Here's what happens...even though "ground central" for American burger joints is California, and even though the owner of In N Out gives money to Republicans, SOMEHOW because In N Out refuses to freeze the meat and expand eastward, right-wing nutjobs equate In N Out with liberals and choose to hate it, slam it every chance they get, and champion Whataburger (Texas-based) or Five Guys (Virginia-based).
Ridiculous.
Shake Shack is the best, In N Out is second-best, Fatburger is third-best, it doesn't matter how you vote in elections. 5 Guys, Whataburger, Burger Fi, and Smashburger are just on the next level below those three.
And people have to be honest about french fries, some outlets of ANY chain ***** them up with old oil or they let them sit too long. The only places I've ever been that have consistently consistent fries have been Shake Shack and McDonalds. And, no, putting "extra fries" or shaking Cajun spice in the bag does not improve the situation.
PS, if you don't like chains, go to Lokal in the Grove. Or Teak in Orlando.