By Aliza, founder and editor of Menu Info. Updated October 2026.
Secret menus are one of the most talked about parts of fast food culture. Some are real and officially supported, while others are just creative customizations that depend on the person making your food. This guide separates the secret menu items you can reliably order from the ones you should not count on, and explains how to order custom items politely.
Official vs unofficial secret menus
| Type | What it means | Can you rely on it? |
|---|---|---|
| Official "not so secret" menu | Items the chain itself lists or supports at every location | Yes |
| Customizations | Adding, removing or swapping ingredients the restaurant already has | Usually, if the ingredients are on hand |
| Fan invented "hacks" | Named drinks or items made up online | Not reliably, and staff may not know the name |
In-N-Out: the most famous secret menu
In-N-Out is the best example of a real secret menu, because the company lists its "not so secret" options on its own website and every location makes them.
- Animal Style: a mustard grilled patty with extra spread, pickles and grilled onions, for about $1.50 extra.
- Protein Style: a burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun.
- 3x3 and 4x4: three or four patties and slices of cheese. The 4x4 is the largest allowed.
- Grilled Cheese: cheese, lettuce, tomato and spread on a bun, with no meat.
- Animal Style Fries: fries topped with cheese, spread and grilled onions.
See prices on our In-N-Out menu page.
Five Guys and other build your own chains
At chains built around customization, there is no need for a secret menu. Five Guys offers 15 free toppings, and you can order a burger "all the way" or as a Burger Bowl on lettuce. Chipotle lets you build your own bowl, burrito or tacos, and many fans order extra fajita vegetables or two types of salsa. These are not secrets, just smart ordering.
Coffee chain customizations
Coffee shops are where most "secret menu" drinks come from. Fan made drinks are usually just combinations of existing syrups, milks and toppings. If you want one, order it by its ingredients, not by an internet name. For example, ask for "a vanilla latte with an extra shot and caramel drizzle" rather than a made up drink name. Each added syrup, shot or topping usually costs extra.
Common customizations that work almost anywhere
- No onions, no pickles, or extra pickles.
- Sauce on the side, or a different sauce.
- Lettuce wrap instead of a bun, where available.
- Well done or extra crispy fries, at chains that cook to order.
- Swapping a side, such as fruit instead of fries.
How to order a custom item politely
- Describe the ingredients, not just a nickname.
- Order in the app when you can. Most apps let you add or remove ingredients clearly.
- Avoid complicated orders at busy times, especially in a long drive thru line.
- Expect to pay for extras like additional patties, cheese, bacon or syrups.
- Be patient and say thank you. Staff are more likely to help when you are kind.
Secret menu myths
Many viral secret menu items are just social media inventions. A worker may not recognize a name, and some locations do not have the ingredients for a hack you saw online. Prices for custom items can also vary because each added ingredient is charged separately. When in doubt, check the chain's app for what is actually available.
Frequently asked questions
Do fast food secret menus really exist?
Some do. In-N-Out has an official "not so secret" menu, while most other secret menu items are customizations or fan inventions.
What is the most famous secret menu item?
In-N-Out's Animal Style burger and fries are among the most famous.
Will every employee know a secret menu item?
Not always. It is best to order by describing the ingredients.
Do secret menu items cost more?
Often yes, because extra ingredients like patties, cheese or syrups are usually charged separately.
Can I order secret menu items in the app?
Many apps let you customize items by adding or removing ingredients, which is often the easiest way to order a custom item.
Browse full menus and typical prices on our restaurant menu pages. Menu Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned.