a real hard time accepting gifts from our clients but shit man, In-N-Out gift cards get a pass from every-damn-body.

I guarantee our California, Arizona, Nevada contingent have probably received one of their own at one point in the past.

Most folks who’ve been there are familiar with the fact that In-N-Out Burger has a “secret menu.” I think they are the first fast food joint who did this. A secret menu is simply foods served by the restaurant that aren’t listed on the standard menu.

Here’s a breakdown.

Got to be honest with you, this is the first time in over 20 years that I’ve visited In-N-Out. I’m obviously not much of a fast food guy. Also I personally prefer Five Guys and Shake Shack to In-N-Out. But fuck it, free is free right?

Gift card in hand I made the pilgrimage.

The palm trees in the background are fucking perfect here since palm trees are all over the stores branding.

This here is my local franchise in PEE-droh.

While navigating past the drive thru and trying not to get hit by a goddamn car I finally got to the entrance.

Let’s head inside and get a look at the menu.

First thing you need to be aware of; this place is constantly busy. It’s got this cult following and holy shit is it ever packed.

Yes, they have a massive crew and yes that crew gets after it.

In-N-Out is also known for supposedly being a great company to work for. They consistently offer higher wages – almost livable wages! – and they are absolutely in demand as an employer for high schoolers and those just out of high school.

I heard 4 different languages just in my brief time in this store including a French couple who each had a carry-on suitcase with them.

Brick has posted photos of the LAX In-N-Out Burger which is like a destination location since it’s right in the landing path at LAX.

If you’re wondering why I didn’t use the drive thru that was me being a straight up courteous motherfucker. I planned to order two items off of the secret menu and if you’re doing this you need to be prepared to wait longer than the average customer.

You order this shit in the drive thru line and you’re going to piss off a bunch of hungry ass bastards when they have to wait for you to get your order.

The slow down was because both of my items had grilled onions and people? They grill the FUCK out of their onions. I was order number 28 and I was still sitting when orders 29-36 were handed out. No rush man. I was on a fucking quest.

Finally about 20 minutes after walking in it was old number 28s turn. Sprinted to the car, sped off south on Western and headed for the right house.

Seven minutes later and here’s another iconic photo that will be familiar to basically every Southern Californian.

How much was this extravagant meal you ask?

Please do take careful note of our 9.5% state tax. Lovely that. Still, less than twelve bucks for burger and fries. Not bad.

Another note of interest I did not order a delicious beverage to wash this down. I had plenty of icy cold beers in the fridge thank you very much.

That’s also one of my issues with fast food joints. If I’m having a burger I want a goddamn beer with it.

Period.

My order today was a “3X3” and “Animal Fries.” The 3×3 is a burger with three patties and three pieces of cheese plus the toppings of your choice. Both are considered items off of the secret menu.

Animal fries are there very own fucking thing indeed.

The first thing I noticed was this box.

Not sure how they can say this came off of the “secret menu” when it’s got its own customized fucking box. Let’s get a peek-a-loo inside yes?

People? I originally thought the whole secret menu thing was just a gimmick.

I stand corrected.

These. Are. Fucking. AWESOME!

Animal Style means cheese, extra sauce and grilled onions. If you’re doing an Animal Style burger, they also coat the beef patty with mustard when grilling. Didn’t detect mustard in the fries.

As far as the burger is concerned.

For me I go just basic sauce and grilled onions. That’s it. Don’t be judging my ass with the extra patty neither. I didn’t want to be piggy and order two “Double-Doubles” yet I do find that one “Double-Double” just isn’t quite enough.

A burger order is personal dammit. This one is mine for In-N-Out. One of the things I like about Five Guys is they offer bacon and sautéed mushrooms and you can bet your ASS I’m all about adding bacon and sautéed mushrooms when I order. Plus I like the Cajun fries from Five Guys.

Honestly prior to today one of the downsides to In-N-Out has always been the fries. They are basically cut to order and are extremely fresh but they never had that much pizzazz. That shit changed today!

