The Secret In-N-Out Orders Locals Love (But Tourists Rarely Discover)

Walk into any In-N-Out and you’ll spot the tourists right away, staring up at the simple menu like it’s a math problem. But the locals? They’re ordering in fluent In-N-Out, tossing around secret phrases and custom hacks like pros.

Behind those unassuming red aprons lies a whole hidden world of off-menu magic, burgers drenched in secret sauce, fries fried to your exact mood, and insider combos that never make it to the board.

These aren’t just tweaks; they’re traditions. Once you learn the lingo, you’ll never look at a plain Double-Double the same way again. Ready to order like a true insider?

1. Animal Style Burger

Forget everything you thought you knew about burgers because Animal Style changes the game completely. This cult favorite takes a regular burger and drowns it in mustard-grilled patties, extra spread, pickles, and grilled onions that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Locals swear by this messy masterpiece, and for good reason. The grilled onions add sweetness while the tangy spread balances everything perfectly. Fair warning: napkins are non-negotiable here.

Once you try Animal Style, the regular menu feels boring. It’s the gateway order that separates casual visitors from true believers.

2. Protein Style Lettuce Wrap

Carbs? We don’t know her. Protein Style swaps the traditional bun for crisp, cold iceberg lettuce that somehow makes the whole experience feel lighter yet equally satisfying.

Health-conscious locals discovered this gem years ago, and it’s become the go-to for anyone watching their carb intake. The lettuce stays crunchy and adds a refreshing crunch that bread simply can’t match. Plus, you can actually taste the meat and toppings better without all that bread getting in the way.

Don’t mistake this for diet food though—it’s still packed with flavor. Many regulars combine Protein Style with Animal Style for the ultimate guilt-free indulgence.

3. 3×3 or 4×4 Monster Burgers

When hunger strikes with the force of a freight train, regular burgers just won’t cut it. Enter the 3×3 (three patties, three cheese slices) or its bigger brother, the 4×4, for those with championship appetites.

These towering creations aren’t on the menu board, but staff know exactly what you mean when you order them. Each additional patty and cheese slice gets perfectly layered, creating a burger that requires serious jaw strength. Locals often split these behemoths or save them for post-workout fuel.

Pro tip: some brave souls have ordered even higher numbers, though your mileage may vary on whether they’ll actually make it.

4. Grilled Cheese Secret

Not everyone wants meat, and In-N-Out gets it. Their secret Grilled Cheese delivers all the burger fixings—tomatoes, lettuce, spread, onions—minus the patty, with extra melted cheese taking center stage.

It’s one of the most popular meat-free options at In-N-Out, ordered by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The toasted bun gets that same perfect golden crisp, and the cheese melts into gooey perfection. It’s a favorite among families looking for a simple, meat-free choice.

You can customize it just like any burger—add grilled onions, go Animal Style with it, or keep it simple. Either way, it proves you don’t need meat for satisfaction.

5. Animal Style Fries

Regular fries are fine, but Animal Style fries are a religious experience. Imagine your crispy fries smothered in melted cheese, signature spread, and those addictive grilled onions that make everything better.

This messy mountain of goodness requires a fork, and locals often order it as a meal itself. The cheese melts into the fries while the spread adds tangy richness, creating flavor combinations that’ll haunt your dreams. Sharing is technically possible, but good luck convincing yourself to do it.

Warning: these get soggy fast, so eat them immediately. The clock starts ticking the moment they hit your tray.

6. Well-Done Fries

Standard In-N-Out fries divide people—some love them, others find them too soft. Well-Done fries solve this debate by staying in the fryer longer, emerging gloriously crispy and golden.

Crunch enthusiasts discovered this hack years ago, and now it’s the insider way to order. The extra cooking time transforms the texture completely, giving you that satisfying snap with every bite. You can also request “Fries Light” if you want them cooked a bit less than standard, or “Well-Done” for maximum crunch.

While texture is subjective, many regulars say well-done fries stay crisp longer and hold up better to dipping sauces. Experiment until you find your perfect fry texture—that’s what locals do.

7. Mustard-Grilled Patty

Want Animal Style flavor without all the extra toppings? Ask for a mustard-grilled patty and watch the magic happen on the grill right before your eyes.

The cook squirts mustard directly onto the uncooked side of the beef patty before flipping it, creating a tangy, caramelized crust. This technique adds incredible depth of flavor without the mess of full Animal Style. Purists love it because it enhances the beef without overwhelming it.

It’s subtle but powerful, like the difference between a good burger and a great one. Many locals consider this the most underrated secret menu option available.

8. Chopped Chiles

Spice lovers, rejoice! Chopped chiles bring the heat that’s otherwise missing from In-N-Out’s menu. These yellow-green peppers pack a punch without being overwhelming, adding brightness and a kick to any order.

Locals add them to burgers, fries, or both for an instant flavor upgrade. They’re pickled and tangy, cutting through the richness of cheese and spread beautifully. The heat level sits comfortably in the medium range, noticeable but not painful.

Best part? You can usually get them for free, either by asking at the counter or grabbing the whole yellow peppers from the condiment area, depending on the location.