14 Restaurants That Have A Secret Menu
Going out to eat or grabbing food from the drive-thru of your favorite restaurant can be exciting. This is especially true when there are many items on the menu that you know and love. However, if you enjoy trying new things, it may be time to start experimenting with restaurants' secret menus. If you've never heard of a secret menu before, it's just what it sounds like: A special menu for a restaurant that includes "secret" items the restaurant can make, but doesn't advertise on its standard menu.
These special offerings are often devised by customers asking for a special dish using the ingredients they know the restaurant has available — perhaps adding an additional topping to a burger or creating an entirely new sandwich, salad, or other meal. Other times, a restaurant employee may use the ingredients available to him or her to make their own menu item to offer to regular customers. Via the power of word of mouth (and social media), news about these concoctions spreads, inspiring others to order them, too.
Keeping these items on a "secret" menu can help restaurants attract a loyal customer base. People want to keep returning to try these more exclusive offerings that aren't advertised to the general public. More restaurants have secret menus than you may have guessed. Read on to discover some new secret menus and specific items that you may just have to try.
1. In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger's secret menu isn't much of a secret. It's probably one of the more well-known hidden menus out there. Moreover, their secret menu is extensive, as customers can customize anything they want or ask for available ingredients to be combined into whatever they'd like. One thing to note is if you want a "secret" burger with fries on it, you'll need to assemble that yourself.
In-N-Out customers familiar with their secret menu frequently customize their burgers. As described on the standard menu, burgers come with In-N-Out's sauce, lettuce, tomato, and onion. Try an animal-style burger, .instead. In addition to everything that comes with a standard burger, these include additional sauce, pickles, grilled onions (in place of fresh onions), and mustard (fried onto each burger). Alternatively, you could try a protein-style burger, which uses lettuce in place of a hamburger bun. Other possible options include double meat, a flying Dutchman (two patties, two slices of cheese, and no bun), a veggie burger, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
You can customize your burgers further by requesting onions served whole, chopped, or grilled, adding chilies, substituting mustard or ketchup for the burger sauce, or adding no salt or extra salt. Burgers can also be cooked to medium rare or well done, and fries to well done or lite (less than the standard cooking time). Drinks and other side items can also be customized to your liking; it really is up to you when you eat at In-N-Out Burger.
2. Chipotle
If you're a fan of Chipotle, you'll definitely want to take a look at its secret menu to find something new to try. One item on the secret menu — the quesarito — is probably the most well-known item on the menu. It's a colossal combination featuring a huge Chipotle burrito wrapped up with a quesadilla. The added cheese helps neutralize some of the stronger flavors in the burrito. Be warned, however, this thing is a monster.
While the quesarito may be the most well-known item on Chipotle's secret menu, it isn't the only exclusive thing available. There are other things you may want to order, including a plate of nachos where Chipotle's tortilla chips are topped with everything you would normally find on a burrito. You might also want to try a double-wrapped burrito. Instead of wrapping your burrito with a single tortilla, if you order this, a Chipotle employee will add an additional tortilla to wrap up the burrito-y goodness. A few other secrets you might want to try include a quesadilla (add any of your favorite burrito toppings), a single taco (instead of the normal 3-taco meal — this is good for kids or for a light snack), asking for an additional shell when you order tacos, or mix and matching any toppings you want when building a burrito or taco (black and pinto beans? Yes, please!).
3. McDonald's
Did you know that McDonald's also has a secret menu? Well, it does, and there are approximately a dozen different options to try. If you have a big appetite and like the McChicken sandwich, skip the single chicken tender patty and order a Big McChicken. This special offering features a Big Mac or a McDouble burger pattie sandwiched between two chicken patties. It will definitely fill your belly! Another big burger option to try if you're really hungry is the land, sea, and air burger. This behemoth features three patties — one from the land (ground beef burger), one from the sea (fish filet), and one from the air (chicken patty).