Those animal fries are pretty much a reason for a visit all on their own.

One thing to keep in mind, the drive home most definitely impacted the overall food experience because the cheese does tend to congeal a bit and I’m certain an in-store experience would offer a higher quality product.

To which I respond “Then start selling beer dammit!”

I’ve got another small rant here: For the life of me I can not understand how anyone could drink a milkshake while eating a burger and fries. That shit almost short circuits my brain.

A goddamn burger and fries is a nuclear grade calorie bomb all on its own and you want to dump a shake on top of that?

Are you out of your fucking mind?

Dumping a shake on top of that load of grease just feels like you’re lubing up the chutes for a mudslide.

My colon just clenched shut typing the previous segment.

I have no issues with a decent milk shake but for me? It’s basically a meal by itself. I can’t consume any type of food with one.

I know there will be many of you who can drink a milkshake with a burger and I have no problem with that. This is my own choice and personal issue that I have to deal with on my own.

Was I able to finish this extravagant repast?

Silly question indeed.

All in all this was just fine. Couldn’t beat the damn price and it was definitely an old school experience going in a fast food joint for the first time in, oh about 3 fucking years.

These guys have been a cult favorite for a long damn time and they most definitely have a loyal following.

This meal did indeed cause the “Five day a week vegetarian” in me to cringe a bit but fuck it, I just added an extra mile onto my walk the next day.

Not sure when I’ll go back again. Another 20 years? 

If you do make a trip to California don’t let me talk you out of trying these guys. Lots of folks swear by them.

There we go folks!

Next weekend is Labor Day Weekend and the season finale of Sunday Gravy.

Do drop in to visit won’t you?

Can’t wait.

Be well and be safe everybody.

Until next week.

PEACE!

 

 

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yeah right
yeah right is a fully vaccinated lifelong Vikings fan, food guru and LA Harbor resident with a black belt in profanity.
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ballsofsteelandfury

At least the defense is good…

scotchnaut

Yeah, I know it’s preseason but the Lions “rah! rah!” squad played a real team and is getting run over like an Edsel in the headlights.

WCS

Truth Biskit looks fine in the Yinzer two-minute drill. Probably because he doesn’t have to wait for the o-line to shit all over themselves each snap.

Gumbygirl

This o-line is going to be a huge problem.

ballsofsteelandfury

You misspelled turnstile.

WCS

YYYUUUGGGEEE

DJ TAJ

IN-N-OUT SUCKS!! It’s like saying I’m going to McDonalds to get a burger. In the burger world there is only one, WHATABURGER, period, that’s it it’s over. But God Damn it they have none any where near me so I go to FIVE GUYS when it’s burger time or a local mom and pop diner, they do make a good double meat burger.

ballsofsteelandfury

I’ve had Whataburger several times but I’ve never had their regular burger because all the other menu items they have are so awesome.

Mr. Ayo

Here I was thinking this Truth Biscuit fella was awful. Then Boyle shows up and tries to change my mind. But, I’m sticking to my initial reaction: They both kinda of suck.

WCS

BLEERGH is getting the most of the JV season reps in Yinzburgh.

BrettFavresColonoscopy

Now I want a cheeseburger and a milkshake

Rikki-Tikki-Deadly

– Coach Reid, having lit a candle over his mother’s grave

Gumbygirl

Rashad Wildgoose!

scotchnaut

Bradford Monkeyhose!*

*gotta admit-I have no idea what you’re talking about but I wanted to participate anyway

Gumbygirl

The Jets have a guy named Rashad Wildgoose. Not sure about the spelling, but I know what I heard. Steelers on CBS next!

scotchnaut

Any players on the team that you think will carry on Ben’s legacy? My money is on John Ripherherclothesoff.

Gumbygirl

Christ, I hope not. I thought they should have cut him when the rapey stuff came out years ago. I won’t miss his fat, fugly face one bit!

