35 Best Secret Menus to Order From in 2024

Have you ever wondered what lies behind the regular menu at your favorite restaurant and whether or not they have a secret menu? While you may not know it, an array of well-known fast food and chain restaurants have secret menus that feature a variety of unique items and customizations of fan-favorite official menu items. 

Discovering what’s on these secret menus can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level of excitement and exclusivity. From mouth-watering burgers with unexpected toppings to unique beverages that tantalize the taste buds, these hidden gems provide a fresh and exciting twist to your regular routine. To find out which spots have a secret menu and what you can order from them, read on as we offer a look at the 35 best secret menus to try! 

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• What Is a Secret Menu? 
• How to Order From a Secret Menu
• The 35 Best Secret Menus

What Is a Secret Menu?

A secret menu is a collection of unofficial and off-the-menu items that customers can order at a restaurant, often discovered through word-of-mouth or social media buzz. Some restaurants know the items well while others may be unaware of them, meaning you’ll need to explain your order to get what you want. 

Secret menus add an element of exclusivity to dining experiences, enticing customers to try something different from the usual offerings. For those who love discovering hidden gems, secret menus provide an exciting way to switch old favorites with bold new flavors.

How to Order From a Secret Menu

Ordering from secret menus is generally easy to do, but it can vary based on the chain and location. At some restaurant chains, staff will be familiar with popular secret menu items by name, making ordering your favorite off-menu creations hassle-free. 

However, at other chains, you might need to be more specific about the customizations and ingredients you want. When ordering from secret menus at these places, it's helpful to know exactly what modifications are needed. By being prepared, you can enjoy the unique items secret menus offer, no matter where you are.

The 35 Best Secret Menus 

1. In-N-Out Burger

The In-N-Out secret menu is one of the most well-known and is renowned for offering customized versions of its already iconic regular menu items. One of the most popular secret menu hacks is ordering In-N-Out Animal Style burgers and fries. There are also lots of low-carb options, including the In-N-Out Flying Dutchman and In-N-Out Protein Style. You can even accompany your meal with customized secret menu milkshakes and other drinks, such as a refreshing 7-Up and pink lemonade mix.

2. McDonald's

Another of the well-known secret menus is the McDonald's secret menu. It includes a variety of exciting extras that take your fast food experience up a gear. Some of the most famous items on the McDonald's fast food secret menu include the Land, Sea and Air Burger, a surf and turf type item that combines beef, chicken and fish patties, and the Big McChicken, a Big Mac with chicken patties instead of beef.

3. Starbucks

The Starbucks secret menu is arguably one of the best secret menus with an array of combinations to choose from for every type of drink, from frappuccinos to hot beverages. These unofficial menu items are inspired by die-hard fans of the coffee chain and are shared widely on social media. While what you order will depend on your taste preferences, popular Starbucks secret menu items include the Nutella frappucino, the strawberries and cream refresher and the Snickerdoodle latte.  

4. Potbelly

While not as widely recognized as some of the hidden menus on this list, Potbelly's secret menu items are well-known amongst regulars, offering unique twists to the chain’s sandwiches, salads and sweet treats. Popular secret menu sandwiches include the Barnyard, filled with many types of meat, and the Fireball, a spicy meatball sub. For dessert, enjoy secret menu items like a chocolate peanut butter banana shake.

5. Dutch Bros

The wide variety of syrups and sauces available at this coffee chain make the Dutch Bros secret menu one of the most extensive, with the ability to customize for almost any craving. Customers can choose from secret menu customizations for Rebel energy drinks, chai lattes, cold brews and more.

While there's an almost uncountable number of options, a few great orders to try include the Aftershock Rebel, featuring flavors of berries and lime, and the Cold Brew Kicker which combines a Nitro cold brew coffee with an Irish coffee. 

