Secret Menu Items At Restaurants
Did you know that many restaurants have a secret menu you can order from?
First of all, let’s be clear about one thing: The definition of a “secret menu” varies widely.
Some of the secret menus at fast food restaurants are “unofficial” — they’re not usually well-known (or even advertised). Other restaurants have “official” secret menus that have led to zillions of satisfied customers over the years. In fact, some secret menus are wildly popular — perhaps even more popular than the “regular” menus!
That means if you’re ordering from the secret menu at one restaurant, you might be referring to specific items (or a combination of ingredients) that are simply not listed on the “main”regular” menu, period. At another restaurant, you might be able to order directly from the “secret menu.” And at yet another fast food restaurant, the secret menu items might include only highly customized items and ingredients that relatively few people know about… yet.
Here are a few quick examples from 14 fast-food restaurants:
- Are you familiar with the Poor Man’s Big Mac on the secret menu at MCDONALD’S? It’s got that classic Big Mac flavor at a much lower cost! Ask for a McDouble with Big Mac sauce, extra lettuce, and no ketchup. The only thing lacking is the “extra bun.”
- At SUBWAY you can still get the popular Pizza Sub from the 90s, if you ask. However, the best secret menu item at Subway has got to be the Meatball Marinara — a classic combination of meatballs, marinara sauce, and cheese.
- Who in the heck is ordering Pickle Dr. Pepper at SONIC? Apparently everyone! My friends here in Middle Tennessee recently brought this one to my attention. Let’s just say… they keep ordering it, so it MUST be good. You’ll find it on their secret menu.
- KFC has a secret menu, but few people know how to access it. It contains lots of discontinued items that are still fan favorites.
- Have you ever had a Hypocrite at FATBURGER? It’s a Veggie Burger topped with bacon! They don’t advertise it. In fact, I think it’s the only thing on the secret menu at Fatburger.
- The latest DAIRY QUEEN dessert to go viral from their secret menu is the Dairy Queen Cupcake. It’s a cupcake in a cup — completely with ice cream in the flavor of your choice and any toppings you like.
- Few people know about The Harold — it’s on HARDEE’S secret menu. It’s a breakfast sandwich on steriods! The Harold combines several popular breakfast items in one: 2 biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs, and hash browns.
- The WENDY’S Grand Slam has 4 quarter-pound beef patties instead of 3. Just ask for a Meat Cube! It’s on the secret menu.
- PANDA EXPRESS has a secret menu. Arguably, the Orange Chicken Burrito is the best secret menu item that no one knows about. It’s an unusual combination of orange chicken, rice (or chow mein), and orange sauce — all wrapped up in a tortilla.
- The best thing on the secret menu at LONG JOHN SILVER’S is the Fishzilla — few even know it’s option! Basically, it’s a larger version of the regular Fish Sandwich. To order a Fishzilla, ask for 2 (or 3!) fish fillets stacked on top one another on a single bun — with extra tartar sauce and cheese, of course.
- A Chili Cheese Burrito from TACO BELL‘s secret menu is a satisfying combination of hot chili and melted cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla — few people know about it. And did you know that Taco Bell also has a Green Chili Sauce? They don’t advertise it, but they’ll add it if you ask.
- The best thing on the CHICKFILA secret menu has got to be the Double Down! Instead of bread, it’s got 2 crispy fried chicken filets — with bacon, cheese, and sauce in between them.
- Have you ever had a Peanut Butter Bacon Cheeseburger? It’s on SHAKE SHACK’S secret menu. It’s exactly what it sounds like and let me tell you bacon + peanut butter is a tasty combination! (You could also order a Cheeseburger with peanut sauce.)
- A wildly popular secret menu item at ARBY’S is the Beef ‘N Cheddar. This classic sandwich was officially discontinued but has gained cult status among fans. It has roast beef, melted cheddar cheese, and Arby’s signature curly fries on a regular bun. The Meat Mountain is a close second — but it’s a handful!
…And THOSE aren’t even included in my tally of 170 secret menu items at the restaurants listed below!!! We’ll get to all of those in a minute.
Why Do Restaurants Have Secret Menus?
Sometimes, it’s because customers know what they want…
Over time, certain menu items become popular. SO popular that customers start referring to those items by different names. Or asking for them with different ingredients. When these unofficial names or items become so familiar that everyone understands them AND more and more people start to ask for them… Wahlah! You have the makings of a secret menu item!
Sometimes, restaurants create secret menus to build loyalty…
It’s human nature for us to want something we can’t have (or that isn’t readily available to us). Having secret items on the menu sort of “gamifies” things for us when it comes to choosing which fast food restaurant we want to eat at. If we happen to know about a “secret item” that’s not even on the menu, then we feel special — like we’re getting something other people haven’t had (and probably don’t even know about). In-N-Out Burger has done this better than anyone! They openly share their official “not-so-secret” menu on their website. And it’s a restaurant that has a SERIOUS following of very loyal people.
