11 Colorado In-N-Out Secret Menu Items Locals Love (That Tourists Almost Never Order)
When In-N-Out finally made its long-awaited debut in Colorado, locals rushed to the drive-thrus and quickly learned there was far more to the menu than what’s printed in plain sight.
While newcomers stuck to the standard lineup of burgers, fries, and shakes, insiders whispered about a secret menu filled with custom creations that transformed the ordinary into something unforgettable.
From Animal Style fries to protein-style burgers wrapped in crisp lettuce, I’ve spent countless lunch breaks testing them all, often earning puzzled looks from out-of-towners behind me. Want to order like a true Colorado In-N-Out veteran? Here’s what you’re missing.
1. Onion Wrap
Last summer during my low-carb phase, I discovered this game-changer by accident. The cashier winked when I hesitantly asked if they could skip the bun and use grilled onions instead.
The result? Pure magic. Caramelized onion layers cradle the juicy patty and melted cheese in a sweet-savory embrace that puts regular burgers to shame. The natural sweetness of the onions balances the savory beef perfectly.
Pro tip: Ask for extra napkins! This deliciously messy creation might require some cleanup, but the flavor explosion is worth every sticky finger.
2. Tomato Wrap Burger
My first encounter with this juicy masterpiece happened during a lunch break when the guy ahead of me ordered it. I was instantly intrigued! Thick, ripe tomato slices replace the usual lettuce wrap for a burst of fresh flavor with every bite.
The vibrant red tomatoes create a striking visual while adding a tangy counterpoint to the savory meat. Fair warning though – this isn’t first-date food unless you’re comfortable wearing half your lunch.
Coloradans have mastered the lean-forward technique to avoid the inevitable drips, a skill that immediately identifies the locals from the tourists.
3. Extra Toasty Bun
“Can I get that extra toasty?” Four simple words that transformed my In-N-Out experience forever. The first time I bit into that perfectly charred bun, the satisfying crunch nearly brought tears to my eyes.
While tourists stick with the standard toast, locals know that asking for extra toasting creates the perfect textural contrast. The outside develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust while the inside stays pillowy soft.
During one memorable Denver snowstorm, nothing warmed me up like that extra-toasty bun hugging a Double-Double. The slightly smoky flavor adds a whole new dimension to the classic burger.
4. Fry Light to Fry Extra Well
My potato preferences changed forever when a friendly In-N-Out employee suggested I try “fry well” during a particularly cold Colorado afternoon. The customization spectrum ranges from barely golden “fry light” to gloriously crunchy “fry extra well.”
Fry light offers a softer, more potato-forward experience that’s surprisingly addictive. The middle ground “fry well” delivers that perfect balance of crisp exterior and fluffy interior that most fast food places miss.
For the texture enthusiasts, “fry extra well” creates golden-brown potato sticks with a satisfying crunch that holds up beautifully to ketchup dipping. Your fry texture preference says more about you than your zodiac sign, if you ask me.
5. Pup Patty
My Golden Retriever, Aspen, now perks up whenever we pull into an In-N-Out drive-thru. She knows what’s coming: her very own unsalted beef patty, served plain and perfect for doggy consumption.
I discovered this pet-friendly secret after spotting a local couple sharing their burger haul with their excited Husky. The Pup Patty isn’t just for four-legged friends, though. Keto enthusiasts and carb-conscious diners have adopted this protein-packed option as their go-to order.
Tourists rarely know to ask for this simple pleasure, but Colorado dog owners pass this knowledge down like precious family recipes. At about a dollar, it’s the most affordable way to make your dog think you’re the greatest human alive.
6. Cheese Fries
Sometimes simplicity trumps complexity. That’s the beauty of Cheese Fries – the understated cousin to the famous Animal Style version that everyone knows about.
Picture this: I’m sitting at the Colorado Springs location watching the sunset paint the mountains pink while golden fries steam beneath melty slices of American cheese. No thousand island dressing or grilled onions to distract from the pure comfort of potato-cheese perfection.
The cheese melts into every nook and cranny, creating stretchy cheese pulls that would make any Instagram food account jealous. When you’re craving something indulgent but not overpowering, this straightforward upgrade hits the spot every single time.
7. Roadkill Fries
Don’t let the name fool you! The first time my buddy whispered this order to me, I nearly backed away slowly. Then my plate arrived with what can only be described as french fry nirvana.
Imagine Animal Style fries (already legendary with their special sauce, cheese, and grilled onions) crowned with a Flying Dutchman – that’s patties and cheese with no bun. The hot patties melt everything beneath them into a glorious mess that requires a fork and absolutely zero dignity to consume.
My Colorado hiking group has a tradition of demolishing these after conquering a 14er. Nothing says “I’ve earned this” quite like watching cheese stretch between your fork and this magnificent pile of indulgence.
8. Two-Minute Fries
My potato epiphany happened during a rainstorm in Aurora when the cashier suggested Two-Minute Fries. “They’re pulled early,” she explained with a conspiratorial smile.
Softer than standard fries, these golden treasures offer a melt-in-your-mouth potato experience that’s surprisingly addictive. The outside maintains just enough structure while the inside remains almost mashed-potato creamy. For those who’ve always found fast food fries too crispy or dry, this texture revelation changes everything.
I’ve converted at least seven friends to Team Two-Minute since In-N-Out arrived in Colorado. The best part? While tourists stand around debating Animal Style versus regular, you can swoop in with this insider knowledge and experience potato perfection.
9. Mustard-Grilled Patty
The yellow squiggle makes all the difference! I stumbled upon this hack during a conversation with a veteran In-N-Out employee who’d transferred from California to help open the Colorado locations.
Before grilling, they squirt mustard directly onto the raw patty. The mustard caramelizes during cooking, infusing the meat with a tangy depth that’s subtle yet transformative. It’s not enough to scream “mustard” but adds a mysterious complexity that elevates the entire burger experience.
My sister-in-law from out of state couldn’t pinpoint what made my burger taste so much better than hers until I revealed this simple secret. Now she orders it every time, even back home in Boston.
10. Cheesy Wiki
Cheese lovers, prepare yourselves for nirvana! The Cheesy Wiki has been my guilty pleasure since discovering it during a late-night In-N-Out run after moving to Colorado.
Imagine the classic grilled cheese sandwich, but with a whopping four slices of American cheese melted to gooey perfection between toasted buns. No meat, no veggies – just pure, unadulterated cheese in all its stretchy, melty glory. The staff expertly toasts it so the outside gets crispy while the inside becomes molten dairy heaven.
I’ve found it’s the perfect comfort food for those cold Colorado evenings when the snow is falling and you need something to warm your soul. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly for my non-meat-eating friends!
11. Lemon-Up or Arnold Palmer
Summer in Colorado hits different, especially when you’re sitting outside the Aurora In-N-Out with a perfectly mixed Lemon-Up in hand. This refreshing blend of pink lemonade and 7-Up creates a fizzy, sweet-tart symphony that cuts through the richness of your burger.
For something equally refreshing but less carbonated, the Arnold Palmer mixes In-N-Out’s lemonade with their iced tea in perfect harmony. I discovered both these drinks during my third visit when the temperature hit 95 degrees, and they’ve been my summer staple ever since.
Watching tourists stick to standard sodas while locals cool off with these custom concoctions feels like being part of a delicious secret society. Both drinks pair perfectly with Colorado’s sunny afternoons.