14 Colorado In-N-Out Secret Menu Items Loved By Locals (That Tourists Almost Never Try)

I’ve always thought In‑N‑Out was just a quick‑bite stop, but after a road‑trip through Colorado I discovered a whole underground menu that the locals treat like a national treasure.

While tourists are happily munching on regular cheeseburgers, I’m sneaking in a “Protein‑Style” lettuce wrap, a “Flying Dutchman” with extra cheese, and a handful of other covert cravings that only the insiders know.

Join me as I count down the fourteen secret menu items that Coloradans adore-flavors so good, tourists almost never get a taste of them.

Ready to order off the hidden side of the menu?

Let’s dig in.

1. Animal Style Burger

Mustard gets grilled right onto the patty, creating a tangy crust that changes everything about how this burger tastes.

The kitchen crew adds extra pickles, grilled onions that have been caramelized to perfection, and loads of that famous spread that makes In-N-Out special.

This combination creates layers of flavor that regular menu items just cannot match.

Locals swear by this version because it turns a simple burger into a messy, delicious masterpiece worth every napkin you will need.

The grilled onions add sweetness while the mustard brings a sharp kick that balances the richness of the beef.

Once you try Animal Style, going back to a plain burger feels like eating cardboard.

Every bite delivers that perfect mix of savory, sweet, and tangy that keeps Colorado fans coming back week after week.

Ask for it by name and watch the magic happen right before your eyes.

2. Animal Style Fries

Golden fries get buried under a mountain of melted cheese, grilled onions, and that signature spread that makes everything better.

This messy pile of goodness requires a fork, but Colorado locals do not care one bit about looking fancy when eating these.

The cheese melts into every crevice while the onions add a sweet crunch that contrasts perfectly with the crispy potato underneath.

Tourists stick to plain fries and miss out on what might be the best thing on the entire secret menu.

The spread brings everything together with a tangy, creamy element that makes each bite completely irresistible.

Share them with friends or keep the whole order to yourself because once people see what you ordered, everyone will want a taste.

These fries have converted countless visitors into regular customers who plan their Colorado trips around In-N-Out stops.

One local told me she drives thirty minutes just to grab these on rough days.

3. Protein Style

Crisp lettuce leaves replace the bun entirely, wrapping around your burger for a low-carb option that actually tastes amazing.

Colorado fitness enthusiasts discovered this hack years before In-N-Out even opened here, reading about it from California friends.

The lettuce stays crunchy and fresh, providing a light texture that lets the beef flavor shine through without bread getting in the way.

You still get all the toppings, cheese, and spread, so nothing about the flavor experience disappears.

Mountain bikers and hikers love ordering this version after long trails when they want protein without feeling weighed down.

The lettuce wrap holds together better than you might expect, though you will definitely want extra napkins nearby.

This option proves that eating healthier does not mean sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Even people not watching carbs try it just to experience burgers in a completely different way.

4. 3×3 Triple-Triple

Three beef patties stack up with three slices of melted cheese, creating a tower of meaty goodness that serious burger lovers crave.

This monster delivers nearly a pound of pure satisfaction without costing you a fortune like gourmet burger joints charge.

The ratio of meat to cheese to bun hits perfectly, with each layer contributing to an overall balance that somehow just works.

Tourists usually stick to the basic Double-Double, never realizing they can customize the patty count to match their hunger level.

Colorado locals order this after skiing all day or finishing tough hikes when regular burgers just will not cut it.

The kitchen crew stacks everything with precision, ensuring each bite includes beef, cheese, and all the fixings you requested.

You can even combine this with Animal Style for an experience that borders on ridiculous but tastes absolutely incredible.

Fair warning though: pace yourself because this burger does not mess around.

5. 4×4 Quad-Quad

Four patties and four cheese slices create a burger so big that finishing it becomes a badge of honor among Colorado In-N-Out fans.

This behemoth stands several inches tall and requires serious jaw strength to take a proper bite.

The menu does not advertise this size, but the staff knows exactly what you mean when you order a Four-by-Four.

Competitive eaters love this challenge, while regular folks might want to split it with a friend or save half for later.

Every layer gets cooked fresh to order, so even though it is massive, the quality never suffers.

Some locals joke that you need to unhinge your jaw like a snake to eat this properly, but the struggle makes victory taste even sweeter.

Pair it with regular fries because adding Animal Style fries might actually be overkill even for the hungriest mountain adventurer.

This order definitely turns heads and starts conversations with nearby diners.

6. Flying Dutchman

Two beef patties sandwiched between two slices of melted cheese with absolutely no bun, lettuce, or any other additions.

This pure protein bomb comes wrapped in paper and looks bizarre until you take that first glorious bite.

Keto dieters in Colorado discovered this option immediately and made it their go-to lunch when they need quick fuel.

The cheese melts perfectly around the hot patties, creating a gooey pocket of beefy goodness that requires zero carbs.

You eat it with your hands like a strange meat sandwich, and somehow it works better than it has any right to.

The name comes from old burger lore, though nobody seems to agree on the exact origin story behind this quirky title.

Order a few of these if you are seriously hungry, since they are smaller than regular burgers without the bun adding bulk.

Gym rats and crossfit enthusiasts treat these like secret weapons for staying in shape while still enjoying fast food.

7. Grilled Cheese

Vegetarians rejoice because this secret menu item brings all the In-N-Out magic without any meat involved.

Two slices of melted cheese sit on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and plenty of that famous spread.

The kitchen toasts the bun perfectly and melts the cheese just right, creating a simple yet satisfying meal.

Colorado locals who do not eat meat finally have something delicious to order while their burger-loving friends chow down.

Kids also love this option when they are feeling picky or just want something familiar and comforting.