Sometimes, it’s because customers keep asking for an item the restaurant stopped serving…
If enough people ask for the same item that’s not on the regular menu… that’s when a specific menu item is likely to find its home on the secret menu. So if you find an item no longer on the menu at your favorite restaurant (even if it was just a short-term specialty item), chances are pretty good you can still get it. It’s probably on their “secret menu” now — just ask! Some former menu items have become so popular that the restaurant’s employees will know them by name and remember how to make them. Others will need to be explained to the staff, so they’ll know exactly how the former menu item used to be made.
Here’s the restaurant industry’s take on it.
The “secret menu” phenomena has climbed to new heights these days… thanks to social media. People are even making up their own personal challenges and documenting themselves eating every item on a restaurant’s secret menu.
This video is just one example of that:
Another guy, Keith, is taking this concept to a whole new level… He has an entire YouTube playlist featuring his “Eat The Menu” tour. Keith has filmed himself eating every single item on the secret menu at 73 (and counting) different restaurants!
The Best Secret Menu Items To Try
Looking for the hidden gems at your favorite fast food restaurants? Want to know how to order from the secret menu without holding up the line and looking (or sounding) like an idiot?
I’m here to help!
These are the 11 restaurants I’ve included the secret menus for below:
- Chipotle
- In-N-Out Burger
- Jamba Juice
- Five Guys
- Cracker Barrel
- Popeye’s
- Cookout
- Chili’s
- Starbucks
- IHOP
- Jersey Mike’s
As you will see, I’ve listed the BEST secret menu items at each restaurant, as well as the exact menu hacks you need to know when ordering each one.
Alright, here we go… 170 of the best secret menu items at 11 popular fast food restaurants. You probably didn’t even know these items were available to order! (Most people don’t.)
#1 to #12:
Chipotle’s Secret Menu
Here’s how to order from the secret menu at Chipotle (12 items):
- 2 For 1 – Order a burrito bowl and split it into two separate burritos. Be sure to order double everything (protein and sides), plus two tortillas on the side.
- 3-Pointer Burrito – At Chipotle, the 2-point items are proteins and guacamole. The 1-point proteins are toppings like rice, beans, and cheese. If you keep your burrito at or under 3 points, the cashier rings it in at a cheaper price!
- Burritodilla – Ask for a quesadilla with up to 2 proteins and 3 sides (like rice, beans, and pico). Ask them not to cut the quesadilla
- Copycat Elote – Combine warm queso with the roasted corn salsa, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
- Dragon Sauce – Mix sour cream with a little bit of Chipotle’s tomatillo-red chili salsa (if you like spicy) or with Chipotle’s tomatillo-green salsa (if you don’t love spicy).
- Double-Decker Taco – Ask for whatever type of taco you like best (crunchy or soft). Then order a soft-shell taco with just cheese. To make it a double-decker taco, you will layer the cheese taco over the shell of your regular taco.
- Free Guacamole – As long as you order a vegetarian option from the regular menu, then you can receive guacamole absolutely free! (For the record, Cilantro is also free – whether you order a vegetarian item or not.)
- Mix & Match – When the choices are similar (chicken / steak / pork / carnitas, black beans / pinto beans, white rice / brown rice), you don’t have to order one OR the other. You can get half of one AND half of the other for no extra cost! Also, you can order double sides (like beans or salsa) for no extra charge – just not double meat or double guacamole.
- Nachos – Ask for a burrito bowl, but ask for chips as the base instead of rice. Have them add on whatever protein and veggies you want. Finally, ask them to top with queso (instead of shredded cheese). Wahlah… Chipotle nachos!
- Quesarito – The concept here is a normal burrito, but instead of just ONE tortilla wrapping, this one has TWO — with melted cheese sandwiched in between! Order a burrito how you normally would. Then order a quesadilla but ask for it to be UNcut. Finally, unwrap the quesadilla yourself, place your burrito ingredients on top, and then re-wrap it. Ask for chicken and you basically have a chicken quesadilla, burrito-style!
- Spicy Queso – Combine equal parts of Chipotle’s queso and tomatillo-red salsa.
- Taco Salad – Order a salad with chicken, black beans, guacamole, mild salsa, corn salsa, extra cheese, vinaigrette, Tabasco, and chips.
These food reviewers have taste-tested the above items (and more) from the Chipotle secret menu:
#13 to #22:
In-N-Out Burger’s Secret Menu
Here’s how to order from the secret menu at In-N-Out (10 items):
- 3×3 and 4×4 – Perhaps you already know about the Double Double at In-N-Out. But did you know that there’s also a Triple Triple and a Quad Quad?
- Animal Style Fries – The Animal Style burger is on the “secret” menu, but not the fries. They’re french fries topped with melted cheese, grilled onions, and sauce. You’ll need a fork!
- Flying Dutchman – It’s a Double Double with meat and cheese only — 2 burger patties and 2 cheese slices. No bun.
- Grilled Cheese – This sandwich consists of 2 slices of melted American cheese sandwiched between toasted burger buns. You can add any toppings that you’d like.
- Lemon-Up – A combination of In-N-Out’s signature pink lemonade with 7Up soda — a fun, fizzy treat.
- Neapolitan Milkshake – It’s a mix of all 3 flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
- Protein Style Burger – This is a burger wrapped in lettuce — no bun.
