The Definitive Answer: Is In-N-Out Burger Open 24/7? (And The Real Reason Why They Close)

The simple, most current answer to the question "Is In-N-Out Burger open 24/7?" is a resounding no. As of December 2025, no In-N-Out location operates around the clock. This fact often surprises travelers and late-night craving-seekers, especially since many of its major fast-food competitors, like McDonald's and Taco Bell, have embraced 24-hour service in high-traffic areas. This deliberate choice to close every night is not a business oversight; it is a fundamental pillar of the In-N-Out brand philosophy, deeply tied to their commitment to fresh ingredients and their highly-regarded employee-first culture.

In-N-Out’s standard operating schedule is one of the most consistent in the entire fast-food industry, a schedule that has remained largely unchanged for decades. Knowing these hours is crucial for planning your next Double-Double, Animal Style fix, particularly if you’re arriving late to a city or seeking a midnight snack. The closing time is not arbitrary; the few short hours the restaurant is closed are essential for maintaining the quality and consistency that fans have come to expect from the iconic West Coast chain.

In-N-Out's Standard Operating Hours and The 24/7 Exception

While the company does not operate 24 hours a day, their standard schedule is impressively uniform across nearly all locations, from California to Texas and beyond. The consistency is a hallmark of their operation, making it easy for customers to know when they can get their fix.

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The typical In-N-Out schedule is as follows:

• Sunday through Thursday: 10:30 AM to 1:00 AM
• Friday and Saturday: 10:30 AM to 1:30 AM

This means that on weekends, you get an extra 30 minutes to hit the drive-thru, a small but significant window for late-night enthusiasts. It is also important to note that the dining room and the drive-thru may have slightly different closing procedures. Some locations will keep the drive-thru open a few minutes past the stated closing time to clear the remaining line, but the kitchen will generally stop taking new orders right on the dot of 1:00 AM or 1:30 AM.

Why In-N-Out Closes Every Night: The Quality and Culture Pillars

The short, nightly closure is directly linked to the core values established by founders Harry and Esther Snyder, and it is the single greatest reason the chain has resisted the industry-wide shift to 24/7 service. The reasons are two-fold: an unwavering commitment to product quality and a deep dedication to employee welfare.

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1. The Freshness Mandate: No Time for Compromise

In-N-Out is famous for its "never frozen" policy for its beef patties and its commitment to fresh, hand-cut potatoes for its fries. This process requires a significant amount of nightly downtime for deep cleaning and preparation that cannot be compromised by continuous operation.

• Daily Prep: Unlike competitors that receive pre-cut, frozen, or pre-packaged ingredients, In-N-Out associates must manually process fresh ingredients. This includes slicing the potatoes for the famous fries and preparing the vegetables.
• Deep Cleaning: The closing hours are used for rigorous, comprehensive cleaning of the grills, fryers, and all food prep areas. Maintaining a 24/7 schedule would require a staggered, less thorough cleaning process, which the company views as a compromise on its high hygiene and quality standards.
• Supply Chain: The early morning hours are also when fresh deliveries are received and processed. Closing allows the staff to focus entirely on inventory, stocking, and preparing for the next day's rush without the distraction of serving customers.

2. The Employee-First Philosophy

In an industry notorious for high turnover and low wages, In-N-Out stands out for its employee treatment. This culture is directly supported by its non-24/7 schedule. By closing at 1:00 AM or 1:30 AM, the company is able to offer its associates a better work-life balance and a more predictable schedule.

• Competitive Wages: In-N-Out is known for paying significantly above the minimum wage, with entry-level associates often earning between $17.50 and $22 or more per hour, depending on the state and location.
• Excellent Benefits: Full-time and often part-time employees are offered comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Predictable Hours: Avoiding the graveyard shift (2 AM to 6 AM) for all but a small cleaning crew helps In-N-Out attract and retain happier, more motivated employees, which directly translates to better customer service and faster, more accurate orders.

Essential In-N-Out Schedule Questions Answered

The operating hours are just one part of the In-N-Out lore. Understanding their policies on holidays and special menus is key to being a true fan of the brand.

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Do They Serve Breakfast? (And What Time Do They Open?)

No, In-N-Out Burger does not serve a dedicated breakfast menu. The entire menu—which has remained virtually unchanged since 1948—is available from the moment they open until they close. Since they open at 10:30 AM, you will not be able to grab a burger before then. This opening time is consistent across the chain and is a strong indicator that the focus is purely on their classic lunch and dinner offerings.

Are There Any Holiday Exceptions? (Three Days They Are Always Closed)

While many fast-food restaurants remain open on major holidays, In-N-Out maintains a strict policy of closing completely on three specific days each year. This is another nod to their employee-first culture, ensuring their associates can spend time with their families.

In-N-Out Burger is CLOSED on:

• Easter Sunday
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

On other major holidays, such as New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Christmas Eve, most locations will operate with their standard or slightly reduced hours. However, it is always recommended to check the specific location's hours on the official In-N-Out website before visiting on a holiday.

The Future of In-N-Out's Hours: Will They Ever Go 24/7?

Given the company’s deeply ingrained philosophy of quality over quantity and their commitment to employee satisfaction, it is highly unlikely that In-N-Out will ever transition to a 24/7 operation. The closure window is not a missed business opportunity; it is a necessary part of their operational excellence. Any move to 24-hour service would likely require compromises on fresh ingredients, employee benefits, or both, which would fundamentally undermine the brand's identity and reputation for quality.

The company’s recent history, including the difficult decision in January 2024 to close its Oakland, California location—the first closure in its 75-year history—due to safety concerns, further illustrates its commitment to its core values, even when facing tough business choices. Their focus remains on providing a superior product and experience during their set operating hours, rather than maximizing availability at the expense of quality.