There’s an undeniable thrill in knowing a secret—especially one fixing an insatiable appetite. The exclusivity of hidden menu items transforms an ordinary dining experience into an elite culinary adventure, where only those in the know can unlock special offerings. Take In-N-Out’s famous “Animal Style” option, for example – this off-menu hack, featuring a mustard-grilled beef patty with extra sauce and caramelized onions, is a delicious option that die-hard fans proudly consume. Secret menu items like these make customers feel like part of an exclusive club, adding an element of mystique and excitement to even the most routine meals.
So what are secret menus? Secret menus are unofficial menus that consist of food and drink items not listed on a restaurant’s main menu. Some restaurants embrace this culture by creating off-menu options for their most devoted customers, while others allow creative employees or loyal patrons to craft new, customized meals.
The feeling of being in an insider club elevates dining experiences into something special and exclusive. Many secret menu items are just unique modifications of existing menu items, allowing customers to create dishes that better fit their tastes. The secrecy around these menus helps drive engagement and word-of-mouth advertising, as customers love sharing their discoveries with others. Some restaurants offer these hidden items as a way of rewarding frequent customers, giving them access to special options not available to casual visitors.
Famous Restaurants with Secret Menu Items
While many fast-food chains and casual dining restaurants have hidden menu options, some are more well-known than others. Below is a list of some of the most famous (and lesser-known) secret menu items at popular restaurants:
In-N-Out Burger (West Coast, USA)
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Animal Style – A burger or fries topped with grilled onions, mustard-fried beef patties, and extra sauce. Say the code word as an addendum to the main order you want, such as “a double-double, animal style.”
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Protein Style – A burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun for a low-carb option. Also said as an addendum to the main order. “Cheeseburger, protein-style.”
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Flying Dutchman – Two beef patties with cheese in between, no bun.
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Roadkill Fries – Animal Style fries topped with chopped-up burger patties.
McDonald's (Global)
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McGangBang – A McChicken sandwich placed inside a McDouble.
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Land, Sea, and Air Burger – A combination of a beef patty, Filet-O-Fish, and McChicken in one sandwich.
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Neapolitan Shake – A blend of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry shakes.
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Grilled Cheese – A bun with melted cheese, often requested by vegetarians.
Starbucks (Global)
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Pink Drink – A strawberry acai refresher with coconut milk.
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Butterbeer Frappuccino – Harry Potter-inspired, this is a secret mix of toffee nut syrup, caramel, and vanilla.
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Undertow – A mix of espresso and sweet cream that creates a layered espresso shot.
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Dirty Chai Latte – A chai latte with a shot of espresso added.
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Puppuccino (or Pup Cup) - A small cup with whipped cream for customer’s canine companions.
Chipotle (Global)
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Quesarito – A burrito wrapped in a cheese quesadilla instead of a regular tortilla.
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Burritodilla – A Quesarito with the burrito half-packed with fillings such as carnitas, fajita veggies, and guacamole.
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Double-Wrapped Burrito – A burrito with two tortillas instead of one.
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Nachos – Although not on the menu, you can ask for a bowl of chips topped with your choice of meat, beans, cheese, and toppings.
Five Guys (USA & UK)
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Patty Melt – A burger on grilled cheese sandwich bread instead of a bun.
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Double Grilled Cheeseburger – A burger sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Loaded Fries – Customize fries with as many toppings as you want, including extra cheese, jalapeños, and grilled onions.
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Extra Crispy Bacon – Request bacon to be cooked extra crispy for an added crunch.
Taco Bell (Global)
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Cheesarito – A simple mix of melted cheese, scallions, and taco sauce wrapped in a tortilla.
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Quesarito – Also offered at Taco Bell, this is another burrito wrapped in a quesadilla.
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The Incredible Hulk – A beefy five-layer burrito with guacamole instead of nacho cheese.
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Tie-Dye Freeze – A custom combination of multiple freeze flavors in one cup.
Subway (Global)
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Pizza Sub – A sandwich loaded with pepperoni, cheese, and marinara sauce.
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Old Cut Sandwich – A classic way of cutting the bread where the top is removed instead of being sliced open from the side.
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Wing Effect – Ask for meats or cheese to be layered in a way that they fold over the bread, giving a more generous portion.
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Double Toasted Sub – Have your sandwich toasted twice for an extra crispy experience.
If you want to try something from the secret menu, certain tactics will increase your chances of scoring the items. First, do your research. Not all employees will know secret menu items, so know the ingredients beforehand. Be polite when asking, since the items are unofficial some locations may refuse to make them, and you may want to avoid the hurt of denial. Also, be aware of peak hours. Asking for complicated secret menu items during rush hours may be problematic.
Secret menus add an element of adventure and exclusivity to dining out. While not every restaurant openly acknowledges their hidden items, many have long-standing traditions of allowing customers to order unique, off-menu dishes. Whether you're in the mood for a Pink Drink at Starbucks, a Quesarito at Chipotle, or Animal Style fries at In-N-Out, diving into the world of secret menus can be a fun and delicious experience. So next time you visit your favorite spot, try ordering something different—you might just discover your new favorite meal!