- Puppy Patty – A non-seasoned beef patty for your dog,
- Roadkill – This one’s a combination of Animal-Style fries topped with a Flying Dutchman
- Rootbeer Float – It’s a half cup of root beer topped with a swirl of vanilla soft-serve ice cream
These food reviewers have taste-tested the above items (and more) from the In-N-Out Burger secret menu:
#23 to #65:
Jamba Juice’s Secret Menu
Here’s how to order from the secret menu at Jamba Juice (42 items):
- Andres’ Surprise – Ask for 9 oz of orange juice, 1 oz of raspberry juice, 2 scoops of orange sherbet, 1 scoop of pineapple sherbet, 1 scoop of mangoes, and 1 scoop of peaches.
- Apple Pie – Order it this way: Apple juice, 1 cup of almond yogurt (or low-fat vanilla yogurt), apple, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, and ice.
- Baby Bottle Top – It’s a combination of raspberry juice, soymilk, strawberries, lime sherbet, and ice.
- Berry Sublime – Order 12 oz of raspberry juice, 9 oz of orange juice, 2 scoops of raspberry sherbet, 1 scoop of raspberries, 1 scoop of strawberries, and ice.
- Bluetopia – Ask for blueberry Juice, non-fat frozen yogurt, soymilk, blueberries, and ice.
- Bubblegum Blast – A combination of frozen yogurt, soymilk, strawberries, raspberry sherbet, pineapple sherbet, and ice.
- Butterfinger – Order 12 oz of carrot juice, 2 scoops of frozen yogurt, chocolate, peanut butter, and ice.
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries – Ask for a Chocolate Moo’d smoothie with an extra scoop frozen yogurt and 1 scoop of strawberries.
- Dirty Girl – It includes 12 oz of peach juice, 1 scoop of pineapple sherbet, 1 scoop of orange sherbet, 2 scoops of peaches, 1 scoop of strawberries, and ice.
- Dirty O – Combine 12 oz of peach juice, 1 scoop of pineapple sherbet, 1 scoop of orange sherbet, 2 scoops of peaches, 1 scoop of strawberries, and ice.
- Dream Machine – Order it this way: 4 oz of orange juice, 4 oz of milk, 2 scoops of orange sherbet, 2 scoops of frozen yogurt, and ice.
- Fruity Pebbles – Ask for 12 oz of soymilk, 1 scoop of lime sherbet, 1 scoop of raspberry sherbet, 1 scoop of pineapple sherbet, 1 scoop of orange sherbet, and ice.
- Green Apple – A mix of 6 oz of apple juice, 6 oz of lemonade, 1 scoop of frozen yogurt, 1 scoop of lime sherbet, 1 scoop of mangoes, 1 scoop of matcha, and ice.
- Hello Jesus – Order 6 oz of peach juice, 4 oz of soymilk, 3 scoops of lime sherbet, 1 scoop of orange sherbet, 1 scoop of strawberries, and ice.
- Lemon Dream Machine – The perfect combination of lemonade, soymilk, lime sherbet, frozen yogurt, and ice
- Now & Later – Ask for 4 oz of soymilk, 2 scoops of blueberries, 1 scoop of raspberry sherbet, 1 scoop of pineapple sherbet, and ice.
- Orange Whip – Combine 12 oz of orange juice, 1 scoop of orange sherbet, 1 scoop of frozen yogurt, and ice.
- Orchard Oasis – Order it this way: 12 oz of peach juice, 1 scoop of pineapple sherbet, 1 scoop of blueberries, 1 scoop of strawberries, and ice.
- Pacific Passion – Ask for 8 oz of passionfruit-mango juice, 2 scoops of pineapple sherbet, 2 scoops of strawberries, 1 scoop of peaches, and ice.
- Peaches & Cream – Combine 6 oz of peach juice, 6 oz of soymilk, 1 scoop of frozen yogurt, 1 scoop of peaches, and ice.
- Peanut Butter & Jelly – It includes 2 oz of soymilk, 2 scoops of frozen yogurt, 2 scoops of strawberries, 1 scoop of blueberries, and ice.
- Pina Colada – Start with 12 oz of pineapple juice, 1 scoop of pineapple sherbet, 1 scoop of frozen yogurt, 1 scoop of banana, then… add coconut and ice.
- Pink Star(burst) – Order it this way: 6 oz of lemonade, 6 oz of soymilk, 1 scoop of raspberry sherbet, 1 scoop of plain sherbet, 1 scoop of frozen yogurt, 2 scoops of strawberries, and ice.
- Pineapple Dreamin’ – It’s a mix of pineapple juice, pineapple sherbet, soymilk, frozen yogurt, and ice.
- Purple Dinosaur – A blend of pomegranate juice, soymilk, strawberries, blueberries, banana, frozen yogurt, raspberry sherbet, and ice.
- Push Pop – Ask for a Caribbean Passion, 1 scoop of strawberries, 1 scoop of mangoes, 1 scoop of peaches, and ice.
- Rainbow Sherbet – It’s a mix of 8 oz of soymilk, 2 scoops of raspberries, 2 scoops of strawberries, 1 scoop of banana, 2 scoops of raspberry sherbet, and ice.