6. Jersey Mike's

If you appreciate the opportunity to personalize your sandwich order, checking out the secret menu at Jersey Mike’s is a must. The Jersey Mike's secret menu includes creations like Surf n’ Turf, a unique option with beef and tuna, and ​​The Martian, featuring both salami and pepperoni. Using the secret menu can also be useful if you are looking for the best vegetarian fast food as it includes items like an avocado veggie sub and a sweet pepper wrap filled with banana peppers and sweet onions. 

7. Chipotle

As one of the most popular Mexican restaurant chains, it’s not surprising that fans have come up with a range of off-menu Chipotle creations. The vast selection of ingredients available here makes it easy to mix and match and customize regular menu items in many ways. 

Just a few of the must-try items on the Chipotle secret menu include the Quesarito, a burrito wrapped in a quesadilla shell, and the Double Wrapped Burrito, featuring two tortillas instead of one. Consulting the secret menu can also teach you some ways to get free items, such as free guacamole.

8. Wendy's

Those who are looking to get a hit of protein won’t want to miss out on trying the Wendy’s secret menu. The items on this hidden menu are well-known for their indulgent flavors and high-protein content, with many options seeing extra meat added to the regular menu items. 

One of the most popular high-protein fast food choices on the menu is the Barnyard Burger, which includes a beef patty, chicken, bacon and ham. You can even try the T-Rex Burger with six to 12 patties — although many say this can’t really be ordered as a single menu item. There are also Frosty hacks to try, plus some side and dessert options on the secret menu. 

9. 7 Brew

The 7 Brew secret menu is relatively well-known among regulars and coffee aficionados and is one you must check out if you like unique beverages. The secret menu features a variety of specialty drinks made by combining regular menu items with the vast selection of syrups on offer. From sweet cookies and cream or pecan pie-flavored iced coffees to bubblegum smoothies and warming chai eggnog lattes, there’s something for all tastes and occasions.

10. Chick-fil-A

Unsurprisingly, the Chick-fil-A secret menu features a range of hacks for chicken-based menu items but you can also find twists on sides, drinks and breakfast dishes. Popular options if you can’t decide what to get include the Spicy Char, which is a spicy chicken sandwich made with char-grilled chicken instead of the usual fried option, and the cookies and cream shake.

11. Shake Shack

The Shake Shack secret menu is another that is quite well-known and easy to order from. Almost every type of item at this popular chain has a secret menu option, from burgers and hot dogs to shakes and sides. One of the most unique items to try is Peanut Butter and Bacon SmokeShack, which sees a bacon cheeseburger paired with peanut butter. The BLT milkshake is another out-of-the-box option that regulars swear by. 

12. Wawa

This hidden menu showcases a variety of customizable options, including specialty sandwiches, unique milkshake concoctions and inventive coffee drinks. One of the most popular Wawa secret menu items is the Breakfast Hoagie Bonanza, a filling item with all your favorite breakfast foods in a sandwich. The drinks are also a must-try, with options like strawberry jalapeño lemonade and a lemonade that resembles the taste of Swedish Fish candy. 

13. Taco Bell

As one of the most popular fast food chains in the U.S., it’s not much of a surprise that there’s an extensive Taco Bell secret menu. This hidden menu not only features brand-new creations but also provides hacks to bring back discontinued items.

Just a few of the can’t-miss secret menu dishes include the burrito and quesadilla hybrid Quesarito, the Double-Grilled Quesadilla and The Superman, which sees a Cheesy Double Beef Burrito paired with potatoes, tortilla strips, guacamole and sour cream. There are also a few vegan fast food hacks on the secret menu, such as getting your items Fresco Style and ordering the guacamole-filled Incredible Hulk.

14. Five Guys

The Five Guys secret menu is a well-known treasure trove of tasty tidbits. It features a variety of customized items, including twists on burgers, fries and shakes.

One of the most popular orders is the Double Grilled Cheeseburger, which replaces burger buns on a standard hamburger with grilled cheese sandwiches for an extra cheesy experience. Other top picks include the Veggie BLT and The Five Guys Mega Shake, which includes every milkshake flavor on the regular menu. 