Mr. Ayo

Or as he’s known in Minnesota, Rashad WildGreyDuck.

Col. Duke LaCross

I hear they got some good burgers!

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Brick Meathook
scotchnaut

Giants absolutely destroying the Jets by 7 points.

Horatio Cornblower

I’ve never been to In-N-Out or Whataburger. I refuse to go to Whalburger’s on principle. Five Guys is decent, Shake Shack is very good.

But McDonald’s breakfast biscuits are the way to go, even if you can feel years slide off of your life every time you have one.

blaxabbath

What’s the whataburger principle?

scotchnaut

My guess? Google his arrest record as a youngster.

Rikki-Tikki-Deadly

Yes, yes, we’ve all seen the documentation of Horatio’s time at juvie…wait, did you mean the Whataburger guy?

Mr. Ayo

That’s what happened to the Hamburglar?

TheRevanchist

He said Whalburger. Anything that supports Mark Whalburg is a terrible thing. Have you seen his movies?

Gumbygirl

I went to the Whalburgers at Morongo Casino. It was ok, nothing special.

Game Time Decision

Never been to In and out. Don’t think I’ve even seen one in person.
The only Whalburger I’ve been to is when flying out of YYZ and its one of the few decent places to eat after you get through security. And they serve alcohol so YR would be happy. Oh and its usually for business so get to expense the stupid expensive meal.

Wakezilla

I’d imagine the secret sauce of In and Out tastes a little bitter unless it’s marinated in pineapple first.

TheRevanchist

In-n-Out is not even on my list of places I voluntarily go to. For my money, burger from Carl’s Jr. and fries from Wienerschnitzel.

Yes, I am the fat guy.

blaxabbath

Once in my life has my Carl’s Jr burger been right. I love the pitch but am too often let down by botched sauce proportions and weak lettuce/tomato to dare try anymore.

TheRevanchist

Lettuce and tomato? I think I know where you went wrong.

blaxabbath

Superstar

Gumbygirl

I like Wienerschnitzel’s fries too, with chili and cheese. Also fat, and don’t care!

BugEyedBoo

Hardees ≈ Carl’s Jr. Good breakfast biscuits, and ginormous burgers that are okay. None closer than 30 miles from me, so I don’t get there often. There was one just off campus when I went to college that had a nice ham & melted swiss sandwich that was pretty good.

Rikki-Tikki-Deadly

I miss getting Carl’s Jr coupons in the mail.

blaxabbath

I agree about IN n Out as a dine in pony.

herodotus450

This chicken salad Im eating they should call it celery salad because there’s a disappointing amount of chicken in it. And the chicken is dry.

scotchnaut

/checks Giants roster

Huh! The backup to Davis Webb at qb for this game is listed as “The Ghost Of Kerry Collins”.*

*oddly enough, that was also the title of a Scooby-Doo episode**

Gumbygirl

He would have gotten away with it too, if it weren’t for those fucking kids!

scotchnaut

“And their big fucking mouths!”

-Matt Gaetz, providing commentary

ArmedandHammered

At all the kids were white, except for that Hispanic looking one who had that weird speech impediment with the r’s.

scotchnaut

Speaking of fantasy leagues, given that two of mine are dust, if you need someone for yours I’m available for the low, low price of ‘nothing’.

Sharkbait

Ugh, thats the worst when leagues just die.

Gumbygirl

Gumby’s Fantasy Football draft was about to start, so I had to scurry in a hurry to Von’s to get him a Lindy’s. They have a dynasty league, and he has a dead guy ( Haskins) on his team. His league, which is mostly lawyers who went to N C State, are trying to argue that not only does he have to keep the corpse, he has to start him! Gumby is retaliating with gay porn, I think. That’s his go- to move.

Last edited 2 years ago by Gumbygirl
ballsofsteelandfury

This is awesome

herodotus450

Haven’t those idiots ever read Mitchel v Oregon Board of Labor? It’s settled law!