- Raspberry Dreamin’ – The perfect combination of raspberry juice, raspberry sherbet, soymilk, frozen yogurt, and ice.
- Raspberry Rainbow – Order it this way: 12 oz of raspberry juice, low-calorie dairy base, 1 scoop of raspberries, 1 scoop of banana, and ice.
- Raspberry Refresher – Ask for 12 oz of raspberry juice, 1 scoop of raspberry sherbet, 1 scoop of raspberries, 1 scoop of banana, and ice.
- San Diego – Combine 6 oz of orange juice, 4 oz of lemonade, 1 scoop of orange sherbet, 1 scoop of lime sherbet, and ice.
- Simply Red – It’s a mix of 12 oz of soymilk, 1 scoop of frozen yogurt, 1 scoop of strawberries, 1 scoop of banana, and ice.
- Skittles – Ask for 12 oz of lemonade, 1 scoop of lime sherbet, 1 scoop of frozen yogurt, 1 scoop of strawberries, and ice.
- Smarties – It’s the perfect combination of soymilk, blueberries, pineapple, raspberry sherbet, and ice.
- Sourpatch Kid – Order it this way: 12 oz of lemonade, 1 scoop of lime sherbet, 1 scoop of orange sherbet, 1 scoop of pineapple sherbet, 1 scoop of raspberry sherbet, 1 scoop of blueberries, and ice.
- Strawberry Cheesecake – Combine 12 oz of white grape juice, 2 scoops of frozen yogurt, 1 scoop of strawberries, and ice.
- Strawberry Dreamin’ – A mix of soymilk, frozen yogurt, strawberry, and ice.
- Strawberry Shortcake – It’s the perfect combination of pineapple juice, soymilk, frozen yogurt, strawberry, and ice.
- Sunny Delight – Ask for 6 oz of orange juice, 4 oz of lemonade, 2 scoops of orange sherbet, 2 scoops of lime sherbet, and ice.
- Tropical Awakening – Order it this way: 12 oz of passionfruit-mango juice, low-calorie dairy base, 1 scoop of mango, 1 scoop of banana, and ice.
- Tropical Tango – The recipe includes sherbet, pineapples, coconut extract, and ice.
- Wake Up Call – It’s a mix of orange juice, lemonade, strawberries, peaches, banana, orange sherbet, pineapple sherbet, and ice.
These food reviewers have taste-tested the above items (and more) from the Jamba Juice secret menu:
#66 to #80:
Five Guys Secret Menu
Here’s how to order from the secret menu at Five Guys (14 items):
- Artery Annihilator – Ask for a bacon cheeseburger with a hot dog sliced in half and laid on top of the patty. Add desired ingredients.
- Breaking Windy City Dog (aka Chicago Dog) – Order a hot dog with tomato, relish, green peppers, pickles, mustard, Cajun seasoning, and hot sauce.
- Burger Bowl – Ask for a burger patty and all the fixings without the bun
- Chip Butty (aka Chip Sandwich) – Ask for a “little” order of fries inside of an untoasted bun. That’s right, no meat. Add some ketchup or malt vinegar.
- Double Double Dupe – Order a cheeseburger with extra American cheese. Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, and grilled onions. Then, mix ketchup, mayonnaise, and relish together to create the sauce.
- Double Grilled Cheeseburger – Ask for a burger patty sandwiched between two grilled cheese slices, Worcestershire sauce, and Texas toast. Add desired toppings.
- HB Slammer – Order a bacon cheeseburger with extra bacon, mayonnaise, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, grilled jalapenos, hot sauce, and A1 sauce.
- Jalapeno Popper Sandwich – Ask for a grilled cheese sandwich topped with extra cheese, bacon, and jalapenos.
- Nacho Fries – Order fries and ask for melted cheese on top (and any other toppings you might like. Jalapenos, sour cream, and bacon anyone?
- Patty Melt – Ask for a grilled cheese sandwich with a burger patty and ask for the Texas toast instead of a regular bun. Grilled onions too.
- Sloppy Joe – Order a burger with no cheese and add grilled green peppers, grilled onions, ketchup, and barbecue sauce.
- Steak Frites – Ask for french fries with a bunless hamburger topped with A1 sauce.
- Thai Lettuce Wrap – This is a bunless burger in a lettuce wrap. Instead of the regular sauces, ask for steak sauce and jalapenos. Grab a handful of peanuts from the complimentary bin, crack them open, and crumble them onto the patty.
- Vegetarian BLT – Order the regular BLT but ask them to replace the bacon with grilled mushrooms.
These food reviewers have taste-tested the above items (and more) from the Five Guys secret menu:
#81 to #85:
Cracker Barrel’s Secret Menu
The Cracker Barrel restaurant secret menu includes a lot of “freebies” that will be surprising to most people. First, there are all the ways you can save money at Cracker Barrel. Then, there are these hidden gems on the “regular” menu that many people aren’t familiar with. And finally, I’ve listed below a bunch of items not listed on the menu, that you can ask your server for — most of them are available at no charge!
