The One Fast Food Restaurant Alton Brown Can't Get Enough Of

Professional chefs: They're just like us. Although you might think that some of your favorite superstar chefs are too discerning about food to hang around your favorite fast-food restaurants, it turns out they're not above ordering some delicious, greasy burgers and fries. After all, some fast-food chains are just too good to resist — no matter who you are or how many upscale restaurants you've cooked in.

Alton Brown has made no secret of his love for fast food over the years. He won't go just anywhere for his favorite burger, though — according to Esquire, one particular fast-food chain has his heart (and his stomach). This chain isn't as widespread as McDonald's or Burger King, but it's just as famous for its burgers. 

If you live in the Western United States — especially California — you've probably gone to (or at least driven through) one of these burger spots. And if you don't live in the west but have tried a burger from this restaurant, you probably wish there were a location closer to home. It's that good.

Pull up to Alton Brown's favorite fast-food restaurant, and you'll probably find a neat red-and-white building and some crossed palm trees nearby. That's right: Brown's favorite fast-food spot is In-N-Out Burger. 

Although In-N-Out Burger is a regional chain, its simple menu, well-known secret menu, and special sauce make them a widespread favorite, and Brown is no exception. Everything from the Double-Double Cheeseburger to the secret menu Animal Style Fries to the thick, creamy milkshakes is a hit, so it's not a shock that Brown loves the craveable meals, too.

In-N-Out Burger fans are probably wondering which menu items catch Brown's eye. There may not be as much on the In-N-Out Burger menu as there is at other fast-food joints, but that doesn't seem to bother Brown. His favorite order is an Animal Style burger, which comes with lettuce, tomato, extra pickles, extra "special sauce," grilled onion, and a mustard-laden grilled patty — and a chocolate milkshake. According to Esquire, the chain's shakes are so good that they bring a tear to the chef's eye — Brown says that they remind him of his favorite shakes from his childhood. He also loves In-N-Out Burger's "special sauce," which is similar to Thousand Island dressing. Alton Brown, In-N-Out Burger fan? Who knew?

Think Alton Brown is the only well-known chef who secretly loves In-N-Out Burger? Well, you're not quite right — plenty of other chefs love the chain and have shared their go-to orders.

Among those who thoroughly enjoy an In-N-Out burger or shake are some surprising standouts. Gordon Ramsay, who's infamously finicky about the way his fellow chefs prepare food, has a surprising secret: He rolls through the In-N-Out Burger drive-thru for his tried-and-true order: a double-double (per Taste of Home). Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten also loves the restaurant and has been spotted there eating burgers — Animal Style, of course (per Eater). 

Plenty of other famous chefs have favorite orders, too — and according to Esquire, many of them prefer their burgers or grilled cheese Animal Style, like Brown and Garten. Clearly, In-N-Out Burger's minimalist menu and countless customization options have won over some of the best chefs in the world. Brown is just one of many who love the delicious burger chain.