These In-N-Out Secret Menu Hacks Have Louisiana Locals Raving (Even Without A Nearby Location)
I’ll admit it—I’ve never actually set foot in an In-N-Out Burger. Living in Louisiana puts me about as far from the West Coast burger scene as a person can get without packing a suitcase.
Still, I can’t help daydreaming about those legendary secret menu hacks, the kind that sound like pure flavor sorcery.
Maybe it’s the perfectly melted cheese, the toasted buns, or the way people talk about “animal style” like it’s a sacred ritual. Down here, we appreciate good food no matter where it comes from—even if it’s only a craving we chase through photos and stories.
1. Animal Style Burger
Picture this: a burger that gets its patty grilled in mustard before anything else touches the grill. That’s the magic behind the Animal Style Burger, and it’s basically legendary status in the secret menu world.
Extra spread slathers every bite with tangy goodness while grilled onions add a sweet, caramelized punch. Pickles bring the crunch factor that makes each mouthful feel complete.
Ordering is simple. Just ask for any burger “Animal Style” and watch the magic happen. Even though I’ve only seen this beauty through my phone screen, I can practically taste the mustard-kissed patty and those perfectly grilled onions calling my name from California.
2. Protein Style
Carbs and I have a complicated relationship, so when I heard about Protein Style, my ears perked up like a hound dog catching a scent. Your entire burger gets wrapped in crisp, hand-leafed lettuce instead of a bun.
No bread means you can focus on what really matters: that juicy patty, melted cheese, and all the toppings. It’s a low-carb swap that doesn’t feel like you’re missing out on anything important.
Folks trying to watch their carb intake swear by this option. I love that In-N-Out takes the time to hand-leaf the lettuce, making it feel special rather than like some sad diet compromise nobody asked for.
3. 3×3 Triple Triple
Sometimes one patty just won’t cut it, and that’s where the 3×3 comes storming in like a linebacker at a buffet. Three beef patties stacked high with three slices of cheese make this a serious commitment to hunger destruction.
Standard toppings keep things balanced, but let’s be real: this is all about that triple meat and cheese situation. Ordering is as easy as saying “3×3” or “Triple Triple” at the counter.
My brother once told me he’d fly to California just for this burger, and honestly, I didn’t even argue. When you need something substantial after a long day, this tower of beefy goodness delivers without apology or hesitation.
4. 4×4 Quad Quad
If the 3×3 is a linebacker, then the 4×4 is the entire defensive line showing up hungry. Four patties and four slices of cheese create a burger so tall it practically needs its own zip code.
This isn’t for the faint of heart or the small of appetite. Standard toppings try their best to keep things from getting too wild, but honestly, this is pure indulgence wrapped in a bun.
Just order by name and prepare yourself mentally for what’s coming. I’ve seen pictures that make my jaw drop and my stomach growl simultaneously, which is quite the emotional rollercoaster for someone who’s never even been within five hundred miles of one.
5. Grilled Cheese
Who says you need meat to enjoy In-N-Out’s magic? The Grilled Cheese takes everything you love about their cheeseburger and simply removes the patty, leaving two glorious slices of melted American cheese as the star.
Lettuce, tomato, onions, and that signature spread all make appearances, creating a vegetarian option that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. It’s comfort food that happens to skip the beef.
Just order “Grilled Cheese” and you’re golden. My vegetarian cousin practically drools when she hears about this option, even though the nearest In-N-Out is practically in another dimension from our Louisiana kitchen tables.
6. Animal Style Fries
Regular fries are fine, but Animal Style Fries are where dreams come true and calories become irrelevant. Crispy fries get smothered in melted cheese, slathered with spread, and crowned with grilled onions that add sweetness and depth.
Every bite delivers multiple textures and flavors working together like a well-rehearsed jazz band. You’ll need a fork for this one because things get delightfully messy in the best possible way.
Ask for “fries Animal Style” and prepare for a flavor explosion. I’ve watched enough food videos to know this is the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight from the main event without even trying.
7. Flying Dutchman
Buns are overrated, at least according to whoever invented the Flying Dutchman. Two beef patties sandwich two slices of cheese with absolutely nothing else involved, creating the ultimate protein bomb.
No lettuce, no tomato, no bun, just pure meat and cheese glory. It’s basically a cheeseburger stripped down to its most essential elements, like a minimalist painting that somehow says everything.
Order by name, though recent reports mention pricing has shifted to match component costs. I find the whole concept both fascinating and slightly intimidating, like staring at a food challenge that doesn’t require massive quantities, just pure commitment to carnivorous simplicity and bold flavor choices.
8. Neapolitan Shake
Choosing between chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry feels like an impossible decision, so why not just have all three? The Neapolitan Shake blends all three classic flavors into one glorious cup of creamy happiness.
Each sip delivers a different flavor combination depending on how well it’s mixed and where your straw lands. It’s like a dessert lottery where every outcome is delicious.
Simply ask for a “Neapolitan” and the magic begins. I grew up eating Neapolitan ice cream from the grocery store, carefully dividing the block into equal thirds with my siblings, so this shake feels like childhood nostalgia I haven’t even experienced yet, which is wonderfully confusing.
9. Well Done Fries
Crispy fry lovers, this one’s for you. Well Done Fries get extra time in the fryer, transforming them into crunchy golden sticks that snap with every bite instead of bending.
Regular In-N-Out fries can be a bit softer than some folks prefer, but this secret menu hack solves that problem completely. You get maximum crispiness without sacrificing that fresh potato flavor.
Just ask for “fries well done” and patience pays off deliciously. I’m someone who always requests extra crispy fries everywhere I go, so discovering this option exists makes me want to book a flight to California immediately, consequences and budget be darned.
10. Mustard Grilled Patty
Mustard isn’t just a condiment here; it becomes part of the cooking process itself. The patty gets mustard spread on it before hitting the grill, creating a caramelized crust that adds tangy depth to every bite.
This technique is what makes Animal Style burgers so addictive, but you can request it on any burger. The mustard cooks into the meat, creating flavors that regular toppings just can’t match.
Ask for your burger with a “mustard grilled patty” and prepare for something special. I once tried this technique at home with mixed results, which only makes me respect the In-N-Out grill masters even more from my distant Louisiana vantage point.
11. Extra Toast on the Bun
Sometimes it’s the little details that make the biggest difference. Requesting extra toast on your bun means it gets more time on the grill, creating a crunchier texture and deeper flavor.
The additional toasting adds structural integrity too, helping your bun stand up to all those juicy toppings without getting soggy. It’s a small tweak that delivers noticeable results.
Just mention “extra toast” when ordering and you’re set. I appreciate this level of customization because it shows In-N-Out respects personal preferences, even ones as specific as bun crispiness, which feels surprisingly thoughtful for a fast food chain that already has cult-like devotion from fans nationwide.
12. Chopped Chilies
Louisiana knows spice, so naturally I’m drawn to any secret menu item that adds heat. Chopped chilies bring a kick of flavor that transforms your burger from mild to wild without overwhelming everything else.
These yellow chili peppers add tangy heat that complements the beef and cheese perfectly. It’s not fire-breathing spicy, just enough to wake up your taste buds and keep things interesting.
Ask for “chopped chilies” on your burger and enjoy the upgrade. While Louisiana has its own pepper game with Tabasco and Cajun seasonings, I’m curious how In-N-Out’s version compares, even if I can only imagine the comparison from hundreds of miles away.