11 In-N-Out Secret Menu Items In California Only Locals Actually Order

The menu may look simple at first glance, but seasoned customers know the real magic happens through quiet custom orders.

Across California, In-N-Out Burger regulars have spent years perfecting off-menu combinations that turn an ordinary stop into something personal and memorable.

These insider favorites add extra layers of flavor, texture, and creativity while keeping the fast, familiar rhythm locals love.

Ordering this way feels less like fast food and more like participating in a shared tradition passed between Californians.

For anyone ready to order with confidence, In-N-Out Burger in California delivers an experience that feels exclusive, satisfying, and deeply rooted in local culture.

1. Animal Style Burger

Ask for Animal Style and watch your burger transform into something locals have sworn by for generations.

The patty gets cooked with a thin layer of mustard seared directly onto the meat, creating a caramelized crust that adds a tangy punch to every bite.

Grilled onions replace the raw ones, turning sweet and soft as they cook down on the flat-top.

Extra spread gets slathered on both sides of the bun, while pickles add a crisp contrast to all that richness.

This combination has become so popular that some In-N-Out locations in California, such as 27510 The Old Rd, Valencia, CA 91355, see nearly half their burger orders requested this way.

The mustard-grilled technique dates back to the company’s earliest days, when founder Harry Snyder experimented with different cooking methods to add more flavor without complicating the menu.

First-timers often say the grilled onions make the biggest difference, softening the sharp bite and creating a mellow sweetness that balances the tangy spread.

2. Animal Style Fries

Regular fries become a full meal when you order them Animal Style, piled high with melted cheese, grilled onions, and that famous spread.

This version turns a simple side into something you might need a fork to tackle, especially when the cheese is still warm and gooey.

The fries stay crispy on the bottom while the toppings create layers of flavor and texture.

Grilled onions add sweetness, the spread brings tanginess, and the melted cheese ties everything together into one messy, delicious experience.

Locals often share an order because it’s surprisingly filling, making it a great option for groups or anyone who wants to try something beyond the standard burger and fries combo.

Some people request extra spread on the side for dipping, while others ask for the onions to be cooked extra long for a deeper caramelized flavor.

Timing matters here since the cheese and spread can make the fries soggy if they sit too long.

3. Protein Style Burger

Swap the bun for crisp lettuce leaves and suddenly your burger becomes a lighter option without losing any of the classic flavors.

The lettuce wrap stays surprisingly sturdy, holding everything together while adding a fresh crunch that contrasts nicely with the warm beef and melted cheese.

This style has been available since the early days, long before low-carb diets became mainstream.

California health-conscious eaters discovered it decades ago as a way to enjoy In-N-Out at 1130 E Imperial Hwy, Brea, CA 92821, without the extra carbs, and it’s remained a staple order ever since.

The lettuce is always cold and crisp, which creates an interesting temperature contrast against the hot patty.

Some locals order it Protein Style and Animal Style together, getting the grilled onions and extra spread wrapped in lettuce for a combination that satisfies both health goals and flavor cravings.

It’s also easier to eat than you might expect, though having napkins handy is still a smart move.

4. Flying Dutchman

Two beef patties, two slices of cheese, and absolutely nothing else – this is the Flying Dutchman, the ultimate minimalist order.

No bun, no lettuce, no tomato, just pure protein and melted cheese served in a simple wrapper.

Keto dieters and low-carb enthusiasts order this regularly, but it actually predates modern diet trends by decades.

Old-timers used to request it as a quick protein boost, eating it with a fork or just picking it up and biting straight into the stacked patties.

The name supposedly comes from the legendary ghost ship, though no one’s quite sure how In-N-Out employees started using it.

What matters is that staff know exactly what you mean when you say it, and they’ll prepare it without hesitation.

Some people order a Flying Dutchman alongside regular fries for a deconstructed burger experience.

Others add Animal Style to it, getting grilled onions and spread on top of the meat and cheese stack for extra flavor without any carbs.

5. 3×3 or 4×4 Burger

When a Double-Double isn’t quite enough, locals know to ask for a 3×3 or even a 4×4, stacking three or four patties with matching slices of cheese.

These towering burgers require serious hunger and maybe both hands to manage, but they’ve become legendary among In-N-Out regulars at 505 Woollomes Ave, Delano, CA 93215.

The kitchen will technically make even bigger versions if you ask, though most locations draw the line somewhere around a 4×4 for practical reasons.

Each patty stays thin and cooks quickly, so even with four layers, you’re not waiting much longer than a regular order.

Eating one becomes a bit of an engineering challenge, since the stack can be taller than your mouth can open.

Locals have different techniques – some squish it down firmly before taking a bite, while others eat it in sections, working their way around the burger.

It’s definitely not an everyday order, but when the craving hits for maximum beef and cheese, nothing else quite compares to watching that tall stack arrive at your table.

6. Grilled Cheese

Not everyone wants beef, and In-N-Out has quietly offered a grilled cheese for decades.

