14 In-N-Out Secrets Locals Swear By For The Perfect Burger Every Time
If you’ve ever waited in that long In-N-Out drive-thru line, you know there’s something special about this California burger chain.
What separates a good burger from an absolutely perfect one often comes down to knowing the insider tricks that regulars use every single time they order.
I’m going to share the secrets that locals have been using for years to get the most delicious, customized burgers that’ll make your taste buds sing.
1. Order Animal Style for Maximum Flavor
When you ask for Animal Style, you’re unlocking a flavor bomb that transforms your regular burger into something extraordinary. The patties get cooked with mustard seared right onto the meat, creating a caramelized crust that adds incredible depth.
Grilled onions replace the raw ones, giving you sweet, soft ribbons of flavor instead of sharp crunch. Extra spread gets slathered on generously, and pickles join the party for tangy balance.
This secret menu favorite has been around since the chain’s early days. Regulars know it’s the ultimate way to enjoy an In-N-Out burger, and once you try it, there’s no going back to the standard version.
2. Request Your Fries Well-Done for Perfect Crispiness
Are soggy fries ruining your burger experience? Ordering them well-done solves this problem instantly and gives you the crunch you’re craving.
In-N-Out cuts their potatoes fresh every day, which means they have more moisture than frozen fries. When cooked the standard way, they can turn out softer than most people prefer.
By asking for well-done fries, the kitchen leaves them in the fryer longer until they develop a golden, crispy exterior while staying fluffy inside. Some locals even order them extra well-done for maximum crunch. It’s a simple request that completely changes your fry game and makes them worthy of pairing with your perfect burger.
3. Add Chopped Chilis for a Spicy Kick
Did you know In-N-Out keeps chopped chili peppers behind the counter just waiting for you to ask? These bright yellow-green beauties add the perfect amount of heat without overwhelming your burger.
The peppers are mild enough that most people can handle them but zesty enough to wake up your taste buds. They’re tangy and slightly sweet with a gentle burn that builds as you eat.
Locals who love a little spice never skip this free addition. You can add them to your burger, fries, or even mix them into your spread for an extra layer of flavor. It’s one of those small touches that makes your meal feel custom-made.
4. Order a Flying Dutchman for Pure Protein
This secret menu item sounds mysterious, but it’s actually beautifully simple: two beef patties with two slices of melted cheese, and absolutely nothing else. No bun, no lettuce, no tomato just pure meaty, cheesy goodness.
It comes wrapped in paper, making it easy to eat with your hands or a fork. Bodybuilders and keto dieters love this option because it delivers maximum protein with zero carbs.
Some creative locals order it as a side to their regular burger for extra protein, while others eat it as their main meal. It might seem odd at first, but the simplicity lets you taste the quality of the beef and cheese without any distractions.
5. Ask for Extra Toast on Your Bun
How much your bun gets toasted can make or break your burger experience. Standard burgers come with a light toast, but asking for extra gives you a crunchier, more flavorful foundation.
The additional toasting caramelizes the butter they use on the griddle, creating a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. It also helps the bun hold up better against all those delicious juices and sauces without getting soggy halfway through.
This small customization takes only seconds but elevates your entire burger. Regulars who prefer more texture always request this modification, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s worth asking for every single time you visit.
6. Try Animal Style Fries for Ultimate Indulgence
When regular fries just won’t cut it, Animal Style fries become your new best friend. They take fresh-cut fries and pile on melted cheese, grilled onions, and that famous spread for a loaded experience.
It’s messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth every calorie. The combination of textures and flavors creates something that’s almost like a meal on its own.
You’ll need a fork for this one because eating with your hands gets complicated fast. Some locals order these instead of a burger when they’re craving comfort food. Others share them as an appetizer before their main burger arrives. Either way, it’s a cult favorite that shows why In-N-Out’s secret menu has such a devoted following.
7. Get Your Burger Mustard-Grilled
Mustard-grilled patties are what make Animal Style burgers special, but you can request this technique on any burger you order. The cook spreads yellow mustard directly onto the patty while it’s on the grill.
As the meat cooks, the mustard caramelizes and forms a tangy, slightly crispy crust that locks in juices. It doesn’t taste overly mustardy instead, it adds a subtle depth and complexity that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget.