Despite its offensive name, the "McGangBang" is another popular item on McDonald's secret menu. To make this selection, you have to order two standard menu items — a McDouble and a McChicken — and stack them together, with the whole McChicken Sandwich between the two beef patties on the McDouble. If you're feeling like you need a nice shake to help you wash down your monster burger or chicken sandwich concoction, ask for a Neopolitan shake. This secret item blends the standard chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors for a sweet treat. A few of the other items on the secret menu include the McCrepe, the Mc10:35, and the Pie McFlurry.
4. Starbucks
Here's a restaurant you may not have been expecting to see on this list. But, believe it or not, Starbucks does have a secret menu. Depending on which Starbucks you visit and which barista takes your order, you may have to give a few special instructions to get them to customize your drink according to the specifics outlined on the secret menu.
So, what items are available on Starbucks' secret menu? If you like Frappuccinos, there are several "secret" ones you might want to try. For instance, an apple pie Frappuccino in the fall, a candy cane Frappuccino in the winter, or a cake batter Frappuccino to celebrate a birthday? Some of the other secret Frappuccino flavors include bananas foster, Fruity Pebbles, chocolate-covered strawberry, cotton candy, tiramisu, and Twix. Beyond the Frappuccino secrets, there are some other drinks you might want to add to your next order. Some ideas to try include a caramel snickerdoodle macchiato, a chocolate pumpkin latte, a raspberry caramel macchiato, or a strawberry lemonade.
5. Arby's
Do you go to Arby's to enjoy a meat-filled sandwich? If so, the fast food restaurant's secret menu may be right up your alley. The secret menu is chock-full of sandwiches that are, well, chock-full of meat. One such offering is the meat mountain. This massive sandwich features layers of roast turkey, ham, Swiss cheese, brisket, corned beef, Angus steak, cheddar cheese, and bacon, all piled on top of a large chicken tender. You could also try the double-stacked Reuben. This Reuben doubles the 3.5-ounce portion of corned beef on the standard menu item, giving you a whopping seven ounces of meat with your sandwich. Similarly, you could order the French dip max to get a double serving of roast beef on your sandwich.
Another trick to keep in mind when ordering from Arby's secret menu is that you can switch up the bread for any of the sandwiches. If a different sandwich on the menu comes on a bun you'd prefer, simply ask for that bun or bread instead of what's traditionally served. You can also order onion tanglers — a specialty topping for one of its sandwiches — on any sandwich you'd like.
6. Dairy Queen
Who doesn't love trying new ice cream flavors and frozen treats? Even though Dairy Queen periodically releases new menu items and specials, they also have a secret menu. Ordering from their secret menu opens up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to enjoying a frozen dessert.
If you're a fan of Dairy Queen's frozen Blizzards (and, who isn't?), you'll be glad to hear that Dairy Queen's secret menu includes some fun Blizzard variations. These include a chocolate chip Blizzard, a coffee Blizzard (a must-try if you have a late night of studying or work coming up), a midnight truffle Blizzard, and a Hawaiian Blizzard. Another secret menu item you might want to try, especially if you like peanut butter, is the peanut butter and jelly shake.
One more secret menu item that you might want to try is the frozen hot chocolate. Don't spend too much time thinking about the confusing name (how can something be frozen and hot at the same time?). Rather, think about how refreshing this cold drink will be on a warm summer day. It's basically a dressed-up chocolate milk with chopped ice cubes, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup.
7. Wendy's
The Wendy's secret menu is something all burger lovers might want to take a look at. It features several hacks and upgrades to a basic hamburger by combining different ingredients found in various entrées available at the fast food joint. One of the most popular offerings is the barnyard burger. With a beef hamburger patty, bacon, spicy chicken patty, ham, and several layers of cheese, you can probably guess why this burger is called the barnyard. It's a pretty monstrous thing, so you'll want to make sure you're hungry before giving it a try.