15. Sonic

If you want a secret menu that offers an array of drinks and food items, the Sonic secret menu is for you! Customers can choose from almost endless drink combinations, mixing and matching sodas and syrups to create things like the bright green Hulk or “Drink of the Summer” Mermaid Water. Accompany your customized beverage with hidden menu treats like Extreme Tots or Frito Pie. 

16. Dairy Queen

The Dairy Queen secret menu includes a variety of creative concoctions, such as the Midnight Truffle Blizzard, which combines rich chocolate truffles with creamy soft-serve ice cream. Sweet treats aren’t the only options, though. You can also get savory hidden menu items, such as chili cheese fries, a triple cheeseburger and a vegetarian-friendly grilled cheese. While these options definitely aren’t the healthiest items at Dairy Queen, they’re sure worth trying!

17. Jamba Juice

While not officially advertised, Jamba Juice secret menu items have acquired a cult following and are often able to be ordered by name. Some of the most popular orders from Jamba Juice's secret menu include the Gummy Bear drinks (with pink, green, white and red options) and Peanut Butter and Jelly, a smoothie combining strawberries, raspberry juice, soymilk and peanut butter, offering a nostalgic twist on a classic flavor combination.

18. Popeyes

Another great option for lovers of fast food chicken is the Popeyes secret menu which includes a range of tasty spin-offs of the brand's famous fried chicken and sides. Among the most popular orders are the Blackened Ranch Tenders, which combine spicy blackened seasoning with creamy ranch dipping sauce, and the Girl Dinner Box, which comes with a selection of sides like biscuits and gravy, mashed potatoes and coleslaw. 

19. Whataburger

Whataburger’s hidden menu features a variety of creative items, such as the Ranchero BOB and chicken and pancake breakfast dishes, the vegetarian-friendly grilled cheese and the protein-packed Bunless Bacon Cheeseburger. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast or a hefty burger, the Whataburger secret menu serves up something special for those willing to explore beyond the conventional options.

20. Lamplight Lounge

Known among Disney aficionados, the Lamplight Lounge secret menu features a variety of imaginative cocktails and dishes that aren't listed on the standard menu of this popular Disney California Adventure eatery. The most sought-after items include the Black Pearl cocktail, a visually striking concoction with a mix of rum and exotic fruit flavors, and savory Secret Nachos, which see the official menu nacho topping of lobster switched with or accompanied by chicken and steak.

21. Burger King

Another of the most well-known chains with a secret menu is Burger King. From burger customizations to twists on sides and drinks, the Burger King secret menu has something for everyone. Some interesting choices include the King's Surf and Turf, a hamburger and fish sandwich combo, and the ICEE Float, an ICEE topped with soft serve ice cream. The Frings, which is a mix of onion rings and fries, is also a popular option that sometimes makes its way to the official menu as a limited-time feature. 

22. Dunkin' Donuts

Whether you want sweet or savory, the Dunkin' Donuts secret menu will have something for you! Notably, this hidden menu has many coffee treats, from eggnog lattes and Nutella iced coffees to the unique Cosmic Cotton Candy Coolatta. If you’re after savory items, the breakfast burrito is a must-try. Alternatively, mix savory and sweet by ordering the maple bacon donut.

23. Waffle House

Breakfast lovers don’t have to miss out on trying some fun hidden menu dishes thanks to the Waffle House secret menu. As you would expect, this menu includes secret menu waffles like a chocolate and peanut butter waffle and a Fruity Pebbles waffle. If you prefer a mix of savory and sweet, getting a waffle breakfast sandwich or waffle breakfast taco, with waffles in place of bread or tortillas, is a must.

24. IHOP

Another fun breakfast spot with a hidden menu to check out is IHOP. With both sweet and savory options, the IHOP secret menu caters to all tastes and preferences. Among the most popular orders are the Cinna-Stack Pancakes, which are pancakes infused with cinnamon roll filling and topped with cream cheese icing, and an omelette stuffed with French fries and grilled onions. Interestingly, this pancake house’s secret menu also has dishes like Roquefort and pear soufflé, spinach and asparagus risotto and steak tartare! 