Order it by name and you’ll get all the burger fixings – lettuce, tomato, spread, onions – but with melted cheese taking the place of the meat patty.

The bun gets toasted on the grill just like a regular burger, picking up that slightly crispy texture on the inside.

Kids love this option, but plenty of adults order it too, especially vegetarians who still want that classic In-N-Out taste.

You can customize it just like any burger, adding grilled onions or requesting it Animal Style if you want extra spread and pickles.

Some people order it with extra cheese for more protein, while others keep it simple with just the standard toppings.

It’s one of the few vegetarian options available, making it popular with families where not everyone eats meat.

The price is lower than a burger, which makes it a budget-friendly choice that still delivers on flavor and that signature In-N-Out experience locals crave.

7. Neapolitan Shake

Can’t decide between chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry?

The Neapolitan shake solves that problem by combining all three flavors into one thick, creamy drink.

Each sip tastes a little different depending on which flavor you hit first, making it fun and nostalgic at the same time.

In-N-Out makes their shakes with real ice cream, not soft-serve, which gives them that dense, rich texture that’s hard to suck through a straw.

The Neapolitan version swirls the three flavors together, creating a marbled effect that looks as good as it tastes.

This particular combination reminds many Californians of childhood birthday parties and old-fashioned ice cream parlors.

It’s sweet without being overwhelming, and the vanilla helps balance out the stronger chocolate and strawberry notes.

Some locals order it as dessert after their meal, while others treat it as the main event.

Either way, it’s a refreshing break from choosing just one flavor, and it pairs perfectly with salty fries if you’re into that sweet-and-salty combination.

8. Well-Done Fries

In-N-Out’s regular fries are cut fresh and cooked quickly, which some people love and others find too soft.

Locals who prefer extra crunch know to request them well-done, which means they stay in the fryer longer until they turn golden and crispy all the way through.

The difference is dramatic – instead of soft and pale, well-done fries come out crunchy, darker, and with a satisfying snap when you bite them.

They hold up better under toppings too, which makes them the preferred base for Animal Style fries among those who don’t like soggy potatoes.

Some regulars even request them extra well-done, pushing them to the edge of being almost burnt for maximum crispiness.

This isn’t an official menu term, but most locations understand what you mean and will accommodate the request.

The trade-off is a slightly longer wait time since they need the extra cooking.

But for locals who’ve tried both versions, the crispy texture is worth every extra minute spent waiting.

9. Mustard-Grilled Patty Only

You don’t have to order the full Animal Style burger to get that signature mustard-grilled flavor.

Just ask for your patty to be mustard-grilled, and the cook will spread yellow mustard on the meat before flipping it, creating that caramelized crust without all the extra toppings.

This subtle modification adds a tangy depth that regular patties don’t have, and it’s become a favorite among locals who want extra flavor without the grilled onions and extra spread.

The mustard sears into the beef as it cooks, forming a thin, flavorful layer that doesn’t overpower the meat.

It works especially well on a simple burger with just cheese and regular onions, letting the mustard-grilled flavor shine through.

Some people combine it with other modifications, like ordering a Protein Style burger with a mustard-grilled patty for a low-carb option that still packs plenty of taste.

It’s one of those small tweaks that makes a big difference, proving you don’t need a complicated order to elevate your In-N-Out experience beyond the standard menu.

10. Extra Toast On The Bun

The standard bun gets a quick toast on the grill, but you can request extra toast for a darker, crispier result.

This simple modification changes the texture of your entire burger, giving you more crunch with each bite and helping the bun hold up better against juicy patties and extra toppings.

Locals who prefer texture contrast in their food appreciate this option, especially when combined with fresh vegetables and a hot patty.

The extra toasting also brings out a slightly nutty flavor from the bread that you don’t get with the standard preparation.

It’s particularly useful if you’re ordering Animal Style or adding extra spread, since the crispier bun won’t get soggy as quickly.

Some people even request it on their grilled cheese for a more substantial sandwich that feels heartier despite having no meat.

This is one of the easiest customizations to request, and it rarely adds any wait time since it just means leaving the bun on the grill a bit longer.

Small detail, big difference in the final eating experience.

11. Chopped Chilies

Every In-N-Out location keeps yellow chili peppers on hand, usually sitting in jars at the condiment counter.

Most people use them as a side garnish, but locals know you can request them chopped and added directly to your burger for a spicy kick that cuts through the richness.

The peppers are tangy and moderately spicy, adding brightness without overwhelming heat.

They’re pickled, which gives them a vinegary bite that pairs surprisingly well with the creamy spread and melted cheese.

Some regulars order them on Animal Style burgers, where the heat plays nicely against the sweet grilled onions.

Others prefer them on a simple cheeseburger, letting the pepper flavor stand out more clearly.

You can also request them on your fries or even in your shake if you’re feeling adventurous, though that last one is definitely not common.

The peppers add almost no cost and very little prep time, making them an easy way to customize your order.

Just remember that once they’re on there, you can’t take them off, so start with a small amount if you’re not sure about the spice level.