You’re cruising down a sunny California highway, the smell of fresh burgers wafting through the air, and you pull up to an In-N-Out Burger drive-thru. Founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, California, this West Coast gem has been serving up simple yet delicious burgers, fries, and shakes for decades. But here’s the twist—beyond the classic menu lies a secret menu, a world of hidden customizations that fans have crafted and shared over the years.

It’s not just food; it’s an experience, a little adventure for your taste buds. In this guide, we’ll dive into the most popular secret menu items, show you how to order them like a pro, and sprinkle in some fun facts and tips to elevate your next In-N-Out visit.

What is the In-N-Out Secret Menu?

The secret menu isn’t some clandestine code you need a decoder ring for—it’s a collection of off-the-books items born from customer creativity and embraced by In-N-Out’s friendly staff. Think of it as a culinary playground where you can tweak your burger, fries, or shake to suit your cravings. From low-carb hacks to vegetarian delights and even a treat for your pup, there’s something for everyone.

It’s so popular that food blogs and social media buzz about it constantly, with some calling it a key ingredient in In-N-Out’s cult status.

Popular Secret Menu Items

Burgers

• Animal Style Burger: Imagine a burger with a mustard-fried patty, gooey cheese, pickles, extra spread, and sweet grilled onions. It’s messy, bold, and a total crowd-pleaser.
• Flying Dutchman: Two patties, two cheese slices, no bun—just pure burger bliss. Perfect if you’re cutting carbs or just love the essentials.
• Protein Style: Swap the bun for crisp lettuce leaves. It’s fresh, light, and still packed with flavor—my go-to when I’m feeling healthy but hungry.
• 3x3 & 4x4: Three or four patties with matching cheese slices. These are for the big eaters who want to go all out.
• Grilled Cheese: No meat, just cheese, lettuce, tomato, and spread in a bun. A veggie option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
• Mustard Grilled: A patty with a tangy mustard coat before grilling—adds a zesty kick to any burger.

Fries

• Animal Style Fries: Fries smothered in cheese, spread, and grilled onions. It’s indulgent and pairs perfectly with an Animal Style Burger.
• Roadkill Fries: Take Animal Style Fries and plop a Flying Dutchman on top. It’s a glorious, over-the-top mashup.
• Cheese Fries: Simple fries with melted cheese—less intense than Animal Style but oh-so-satisfying with a squirt of ketchup.
• Fries Well Done: Extra crispy fries for those who love a crunch. I tried these once and couldn’t go back to regular fries for weeks!

Drinks

• Neapolitan Shake: Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry blended into one colorful, dreamy shake. It’s like a party in a cup.
• Lemon-Up: Pink lemonade mixed with 7Up—crisp, refreshing, and a total summer vibe.
• Root Beer Float: Root beer with a swirl of vanilla shake. It’s lighter than a full shake but still feels like dessert.

Extras

• Pup Patty: An unsalted patty for your furry friend. My dog goes wild for these on road trips.
• Chopped Chiles: Banana peppers diced up for a spicy twist on burgers or fries—perfect if you like a little heat.

How to Order from the Secret Menu

Ordering is easier than you’d think. Just say the name—like “Animal Style” or “Protein Style”—and the staff will know what’s up. For trickier stuff, like a “Flying Dutchman with tomato wrap,” describe it clearly: “Two patties, two cheese slices, wrapped in tomato slices.” The employees are pros at this and super nice about it.

Last time I ordered a 3x3, the cashier even double-checked to make sure I was ready for the challenge—spoiler: I was, and it was worth it.

Interesting Facts About the In-N-Out Secret Menu

• It’s Old-School: The secret menu goes way back, with Animal Style being a staple since the early days.
• Not So Secret: In-N-Out lists some items on their site as the “Not-So-Secret Menu”—proof it’s officially unofficial.
• Cult Vibes: Fans swap tips on X and food blogs, turning it into a community thing. It’s like being in a tasty secret club.
• Media Buzz: The Flying Dutchman even made headlines when a pricing trick got patched—talk about fame!
• Myths Busted: Ever hear of “Monkey Style”? It’s a rumor—Animal Style Fries on a burger isn’t a real thing, sadly.

Tips for Exploring the Secret Menu

• Ease In: Start with Animal Style—it’s the gateway drug of secret menus.
• Mix It Up: Try a Protein Style Animal Style Burger for a wild combo.
• Ask Around: Staff might know local favorites—chat them up!
• Bring Your Pup: Grab a Pup Patty and make it a family affair.
• Sticker Bonus: Ask for stickers at the counter. I’ve got a 75th-anniversary one on my laptop now.

Conclusion

The In-N-Out secret menu is more than just food—it’s a rite of passage, a chance to make your meal your own. Whether you’re biting into a juicy Animal Style Burger or sipping a Neapolitan Shake, you’re part of a tradition that’s as fun as it is delicious. Next time you’re at In-N-Out, step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Who knows? You might just stumble onto your own secret menu masterpiece.