In-N-Out Burger – The King of Secret Menus
When it comes to secret menus, In-N-Out Burger is absolutely legendary. In fact, it’s thought that the chain’s cult popularity has been spurred on by the presence of these secret menu items. Even publications like a University of Oregon food blog have pointed out that the secret menu is one of the biggest drivers of In-N-Out’s popularity. The most famous creation has to be the “Animal Style” burger, which transforms a regular burger into something extraordinary with mustard-grilled patties, pickles, extra spread, and grilled onions. But that’s just the beginning.
The “4×4” gives you four beef patties and four slices of cheese for the truly hungry, while “Animal Style” fries get topped with cheese, spread, and grilled onions. Conveniently, if you have a furry friend (or are just craving some plain beef), you can order a Pup Patty off the In-N-Out secret menu. It’s simply an unsalted beef patty that’s safe for your dog to snack on – and pairs perfectly with their Puppuccino from hidden menus at your favorite coffee spot. As mentioned, there’s a good chance that the staff will know a lot of these secret menu items by name. However, it’s always best to arrive at the store with the full customized order written out, memorized or otherwise accessible.
McDonald’s – More Than Just Big Macs and Fries
McDonald’s is the biggest fast food chain on the planet, but some its most interesting food items are ones that aren’t even advertised. While Mickey D’s may not be as known for its secret menu, unlike other fast food luminaries – looking at you, In-N-Out Burger – there is an extensive list of off-menu hacks cultivated by an audience of enthusiastic and hungry diners. The “McGangBang” combines a McChicken sandwich placed between the patties of a McDouble, creating an epic meat-lover’s dream. For breakfast lovers, the “Mc10:35” is only available during the narrow window when breakfast transitions to lunch, featuring an Egg McMuffin with added hamburger patties.
McDonald’s secret menu items have become so popular that the brand released four of them as limited-edition regular menu items during a “Menu Hacks” campaign. The “Poor Man’s Big Mac” offers all the flavors of a Big Mac but at a fraction of the cost by ordering a McDouble with lettuce, Big Mac sauce, and no ketchup or mustard. The golden arched fast food joint quietly dropped a secret menu item that combines two of our favorite orders: McNuggets and a McDouble. The Crunchy Double, which originally launched on menus in Australia, is a McDouble piled with McNuggets (yep, right on the sandwich) and drizzled with the chain’s tangy BBQ sauce.
Starbucks – The Secret Menu Goes Official
Starbucks reportedly launched their secret menu in the app. Starbucks “secret menu” has been a thing for years, Beginning July 14, Starbucks Rewards members can find the top Starbucks drink customizations in the Starbucks app. Four initial drinks kicked off the official launch: “Cookies on Top” features cold brew with vanilla syrup, vanilla sweet cream cold foam, and cookie crumble topping, while the “Dragonfruit Glow-Up” elevates the Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher with peach juice blend and vanilla sweet cream cold foam.
Inspired by Taylor Swift’s song “Lavender Haze” from her Midnights album, this popular alternative to Starbucks’ famous pink drink has been steadily gaining fame on the Starbucks secret menu. To create this great dessert-inspired drink from the Starbucks secret menu, begin with an Iced Green Tea. The Barbie Frappuccino has become a sensation, starting with a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino with additional vanilla pumps, strawberry purée, and dragonfruit inclusions for that perfect pink color. Customers can submit their favorite drink customization for a chance to have their creation featured on the secret menu and win a $25,000 grand prize. Each of the four finalists will have their beverage customization featured on the secret menu from August 18-25 and receive a $5,000 prize, and the Grand Prize winner will receive an additional $25,000 prize.
Taco Bell – Mexican Fast Food Creativity
Taco Bell’s secret menu showcases incredible creativity with their existing ingredients. As one of the most popular Mexican restaurant chains, it’s not surprising that fans have come up with a range of off-menu creations. The vast selection of ingredients available here makes it easy to mix and match and customize regular menu items in many ways to generate one of the most expansive fast food secret menus. Just a few of the must-try items on the Taco Bell secret menu include the Quesarito, a burrito wrapped in a quesadilla shell, and the Double Wrapped Burrito, featuring two tortillas instead of one. The “Cheesarito” starts with a soft tortilla filled with melted cheese and onions, creating the perfect blend of portability and cheesy goodness.
The “Incredible Hulk Burrito” replaces the standard nacho cheese in a five-layer burrito with a massive helping of guacamole, giving you that green color and fresh avocado flavor. This sauce puts the green sauce at any Mexican restaurant to shame. It brings all flavor of your typical green sauce (found on everything from enchiladas to chimichangas) but with a spicy kick that can’t be rivaled. This unique flavor is hot. But for anyone who likes a little fire in their diet, just ask for a packet, and spice up your meal to the max. The beauty of Taco Bell’s secret menu lies in the endless customization possibilities with their extensive ingredient list.
Chick-fil-A – The Hidden Chicken Paradise
One of the most popular fast food chains in America has a little secret, and we’re talking about the Chick-Fil-A secret menu. Unlike the widely known offerings of fast-food giants like In-N-Out or McDonald’s, Chick-Fil-A’s secret menu remains relatively under the radar, offering a unique and less mainstream experience. The “Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese” requires some assembly but delivers incredible flavor by ordering fries, chicken nuggets, pepper jack cheese, and Buffalo sauce, then layering everything together for a loaded fries experience that rivals any sports bar.
For breakfast enthusiasts, you can upgrade any sandwich by asking for a spicy chicken filet instead of regular, though availability depends on timing since not all locations have spicy chicken ready during breakfast hours. The cookies and cream shake is totally delicious as is, but this Chick-Fil-A secret menu item gets a rich upgrade with the addition of chocolate. Simply order a cookies and cream shake and ask for it with a few pumps of chocolate syrup for an extra-decadent treat. Order the breakfast hash brown scramble burrito along with chicken nuggets and some shredded cheese. After a bit of slicing and stuffing, you’ve got yourself a delicious Chick-Fil-A secret menu item that rivals Taco Bell’s breakfast burrito. The key with Chick-fil-A’s secret menu is creativity and patience, as many items require custom assembly.
