Secret Menu Items That Actually Taste Good
Fast food secret menus are more than just internet myths—they’re a real and delicious way to upgrade your order. These off-menu items have earned loyal followings for their creativity, customizability, and often better value. Some are based on staff hacks, others on viral social media creations, but all of them can be ordered with a bit of insider know-how.
Here’s a rundown of secret menu items that not only exist but are actually worth ordering.
- In-N-Out’s “Animal Style” Everything
The most iconic secret menu upgrade, “Animal Style” transforms your burger with mustard-grilled patties, extra pickles, grilled onions, and secret sauce. You can also get “Animal Style Fries,” which come loaded with melted cheese, grilled onions, and more of that sauce.
Check out In-N-Out’s Not-So-Secret Menu. - Starbucks’ Pink Drink Remix (TikTok Edition)
While Starbucks doesn’t officially recognize a secret menu, baristas are used to customers ordering viral creations. One standout: the Pink Drink with vanilla cold foam and strawberry purée. It tastes like a strawberry shortcake in a cup. Just be sure to describe ingredients clearly when ordering.
Browse the Starbucks Menu to build your custom drink. - Chipotle’s Quesarito
The Quesarito is a burrito wrapped inside a cheesy quesadilla—rich, cheesy, and filling. While not always advertised, some Chipotle locations will still make it if requested. Note: this is more likely to be available in-store than via app.
Use the Chipotle app to customize other off-menu items. - McDonald’s “Land, Air & Sea” Sandwich
A Frankenstein mashup of a Big Mac, McChicken, and Filet-O-Fish, this towering sandwich isn’t on the menu—but the parts are. You can either build it yourself or ask for it by name at participating locations.
Visit McDonald’s to see the base ingredients. - Five Guys’ Double Grilled Cheese Burger
At Five Guys, order two grilled cheese sandwiches and add a burger patty between them. This creates a gooey, melty mashup that’s far more indulgent than the standard burger setup.
Check their official menu for customization options. - Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Char
This item features a grilled spicy chicken filet instead of the traditional fried one. It’s lower in calories but still flavorful. Not every location will honor this request, but many do.
Browse the Chick-fil-A menu and customize your order. - Dunkin’s Captain Crunch Coolatta
Not officially recognized, but often made when requested, this Coolatta is a strawberry base with blueberry and cream flavor shots—creating a sugary drink reminiscent of the cereal. - Burger King’s “Suicide Burger” (a.k.a. Quad Stacker)
This beastly burger reportedly includes four patties, four slices of cheese, bacon, and special sauce. Some employees will recognize the name, while others may need it built from custom requests.
See the Burger King menu to assemble a similar option manually.
Tips for Ordering Secret Menu Items:
- Be respectful and clear. Not all employees will know secret item names—describe the components.
- Order in-store when possible. Customizations are often easier in person.
- Expect possible upcharges for extra ingredients or substitutions.
- Check availability on the app; some platforms now let you build custom items with secret ingredients.
Secret menu ordering is a fun way to customize your fast food experience and try something new. Not all locations will accommodate every request, but with the right approach, you might just find your new favorite off-menu meal.