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The anticipation for the newest In-N-Out in Las Vegas was off the charts. Well, it wasn’t to the level of the opening of SoCal-born pastrami spot the Hat, which snarled traffic and had a three hour wait for the drive-through. But there was a lot of curious buzz because, despite numerous locations in the city already, this In-N-Out was located on a rooftop on the Las Vegas Strip and was being billed by some as the chain’s largest restaurant (though it actually falls just short of that superlative).
When it opened earlier this month, In-N-Out’s wait was nowhere near that of the Hat. We can credit efficiency and the fact that all 70 burger associates were working the first few days—and with the competitive wages that the company pays so that they can sell a lot of burgers. They did. And continue to.
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Originally announced in 2024, the restaurant built up more than two years of hype, so when it finally opened the doors and let customers through those criss-crossed palm trees on the roof, I had to go to see if it was worth all the fuss.
The 8,000-square-foot In-N-Out sits atop the three-story BLVD mall development, across from Park MGM. With indoor seating for 170 guests and outdoor patio space for 50 on a terrace overlooking the Strip, it’s the second largest of the chain’s 400 restaurants trailing only the one in Barstow. And while it might not have taken the top spot in terms of size, the BLVD location has the best ambience and view of any In-N-Out with the possible exception of the plane spotting one near LAX.
My first impression walking up was that, honestly, the street signage could be better. There was only one dull illuminated black-and-white sign at the base of the escalator. I’m guessing they expect the glowing roof signage to act as a burger beacon to attract customers.
I visited on a weekday at 9pm. Because they had multiple cashiers the line moved fast and I received my food at lightning speed, all things considered. But there were zero tables. I bartered for mine. I took a photo of a family and then slipped into their booth when they left. I noticed workers clean the tables almost immediately after someone gets up.
The menu is the same and prices are exactly what you’d expect from In-N-Out—no price gouging here just because you’re on the Strip. A cheeseburger ($4.65), Double-Double ($6.55), fries ($2.70) and a shake ($3.20) make it easily the best deals on the Strip. (It sure beats the $18 smashburger just down the street.)
I was asked by one skeptic (who’s wary of the location) who will it attract. My answer: In-N-Out cultists. Burger lovers. People on a budget. Folks curious about a rooftop version. Concert-goers and hockey fans (it’s across the street from Park MGM and T-Mobile Arena). Anyone within walking distance. Perhaps a parachutist.
Who won’t come? Anyone driving by that doesn’t want to get out of their car. The city’s 19th location is unusual since it lacks a coveted drive-through.
But the BLVD spot instead has one of the largest In-N-Out retail stores, which sells many items otherwise only found on the company website. There’s plenty of Las Vegas merch and company-branded clothing to choose from; I counted 18 shirts hanging on the wall, along with 15 hats. Not only that, you can buy In-N-Out charms, stickers, key chains and even a giant apron pin if you happen to need one.
There is no doubt in my mind that the BLVD location will not only succeed but become a cult favorite that In-N-Out fans will make a pilgrimage to.