The spread makes all the difference, transforming this from a boring grilled cheese into something actually worth ordering.

You can customize it further by adding grilled onions or asking for extra tomato if you want more veggie goodness.

My vegetarian cousin visits Colorado specifically to hit up In-N-Out because most burger chains ignore non-meat eaters completely.

8. Neapolitan Shake

Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry swirl together in one cup, creating the ultimate shake experience for people who refuse to pick just one flavor.

The three flavors blend and separate in different ways with each sip, keeping things interesting from start to finish.

Tourists usually order basic chocolate or vanilla, never thinking to ask if combinations exist.

Colorado locals know better and request this colorful creation that looks as good as it tastes.

The shake comes out thick and creamy, requiring serious straw-sucking power to pull that deliciousness up.

Each flavor maintains its distinct taste while also complementing the others in surprising ways.

Kids go absolutely wild for the pink, brown, and white swirls that make this shake Instagram-worthy.

Order one on a hot summer day after hiking and feel all your worries melt away with each cold, sweet sip.

This shake proves that having it all really is possible sometimes.

9. Well-Done Extra-Crisp Fries

Standard In-N-Out fries cook for a specific time, but you can request yours stay in the fryer longer for maximum crunch.

These golden beauties come out darker and crispier, with almost no soft potato interior remaining.

People who love crunchy snacks prefer this version over the regular fries that some folks complain are too soft.

The extra cooking time transforms the texture completely while intensifying the potato flavor.

Colorado locals discovered this trick early and now refuse to order fries any other way.

You might wait an extra minute or two, but that patience pays off when you bite into that perfect crispy exterior.

These fries hold up better under Animal Style toppings too, maintaining some crunch even under all that cheese and spread.

Dip them in ketchup, spread, or eat them plain because they taste fantastic no matter what.

Once you go well-done, regular fries feel like eating soggy disappointment.

10. Extra-Toast Or Light-Toast Bun

Control exactly how toasted your bun gets by simply asking for it lighter or darker than the standard preparation.

This small customization makes a surprising difference in texture and overall burger experience.

Extra-toast fans love the added crunch and slightly caramelized flavor that comes from longer time on the grill.

Light-toast people prefer softer buns that compress easily and let the fillings take center stage.

Either way, you get exactly what you want instead of settling for whatever comes out standard.

Colorado locals appreciate this level of control because it shows In-N-Out actually cares about personal preferences.

The kitchen staff never acts annoyed when you make these requests because they hear them constantly.

Try different toast levels on different visits to figure out which version suits your taste best.

This simple hack proves that small details really do matter when it comes to burger perfection.

11. Tomato Wrap

Large, thick tomato slices replace the bun entirely, creating a fresh and juicy vessel for your burger.

This option works perfectly for people avoiding both carbs and lettuce wraps who want something different.

The tomato adds bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese beautifully.

Expect things to get messy because tomatoes are not exactly designed to hold burgers, but that is part of the fun.

Colorado health-conscious eaters love this creative alternative that adds vitamins while keeping calories low.

The kitchen slices fresh tomatoes thick enough to provide structure while still maintaining that juicy burst with each bite.

You will definitely need a fork and knife unless you enjoy burger juice running down your arms.

This wrap proves that thinking outside the bun can lead to delicious discoveries.

Try it once just for the experience even if you usually stick with traditional options.

12. Mustard-Grilled Patty

Mustard gets spread on the patty before it hits the grill, cooking directly into the meat for a tangy crust.

This technique creates a flavor layer that regular mustard added after cooking simply cannot match.

The heat caramelizes the mustard while creating a slightly crispy exterior that adds texture complexity.

You can order this modification on any burger, whether you get a single patty or go crazy with a 4×4.

Colorado mustard lovers consider this the only proper way to eat an In-N-Out burger.

The tangy kick balances the beef richness and cuts through cheese and spread perfectly.

This is actually part of what makes Animal Style so special, but you can request it separately on regular burgers.

The kitchen staff knows this technique well and executes it flawlessly every single time.

One bite will convince you that mustard belongs on the grill, not in a bottle on the side.

13. Chopped Chilies Add-On

Spicy yellow chilies come chopped and ready to pile onto your burger or fries for people who like heat.

These peppers pack a punch without being so hot that you lose all ability to taste the other flavors.

Most tourists never notice the chilies sitting right there on the condiment counter, missing out on easy flavor customization.

Colorado locals who grew up eating green chilies on everything immediately recognized these peppers as kindred spirits.

The vinegary brine adds tanginess while the pepper heat wakes up your taste buds between bites.

Pile them high on Animal Style fries for a spicy, messy masterpiece that requires serious napkin commitment.

You can also request them added inside your burger during assembly for more even distribution throughout.

These chilies prove that In-N-Out understands not everyone wants bland, safe fast food.

Start with a small amount if you are sensitive to spice, then add more once you know your tolerance level.

14. Puppy Patty

Dogs deserve treats too, and In-N-Out offers a plain, unseasoned beef patty specifically for furry friends.

This small patty comes without salt or any seasonings that might upset sensitive doggy stomachs.

Colorado locals who hike with their dogs often stop by In-N-Out and grab a Puppy Patty as a special reward.

The staff members smile when you order this because they love seeing happy pups enjoying their own burger.

Your dog will absolutely lose their mind with excitement when they smell that fresh beef coming their way.

This thoughtful menu addition shows that In-N-Out thinks about all customers, even the four-legged ones.

The patty stays plain and simple, making it safe for most dogs without dietary restrictions.

Order one through the drive-through and watch your dog do a happy dance in the back seat.

This might be the most wholesome secret menu item that exists anywhere in fast food history.