12 In-N-Out Secret Menu Orders Illinois Locals Swear Are Worth The Trip
Illinois doesn’t have a single In-N-Out location within its borders, but that hasn’t stopped locals from planning road trips to neighboring states just to sink their teeth into those legendary burgers.
The West Coast burger chain has built a cult following thanks to its fresh ingredients, simple menu, and most importantly, its not-so-secret “secret menu” that transforms ordinary orders into flavor-packed masterpieces.
Whether you’re craving extra cheese, grilled onions, or a burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun, In-N-Out’s customization game is unmatched.
Here are twelve secret menu orders that Illinois fans swear make every mile of the journey absolutely worth it.
1. Animal Style Burger
Mustard meets magic when In-N-Out cooks your patty directly on the griddle with a generous slather of yellow mustard, creating a caramelized crust that’s downright addictive.
The transformation doesn’t stop there—your burger gets piled high with extra spread (their tangy, creamy secret sauce), dill pickles, and a mountain of grilled onions that have been slowly cooked until golden and sweet.
This isn’t just the most famous secret menu item; it’s practically the gateway drug to In-N-Out obsession.
Folks from Chicago to Springfield plan entire vacations around trying this beauty, and once you taste that perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sweet, you’ll understand why.
The mustard-grilled technique adds depth that regular burgers simply can’t match.
Each bite delivers layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more, making the drive from Illinois feel less like a trek and more like a pilgrimage.
First-timers always ask what makes it so special, and the answer is simple: everything works together in perfect harmony.
2. Animal Style Fries
Grab a fork because these fries are about to get messy in the best possible way.
In-N-Out takes their fresh-cut fries and tops them with melted American cheese slices that ooze into every crevice.
Then comes a generous helping of those same caramelized grilled onions and several dollops of their signature spread, turning a simple side into a full-blown indulgence.
Illinois transplants who’ve discovered this treasure often order it as their main course, and honestly, who can blame them?
The combination creates a flavor explosion that’s simultaneously rich, tangy, savory, and utterly irresistible.
Fair warning: regular fries will never quite satisfy you the same way again after experiencing this cheesy, onion-topped masterpiece.
Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself—we won’t judge either way.
Just make sure you’ve got plenty of napkins handy because dignity takes a backseat when Animal Style fries are involved.
3. Double-Double Animal Style
When one patty simply won’t cut it, the Double-Double Animal Style steps up to the plate like a heavyweight champion ready to rumble.
You get two mustard-grilled beef patties, two slices of melted American cheese, and all the Animal Style fixings that made the original burger famous.
The extra meat and cheese create a more substantial meal that satisfies even the heartiest appetites, making it perfect for anyone who drove four hours from Illinois and worked up a serious hunger.
Each layer builds on the last, creating a towering monument to burger perfection that requires both hands and total concentration to eat properly.
The ratio of meat to toppings hits differently here—the double patties provide a beefier base for all those grilled onions and spread to cling to.
Locals who’ve tried both versions often become Double-Double converts, claiming the extra protein makes the journey even more worthwhile.
It’s substantial without being overwhelming, flavorful without being messy beyond repair.
4. Protein Style Burger
Crisp, refreshing iceberg lettuce wraps replace the traditional bun in this low-carb masterpiece that’s become wildly popular among health-conscious travelers and keto enthusiasts.
Don’t let the lighter wrapper fool you—this burger still packs all the flavor of its bread-wrapped cousins, with the lettuce adding a satisfying crunch that actually enhances the overall experience.
Illinois folks watching their carb intake no longer have an excuse to skip the In-N-Out pilgrimage since Protein Style delivers all the taste without the guilt.
The lettuce stays remarkably sturdy, holding everything together better than you might expect, though you’ll still want to eat over the wrapper just in case.
Many customers actually prefer the fresher, lighter feel, especially on hot summer road trips when a heavy bun might feel too filling.
You can order any burger Protein Style, including the Double-Double or even Animal Style versions, making it incredibly versatile.
It’s proof that healthy choices don’t have to be boring or bland.
5. 4×4 Burger (or More)
Four beef patties stacked with four slices of cheese create a towering inferno of meat and dairy that defies both gravity and common sense.
In-N-Out will actually make this behemoth for you, though some locations may draw the line at even higher numbers depending on their policies.
This isn’t for the faint of heart or small of appetite—it’s for the brave souls who drove all the way from Illinois and want to make absolutely certain they won’t be hungry again for hours.
The 4×4 has achieved legendary status among competitive eaters and burger enthusiasts who view it as the ultimate test of dedication.
Each bite requires strategic planning and a wide-open mouth, but the payoff is pure, unadulterated beef and cheese bliss.
Some customers order it Animal Style for maximum flavor overload, creating something that barely fits in human hands.
It’s excessive, ridiculous, and absolutely glorious—everything a secret menu item should be.
Just remember to bring your appetite and maybe a friend to share.
6. Flying Dutchman
Stripped down to its bare essentials, the Flying Dutchman consists of just two beef patties with melted cheese sandwiched between them—no bun, no vegetables, no sauce unless you specifically request additions.
It’s pure protein in its simplest, most primal form, beloved by keto dieters and anyone who believes that bread just gets in the way of enjoying good beef.
The name alone sparks curiosity, sounding like something a pirate might order before setting sail, and it delivers on that adventurous promise.
Illinois visitors often order this as a side to their regular burger or split it with friends as an appetizer of sorts.
Without any filler ingredients, you really taste the quality of In-N-Out’s never-frozen beef and the creamy richness of the melted cheese.
Some folks add grilled onions or pickles to customize it further, creating their own perfect protein-packed snack.