Here’s how to order from the secret menu at Cracker Barrel (4 items):
- Bread before your meal – At Cracker Barrel, they don’t bring free bread to your table automatically. But you can ask for it — and it’s FREE! You get a choice of freshly made biscuits, cornbread, or toast (or a mix of all three). Bonus: You can even ask for pancake butter for your bread. (It’s pre-warmed.)
- Hashbrown casserole – Don’t you just love that tasty potato casserole? Normally, additional helpings of Cracker Barrel’s hashbrown casserole come with an additional fee. That is UNLESS you order the Country Boy Breakfast — which comes with unlimited refills of the potato dish for free!
- Milkshakes – Their milkshakes are a well-kept secret. They’re not included on any regular menu at any location. Ask your server for the Cracker Barrel Milkshake — which is vanilla ice cream with grated chocolate.
- Unlimited grits and gravy – Some of the traditional breakfast and lunch meals at Cracker Barrel come with unlimited grits & gravy including: Country Ham Steak with Eggs, Biscuits and Gravy, Country Fried Steak with Eggs, Open-Face Country Fried Steak, Chicken and Waffles, and Breakfast Platters.
These food reviewers have taste-tested the above items (and more) from the Cracker Barrel secret menu:
#86 to #103:
Popeye’s Secret Menu
Like a couple of other restaurants on this list, the Popeye’s secret menu really isn’t a secret at all! They list these items on their website (but not on their regular menu) — and the list of menu hacks is quite long. But… Did you know that Popeye’s has a Spicy Fried Chicken Challenge?! If you order at least 8 pieces of Popeye’s spiciest fried chicken (the spicy Cajun recipe), sign a waiver, and put on plastic gloves — then you can participate in the challenge. And if you can make it through the whole order in under 30 minutes without needing medical attention, you’ll earn a spot on their Wall of Flame AND a free meal!
Here’s how to order from the secret menu at Popeye’s (17 items):
- Bayou Beast – A huge sandwich that consists of 2 crispy fried chicken fillets, 3 strips of bacon, melted cheese, and Popeye’s signature spicy mayonnaise on a brioche bun. You can even double the meat for a Bayou Beast Royale!
- Bayou Burger – It consists of 2 fried chicken patties instead of burger buns — with bacon, cheese, and spicy mayo.
- Blackened Chicken Tenders – Chicken with a kick! Popeye’s bread and fries are usually tenderloins, and then they are tossed in a mix of Cajun spices to give them a spicy crust.
- Blackened Ranch Chicken Sandwich – Add Popeye’s Blackened Ranch Sauce to a chicken sandwich. The sauce has white pepper, red pepper, and black pepper, onion, garlic, and a “blackened seasoning” blend. The result is a somewhat spicy ranch sauce.
- Cajun Sparkle – A packet of specially blended seasonings that can be sprinkled on everything from fries to chicken. You need to specifically request it. Here’s how to make it yourself.
- Chicken Biscuit – Order some chicken tenders and a biscuit. When you get your order, separate the biscuit into 2 pieces and place a piece of chicken inside. Even yummier if you ask for some honey to go with it!
- Chicken Fried Steak – A breaded beef cutlet fried to a golden crisp and smothered in rich gravy. It’s served with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Chicken Strip Nachos – These are fresh-made tortilla chips loaded with cheese, beans, salsa, and your choice of grilled or fried chicken strips.
- Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits – A sweet treat that can be made simply by asking if they’ll roll some biscuits in the same cinnamon sugar topping that’s used to make Popeye’s Cinnamon Apple Pie dessert that’s on the regular menu.
- Dirty Rice – It’s a side dish of rice, ground beef, and spices. Usually reserved for employees of the restaurant, but if you know about it, then you can order some too! Just don’t call it “bayou rice” or “Cajun rice.”
- Dirty Rice Bowl – This dish is loaded with fried chicken chunks, bacon crumbles, cheese, gravy, and a fried egg.
- Gravy Fries – Popeye’s Cajun fries are already super-tasty. Now try topping them with Cajun gravy!
- Mac ‘N Cheese Chicken Bowl – Get a scoop of their signature Mac ‘N Cheese topped with bite-sized pieces of fried chicken in a bowl.
- Naked Chicken – These are chicken tenders without the breading.
- Po Boy Double Down – A bunless sandwich with 2 chicken patties as the “bread” — along with cheese and bacon in the middle.
- Po Boy Royale – It’s 3 pieces of fried chicken (instead of 2), combined with pickles and mayonnaise on a soft roll.
- Sweet & Spicy Red Beans And Rice – Order a side of Popeye’s red beans and rice (individually, or as part of a meal). Then, ask for 2 packets of honey and
1packet of hot sauce. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and heat!
These food reviewers have taste-tested the above items (and more) from the Popeye’s secret menu:
#104 to #116:
Cookout Secret Menu
Cookout is a bit of a mystery. It’s a fast food restaurant with a cult following… yet many people have never even heard of it. Their menu has 54,000 possible combinations. And their milkshakes are to die for! If you haven’t tried the milkshakes before, start here — two diehard fans of Cookout tried, reviewed, and rated every milkshake on the regular menu at Cookout. Plus, you can combine any milkshake flavors you want at Cookout! By the way, they say the Banana Pudding Shake with walnuts and chocolate chips tastes exactly like banana bread! The restaurant openly shares their “secret menu.”
