18 Creative In-N-Out Orders DC Locals Recommend Again And Again

In-N-Out Burger has built a legendary reputation for its secret menu, and fans across the country have turned ordering into an art form. While DC doesn’t have its own In-N-Out location yet, locals still dream about these creative combinations and seek them out whenever they travel west.

I’ve gathered the most popular and inventive orders that burger lovers recommend time and time again, so you can skip the guesswork next time you’re near one of these iconic restaurants.

1. Animal Style Burger

If you only try one secret menu item, make it this legendary creation. The Animal Style burger transforms a regular cheeseburger into something magical with mustard-cooked directly onto the patty while it sizzles on the grill.

Extra spread gets slathered on generously, while caramelized grilled onions add sweetness and depth. Pickles bring a tangy crunch that balances everything perfectly. It’s messy, flavorful, and totally worth the napkins you’ll need.

DC travelers swear this is the ultimate first-timer order. The combination of flavors creates an unforgettable taste experience that keeps people coming back. Once you go Animal Style, regular burgers just don’t hit the same anymore.

2. Protein Style Wrap

Are you watching your carb intake but still craving that In-N-Out flavor? This option replaces the bun entirely with crisp, cold iceberg lettuce leaves that cradle your burger like nature’s wrapper.

The lettuce stays refreshingly crunchy and adds a light, clean taste to each bite. You still get all the classic toppings cheese, tomato, onions, and that famous spread. It’s surprisingly satisfying and doesn’t leave you feeling heavy afterward.

Health-conscious DC locals love this guilt-free alternative. The lettuce provides a nice textural contrast to the warm, juicy patty. You can customize it with Animal Style additions too, making it as indulgent or light as you prefer for your meal.

3. 3×3 Triple-Triple

When regular hunger strikes, this beast delivers three beef patties and three slices of American cheese in one glorious tower. It’s not on the printed menu, but the staff knows exactly what you mean when you order it.

Each layer gets perfectly assembled with the signature spread and fresh vegetables. The beef-to-cheese ratio stays ideal throughout every bite. You’ll need both hands and serious appetite to tackle this monster properly.

DC visitors with big appetites make this their go-to order. It’s filling enough to be your only meal for hours. Some folks even split it with a friend, though true fans insist on conquering it solo for maximum bragging rights.

4. 4×4 Quad-Quad

Did you think the 3×3 was impressive? This takes it up another level with four patties and four cheese slices creating an almost absurd burger masterpiece. It’s a challenge as much as a meal, testing both your jaw strength and your commitment.

The sheer size makes it Instagram-worthy before you even take a bite. Everything stays surprisingly balanced despite the height. The flavors remain consistent from top to bottom, which shows In-N-Out’s quality control.

Competitive eaters and extremely hungry travelers order this as their ultimate test. It’s definitely not an everyday meal, but rather a special occasion indulgence. DC locals recommend ordering fries on the side only if you’re truly fearless about your appetite limits.

5. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

It’s not just for kids this vegetarian option delivers all the In-N-Out experience without any meat. Two slices of American cheese get melted between a toasted bun with all the classic toppings you love.

The spread, lettuce, tomato, and onions create a surprisingly satisfying combination. Many people don’t realize you can order this as an adult. The cheese gets perfectly gooey while the vegetables add freshness and crunch to balance things out.

Vegetarian DC travelers appreciate having a solid option beyond just fries. You can even request it Animal Style for extra grilled onions and flavor. Some meat-eaters order this alongside their regular burger for variety during their meal.

6. Fries Well-Done

How do you improve on classic fries? Ask for them well-done, and you’ll get extra-crispy golden sticks that crunch with every bite. The extended cooking time removes more moisture, creating a totally different texture.

These fries hold up better to dipping and don’t get soggy as quickly. The outside becomes gloriously crunchy while maintaining a fluffy interior. They’re cut fresh from whole potatoes, so the quality really shines through.

DC fry enthusiasts swear by this modification. Regular In-N-Out fries can be a bit soft for some tastes, but the well-done version solves that completely. They’re addictive and might just ruin regular fries for you forever after trying them this way.

7. Animal Style Fries

When plain fries aren’t enough, this loaded version transforms them into a meal all by themselves. Fresh-cut fries get smothered in melted cheese, caramelized grilled onions, and generous dollops of that famous spread.

The combination creates a savory, rich experience that’s almost like eating a deconstructed burger. You’ll need a fork for this one because it gets wonderfully messy. The warm cheese melts into every crevice while the onions add sweetness.

This is a top recommendation from DC locals who’ve discovered it. Some people order it as their main dish instead of a burger. It’s shareable too, making it perfect for groups who want to sample the secret menu together.

8. Mustard-Grilled Patty

Though it’s part of Animal Style, you can request just the mustard-grilled patty on any burger without the other additions. The cook spreads yellow mustard directly onto the raw patty before flipping it onto the hot griddle.

As it cooks, the mustard caramelizes and creates a tangy, slightly crispy crust. This technique adds incredible depth of flavor without overwhelming the beef. It’s a simple modification that makes a huge difference in taste.

Burger purists from DC love this subtle enhancement. You get extra flavor without the mess of Animal Style’s grilled onions and extra spread. It’s perfect for people who want something special but not too over-the-top or complicated.

9. Neapolitan Shake

Are you the type who can never decide on just one flavor? This secret menu shake combines chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry into one delicious drink that satisfies every craving at once.

Each sip brings a different flavor combination as they swirl together. The shakes are made with real ice cream, not soft-serve, giving them a rich, creamy texture. It’s like childhood nostalgia in a cup, reminiscent of Neapolitan ice cream from birthday parties.

