10 In-N-Out Secret Menu Orders Michigan Locals Brag About (Even Without A Spot In The State)
Michigan folks have a curious obsession with In-N-Out Burger, which is especially funny considering the state doesn’t have a single location to call its own. For many Michiganders, no trip to the West Coast feels complete without a pilgrimage to this legendary fast-food chain.
We come back home not just raving about the burgers and fries, but sharing stories of the elusive “secret menu” like they’re prized travel souvenirs.
Over time, these off-menu hacks have turned into bragging rights—proof that you’ve joined an exclusive club. I’ve gathered the most coveted underground classics that keep Michigan fans craving from 2,000 miles away.
1. Animal Style Burger: The Golden State Classic
My first bite of an Animal Style burger happened after a 4-hour flight and 30-minute Uber ride. Worth every minute! The magic happens when mustard sizzles directly into the beef patty while grilling, creating a tangy crust that Michigan burger joints haven’t replicated.
The extra spread, grilled onions, and pickles create a messy masterpiece that requires at least three napkins. I’ve met Detroiters who plan California business trips around In-N-Out visits just for this burger.
Michiganders who’ve tried it love showing off photos like they’ve discovered hidden treasure. It’s our favorite conversation starter at parties: “Ever had Animal Style?”
2. Animal Style Fries: Potato Paradise
Forget everything you know about loaded fries from Michigan coney islands. Animal Style fries from In-N-Out exist in another dimension entirely. Golden potato strands smothered in melted American cheese, their signature spread, and sweet caramelized onions create an indulgent fork-required experience.
My sister returned from San Diego raving about these more than the beaches. She actually tried recreating them at home with our local Traverse City potatoes, but something was missing.
Michigan potlucks now feature homemade versions with recipe cards titled “Almost Animal Style.” We’re collectively perfecting our knock-offs while dreaming of the real thing.
3. 4×4 Burger: The Quad Stack Challenge
Michiganders love a good food challenge, and the 4×4 (four beef patties, four cheese slices) is our Mount Everest. After my cousin conquered this beast in Vegas, his photo holding the massive creation became his profile picture for three years straight.
The sandwich requires jaw exercises before attempting – I’m not kidding! When properly assembled, each bite delivers the perfect meat-to-cheese ratio that puts our beloved Michigan olive burgers to shame.
Local legend says a group of University of Michigan students once ordered these during spring break and created a leaderboard for fastest consumption time. The current record holder? A hockey player from Sault Ste. Marie at 2 minutes 17 seconds.
4. 3×3 Burger: The Triple Threat
“Go big or go home” might be the unofficial Michigan motto, especially when we finally reach an In-N-Out after dreaming about it all year. The 3×3 strikes the perfect balance – substantial enough to brag about without the food coma that follows its larger 4×4 cousin.
Three beef patties and three slices of cheese create a towering masterpiece that barely fits in your mouth. My brother-in-law from Grand Rapids calls it the “Goldilocks burger” – not too small, not too excessive, just right.
Michigan State tailgaters have developed a drinking game around photos of these burgers: spot one on social media, take a sip. Football season gets interesting!
5. Flying Dutchman: Carb-Free Carnivore’s Dream
Pure protein perfection! Two beef patties embracing two slices of melted American cheese – no bun, no veggies, no sauce. Just meat and cheese in holy matrimony. My keto-following friend from Ann Arbor discovered this gem during a Los Angeles conference and hasn’t stopped talking about it since.
The Flying Dutchman arrived at our Airbnb wrapped in paper like a present. We unwrapped it together, marveling at its beautiful simplicity. Michigan winters make us appreciate hearty protein options, and this fits the bill perfectly.
Some Michiganders have tried recreating it at our local burger joints, only to receive confused stares from cashiers. “It’s an In-N-Out thing,” we explain, then launch into our West Coast burger adventures.
6. Protein Style Burger: Lettuce-Wrapped Wonder
Before keto was trendy, In-N-Out was wrapping burgers in crisp lettuce leaves instead of buns. As a Michigander who grew up near lettuce fields in Holland, MI, I appreciate this vegetable-forward approach to burger construction.
Biting into a Protein Style burger is surprisingly satisfying – the lettuce adds a refreshing crunch that complements the warm patty. The wrapper catches all the dripping juices, creating an unexpectedly neat eating experience.
Michigan’s health-conscious crowd loves this option most. My running club in Royal Oak has a tradition: after completing a half-marathon in California, we celebrate with Protein Style burgers, convincing ourselves they’re practically a recovery meal.
7. Secret Menu Grilled Cheese: Vegetarian Victory
Vegetarians deserve fast-food joy too! The secret menu grilled cheese – essentially a cheeseburger minus the meat – has saved many Michigan-to-California road trips for my non-meat-eating friends. The standard burger buns get flipped inside-out and grilled to golden perfection with melted American cheese.
My vegetarian roommate from East Lansing claims it’s better than any grilled cheese in the Midwest because of the fresh lettuce, tomato, and special spread. She even requested we detour three hours during our Vegas trip just to get one.
Michigan vegetarians have created a Facebook group dedicated to recreating this simple yet elusive sandwich at home. Current member count: 347 and growing!
8. Mustard-Grilled Burger: Tangy Twist
The first time I ordered a mustard-grilled patty, the cashier gave me an approving nod – I’d passed some secret California test! Yellow mustard is squirted directly onto the patty before flipping, infusing the meat with tangy flavor that caramelizes beautifully.
Michigan’s mustard game is strong (we love it on our Coney dogs), but this technique elevates burger-making to an art form. The subtle mustard kick cuts through the richness of the beef without overwhelming it.
My Detroit foodie friends now request all their burgers “mustard-fried” at local diners, usually receiving confused looks followed by delighted surprise when we explain the technique. We’re slowly converting the Midwest, one grillmaster at a time.
9. Roadkill Fries: Protein-Packed Potatoes
Don’t let the unappetizing name fool you! Roadkill Fries combine the best of two worlds: crispy french fries topped with a complete Flying Dutchman (two patties and cheese). The name might make Midwesterners blush, but the flavor combination makes us forget our manners entirely.
During my California road trip, I watched the fries soak up the meat juices and cheese, creating a fork-required masterpiece. My friends from Kalamazoo now request these whenever anyone visits a state with In-N-Out.
Michigan’s harsh winters make us crave hearty comfort food, and these loaded fries hit every satisfaction point. We’ve attempted recreations at home using local Traverse City potato farms’ finest, but something magical happens when In-N-Out makes them.
10. Neapolitan Shake: Triple Flavor Threat
Why choose between vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry when you can have all three swirled into one glorious shake? The Neapolitan combines the entire shake menu into a single cup of creamy heaven that Michigan ice cream enthusiasts dream about.
During a scorching Phoenix layover, this shake saved my sanity. The three distinct flavors dance together without fully mixing – each sip offers a slightly different ratio of the holy trinity of ice cream flavors.
Michigan’s beloved Guernsey Dairy has nothing on this shake. My Ann Arbor book club spent an entire meeting debating the perfect straw technique to get all three flavors simultaneously. Current consensus: diagonal insertion at precisely 42 degrees.