It arrives wrapped simply, almost mysteriously, like a delicious secret you’re not supposed to know about.
The Flying Dutchman proves that sometimes less really is more.
7. Grilled Cheese
Vegetarians rejoice because In-N-Out hasn’t forgotten about you in their secret menu lineup.
The Grilled Cheese features melted American cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato slices, their signature spread, and grilled onions if you want them, all nestled between a perfectly toasted bun.
Despite the absence of meat, this sandwich is surprisingly filling and flavorful, converting even skeptical carnivores who try it out of curiosity.
Illinois travelers with vegetarian friends no longer have to feel guilty about dragging them along on In-N-Out adventures since this option holds its own against the beef-based menu items.
The spread adds tanginess, the grilled onions bring sweetness, and the fresh vegetables provide crunch and brightness that make every bite interesting.
You can even order it Animal Style for extra spread and onions, creating a vegetarian version that’s just as indulgent as the meat options.
It’s proof that In-N-Out understands flavor goes beyond just beef, and their commitment to quality ingredients shines through regardless of protein choices.
8. Mustard-Grilled Burger
Tangy yellow mustard gets cooked directly onto the patty as it sizzles on the griddle, creating a caramelized, slightly crispy exterior that adds incredible depth of flavor.
This technique transforms ordinary beef into something extraordinary, with the mustard’s sharpness mellowing into a savory-sweet coating that enhances rather than overwhelms.
You can order this upgrade with or without the full Animal Style treatment, giving you control over exactly how dressed up you want your burger.
Many Illinois visitors discover this option after trying Animal Style and wanting to isolate what makes it so special—spoiler alert, the mustard-grilling is a huge part of the magic.
The cooking method locks in juices while creating textural contrast that keeps your taste buds engaged from first bite to last.
Purists often order it mustard-grilled with just cheese and onions, letting that caramelized crust take center stage without competing flavors.
It’s a simple modification that makes a massive difference, proving that sometimes the smallest changes create the biggest impact in the flavor department.
9. Extra Toasted Bun
Requesting your bun be extra toasted adds structural integrity and a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire burger experience.
The additional time on the griddle creates golden-brown edges with a slight crisp that holds up remarkably well against juicy patties and wet toppings like spread and grilled onions.
This modification is especially popular among customers ordering Animal Style burgers, which can get pretty messy and benefit from a sturdier foundation.
Illinois travelers who’ve experienced soggy bottom-bun syndrome on long drives home have learned to request this simple upgrade that prevents structural failure mid-bite.
The toasted texture also adds another layer of flavor, with those caramelized bread sugars providing a subtle sweetness that complements the savory burger components.
It’s such a small detail that many people overlook it, but once you try it, you’ll never go back to regular toasting levels.
The bun stays intact from first bite to last, maintaining its dignity even when loaded with toppings.
Sometimes the simplest customizations make the biggest difference in overall enjoyment.
10. Whole Grilled Onion
Instead of the standard chopped grilled onions, you can request a thick, whole slice of onion that’s been grilled until caramelized, soft, and slightly sweet.
The larger format creates a different textural experience, giving you substantial bites of onion rather than little pieces scattered throughout.
The caramelization process brings out the onion’s natural sugars, creating a rich, almost jammy consistency that adds depth without the sharpness of raw onions.
Illinois onion lovers who appreciate this aromatic vegetable in all its glory tend to order this modification on every visit, claiming it changes the entire burger dynamic.
The whole slice stays together better, providing a more pronounced onion presence that doesn’t get lost among other toppings.
Some customers order it on the side to control exactly how much onion each bite contains, while others commit fully and stack it right in the middle.
It’s sweeter and more mellow than you might expect, making it appealing even to people who usually avoid raw onions.
This simple swap demonstrates In-N-Out’s willingness to customize down to the smallest details.
11. Chopped Chilies
Heat seekers can request chopped yellow chili peppers added to any burger, instantly transforming a mild-mannered sandwich into something with noticeable kick and personality.
These aren’t blow-your-head-off hot, but they definitely add a bright, tangy heat that cuts through the richness of cheese and spread.
In-N-Out keeps these peppers on hand, and while they’re not advertised on the regular menu, staff knows exactly what you mean when you ask for them.
Illinois visitors who crave spice often feel disappointed by how mild standard fast food burgers taste, making this customization a game-changer for their taste buds.
The peppers add both heat and acidity, brightening up the overall flavor profile and making each bite more dynamic and interesting.
You can request them on the side if you’re unsure about the heat level, testing them first before committing to the full pepper experience.
They pair especially well with Animal Style burgers, where the richness needs a little spicy counterbalance.
It’s a small addition that makes a memorable impact for anyone who thinks regular burgers need more excitement.
12. Neapolitan Shake
Three classic flavors swirl together in perfect harmony when you order a Neapolitan shake that combines chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in one cup.
This nostalgic combination tastes exactly like the beloved ice cream flavor from childhood, creamy and perfectly balanced with no single flavor dominating.
In-N-Out makes their shakes with real ice cream, giving them a thick, rich consistency that requires serious suction power to pull through the straw.
Illinois visitors often order this as their celebratory treat after finally arriving at an In-N-Out location, marking the successful completion of their burger pilgrimage.
The shake stays cold and thick throughout your meal, providing sweet relief between bites of savory, rich burgers and fries.
While it’s technically still unofficial, employees know exactly how to make it and rarely bat an eye when you order it by name.
The three flavors create complexity that single-flavor shakes simply can’t match, keeping your taste buds guessing with every sip.
It’s the perfect ending to any In-N-Out experience, sweet and satisfying in all the right ways.