Gumbygirl

They are lawyers from NC State.

ArmedandHammered

How the hell did they find enough lawyers from NC State to make up a league? Hippo is the only one I have ever heard of.

scotchnaut

I looked up “lawyers arguing amongst each other and this is what I found-hope it helps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSO4ooNN_MY&ab_channel=NatureNorth

Last edited 2 years ago by scotchnaut
Gumbygirl

Gahhhhhhhhhhhh! I whole body shivered so hard I think I pulled a muscle!

scotchnaut

“Snakes just wanna have fun”

-Cyndi Gartner

blaxabbath

“‘What kind of gay porn?’

– Carl Nassib”

– Sill Bimmons

Sharkbait

Is this gints jest pre season game actually…good?

scotchnaut

It’s competitive, I’ll give it that.

Gumbygirl

I have that, and oddly enough, a second NFL Network channel is showing Bolts/ Saints.

BaldingSpiritually

I lived in Frisco, TX when the first In-n-Out opened. My wife and I wanted to try it out so we went on the first weekend.

In-N-Out was in such demand they hired security to direct everyone to park in an adjacent large shopping center, which was packed as if a large concert was performing nearby. When it was our turn a block of cars would be freed to then go to the drive thru line. Appx wait we were told would be at least 2-3 hours, so I nope’d out and went during the middle of the day the next week, waiting only 45 minutes this time.

That’s my story and it was worth the wait

Last edited 2 years ago by BaldingSpiritually
scotchnaut

When a Popeye’s franchise initially opened up in Sudbury, Ontario the same sort of thing happened-lineups way out the door, cars in the drive-thru line congesting traffic out in the street. That’s what happens when there is a second option available as far as fried chicken is available.

ballsofsteelandfury

We had a similar thing when Popeye’s started offering the Chicken Sandwich. Absolute madness.

Gumbygirl

I sat in that line, and I’d do it again! Popeye’s is bomb-ass chicken!

scotchnaut

The wifey insisted, “I don’t like fried chicken!”. I responded by saying, “You don’t like Kentucky Fried Chicken, because that’s all you’ve ever tasted”. She’s a convert now.

scotchnaut

Flacco with the Most Elitest pick six!

WCS

A toast of room temperature tap water to celebrate.

Sharkbait

Spurs looked like ass, but I’ll take the 3 points. Also Richarleson is such a cunt I love it.

Sharkbait

It’s so cliche but I try to hit in and out whenever I’m in Vegas or LA

Gumbygirl

I’m pretty sure it’s a rule.

ArmedandHammered

In and Out sounds like a brothel.

scotchnaut

The British equivalent is called “Bang Her And Dash”.

WCS

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Horatio Cornblower

Anything’s a brothel if you’re brave enough.

scotchnaut

GIANTS! JETS! Catch a preseason game featuring the two teams that are tied for most losses since 2017!

/I’m a great salesman, really

BugEyedBoo

Practically sells itself!

/gonna go fish in my pond

scotchnaut

Here’s hoping you catch some carpe diem.

BugEyedBoo

Seize the turd buster!

BugEyedBoo

Shamefully enough, every one in a while I have to have some White Castle sliders. I don’t know if they’re the opposite of In-n-Out/Five Guys so much as they’re orthogonal to them.

Mr. Ayo

I love White Castle sliders!

I think I live in the wrong state now.

Mr. Ayo

Headed there this week to make sure it’s still up to snuff.

Gumbygirl

Is Ivar’s still on the pier? I loved Ivar’s. He was still alive when we lived there.

Mr. Ayo

Of course! That area is a lot nicer now that they got rid of the highway overpass.

Gumbygirl

Woot, gut bombs!

scotchnaut

I was looking for fast food chains that were specific to Portugal and came across something called “The Great American Disaster” which seems to me to be more a comment on U.S. foreign policy than a place to get a bite to eat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjUQ7bgEEao&ab_channel=LaizaFeijo

Last edited 2 years ago by scotchnaut
herodotus450

Great American Disaster eh? Only disaster I see here is the Marshall Plan!!! How about that you ungrateful Iberians!