DC sweet-tooth lovers request this constantly. The three flavors complement each other perfectly without any single one dominating. It pairs wonderfully with salty fries and a burger, providing the ideal sweet counterpoint to your savory meal.

10. Arnold Palmer

If you need something refreshing beyond soda, this classic combination hits the spot perfectly. Half iced tea and half lemonade create a balanced drink that’s neither too sweet nor too tart.

It’s named after the legendary golfer who made this mixture famous. The tea provides depth while the lemonade adds brightness and citrus notes. On hot days, it’s incredibly refreshing and less heavy than a milkshake or soda.

Health-conscious DC travelers appreciate this lighter beverage option. You can adjust the ratio if you prefer more tea or more lemonade. It cleanses your palate between bites and doesn’t leave you feeling overly full or sugared-out after your meal.

11. Flying Dutchman

This stripped-down order is just two patties with two slices of cheese melted between them no bun, no vegetables, nothing else. It’s the ultimate low-carb, high-protein option for serious keto dieters and carnivores.

The name supposedly comes from the legendary ghost ship, though the connection remains a mystery. What’s not mysterious is how satisfying pure beef and cheese can be. You taste the quality of the ingredients without any distractions whatsoever.

DC gym-goers and keto followers order this religiously. It’s also surprisingly affordable compared to full burgers. Some people order multiple Flying Dutchmen instead of one large burger to control portions while maximizing protein intake during their visit.

12. Cheese Fries

When Animal Style feels like too much, regular cheese fries offer a simpler indulgence. Fresh-cut fries get topped with melted American cheese that creates gooey strings with every bite.

It’s less messy than Animal Style but still more interesting than plain fries. The cheese adds richness and saltiness that complements the potato flavor beautifully. You can still eat these with your hands, unlike their more loaded cousin.

This is a popular choice for DC kids and adults alike. The simplicity lets the quality ingredients shine through. You can also request them well-done for extra crispiness underneath that melted cheese layer, creating the perfect textural combination in every forkful.

13. Double Meat

If the regular burger feels too small but a 3×3 seems excessive, this middle-ground option delivers two patties with just one slice of cheese. It’s heartier than the standard without going completely overboard.

The meat-to-cheese ratio skews more toward beef, which some people prefer. You still get all the classic toppings and that signature taste. It fills you up properly without requiring a nap afterward like the bigger options might.

DC locals with moderate appetites find this to be their sweet spot. It’s substantial enough to satisfy hunger but not so massive that you feel uncomfortable. Many consider it the perfect balance between flavor, portion size, and reasonable eating experience.

14. Extra Toast on the Bun

This simple request changes your entire burger experience through enhanced texture. The buns get pressed longer on the griddle, creating a crunchier, more caramelized exterior that holds up better to juicy patties.

Extra toasting prevents sogginess and adds a slight sweetness from the caramelization. The bun becomes sturdier, making the burger easier to handle. It’s a small detail that makes a noticeable difference in every bite.

Texture-focused eaters from DC always specify this modification. The contrast between crunchy bun and tender beef becomes more pronounced. If you’ve ever had a burger fall apart in your hands, extra toast solves that problem while adding bonus flavor to your meal.

15. Chopped Chilies

For those who like a little kick, In-N-Out keeps yellow chili peppers available upon request. They’ll chop them up and add them directly to your burger, bringing mild heat and tangy flavor.

These aren’t super spicy, so they won’t overwhelm your taste buds. The peppers add brightness and a slight vinegar tang that cuts through the richness. They’re pickled, which means they also contribute extra crunch and complexity.

Spice-loving DC visitors ask for these on every visit. You can control how much heat you want by requesting extra or light chilies. They work especially well on Animal Style burgers, where the peppers complement the grilled onions and create additional flavor layers throughout.

16. Root Beer Float

When you want dessert with your meal, this nostalgic treat combines their creamy vanilla shake with Barq’s root beer. The ice cream floats on top while slowly melting into the fizzy soda below.

Each sip delivers that classic sweet, creamy, and bubbly combination. It’s like stepping back into a 1950s diner. The vanilla softens the root beer’s bite while the carbonation lightens the ice cream’s richness.

DC families with kids order these for a fun, shareable dessert. Adults love the retro vibe and comforting taste. It’s not officially on the menu, but any location will make it if you ask nicely and they’re not too busy during rush hours.

17. Whole Grilled Onion

Instead of the chopped grilled onions in Animal Style, you can request a whole grilled onion slice. They’ll cook an entire onion ring until it’s sweet, soft, and caramelized perfectly.

The whole slice provides a more substantial onion experience without falling apart. It stays intact as you eat, giving you onion flavor in every single bite. The caramelization brings out natural sugars, making it sweet rather than sharp.

Onion enthusiasts from DC specifically request this modification. It’s less messy than chopped onions and creates a more elegant presentation. You can combine it with other secret menu items to create your own custom masterpiece burger tailored exactly to your preferences.

18. Extra Spread on the Side

That famous spread is so good that people want extra portions to dip their fries or add more to their burger. You can request a side container filled with additional spread for a small charge.

The sauce is similar to Thousand Island dressing with a unique In-N-Out twist. Having it on the side lets you control exactly how much you want. Some people use it for dipping everything fries, burger bites, even their napkins accidentally.

DC sauce lovers never skip this add-on. It’s one of the most requested items among regulars. You can even ask for it on your Animal Style fries for extra sauciness, or save some to take home if you’re feeling particularly devoted to the flavor.