Introduction
If you think In-N-Out’s menu is just burgers, fries, and shakes, you’re missing half the fun. Sure, their official menu is simple, but the real magic happens behind the counter—the secret menu. I still remember the first time I heard about it. A friend casually ordered an "Animal Style" burger, and I just stared, confused. It wasn’t on the menu, so how did he know about it? That’s when I learned: In-N-Out has a whole underground menu that only true fans know about. But how did this legendary secret menu come to be? Let’s take a trip back in time.
How the Secret Menu Started
The Early Days (1948-1960s)
When In-N-Out first opened in 1948, it was just a tiny drive-thru burger joint in Baldwin Park, California. The menu? Super basic—burgers, fries, sodas, and shakes. But customers had requests. Some wanted extra sauce, some liked their patties cooked a certain way, and others asked for toppings that weren’t listed. The Snyder family, who owned In-N-Out, didn’t say no. They made it happen—and just like that, the secret menu was born.
The Birth of "Animal Style" (1960s-1970s)
Legend has it that surfers and skateboarders in California were some of the first to spread the word about "Animal Style." They wanted more flavor, so In-N-Out started cooking burger patties mustard-grilled, adding extra spread, pickles, and grilled onions. At first, it was just an inside thing—only those "in the know" would order it. But soon, it became a fan favorite, and word spread fast. Even today, "Animal Style" remains one of the most popular secret menu items. If you've never had it, you're missing out.
The 3x3, 4x4, and Beyond (1980s-1990s)
By the 1980s, customers weren’t just asking for toppings—they wanted bigger burgers. Someone asked for a Triple-Triple (3x3)—three patties, three slices of cheese. In-N-Out delivered. Then came the 4x4 (Quad-Quad)—four patties, four slices of cheese. And for a while, people pushed the limits. Customers were ordering 10x10s, 20x20s, and even crazier stacks. Eventually, In-N-Out had to put a limit (now, the biggest you can get is a 4x4). It was clear: people loved customizing their burgers, and the secret menu wasn’t going anywhere.
The Expansion of the Secret Menu (2000s-Present)
Fries & Shakes Get a Glow-Up
It wasn’t just about burgers. Customers started customizing everything—including fries and shakes.
- Roadkill Fries – Animal Style fries with a chopped-up Flying Dutchman (not officially recognized but still made).
- Neapolitan Shake – A mix of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in one cup.
Going Low-Carb with Protein Style
As more people watched their carbs, Protein Style became a hit. Instead of a bun, your burger comes wrapped in crisp lettuce. It’s been around for decades, but recently, it's become a go-to order for keto and low-carb eaters.
Why the Secret Menu is So Popular
The secret menu works because it makes customers feel like they’re part of a club. You’re not just ordering off the board—you’re in on something special. It’s also pure word-of-mouth marketing. In-N-Out has never needed flashy ads to promote the secret menu. People just talk about it, post about it, and share their orders—and that keeps the hype alive.
Final Thoughts
The In-N-Out secret menu isn’t just a bunch of random orders—it’s a part of the brand’s history. From the early days of custom requests to the legendary Animal Style movement, this menu has been shaped by the people, for the people. So next time you’re at In-N-Out, skip the basic order. Try something off the menu—because the best In-N-Out meals? They aren’t even listed.