Here’s how to order from the secret menu at Cookout (12 items):
- Bacon & Grilled Onion Fries – You can ask for your french fries that way OR get it as a side with a tray.
- Banana Split Milkshake – The perfect combination of bananas, pineapple, strawberries, and 1 squirt of chocolate.
- Cheese Dog – It’s 2 slices of cheese, chili, slaw, and onion in a hot dog bun — NO hot dog.
- Cheesecake Shake – If desired, you can ask for an extra cheesecake slice in your Cheesecake Shake (you’ll be charged for the extra slice, of course). While the Strawberry Cheesecake Shake is a given, you can actually put a slice of cheesecake in ANY flavor of milkshake!
- Concrete Shake – They typically use a 50/50 combination of “shake mix” and “ice cream mix” for the milkshakes. The Concrete is a thicker shake that’s blended with ice cream until it’s almost frozen. Don’t want your Cookout shake to be SO thick? Ask for yours to be made with more “shake mix” than “ice cream mix” — instead of the standard 50/50 ratio.
- Fried Okra – Available at some locations only.
- Grilled Cheese – Ask for a grilled cheese sandwich as a “side” in a tray. It’s a hamburger bun and 1 slice of cheese pressed in the quesadilla press to melt the cheese.
- Hi-C Punch Shake – Even though this item is not on the “regular” menu anymore, you can still ask for it. The syrup used for the milkshake is the Hi-C fruit punch syrup used for the drink machines.
- Mexi Dogs – These are hot dogs that come loaded with cheddar cheese, chili, Texas Pete hot sauce, onion, and more chili. They used to be on the “regular” menu, now available on request only.
- Peanut Butter And M&M Shake – This one can be found on the “regular” menu at a few select locations — but NOT all Cookout restaurants. It’s a delicious combination of sweet M&Ms and salty peanut butter. If you prefer to skip the M&Ms, then just ask for a peanut butter, fudge, and strawberry shake.
- Texas Peta & Chicken Quesadilla – The perfect combination of heat and ooey, gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Walnut Brownie & Chocolate Banana Pudding Shake – A richly chocolate treat with crunchy walnuts.
These food reviewers have taste-tested the above items (and more) from the Cookout secret menu:
#117 to #120:
Chili’s Secret Menu
Find yourself eating at Chili’s a lot? Here are some great ways to save money while you’re there! Since the following items at Chili’s are not officially advertised on the “regular” menu, I hope you’ll appreciate knowing about these hidden gems on the Chili’s restaurant secret menu.
Here’s how to order from the secret menu at Chili’s (3 items):
- Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks – This is a spicy twist on the classic appetizer, these mozzarella sticks are coated in a Nashville hot sauce that adds a fiery kick!
- Queso Burger – A discontinued item that some employees are still willing to make on request. It’s a burger patty topped with melted queso, pico de gallo, and tortilla strips.
- The Monty – It’s a grilled chicken sandwich tossed in BBQ sauce, melted cheese, green onions, and tomatoes.
These food reviewers have taste-tested the above items (and more) from the Chili’s secret menu:
#121 to #155:
Starbucks Secret Menu
Few people know that there’s a “short size” at Starbucks — which is convenient when you’re a few bucks short for the price of a tall. First, don’t make these mistakes when ordering at Starbucks. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, I’ve got over 30 Starbucks menu hacks that you’re gonna LOVE!
Here’s how to order from the secret menu at Starbucks (34 items):
- Apple Martini Refresher – This alcohol-free beverage starts with a Kiwi Starfruit Lemonade, followed by the addition of 3 three pumps of apple syrup.
- Baby Yoda Cold Brew – Order a regular Venti Cold Brew, then 4 pumps of white mocha flavoring. Finally, ask for some sweet cream foam to be poured on top, along with a scoop of matcha powder (for the green color).
- Barbie Frappuccino – Ask for a Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino with 3 additional pumps of vanilla, strawberry or raspberry puree, 1 scoop of dragonfruit inclusion, and a whipped cream topper.
- Blackberry Caramel Macchiato – Start with a base of Iced Caramel Macchiato. Ask for a scoop of blackberries to be blended into the beverage. Top with vanilla sweet cream foam and a caramel drizzle.
- Butterbeer Frappuccino – Order a Vanilla Creme Frappuccino with 3 pumps of caramel syrup and 3 pumps of toffee nut syrup. You can sweeten it even further by asking for a caramel drizzle on the inside of the cup OR on top.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cold Brew – Start with a Venti Cold Brew with 2 pumps of white mocha and 2 pumps of raspberry syrup. Ask for a cold foam on top — made from a sweet flavored & pink colored strawberry puree. Finally, sprinkle with chocolate curls.
- Chocolate Mousse Cold Brew – This iced drink turns the tasty chocolate dessert into an unforgettable cold brew!
