These Are In-N-Out Hacks Tennessee Locals Love To Talk About (Even Without A Spot In The State)
The state might be hundreds of miles from the nearest In-N-Out, but that doesn’t stop Tennessee locals from obsessing over the West Coast burger legend.
I’ve spent countless hours debating secret menu tricks with friends who’ve made pilgrimages to California and Texas just to taste what all the fuss is about.
The hype is real, and even without a location in the Volunteer State, Tennesseans have become walking encyclopedias of In-N-Out wisdom, swapping tips and dreaming of that first bite.
1. Animal Style Burger
Ask for your burger Animal Style and watch the magic happen. The patty hits the grill with a swipe of mustard, onions get cooked down sweet and jammy, pickles and extra spread join the party, and the whole thing tastes like the drive-thru grew up.
Every Tennessean who’s tried it comes back raving about those caramelized onions. They’re not raw and sharp but tender and sticky, clinging to the beef like they were meant to be there all along.
This hack turns a good burger into something you’ll talk about for weeks.
2. Protein Style
When you want lettuce to be the bun, order Protein Style. The same burger crunches between crisp leaves instead of bread, easy to hold and big on snap.
I tried this on a road trip through Nevada and was shocked at how fresh it tasted. The lettuce stayed cold and crunchy, giving every bite a garden-fresh vibe that bread just can’t match.
It’s perfect for hot days or when you’re craving something lighter but still satisfying. Tennessee folks who watch their carbs swear by this one, even if they have to cross state lines to get it.
3. Grilled Cheese
No beef, all comfort. Two melty slices on a toasted bun with spread, lettuce, and tomato, the simple order that turns a fry run into a diner-style snack.
Vegetarians and burger-weary travelers love this one because it’s not trying to be a burger replacement. It’s its own thing, warm and gooey and satisfying in a way that feels like a childhood lunch done right.
I’ve watched friends order this after a long festival weekend, and it hits just right when you need something gentle but still tasty.
4. Flying Dutchman
Two patties hugging two cheese slices, nothing else. Pure beef-and-cheese intensity that eats like a secret for people who love the crusty edges.
This hack strips away everything but the essentials, giving you a protein-packed punch that’s keto-friendly and wildly flavorful.
The cheese melts into the meat, and those crispy, caramelized bits on the patty edges are what dreams are made of.
Tennessee gym rats and carnivore fans talk about this one like it’s a rite of passage, even if they’ve only heard legends.
5. Mustard-Grilled Patty
Even without going full Animal Style, ask for the patty mustard-grilled. That quick sizzle locks in tang and browns the meat just a shade deeper.
The mustard caramelizes on the hot griddle, adding a sharp, savory note that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
It’s a subtle tweak that makes a noticeable difference, giving your burger a flavor boost without piling on extra toppings.
Locals who appreciate simplicity with a punch love recommending this one to first-timers.
6. Chopped Chiles
Ask for chopped chiles folded in, bright heat that wakes up the spread and cuts through the cheese so every bite pops.
The chiles add a tangy, mild kick that’s more flavor than fire, perfect for people who want a little something extra without calling the fire department.
They mix right into the sauce and toppings, spreading that peppery punch evenly across the burger.
I tried this once in Arizona and couldn’t stop talking about how much it elevated the whole experience. Tennessee spice fans would absolutely love this hack.
7. Extra-Toasted Bun
Tell them extra toast and the bun comes out deeper gold with a gentle crunch. A small tweak that makes the whole sandwich feel sharper and warmer.
The extra time on the griddle gives the bun a buttery, almost caramelized flavor that holds up better against juicy patties and melty cheese.
It won’t fall apart halfway through, and that slight crispness adds texture that plain buns just can’t deliver.
Locals who obsess over details swear this is the move that separates casual fans from true In-N-Out believers.
8. Fries Well-Done or Light-Well
Choose your crisp level. Light-well for a little extra snap or well-done for shattery edges that stand up to ketchup and cheese.
Standard In-N-Out fries can be soft, but asking for them well-done transforms them into crunchy, golden sticks that taste more like classic fast-food fries. Light-well splits the difference, giving you some crunch without going full crisp.
Tennessee fry enthusiasts debate this one endlessly, with some swearing by well-done and others preferring the softer middle ground. Either way, it’s a game-changer.
9. Neapolitan Shake
Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry all swirled into one cup. The throwback treat that tastes like a childhood compromise you never regret.
Each sip brings a different flavor to the front, so you’re never bored and never have to pick just one. It’s thick, creamy, and hits that nostalgic sweet spot that makes you feel like a kid at a soda fountain.
Tennessee shake lovers who visit In-N-Out always order this, then spend the ride home wishing we had one closer to Nashville or Memphis.
10. Lemon-Up
Ask for pink lemonade mixed with 7-Up, a fizzy citrus refresher that pairs perfectly with salty fries and a sunny drive.
The lemonade brings tartness, the soda adds bubbles, and together they create a drink that’s more interesting than plain soda or juice. It’s bright, bubbly, and cuts through the richness of burgers and cheese like a champ.
I first heard about this from a friend who grew up in California, and now I order it every single time. Tennessee folks who love a good drink hack talk about this one constantly.