Fast Food Secret Menus: What You Can Really Order
Quick answer
- In-N-Out has the most famous secret menu, with Animal Style, Protein Style, the 3×3 and 4×4.
- Most other “secret menu” items are custom orders built from regular ingredients.
- Order by listing the ingredients, not just the internet nickname, so staff know what to make.
- Custom orders may cost extra for added items.
Secret menus are mostly fan-made, but some chains really do make them. The trick is knowing which items staff recognize and how to order them. Here is what actually works at popular chains.
In-N-Out: the real secret menu
In-N-Out openly calls it the Not So Secret Menu. Staff know these by name:
- Animal Style: mustard-grilled patty, extra spread, pickles and grilled onions. About $1.50 extra.
- Protein Style: lettuce wrap instead of a bun. A Double-Double Protein Style has about 460 calories.
- 3×3 and 4×4: three or four patties and slices of cheese. About $8.40 and $10.55.
- Flying Dutchman: two patties and two slices of cheese, no bun. About $4.25.
- Animal Style Fries: fries with cheese, spread and grilled onions. About $5.45.
See every item on our In-N-Out menu page.
Custom orders that work at other chains
| Restaurant | Custom order | How to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Five Guys | Protein Style or burger bowl | Ask for your burger in a lettuce wrap or bowl |
| Five Guys | Loaded shake | Add any mix-ins, all free |
| Cook Out | Two-flavor shake | Name any two of the 40+ flavors, no extra charge |
| Panda Express | Half and half side | Ask for half chow mein, half Super Greens |
| Chipotle | Double protein bowl | Ask for double meat, extra charge |
| Starbucks | Custom drinks | Order by listing the base drink, syrups and milk |
| Waffle House | Hashbrowns All the Way | Ask for scattered, smothered, covered, chunked, diced, peppered, capped, topped and country |
| Dutch Bros | Sugar-free version of any drink | Ask for sugar-free syrups, no extra charge |
Tips for ordering off-menu
- Order with ingredients, not names. Say “a vanilla latte with caramel drizzle” instead of a viral drink name.
- Go during slow times. Custom orders are easier when the line is short.
- Expect upcharges for extra meat, cheese, shots or sauces.
- Be patient and polite. Staff are not required to make internet creations.
Popular hacks that are just smart ordering
- Ask for fresh fries: ask for no salt, then salt them yourself, so they are made fresh.
- Make a bigger burger for less: adding an extra patty to a single can cost less than ordering a double.
- Mix drinks: half lemonade, half iced tea is available at many chains, sometimes listed right on the menu like at Raising Cane’s.
- Add sauces to sandwiches: ask for a dipping sauce on your sandwich instead of the default sauce.
What staff cannot do
Kitchens are set up for speed, so some requests are not possible, like items from other regions, discontinued products or anything that needs special equipment. Limited-time ingredients also disappear when a promotion ends. If a request is refused, pick the closest regular menu item instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is the In-N-Out secret menu real?
Yes. In-N-Out calls it the Not So Secret Menu and staff know items like Animal Style, Protein Style, the 3×3 and 4×4.
What does Animal Style mean?
It means a mustard-grilled patty with extra spread, pickles and grilled onions. On fries, it adds cheese, spread and grilled onions.
Do secret menu items cost more?
Often yes, when they add ingredients. Animal Style is about $1.50 extra at In-N-Out.
Can you order secret menu items at Starbucks?
Yes, if you order by listing the base drink and changes. Baristas may not know internet nicknames.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