- Churro Frappuccino – Order a Caramel Frappuccino base, and add caramel to the sides of the cup. Then, add 3 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
- Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew – Start with a Venti Cold Brew, and ask them to add 4 pumps of white mocha. Then, ask for 2 pumps of cinnamon dolce in foam, and top it all off with ground cinnamon.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte – Begin with an Iced White Chocolate Mocha with 2 pumps of white chocolate mocha and 2 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup. Top with whipped cream, ground cinnamon, and Sugar in the Raw crystals.
- Cookie Butter Iced Latte – Ask for an Iced Chai Latte with brown sugar syrup and oat milk added to it.
- Cookies ‘n Cream Cold Brew – You won’t find any cookies and cream drinks on the regular menu. But you can order this sweet flavored beverage from the frappuccino secret menu at Starbucks. You can get it as an iced coffee as well. Ask for vanilla and white mocha flavor additions to your iced coffee, along with a cold mocha foam.
- Dole Whip Frappuccino – Start with a base of the Vanilla Creme Frappuccino. But instead of milk, ask for a mix of sweet cream and the pineapple refresher. (A popular Disney World refresher.)
- Hocus Pocus Latte – Order a Venti Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte with 2 pumps of white mocha and 2 pumps of apple brown sugar syrup. Next, request a cinnamon dolce topping and extra caramel drizzle.
- Honey Bee Cold Brew – Did you know that you can add honey to any preexisting drink on the regular menu? For this secret menu item, start with a flavored iced coffee, add almond milk, cold foam, honey syrup, and the toasted honey topping.
- Honey Peach Freeze – Order a Blended Lemonade. Add peach juice and a splash of guava juice (or, in place of guava juice, ask for agave on the inside of the cup). Top with vanilla sweet cream foam, and finish with toasted honey topping.
- Iced Dirty Chai – It’s a shot of espresso, black chai tea, and steamed milk. This one can be served hot or cold!
- Junior Mints Cold Brew – Ask for a Venti Cold Brew, then add 3 pumps of regular mocha and 3 pumps of white mocha. Finally, ask them to add some vanilla sweet cream foam, along with 2 pumps of peppermint syrup and 1 pump of matcha.
- Key Lime Pie Refresher – Start with a Kiwi Starfruit Refresher. Add coconut milk, vanilla sweet cream cold foam, and 1 pump of funnel cake syrup. Top with caramel crunch topping.
- Lavender Haze Drink – Order an Iced Passion Tea with soymilk (for the lavender color), and then sweeten it with 5 to 6 pumps of vanilla. (This one is inspired by Taylor Swift’s song “Lavender Haze”)
- Liquid Cocaine Iced Coffee – First, order a grande cup of ice and 4 pumps of white chocolate syrup to go over the ice Next, ask for 4 shots of espresso. Now that’s a lot of caffeine!
- Nutella Frappuccino – Order a Mocha Frappuccino, and ask for 2 pumps of mocha and 1 pump of hazelnut, with a mocha drizzle on top.
- Nutella Hot Chocolate – Ask for a hot cocoa with 1 or 2 pumps of hazelnut syrup. Add whipped cream on top with chocolate drizzles or sprinkles.
- Oatmilk Honey Latte – Order an Almondmilk Honey Flat White, but replace the almond milk with oat milk. Add 1 to 3 pumps of vanilla syrup.
- Orange Lemon Smoothie – Start with a Blended Lemonade created on the smoothie setting. Buy a bottle of orange juice from Starbucks and ask them to blend half of the bottle in with the lemonade. Then, add 2 pumps of vanilla syrup (or classic syrup) and top with vanilla cold foam.
- Peach Cobbler Frappuccino – Order a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino, and add 2 pumps of peach syrup and 1 pump of cinnamon dolce syrup. Blend in whipped cream and top with more whip and cinnamon dolce sprinkles.
- Pumpkin Butter Cold Brew – Start with a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew WITHOUT the usual vanilla syrup. Instead, add 3 pumps of white mocha sauce, 2 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup, and 1 pump of chai. Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top.
- Pumpkin Pie Frappuccino – Begin with a Pumpkin Spice Creme Frappuccino and add 2 to 4 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup, cinnamon powder, and cinnamon dolce sprinkles on top.
- Snickerdoodle Latte – Ask for a Blonde Vanilla Latte with 1 or 2 pumps of white mocha syrup, 1 pump of cinnamon dolce syrup, and milk steamed with ground cinnamon. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon dolce topping.
- Strawberries and Cream Refresher – Order a Venti Strawberry Açai Refresher with no water. Add light strawberry puree and regular sweet cream.
- Strawberry Cobbler Refresher – Ask for an Iced Green Tea. Have it shaken with coconut milk and strawberry puree before adding 2 pumps of brown sugar syrup. Top with brown sugar cold foam and toasted honey topping.
- Strawberry Shortcake Latte – Start with an iced latte blended with strawberry puree. Add 3 pumps of brown sugar syrup and 1 pump of classic syrup. Top it off with sweet cream cold foam blended with additional strawberry puree. Add salted brown butter topping.
- Toasted Pumpkin Marshmallow Latte – Order a Pumpkin Spice Latte BUT ask that it be made with half-and-half for extra creaminess. Next, add 2 to 3 pumps of toasted white mocha syrup. Finish with cinnamon dolce topping.