Gumbygirl

That burger looked good. And a strawberry milkshake, I can’t remember the last time I had one of those. Now I’m starving!

Brick Meathook

I would totally eat here. I would tell all the other customers how awesome American foreign policy is and at least we aren’t the fucking Portuguese of the 17th century. I would say all this in English, of course.

Mr. Ayo

More like Harry Kant

Cecil Rhodes

My word, is this truly Conte’s Spurs? I haven’t seen a Spurs squad look so pleased after letting the other team have the bulk of the possession in the first half since the Special One was in charge.

Brick Meathook

My short film (57 seconds) about the local In-N-Out:

https://vimeo.com/693405435

Mr. Ayo

Still awesome.

Gumbygirl

Quantas. Quantas has never crashed
R. Man

DJ TAJ

Damn dude, some day I want to go on a shoot with you and learn how to do this camera shit right.

2Pack

My go to take out place is a seafood trattoria a few miles down the road. The mixed fried fish with fries is really good. With our only burger choices being McDonald’s and Burger King, this one is a no brainer.

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BugEyedBoo

When my wife and flew out to Los Angeles for my appearance on Jeopardy, we went to eat at that In-n-Out Burger by the airport right after we got out of LAX. There were three guys in their 20’s at the table next to us who were surfers or whatever, who had just got back from some island out in the Pacific Ocean. They must have been out there for a good long while, because they were in cheeseburger ecstasy while eating their burgers. Just *chomp* *chomp*, “Oh man…” *chomp* *chomp*.

Since burgers aren’t all that hard to find in Columbus it didn’t hit the spot all that hard, although to be fair we did go there before we went to the hotel. It was really good for a fast food burger, but wasn’t the be-all and end-all of burgers.

I’m also with you about Five Guys > In-n-Out. Cheeseburgers are on the menu this week, while it’s still grilling weather, but I might lobby to visit Five Guys for burgers instead.

Last edited 2 years ago by BugEyedBoo
ballsofsteelandfury

By my count, that makes 3 DFOers that have been on Jeopardy! Holy crap y’all are a smart bunch!

King Hippo

(also at least three THEEEEEs)

/making an assumption, dunno how else one ends up in Columbus

BugEyedBoo

Graduated in Huntington WV. Readin; writin’, and Rt. 23, but stopped before I got to Detroit.

Brick Meathook

Four. I did the try outs for local L.A. contestants (to be called in case another contestant couldn’t show up). I passed, but they said I couldn’t be on the show because I was too smart and would win all the money and make everyone else look bad and my obviously enormous cock was causing Alex Trebek to get confused and constantly call on me even when I gave a wrong answer and let’s not even get started about Vanna White who came over from the other studio and kept trying to blow me.

Last edited 2 years ago by Brick Meathook
ballsofsteelandfury

Nice!

2Pack

Indeed

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Mr. Ayo

In N Out is now in Oregon too. Just one more state to the north, please!

Although, we do have 5 guys and I prefer them. /phrasing

scotchnaut

Kudos to you! I’d have thought you couldn’t handle more than 3 guys.

BugEyedBoo

One more and he can get the Double-Double.

King Hippo

Robins Hood, air out of the balloon.

Col. Duke LaCross

As a secular Utah man, near my house in the hood we’ve got both a Five Guys and and In-N-Out. Although I prefer In-N-Out’s burgers, their fries are dogshit, so in my fatter days, I’d hit up both. In-N-Out for the burgers and Five Guys for the fries. Though a bag of FG fries are so greasy, it’d soak through, so I’d start to lay a newspaper out on the front seat for the ride home.

ballsofsteelandfury

Here is my perfect meal:

In-n-Out Double Double Animal Style
Five Guys Cajun Fries
Shake Shack Concrete

Jesús, my arteries constricted just typing that out.

