10 In-N-Out Secret Menu Orders Michigan Locals Swear By (Even Without Locations In The State)

Michigan might not have a single In-N-Out Burger location within its borders, but that hasn’t stopped locals from becoming obsessed with the California chain’s legendary secret menu.

Thanks to road trips, vacations, and endless social media posts, Michiganders have developed strong opinions about which off-menu items are worth the hype.

When they finally get their hands on that iconic yellow arrow logo, they know exactly what to order.

Here are the ten secret menu items that Michigan locals can’t stop raving about, even from hundreds of miles away.

1. Animal Style Burger

Ask any Michigan local what they order first at In-N-Out, and nine times out of ten, they’ll shout ‘Animal Style!’ without hesitation.

This legendary upgrade transforms a regular burger into something magical with mustard-cooked patties, extra pickles, caramelized grilled onions, and an extra helping of that famous spread everyone tries to replicate at home.

The mustard gets seared right into the beef during cooking, creating a tangy crust that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

It’s messy, it’s glorious, and it’s absolutely worth the napkin count.

2. Animal Style Fries

While the burger gets plenty of attention, the fries might just steal the whole show when you go Animal Style.

Picture perfectly golden fries absolutely smothered in melted cheese, sweet grilled onions, and that signature spread that dreams are made of.

Michigan folks who’ve tried these describe them as ‘loaded fries on steroids’ or ‘the reason I book flights to California.’

The combination turns simple potato sticks into a full-blown flavor explosion.

Fair warning: you’ll need a fork, extra napkins, and possibly a nap afterward.

3. Protein Style Burger

When Michiganders want to feel slightly less guilty about their fast food choices, they go Protein Style without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

Your entire burger gets wrapped in crispy, refreshing iceberg lettuce instead of a traditional bun, making it surprisingly light and crunchy.

Health-conscious locals swear this is the way to enjoy multiple burgers in one sitting without the carb coma.

The lettuce adds a satisfying crunch that actually complements the juicy beef and melted cheese beautifully.

Plus, you can totally justify ordering extra fries now.

4. 4×4 (Or 3×3)

Nothing says ‘I’m seriously hungry’ quite like ordering a 4×4, which packs four beef patties and four slices of melty American cheese into one glorious tower.

Michigan locals who tackle this beast often do so after long drives or particularly tough winters when comfort food is absolutely essential.

If four patties sound intimidating, the 3×3 offers a slightly more manageable three-patty, three-cheese situation.

Either way, you’re getting an impressive meat-and-cheese ratio that’ll satisfy even the heartiest Great Lakes appetite.

Bring your appetite and your ambition.

5. Grilled Cheese

Even die-hard burger fans from Michigan admit the Grilled Cheese is shockingly good, and several vegetarian Michiganders claim it as their go-to order.

You get all the classic burger toppings—lettuce, tomato, onions, spread, and pickles—plus gooey melted cheese, all without a single piece of meat.

The bun gets perfectly toasted, and somehow the combination tastes just as satisfying as its beefy counterparts.

Locals love that In-N-Out doesn’t treat this like an afterthought but gives it the same care and attention.

Proof that cheese makes everything better.

6. Mustard-Grilled Patty

For Michigan mustard lovers who want that tangy kick without going full Animal Style, the mustard-grilled patty is your secret weapon.

The kitchen slaps yellow mustard directly onto the patty while it sizzles on the grill, creating a caramelized, flavor-packed crust that adds serious depth to every bite.

You can order this upgrade on any burger, keeping everything else simple or loading it up however you prefer.

It’s technically part of Animal Style, but ordering it solo lets you customize the rest.

Simple tweak, incredible results.

7. Chopped Chilies

Michigan winters are cold, but these chopped yellow chilies bring the heat that’ll warm you right up from the inside out.

Available on any burger or even sprinkled over your fries, these tangy peppers add a spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

Locals who discovered this option often wonder why more burger joints don’t offer something similar.

The chilies are pickled, so they bring both heat and a vinegary brightness that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.

Perfect for spice enthusiasts seeking extra excitement.

8. Flying Dutchman

With a name that sounds like a ghost ship legend, the Flying Dutchman is pure protein paradise for keto-loving Michiganders and carb-avoiders alike.

You get two beef patties with two slices of cheese melted between them—that’s it, nothing else, just pure meaty goodness.

No bun, no lettuce, no tomato, no spread, just the essential ingredients that make In-N-Out famous.

Locals appreciate the simplicity and the fact that it lets the quality beef shine without any distractions.

Sometimes less really is deliciously more.

9. Neapolitan Shake

Why choose one flavor when you can have all three in one glorious shake that tastes like childhood nostalgia in a cup?

The Neapolitan combines chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry into a single creamy masterpiece that Michigan locals insist is the only way to end an In-N-Out meal.

Each sip delivers a different flavor combination, making it fun and delicious from first taste to last drop.

It’s like the ice cream your grandma used to buy, except way better and perfectly thick.

Dessert decisions just got way easier, friends.

10. Well-Done Fries (Or Light-Well Fries)

In-N-Out’s regular fries have their critics, but ordering them well-done transforms them into crispy golden perfection that even skeptical Michiganders can get behind.

The kitchen cooks them longer, creating extra crunch on the outside while keeping them fluffy inside—basically the best of both potato worlds.

If you want something in between, ask for ‘light-well,’ which gives you extra crispiness without going too dark or hard.

Michigan locals who’ve discovered this hack never go back to regular fries.

Crispy fries are happy fries, always.