- Twix Frappuccino – Add 1 or 2 pumps of hazelnut syrup to the Caramel base, along with some java chips, extra caramel sauce, and a mocha drizzle on top. (This is arguably the most popular secret menu item at Starbucks.)
These food reviewers have taste-tested the above items (and more) from the Starbucks secret menu:
#156 to #164:
IHOP’s Secret Menu
Who knew that IHOP’s menu was so diverse?! If you want to know what’s on the “regular” menu at IHOP, I encourage you to watch this video first — where Keith (who is on his “Eat The Menu Tour” sampling restaurants across the country) orders one of EVERYTHING on the menu and gives you his review. But if you want to try something that most people don’t even know exists at IHOP, then try these secret menu items.
Here’s how to order from the secret menu at IHOP (9 items):
- Cinn-A-Stacks – IHOP took these popular specialty pancakes off the regular menu, but they can easily be recreated if you ask! Order buttermilk pancakes with the cinnamon spread that’s used on IHOP’s Cinnamon Swirl French Toast.
- Hashbrown Cheesecrisp – Made with a 60/40 ratio of cheese-to-hashbrowns, it’s fried on the grill until crispy. It give a little crunch to any sandwich and makes it super tasty!
- Onion & French Fry Omelette – Who knew? A savory breakfast option with onions and french fries.
- Patagonian Prawn Ceviche – A fresh seafood dish made that’s with raw shrimp marinated in citrus juice and spices.
- Philly Mac – This one is made using Philly steak meat and diced onions that are grilled together and served top of Mac & Cheese.
- Red Velvet White Chocolate Cheesecake Macaroons – A sweet treat that closely resembles the French delicacy. These red velvet macaroons have a creamy white chocolate cheesecake filling.
- Roquefort & Pear Souffle – A light and fluffy dessert with blue cheese and pear — it’s a French delicacy.
- Spinach & Asparagus Risotto – This creamy rice dish, cooked in a lemon broth, is IHOP’s take on the classic Italian dish.
- Steak Tartare – Made with raw ground beef and served with capers, onions, and an egg yolk, it’s the tartare version of their Philly cheese steak in a traditional tartare setup.
These food reviewers have taste-tested the above items (and more) from the IHOP secret menu:
#165 to #170:
Jersey Mike’s Secret Menu
At Jersey Mike’s, you “order by number” — like this. Their motto “a sub above the rest” rings true in my mind. Not only do they bake their authentic New Jersey bread fresh every day, but they also donate their leftover bread to local food banks — helping to feed those in need. One more thing I love about Jersey Mikes is the fact that they sponsor the training of service dogs. There was even a dog named “Jersey” who was assigned to a veteran. (That’s the name of my dog, too.)
Here’s how to order from the secret menu at Jersey Mike’s (5 items):
- Big Kahuna Cheese Steak with Chipotle Mayo – This one starts as a classic cheesesteak (#99), which includes grilled steak, onions, mushrooms, peppers, and melted cheese. But if you want a little kick, add some jalepenos and chiptole mayo. How to order: Ask for a #56 combined with a #43 from the regular menu.
- Lumberjack Salad – It’s a super meaty salad. (Fit for a lumberjack, you might say!) To order, request a #9 in a tub, but change the turkey to peppered proscuittini, and add spicy mustard.
- Martian – This simple sub comes with cheese, salami, and pepperoni. Add whatever toppings you’d like.
- Pepperoni Pizza Sub – This one combines pepperoni slices with gooey melted cheese between 2 soft buns Start with a #3 (Ham and Provolone). Then, request red sauce on the bottom slice of bread. Swap Swiss cheese for provolone AND replace ham with pepperoni. Finally, heat it up for the ultimate pizza sub!
- Surf & Turf – How does roast beef and tuna sound to you? Ask for the Club Supreme as your base. Then, swap out the turkey for tuna, add Swiss cheese, and leave off the bacon. Add your favorite veggies.
These food reviewers have taste-tested the above items (and more) from the Jersey Mike’s secret menu:
The Bottom Line
It’s safe to say that a significant number of fast food restaurants have some sort of secret menu – whether it’s just a few off-menu items OR a more extensive hidden selection of items that customers can personally request.
The best part about the whole “secret menu” thing is… At most fast food restaurants, you can modify your meal with add-ons, substitutions, and size accommodations to suit your own personal taste — without being questioned.
All you have to do is ask!
One more thing…
Because I’m such a dog person, I wanted to share this list of fast food restaurants with a Secret Dog Menu. (Awe… isn’t that sweet?!)
I love my kitchen… and I like to cook. But my #1 requirement is that recipes have fewer than 7 ingredients (or arrive on my doorstep via a food delivery service).
My absolute favorite thing about being in the kitchen is trying out new gadgets, cookware, and storage containers! I’m SUPER organized in the kitchen (and everywhere else) and I have every gadget I could possibly need neatly and compactly tucked away until I need it. I share only the simplest recipes (which is great for people who don’t like to cook), along with time-saving food tips and cooking tricks (that will save you time and money).
When I’m not cooking, cleaning, or organizing my kitchen… you can find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