King Hippo

I prefer fries to be crisp, so I don’t care for Five Guys’ – I just get the burger (which has enough grease and then some)

Gumbygirl

You have to get the fries well done at In- N- Out, or they do indeed suck. I love their burgers though!

ballsofsteelandfury

Btw, call me when we start talking about a Tommy burger…

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Downfield Matriculator

The actual original one on Rampart!

King Hippo

pfft, a REAL secret menu would be like “soylent green burger” or “pulled fetal pig”

Horatio Cornblower

Long pig

ballsofsteelandfury

A few other items are:

Fries Well Done (“wellies”)
Root Beer Float
Chopped Chili’s

Here’s a good article on it:

https://www.seriouseats.com/the-in-n-out-survival-guide-we-ate-every-single-item-on-the-secret-menu

ballsofsteelandfury

Regular v Wellies:

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ballsofsteelandfury

Burger and fries with chopped chilis:

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Last edited 2 years ago by ballsofsteelandfury
ballsofsteelandfury

Root Beer Float

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Last edited 2 years ago by ballsofsteelandfury
ballsofsteelandfury

There are more secret menu items that are not listed on their website:

Flying Dutchman
Grilled Cheese
Neapolitan Shake
Vegetarian Burger

I’ve had 5 Guys, I’ve had Shake Shack, and I’ve had In-n-Out. Each has good burgers but they’re totally different so you shouldn’t really compare them. Each is their own thing and each is wonderful.

ballsofsteelandfury

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ballsofsteelandfury

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ballsofsteelandfury

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litre_cola

I am with you, I feel 5 Guys is better than In and out.

Grilled green peppers, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, raw onions, bbq sauce, with Cajun fries.

/mushrooms are the devil.

King Hippo

I always get bacon, green peppers, and mustard. Usually end up in Carpenter town, but man is it ever tasty going down.

Horatio Cornblower

That’s what she said.

ballsofsteelandfury

Raw onions:Balls :: Anal:King Hippo

King Hippo

I also hate raw onions. Not QUITE as much as butt stuff, but is still gross. Like eating a spoonful of oregano or some shit.

litre_cola

Raw onions are a must on hot dogs, and sausages!

King Hippo

I am always annoyed when I ask for grilled peppers, but without the onions – and they can’t do it. Fuckers.

ballsofsteelandfury

See, I go grilled. Specially for hotdogs or sausages. It’s like sauerkraut but a sweeter flavour.

BugEyedBoo

Being from West ByGod, it’s hot dog chili, raw onions, and mustard. Or coleslaw instead of onions. If you really want to go Appalachian style, use reconstituted onions, or onions chopped really fine.

A couple of weeks ago we had grilled Italian sausages on buns with grilled onions and peppers. Good stuff.

DJ TAJ

They are a must on everything, you ever had a sautéed baby without onions? almost uneatable

ballsofsteelandfury

COMMON GROUND! 🤣😂

King Hippo

ah is awful skeered too

King Hippo

Seeing Bonesaws actually play in that cringe kit…at least Ginger Hammer wouldn’t allow that.

Dunstan

In-N-Out’s burgers are good, but their fries suck, and it’s hard for me to respect a burger joint that can’t get 50% of its job done correctly.

TheRevanchist

This is a very true statement about the fries. They need any and every topping or you just have to eat cardboard.

King Hippo

FronkenBoner!

scotchnaut

Are there any fast food chains in Portugal though?

King Hippo

surely they have their own Magick Burger King, at minimum??

ballsofsteelandfury

Australia does!

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litre_cola

In AFL tipping you used to get a free whopper if you got the whole week correct

2Pack

I will have to try that out if I’m ever in the area. Had some Whataburger when we lived in Texas and thought they were pretty good. No shame in taking a break and going take out from time to time Buddy, we all do it and deserve it. Be well everyone.