11 In-N-Out Secret Menu Tricks Illinois Locals Love Sharing (No Matter The Distance)

Illinois fans of In-N-Out have discovered that the secret menu isn’t so secret when it comes to sharing tips.

From custom burger combinations to off-menu fries and shakes, these tricks take a simple meal to a level of delicious creativity that keeps people talking.

Locals pass them along eagerly, proving that great ideas, and great food. Travel fast, making each bite an experience worth remembering, no matter how far you drive to get it.

1. Animal Style Burger: The Crown Jewel

Forget regular burgers! Animal Style transforms your patty with mustard grilled directly into the meat while cooking. The magic doesn’t stop there.

Your sandwich gets loaded with extra spread, grilled onions, and pickles that create a tangy, savory explosion. Illinois locals swear this upgrade justifies the plane ticket alone.

Pro tip: Animal Style works on any burger, even a plain hamburger, instantly elevating it to gourmet status without breaking the bank.

2. Animal Style Fries: Potato Paradise

Regular fries? Boring! Animal Style fries arrive smothered in melted cheese, special spread, and grilled onions that create a knife-and-fork potato experience.

Midwesterners traveling west make this indulgent side dish a non-negotiable order. The combination transforms simple spuds into a gooey, savory masterpiece.

Rumor has it some Illinois travelers pack plastic containers just to bring leftover Animal Style fries on the plane ride home. That’s dedication!

3. Protein Style: Lettuce Wrapped Brilliance

Carb counters rejoice! Protein Style swaps the traditional bun for a crisp lettuce wrap that holds everything together surprisingly well. Illinois keto enthusiasts plan their California trips around this menu hack.

The fresh lettuce adds a satisfying crunch while letting the flavors of the beef, cheese, and toppings shine through. Zero guilt with maximum flavor!

Even non-dieters love ordering this option on hot summer days for its refreshing quality and lighter feel.

4. 3×3 Burger: Triple Threat Satisfaction

Hunger doesn’t stand a chance against the mighty 3×3! Three beef patties and three slices of cheese create a towering masterpiece that Illinois visitors photograph almost as much as they eat.

Unlike other chains with measly patties, In-N-Out’s 3×3 delivers substantial beef in every bite. The perfect cheese-to-meat ratio satisfies even the most ravenous appetites.

Chicago natives often joke that a 3×3 prepares your stomach for the long flight home. One burger equals hours of contentment!

5. 4×4 Burger: The Ultimate Challenge

Behold the legendary 4×4! Four patties and four cheese slices create a monument to excess that requires both hands and serious jaw strength.

Illinois visitors often film their first 4×4 encounter as proof of their West Coast burger bravery. The towering creation has become a rite of passage for Midwestern travelers.

Smart eaters ask for extra napkins and a knife to tackle this beast. Finishing a 4×4 earns you unofficial bragging rights in any Illinois burger conversation!

6. Flying Dutchman: Carb-Free Simplicity

Minimalists love the Flying Dutchman! Two beef patties hugging a slice of cheese with absolutely nothing else. No bun, no veggies, no sauce.

Illinois keto followers trade secret Dutchman hacks like adding mustard or chopped chilies for extra flavor. The protein-packed simplicity makes it perfect for late-night cravings without carb regrets.

Some Chicago travelers bring plastic cutlery specifically for this messy-but-worth-it treat. Pure meat and cheese bliss without distractions!

7. Grilled Cheese: Vegetarian Victory

Meatless magic exists at In-N-Out! The Grilled Cheese delivers all the flavor without the beef. Two slices of melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and spread on a toasted bun.

Vegetarians from Springfield to Chicago consider this sandwich worth crossing state lines for. The perfectly toasted bun and special sauce create a satisfying meat-free experience.

Upgrade yours Animal Style for extra decadence! Illinois vegetarians often send photos to jealous friends back home while devouring this cheesy treasure.

8. Neapolitan Shake: Dessert Trifecta

Sweet tooth satisfaction comes in three flavors! The Neapolitan shake swirls chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry into one glorious cup of creamy perfection.

Illinois families make this shake a mandatory pit stop on California road trips. Kids press their noses against the car windows when the In-N-Out sign appears, already dreaming of this tri-colored treat.

The thick consistency requires patience and strong straw technique. Worth every brain-freezing sip!

9. Well Done Fries: Crispy Potato Perfection

Crisp enthusiasts have discovered fry nirvana! Simply request your fries “well done” and the cook will leave them in the fryer longer for maximum crunch factor.

Illinois visitors who prefer extra-crispy potatoes share this hack religiously. The extended fry time creates golden-brown spears with a satisfying snap that holds up beautifully under ketchup.

Some dedicated fans even ask for “extra well done” for fries that practically shatter between your teeth. No soggy potatoes allowed!

10. Chopped Chilies: Spice Game Changer

Kick your burger up several notches! Ask for chopped chilies and watch as they add diced yellow banana peppers to any burger, grilled cheese, or even fries.

Spice lovers from Chicago make this addition mandatory. The mild heat and tangy flavor cut through the richness of cheese and spread, creating perfect balance.

Illinois transplants living in California claim the chilies remind them of Chicago-style hot peppers. A little heat makes everything better!

11. Mustard Grilled: Tangy Flavor Infusion

Flavor fanatics have discovered burger nirvana! Mustard Grilled means they squirt yellow mustard directly onto the patty while it sizzles on the grill, infusing tangy goodness throughout the meat.

Illinois visitors often combine this with other hacks for customized perfection. The mustard caramelizes slightly, creating complex flavor that elevates the entire burger experience.

Chicagoans appreciate this technique as a nod to their mustard-loving hot dog culture. A taste of home in California!