The Hottest Club in Hollywood: Unpacking the In-N-Out Oscars Tradition
As the lights dimmed on the Dolby Theatre and the 97th Academy Awards ceremony came to a close, the real party was just getting started – at In-N-Out Burger, that is. The iconic California chain has become an integral part of the Oscars experience, with stars and industry insiders flocking to its Sunset Boulevard location to cap off their glamorous night. But is In-N-Out really the place to be after the show, or is it just a fleeting trend? I set out to investigate, camping out at the In-N-Out closest to the Dolby Theatre to see who, if anyone, would show up to toast their win with some animal-style fries.
A Chaotic Scene
As I arrived around 6 pm, the parking lot was in disarray, with drivers fighting for spots and the drive-thru line wrapping around the block. The inside wasn’t much better, with a continuous stream of people flowing in and out. The staff were operating at an impressive clip, turning over tables and keeping everything humming along and clean. At times, it got so slammed that the security guard had to become the de facto bouncer, preventing overflow from becoming worse.
A Diverse Crowd
The scene inside was varied and fascinating, with entire families sharing a bounty of fried goodness, cool teens rocking pajama pants and silver Cuban link chains, and retirees on holiday. A few people looked vaguely famous, but that could either be because I’m a washed millennial who doesn’t know of many YouTube stars besides Mr. Beast – or we’re just in Hollywood, baby.
Influencers and Industry Insiders
At one point, an influencer burst in, camera in tow, asking patrons about their predictions for the night’s winners. Later, a group of seat-fillers strolled in, sharing stories of their active night darting around the Oscars telecast. “You always have to be on your toes,” said Brian Nemes, one of the seat-fillers. “You find an empty seat, you get up. It’s a much more active experience.”
A Symbol of Hollywood’s Glitz and Glamour
As I sat at In-N-Out for hours, I couldn’t help but notice the iconic signage and decor. The paper hats worn by employees seemed to be a nod to the 1950s, but with a 1980s twist. The fake flora display inside the restaurant reminded me of the peak mall era. It’s clear that In-N-Out has become a symbol of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour, a place where stars and industry insiders can let their hair down and indulge in some good old-fashioned comfort food.
Actionable Insights
So, is In-N-Out really the place to be after the Oscars? While it may not be the most exclusive club in town, it’s certainly a hotspot for industry insiders and fans alike. If you’re planning to attend the Oscars or just want to experience the magic of Hollywood, make sure to stop by In-N-Out on Sunset Boulevard. Just be prepared for a chaotic scene and a possible wait in line.
Summary
In-N-Out Burger has become an integral part of the Oscars experience, with stars and industry insiders flocking to its Sunset Boulevard location to cap off their glamorous night. While it may not be the most exclusive club in town, it’s certainly a hotspot for industry insiders and fans alike. With its iconic signage and decor, In-N-Out has become a symbol of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour, a place where stars and industry insiders can let their hair down and indulge in some good old-fashioned comfort food.