In-N-Out's Secret Menu: The Ultimate Guide to Off-Menu Items

Exploring In-N-Out's Secret Menu

In-N-Out Burger has earned a cult following for its fresh, made-to-order burgers, crispy fries, and milkshakes since 1948. But beyond the classic menu items displayed on its boards lies an entire secret world of customized burgers and off-menu creations. Welcome to the famed In-N-Out secret menu.

What is In-N-Out's Secret Menu?

In-N-Out's secret menu refers to a variety of special items andordering techniques to customize your meal. While not advertised, In-N-Out staff are trained on how to make these creations. The secret menu allows experienced customers to mix and match ingredients to craft their perfect burger.

History of the Secret Menu

The secret menu can be traced back to the 1970s when customers realized they could request custom burgers. For example, asking for extra spread (the chain's sweet Thousand Island-inspired sauce) or adding chopped chilies. Over the years, fans began creating special nicknames for these customized burgers that then spread by word of mouth.

How to Order from the Secret Menu

To order an item from the secret menu, you'll need to know the special names for each creation. While you won't see them listed on menu boards, the friendly staff at In-N-Out are in the know. The next step is to place your order, requesting your item by name at the counter or drive-thru window. For example, "I'll take a Protein Style Double Double, please."

Top Picks from the Not-So-Secret Menu

From burgers to fries and shakes, here are some of the most popular picks from In-N-Out's secret menu that fans rave about:

Protein Style

This genius hack turns any In-N-Out burger into a lettuce wrap by substituting the bun for crisp lettuce leaves. Order a Double Double Protein Style to skip the carbs while still enjoying those perfect patties and melty cheese.

Animal Style Fries

These loaded fries are topped with In-N-Out's signature Spread, grilled onions, and extra pickles for a tangy, crunchy bite. Get them well-done for extra crispy fries smothered in all those delicious toppings.

Flying Dutchman

This dish is a dream for cheese lovers, with two beef patties and two melty cheese slices served in between. No bun, veggies or sauce - just that amazing burger goodness front and center.

3x3

Can't get enough of those patties? Level up your Double Double with a 3x3, which features three beef patties and three slices of cheese. Make it a 4x4 if you dare take on four patties.

Neapolitan Shake

This colorful shake blends In-N-Out's famous chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shakes. Request them layered or mixed - either way it's an Instagram-worthy treat.

Customize Your Own Secret Menu Creation

Part of the fun of In-N-Out's secret menu is customizing your perfect order. Get creative with patties, buns, cheese and toppings to craft something uniquely you. Some popular custom hacks include:

Grilled Cheese burger

Who doesn't love a good grilled cheese? This one subs burger patties for bread and adds all that ooey, melty cheese in between.

Extra Toast

Request your buns be extra toasted for that crispy crunch in every bite.

Chopped Chilies

Spice up any burger with a topping of chopped chilies for a hit of heat.

Just remember, not every wild combination will work. But the In-N-Out cooks will do their best to deliver your custom creation. Part of the fun is ordering your secret menu item, then seeing how close it comes to your imagination.

Things to Know Before Ordering

While the secret menu opens up new worlds of possibility, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Availability Varies

Not all locations or shifts will have the ingredients on hand to fulfill every secret menu hack. Items like the Neapolitan shake require all three shake flavors to blend. So be understanding if your local In-N-Out can't whip up a less common request.

Expect to Pay More

Adding extra patties and ingredients will cost you a bit more at the register. But fans happily pay a little extra to get their hands on these exclusive menu items.

The Menu is Not Advertised

You still won't find any confirmation of the secret menu or its ingredients on their website or in stores. This underground menu relies on fans spreading the word to fellow In-N-Out devotees.

Satisfy Your Secret Cravings

Part of the joy of visiting In-N-Out Burger lies in getting your hands on the chain's famed secret menu items. These cult classics like Animal Style fries and Protein Style burgers have earned their folklore status. Next time you visit, try out an Animal Style Double Double, Chopped Chilis on your burger or a well-done 3x3. Or get creative and customize your own combo. However you order it, In-N-Out's secret menu won't steer you wrong.

FAQs

How do I order from the secret menu?

You'll need to know the unique names for each secret menu item, like "Protein Style" or "Animal Style." Order at the counter or drive-thru by requesting the item by name. The staff are trained to know how to make these off-menu creations.

Can I customize my own burger?

Absolutely! Get creative with extra patties, cheese slices, sautéed veggies, spread, and other toppings to craft your perfect burger. Some popular custom items include the Grilled Cheese Burger or burgers with Chopped Chilies.

Why won't In-N-Out confirm the secret menu?

In-N-Out prefers to keep the menu underground. It's become a badge of honor among devotees to know the inside lingo to order these cult favorite menu hacks. The secrecy adds to the appeal and mystique.

Can every location make every secret item?

Not necessarily. Rarely-ordered items like the Neapolitan Shake require having all 3 shake flavors on hand to prepare. And some locations may not always have every ingredient available to make custom burgers if they don't commonly receive those requests.