This cooking method has been an In-N-Out tradition for decades. Once you experience that extra layer of flavor, regular burgers might seem a little boring. It’s completely free to request, so there’s no reason not to try it.
8. Order a Neapolitan Shake for Three Flavors
Why settle for one flavor when you can have all three at once? The Neapolitan shake combines chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry into one delicious cup that tastes like childhood nostalgia.
Each sip gives you a slightly different flavor combination as the three swirl together. It’s creamy, sweet, and perfectly thick just the way a real milkshake should be.
This secret menu item isn’t advertised, but the staff knows exactly what you mean when you order it. It’s a fun way to treat yourself after your burger, and it pairs especially well with salty fries. Kids and adults alike love this option because it feels special and customized just for you.
9. Request Whole Grilled Onions Instead of Chopped
Grilled onions typically come chopped into small pieces, but you can ask for whole grilled slices instead. These thick rings get the same caramelization treatment but maintain their shape and give you a more substantial onion experience.
The texture becomes silky and sweet after grilling, without any of the sharp bite that raw onions have. Each slice adds a rich, savory layer that complements the beef beautifully.
Some people prefer the distribution that chopped onions provide, while others love the boldness of whole slices. It’s all about personal preference, and knowing you have the option lets you customize your burger exactly how you want it every time you visit.
10. Add Extra Spread for More Sauce
That signature spread is what makes In-N-Out burgers taste so distinctive and addictive. It’s a special sauce with a creamy, tangy flavor that’s similar to Thousand Island dressing but somehow better.
Standard burgers come with a measured amount, but locals know to ask for extra if they want more of that saucy goodness in every bite. There’s no additional charge, and the kitchen is happy to add more.
Some fans even ask for spread on the side to dip their fries. It transforms everything it touches into something more delicious. If you’re someone who believes you can never have too much sauce, this simple request will change your In-N-Out experience forever.
11. Try a Grilled Cheese for a Vegetarian Option
It’s not on the regular menu, but In-N-Out makes an excellent grilled cheese for vegetarian customers or anyone who wants to skip the meat. They use the same fresh buns, cheese, and toppings as their burgers.
You get all the fixings lettuce, tomato, spread, and onions sandwiched between two slices of melted American cheese. The bun is toasted with butter just like their regular burgers, giving it that same satisfying crunch.
Many vegetarians feel left out at burger places, but this option ensures everyone can enjoy the In-N-Out experience. You can customize it just like any burger by adding grilled onions, extra spread, or chopped chilis to make it your own.
12. Order Your Burger with Raw Onions on the Side
Are you someone who likes to control exactly how much onion you get in each bite? Ordering them on the side gives you that power and keeps your burger from getting too oniony before you’re ready.
Raw onions can overpower other flavors if there’s too much, but having them separate lets you add just the right amount. You can also avoid onion breath until later in your meal.
This trick works great when you’re sharing your burger with someone who has different onion preferences than you. It’s a simple accommodation that shows how flexible In-N-Out is with customization. Plus, the onions stay crispier when they’re not sitting on the hot burger the whole time.
13. Get a Protein Style Burger Wrapped in Lettuce
Ditching the bun doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Protein Style replaces the bread with crisp, cold iceberg lettuce leaves that wrap around all your favorite burger components.
This option became popular with low-carb eaters, but anyone can enjoy the refreshing crunch that lettuce brings to each bite. The coolness of the greens contrasts beautifully with the hot, juicy patty and melted cheese.
You still get all the toppings you love, just without the bread weighing you down. It’s surprisingly easy to eat and doesn’t fall apart like you might expect. Many regulars choose this style when they want to feel lighter after their meal.
14. Ask for Light Lettuce or Extra Lettuce
Lettuce might seem like a minor detail, but the amount you get affects the overall balance of your burger. Standard burgers come with a reasonable amount, but you can adjust it to your preference.
If you want more crunch and freshness, ask for extra lettuce to create a more veggie-forward experience. On the other hand, requesting light lettuce keeps the focus on the meat and cheese without too much filler.
In-N-Out uses crisp iceberg lettuce that adds texture without wilting quickly. Getting the right amount means your burger tastes exactly how you want it. This small customization shows that even the simplest ingredients deserve attention when you’re building your perfect burger.