25. Torchy's Tacos

Another Tex-Mex spot with a hidden menu is Torchy’s Tacos. The Torchy's secret menu has a variety of choices that take regular menu ingredients and turn them into new and unique tacos. Along with hidden menu tacos you can enjoy for lunch or dinner, there are some breakfast tacos on the menu, plus a hack allowing you to have any of your favorite taco fillings used in a burrito.

26. Arby's

Featuring a variety of sandwiches and other menu items, Arby’s secret menu often incorporates their signature roast beef and other meats into these creative concoctions. A well-known option is the Meat Mountain, a towering sandwich piled high with every meat on offer at Arby's. If you don’t want a sandwich, the bacon mac and cheese is a great alternative. 

27. Del Taco

Looking for more Tex-Mex hidden menu offerings? Then head to Del Taco! Well-known options include getting the Stoner Burrito or asking for items to be “made bold,” which means fries and Del Taco special sauce will be added to anything from the regular menu. You can even consult the Del Taco secret menu to find out how to get endless hot sauce packets if you like your food with a spicy kick.

28. Jack in the Box

From burgers and tacos to milkshakes and more, the Jack in the Box secret menu includes a variety of items with something for every craving. Those with a sweet tooth will want to try the mint and Oreo shake, which combines refreshing mint with chocolatey cookies. Savory options range from jalapeño popper nachos to a regular menu burger with ciabatta bread in place of the normal bun.

29. Subway

The appeal of the Subway secret menu lies in the ability to personalize sandwiches with unconventional ingredients and combinations. Some of the most popular items on Subway's secret menu include the Pizza Sub, which combines pepperoni, marinara sauce and cheese for a pizza-inspired twist, and the Chicken Cordon Bleu Sub, featuring chicken breast, ham and Swiss cheese. 

30. House of Prime Rib

Another interesting and unexpected option on this list is the House of Prime Rib secret menu. It offers variations on the brand’s renowned prime rib dishes, including options like seared prime rib or end-cut slices. The hidden menu also has lots of side dish choices. These selections cater to diners seeking unique flavors and generous portions, enhancing the restaurant's reputation as a haven for prime rib.

31. Long John Silver's

If you prefer fish over meat when you get fast food, you’ll want to check out Long John Silver's secret menu. It features an array of tasty options, from fried clams to a crab cake sandwich and the option to get extra ‘Crumblies’ (crispy bits of fried batter). If you’re fighting a hangover, there’s even a loaded Bloody Mary, complete with spicy grilled shrimp, hush puppies and battered fish!

32. Applebee's

From a quesadilla burger combo to a spinach and artichoke dip pizza, the Applebee’s secret menu features a range of interesting options. You can also find some unique sides on the menu, such as shrimp ‘n Parmesan mashed potatoes and a side Ceasar salad with grilled chicken. 

33. 7 Leaves

Looking for another tea and coffee chain with a hidden menu? If so, you’ll be interested in exploring the 7 Leaves secret menu. Options to try include Love Cream, featuring lavender milk tea and caramel syrup, and Tea Rex, a bright green matcha and mung bean blend.

34. Cold Stone Creamery

Dessert lovers will be excited to hear that there is a Cold Stone secret menu to order from. This secret menu features a variety of unique ice cream creations that can be customized even more with your favorite mix-ins and toppings. If you can’t decide what to get, the Boston cream pie hidden menu option, combining the flavors of the classic dessert into an ice cream treat, is sure to please!

35. Chicken Express

If you’ve tried the secret menus at Chick-fil-A and Popeyes and want to check out another similar option, the Chicken Express secret menu is for you. This Southern chain has many great off-menu options, from chicken fried steak to a chicken, biscuits and gravy sandwich.

Whether you're a seasoned secret menu aficionado or just starting to delve into off-menu delights, this list of the best secret menus should have clued you into a few restaurants you weren’t aware had a hidden menu. So, next time you're dining out, consider trying something off-menu to mix up your regular menu order a little!

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.