Another item to try if you're starving is the grand slam, which may also be called the meat cube. Like the barnyard burger, this burger is a pretty serious meal. However, with only beef patties (four of them!), cheese, and lettuce, this secret meal cuts out the extra meats and puts all the emphasis on true beef hamburgers.
If chowing down on four burger patties somehow doesn't seem like it will fill you up, consider ordering one of the other items Wendy's doesn't want you to know about: a fossil (nine hamburger patties), Jurassic (10 hamburger patties) or T. Rex (up to 12 patties). Make sure you have a designated driver and someone to wheel you out if you plan on eating all that meat.
8. Taco Bell
Have you been waiting for Taco Bell to release a new special menu item to try? Well, now that you know about their secret menu, you won't have to wait any longer. Taco Bell actually has an extensive secret menu with over a dozen different options to try. The various options offer a way for customers to take what they love about different Taco Bell entrées and combine them together into their ideal meal.
One of the most popular items on Taco Bell's secret menu is the cheesarito. It combines the characteristics of a quesadilla with those of a burrito — a soft shell tortilla filled with cheese, taco sauce, and scallions. While it isn't a massive entrée, it makes a quick and delicious snack. If you're feeling like a bit more — or a lot more — hungry, try the enchirito. This extra-large enchilada is stuffed with cheese, beans, and beef before being smothered with red sauce, and covered up with diced onions. Want to feel like a superhero? Try ordering the Hulk. This secret menu item gives a basic bean and cheese burrito an upgrade with a large scoop of guacamole. Those are just a few of the selections you'll find on the menu. A few others you might want to learn more about include the waffle taco, chili cheese burritos, the Superman, and the double grilled quesadilla.
9. Panera Bread
Whether you love Panera Bread, but are feeling tired of its standard menu, or you've never found anything on its menu that you love, you might be excited to learn that this restaurant also offers a secret menu. Many Panera locations allow customers to create their own sandwiches or salads, as long as they choose ingredients found in the kitchen. While you could always pair ingredients however you see fit, you may want to hear more about some of the popular Panera secret menu combos other customers have devised.
Try ordering power steak lettuce wraps. You'll get some nice green lettuce along with steak and veggies to make your own mini wraps or tacos. Another item you'll probably want to try is chili mac. This combines the deliciousness of Panera's mac and cheese with their turkey chili — the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold day.
Heading to Panera for breakfast? Consider trying the power breakfast egg white bowl with roasted turkey. This protein-packed breakfast entrée includes spinach, egg whites, roasted turkey, roasted red pepper, and basil pesto. Another breakfast bowl you can try is the power breakfast egg bowl with steak. With steak, avocado, tomatoes, and eggs, this is another high-protein option to help get your day off to a good start.
10. Burger King
Burger King is another fast food restaurant with an interesting secret menu that fans need to try. The secret menu features several burgers along with a customized side or two to upgrade your next dining experience. If a Whopper is your go-to item whenever you eat at Burger King, you can make it even more delicious by ordering a Burger King BLT — it'll be topped with scrumptious bacon.
If you aren't feeling like a hamburger the next time you visit Burger King, consider ordering a ham & cheese. This meal — which is exactly what it sounds like — comes served on a sesame seed bun. Another option you might want to try is a rodeo burger. This secret item was actually on the full restaurant menu for a bit, but it didn't last. You can still try it, however, as Burger King restaurants have the ingredients to make it. It tops a cheeseburger with barbecue sauce and onion rings. And if you're feeling like one burger patty won't be enough, don't settle for two or three — order a quad stacker (sometimes referred to as a suicide burger) to enjoy four burger patties stacked with four slices of cheese, bacon, and special sauce.
And if you're torn over which popular side to pair with your sandwich, when you order frings at Burger King, you'll get a mix of onion rings and fries. No more stressing about what to add as your side.
