8 Secrets of the In-N-Out Burger Menu
In-N-Out Burger keeps its menu intentionally small, which makes ordering fast and familiar. However, many regulars are aware that the kitchen can make minor, specific adjustments that are not listed on the board. These off-menu options adjust how burgers are cooked, stacked, or portioned. They improve balance, add heft, or solve limitations in the standard menu.
Animal Style Burger
Image via Yelp/Reed B.
Animal Style changes how the standard burger is cooked and assembled. The patty is grilled with mustard, which adds a sharp edge. Grilled onions replace raw ones, and extra spread ties the flavors together. The result is more cohesive, which is why many regulars treat it as their default order.
Mustard-Grilled Patty
Image via iStockphoto/FotografiaBasica
This option rarely gets the spotlight, but it fundamentally changes the burger. Mustard-grilling alters the patty itself. Tang cooks directly into the meat. For anyone who likes the intensity of Animal Style but doesn’t want extra ingredients competing for attention, this is the most direct way to sharpen flavor.
Protein Style
Protein Style is often written off as a diet choice, but its impact extends beyond skipping bread. Replacing the bun with lettuce shifts the focus toward acidity and freshness, allowing the tomato and spread to stand out more clearly. The structure becomes looser and less contained, but also lighter.
Flying Dutchman
Image via Facebook/Ralph Ruiz
The Flying Dutchman removes everything except meat and cheese. The two patties sandwich melted cheese. It’s heavy, fast, and unapologetic. Anyone expecting balance will find it extreme. Anyone treating it as fuel or a low-carb option will understand precisely why it exists.
3×3
Image via Wikimedia Commons/R4vi
The 3×3 adds an extra patty and slice of cheese to the Double-Double. It is still manageable to eat, and the bun and toppings can maintain their structure. The meat becomes the primary focus without completely overpowering everything else. Go bigger than this, and the balance starts to break down.
Fries Well Done
In-N-Out fries divide opinions, largely due to their texture. Ordering them well done addresses that issue directly. Extra time in the fryer removes softness and adds crunch. They won’t suddenly mimic double-fried restaurant fries, but they stop feeling limp.
Grilled Cheese
Image via Reddit/sarahvancee
The grilled cheese is a simple sandwich built from the same ingredients as the burgers, minus the meat. Melted cheese, spread, lettuce, and tomato are added together. It does not attempt to imitate a burger, which is why it stands out as a reliable order on its own.
Neapolitan Shake
Most people choose a single shake flavor and call it a day, but combining chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry changes the experience entirely. The Neapolitan shake turns sweetness into variety, with each sip tasting slightly different due to the unique mix.