10 In-N-Out Hacks Maryland Locals Can’t Stop Talking About (Even If They’ve Never Tried One)
Maryland might be three thousand miles from the nearest In-N-Out Burger, but that hasn’t stopped locals from dreaming about those double-stacked burgers and secret menu creations that made the West Coast chain a legend.
I remember scrolling through food blogs at midnight, drooling over photos of Animal Style fries and perfectly melted cheese, wondering if I’d ever get to taste the hype for myself. Turns out, you don’t need a California zip code to join the fun.
Across Maryland, creative burger joints are serving up their own delicious takes—clever, crave-worthy tributes that bring a taste of In-N-Out magic to the East Coast.
1. The Protein Style Double at Shake Shack Inner Harbor
Carbs are great, but sometimes you want all the burger glory without the bun weighing you down.
At Shake Shack’s Inner Harbor location on 400 E Pratt St, you can order any double cheeseburger “protein-style,” which swaps the bun for a crisp lettuce wrap that keeps things light and refreshing.
I tried this hack on a sweltering July afternoon, and honestly, it was a game changer. The lettuce stayed crunchy, the cheese melted perfectly, and I didn’t feel like I needed a nap afterward. Pair it with their cheese fries for a satisfying combo that nods to In-N-Out’s famous Animal Style without the cross-country flight.
2. Canton’s Lettuce Wrap Magic
Canton knows how to throw a food party, and Shake Shack at 3902 Boston St is no exception. Their lettuce-wrap option transforms any double cheeseburger into a low-carb dream that still delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
Picture this: two beef patties, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings cradled in cool, crisp lettuce. It’s like giving your taste buds a high-five while your waistline breathes a sigh of relief.
The cheese fries here are legendary too, so don’t skip them. Whether you’re a Canton local or just passing through, this hack brings West Coast vibes straight to East Baltimore without any of the pretension.
3. College Park’s Shake and Wrap Combo
College students are masters of budget-friendly food hacks, and the Shake Shack at 4394 Knox Rd in College Park delivers big time. Order your double cheeseburger with a lettuce wrap, then add one of their thick, creamy shakes for a combination that rivals any secret menu item.
Between cramming for exams and pulling all-nighters, I’ve learned that protein plus a sweet treat equals brain fuel.
The lettuce keeps things fresh and crunchy, while the shake adds that indulgent touch you absolutely deserve. It’s a brilliant balance that makes you feel like you’re eating healthy and treating yourself at the same time, which is basically the college dream in edible form.
4. Bethesda’s Democracy Boulevard Delight
Westfield Montgomery at 7101 Democracy Blvd houses a Shake Shack that’s become a go-to spot for locals chasing that In-N-Out energy. Request your double cheeseburger with a lettuce wrap, and pile on the cheese fries for a meal that feels both indulgent and somehow virtuous.
Shopping at the mall used to mean sad food court options, but not anymore. This hack gives you the satisfaction of a hearty burger without the carb coma that might derail your afternoon plans.
The cheese fries here are crispy, salty, and absolutely worth every calorie. It’s the kind of meal that makes you wonder why anyone would settle for boring fast food when this level of customization exists right in your backyard.
5. Five Guys Animal Style Build in College Park
Five Guys at 7346 Baltimore Ave lets you become the architect of your own burger masterpiece, and that’s where the magic happens. Request grilled onions, extra pickles, and mustard to mimic In-N-Out’s famous Animal Style, then go bun-less with a lettuce wrap or bowl for maximum customization.
I’ve spent way too much time perfecting this order, tweaking ratios like a mad scientist in a burger lab. The grilled onions add sweetness, the pickles bring tang, and the mustard ties it all together with a sharp kick.
Finish with a mix-in shake—think chocolate and strawberry swirled for a DIY Neapolitan—and you’ve got yourself a meal worth bragging about to all your West Coast friends.
6. Rockville’s Custom Playbook
Rockville Town Square’s Five Guys at 130 Gibbs St is where burger customization reaches its full potential. Use the same playbook: grilled onions for sweetness, extra pickles for crunch, mustard for zing, and skip the bun for a lettuce wrap or bowl that keeps things fresh.
This location has become my testing ground for perfecting the ultimate hack. The staff here never blinks when you rattle off a list of modifications—they’re pros who understand that great burgers require a little creativity.
Don’t forget to order a mix-in shake; blending flavors like vanilla and peanut butter creates a treat that rivals any secret menu item. It’s proof that sometimes the best hacks come from places that let you play chef.
7. Silver Spring’s West Tech Road Wonder
Silver Spring’s Five Guys on 12269 West Tech Rd keeps the same winning formula alive: grilled onions, extra pickles, mustard, and your choice of lettuce wrap or bowl. It’s a straightforward hack that delivers big flavor without any fuss.
What I love about this spot is its consistency. You can walk in on a Tuesday afternoon or a Friday night and get the exact same quality every single time. The grilled onions here are caramelized to perfection, adding a depth that transforms a simple burger into something memorable. Pair it with a mix-in shake and you’ve nailed the In-N-Out vibe without ever leaving Montgomery County. Sometimes simplicity really is the ultimate sophistication, especially when hunger strikes.
8. BurgerFi’s Green Bun at RIO Lakefront
BurgerFi at 5 Grand Corner Ave in Gaithersburg offers a hack they actually call the “Green Bun,” which is their fancy name for a lettuce-wrapped burger. Order your burger this way, then load up on fries and sauces to create your own Animal Style experience.
I stumbled onto this place after a long hike at nearby Seneca Creek, and it was exactly what I needed. The Green Bun keeps everything tidy while letting the beef and toppings shine through.
Their sauce selection is impressive, so don’t be shy about asking for extras to drizzle over your fries. It’s a playful twist on West Coast classics that feels right at home in Maryland’s burger landscape.
9. Downtown Silver Spring’s Lettuce Bun Game
BurgerFi’s downtown Silver Spring spot at 8504 Fenton St brings the same lettuce bun option to the heart of the city. Customize your burger, then pile on the fries and sauces for a meal that channels In-N-Out’s spirit with Maryland’s own flavor.
Downtown Silver Spring has exploded with great food options, and BurgerFi holds its own in the burger category. The lettuce bun here stays remarkably crisp even when loaded with toppings, which is a small miracle worth celebrating.
I’ve made it my post-movie ritual to grab one of these burgers and people-watch on Fenton Street. It’s the kind of simple pleasure that reminds you that good food doesn’t need to be complicated or coast-specific to hit the spot perfectly.
10. The Habit’s Official Lettuce Wrap in Riverdale Park
The Habit Burger Grill at 6621 Baltimore Ave in Riverdale Park Station takes the guesswork out of hacking by offering an official lettuce-wrapped Charburger right on their menu. They even have Thousand Island-style dressing available, making it ridiculously easy to recreate those Animal Style flavors everyone raves about.
I appreciate when restaurants meet you halfway on customization, and The Habit absolutely delivers. Their Charburger is flame-grilled to perfection, and wrapping it in lettuce instead of a bun lets you taste every smoky, savory note.
The Thousand Island dressing adds that tangy-sweet punch that makes In-N-Out fans weep with joy. It’s proof that Maryland doesn’t need the actual chain when we’ve got spots like this willing to play along.