11. Shake Shack
Is Shake Shack one of your favorite restaurants to hit up when you're craving a juicy burger, crispy chicken sandwich, or creamy custard? The fast food chain's standard menu is pretty good on its own, but the secret menu takes things to the next level. For instance, if you're looking for a carb-friendly meal, you don't have to give up your favorite burger or chicken sandwich. Instead, ask for it served protein style to have it served on top of lettuce instead of a high-carb bun. If you're looking for a meatless option or something you know the kids will eat, try a grilled cheese sandwich. This simple option isn't just a plain ol' grilled cheese sandwich — it's served on the restaurant's buttery, toasted buns instead of traditional white bread.
Shake Shack's secret menu doesn't stop there. You can take the burgers to the next level by trying a quad burger (with four patties) or a Shack-Cago burger (the burger version of the Shack-Cago hot dog, which includes relish, onions, cucumber, tomato, pickles, peppers, mustard, and celery salt on a cheeseburger). You can even combine beer and lemonade to make a special mixture called a shandy.
There are hacks for frozen treats, too. For example, add a scoop of custard to a bottle of root beer to make a root beer float, or try an ice cream sandwich — a scoop of your favorite ice cream served alongside a potato bun. Combine the two and enjoy!
12. Sonic
Sonic is another popular fast food restaurant with a secret menu you're going to want to try. The menu was developed by customers and employees who were looking to amp up the menu by using ingredients already found in the kitchen to elevate popular options. So, forget ordering basic nachos — try ordering a Frito pie the next time you're at Sonic. This menu item pairs Fritos with chili and tops the whole mixture with melted cheese for ooey gooey goodness. If you love pickles, then add pickle-os to your next order. If you do, you'll enjoy dipping the deep-fried pickles into your favorite Sonic sauce.
It might not come as much of a surprise that many of the secret menu items available through Sonic are drinks. One you might want to try is the pink flamingo. This pink drink is as tasty as it is gorgeous. It's made with Sprite, pineapple juice, orange juice, and a little cherry juice. Another secret drink to try is the slap yo mama. This one combines Powerade, raspberry, and lemonade for a drink that's so good that you may want to, you know, give yo mama a hug.
13. Subway
With Subway's secret menu, you can try something new the next time you order a 6-inch or footlong sub. If you remember the pizza sub that was on Subway's menu years ago, you don't have to reminisce about how good it was or lament that you never got to try it. While it may be off the standard menu, Subway still has all the fixings and will make it for you if you ask. The sub combines tomato sauce, pepperoni, and cheese for a delicious meal. Another specialty item that you may want to request is a chicken Parmesan sub. It, too, was on the menu but disappeared long ago. The sandwich features roast chicken, Parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce. It's then topped with olives and black pepper.
Feeling extra hungry? Try ordering the meat feast or the carnivore. The meat feast stacks up all the different deli meats offered by Subway along with your favorite cheeses and toppings. The carnivore is piled high with four scoops of steak, bacon, pepperoni, melted cheese, peppers, and onions. With all that meat, it's no wonder where it got its name. When ordering, don't forget to try your new favorite sandwich on an "old cut sub." When you order it this way, the bread will be cut the way Subway used to do it — rather than slicing the roll in half, the top is cut in a u-shape, digging out a pit in the middle to fill with meat, cheese, and toppings.
14. Five Guys
Five Guys' secret menu may not be quite as extensive as some other restaurants, but that doesn't mean you should overlook it. One of the menu items you might want to try if you're feeling adventurous is the double grilled cheeseburger. Featuring two burgers sandwiched between two grilled cheeses, this meal is nothing to sneeze at. For a slightly less hefty sandwich, try a patty melt. This meal takes a Five Guys beef patty and smashes it into the middle of a grilled cheese sandwich. If you want, you can also add grilled onions to your order.
The two other most popular secret menu items from Five Guys both have to do with their french fries. If you prefer a crispier fry, you can request an order of well-done fries. The other option is to liven up a standard order of french fries by asking for cheese fries, instead. This entrée provides you with a nice helping of cheese atop the tasty fries. Depending on which Five Guys location you visit and who is working, you may have to pay a little extra for the added cheese, but you could also get lucky and get it for free.