Brian Nagele
West Coast icon In-N-Out Burger has won over foodies’ affections with its emphasis on quality and simplicity. This popular fast-food chain has a devoted following despite having a seemingly small menu. It offers a world of customizable options and secret menu items. We explore the world of In-N-Out menu items on this culinary adventure, which promises a delicious exploration of flavors ranging from time-tested favorites to undiscovered gems. This guide is your key to unlocking the mystery behind this legendary burger joint, whether you’re a native Californian with a lifetime of In-N-Out experiences or a first-time visitor excited to explore the options.
3×3 Burger
Are you in the mood for a Double-Double (more about that menu winner later), but want something a little bigger? The 3×3 Burger is for you! Three beef patties and three slices of American cheese provide the 3×3 as advertised. This big burger comes dressed with lettuce, onion, and tomato plus a signature spread. There’s no denying that the 3×3 Burger, aka the Triple Triple, is a lot of food, so this is the In-N-Out order you place when you’re famished. This hefty burger is outpaced only by the 4×4, a four-patty, four-cheese-slice burger on the “not-so-secret menu” at In-N-Out.
Animal Fries
Here’s an order that only In-N-Out insiders know about – Animal Fries. One of the “not-so-secret menu” items on the In-N-Out menu, Animal Fries come with grilled onions, cheese, and In-N-Out secret sauce on top. For Ultimate Animal Fries, ask for a chopped 100-percent-pure beef patty on top. Share them or keep them all to yourself, the Animal Fries can be an appetizer or a whole meal.
Double Double
This might be the best-known of the In-N-Out menu items, and for good reason. For many fast-food lovers, the Double Double is a perfect size – not too big and not too small. It comes with two beef patties and two slices of American cheese, plus lettuce, tomato, onions, and special sauce. Double Double lovers say the two patties are perfectly balanced with the toppings. With more beef than the single cheeseburger, but not as much as the Triple Triple, the ratio of beef to toppings is perfection. If you’re going to In-N-Out for the first time, this should be a staple of your order.
Cheeseburger
A fast-food classic, the cheeseburger is one of the most popular items on the In-N-Out menu. It’s a step up from the In-N-Out burger, as the chain makes their cheeseburger special with real American cheese. The melt factor is real! Like its larger cousins, the In-N-Out cheeseburger comes with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a special sauce. You’ll get that amazing In-N-Out flavor combination in a smaller package. It’s perfect for lunch on the goal, and a real favorite with kids.
Grilled Cheese
Another item from the In-N-Out “not-so-secret menu” is the grilled cheese. This grilled cheese is a bit untraditional, as it’s made with hamburger buns. But, it comes with all the toppings you love on In-N-Out burgers. It’s a meatless In-N-Out option, so if you’re going vegetarian as a lifestyle or just for a meal, the In-N-Out grilled cheese is for you. One bite and this will be the only grilled cheese sandwich you’ll ever want. No other grilled cheese has that classic In-N-Out flavor. This is also another one that your kids will love, especially if they’re typically picky eaters.
Neapolitan Shake
In-N-Out shake flavors come in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. If you can’t decide which flavor you want, order a Neapolitan Shake from the “not-so-secret menu.” This sweet treat blends all three In-N-Out shake flavors. Like all of the chain’s milkshakes, rich, creamy ice cream plays a starring role. The Neapolitan Shake has a flavor fans say tastes like a chocolate-covered strawberry wrapped in creamy vanilla ice cream. Try one for yourself, and you’ll see what we mean. It’s a twist on a classic that gives you the best of each flavor.
Root Beer Float
Root beer is on the beverage list at most fast food places, but not everyone takes their root beer to the next level like In-N-Out. The Root Beer Float is on the “not-so-secret menu.” Ask In-N-Out to add vanilla ice cream to make your traditional root beer a float, or order a root beer and a vanilla shake to have enough to share. Either way, you’ll have a rich, creamy, fizzy root beer with a vanilla twist. Root Beer Floats are delicious partners with all the other In-N-Out menu items, but since they’re part ice cream treat, enjoy a Root Beer Float as a dessert or as a treat all by itself. You can also ask for other fountain beverages at In-N-Out Burgers to get the float treatment, but root beer is a classic that’s not to be missed.
Animal Burger
Animal style orders at In-N-Out have a mustardy zip that fans of the “not-so-secret menu” love. The Animal Burger can transform any burger of your choice, cooked with mustard sauce, and dressed with hand-leafed lettuce, tomato, extra special sauce, pickle, and grilled onions. The result is a saucy, messy, delightful burger. Reach for extra napkins if you order In-N-Out’s Animal Burger because this juicy menu item will bring out the animal in you. It’s probably best to sit down for this one, rather than eat it one-handed in the car!
Protein Style Burger
Watching your carbs or following a gluten-free diet? Order your In-N-Out burger Protein Style. The Protein Style Burger comes wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of a bun. Fans of the Protein Style Burger say it lets the delicious In-N-Out beef take the spotlight. If you’re following a Keto diet or the Atkins diet, a Protein Style Burger only tastes like you’re indulging. Even those who aren’t watching their carbs enjoy the beef-forward taste of In-N-Out Protein Style Burgers. If you’re a major carnivore, this one is for you.
Chocolate Milkshake
Chocolate Milkshakes at In-N-Out are truly works of art. Made with real chocolate ice cream, the Chocolate Milkshake is rich, thick, and creamy – everything a milkshake should be. It’s is the perfect partner for the Double Double or an order of Animal Fries. But, you can also just enjoy one by itself to take in all that delicious chocolatey sweetness. Milkshakes and burger joints have gone hand-in-hand for decades, and this chocolate shake will help you remember exactly why.
Vanilla Milkshake
A Vanilla Milkshake is anything but basic at In-N-Out Burgers. It’s the core of all of their delicious ice cream delights. Real ice cream lets that creamy vanilla flavor shine through. The fact that a fast-food place is still using real ice cream when so many competitors use mixes should be enough to get you to try one of these! Add this decadent treat to a combo meal, or try dipping hot, salty In-N-Out French Fries in a Vanilla Milkshake for a savory-and-sweet treat. Of course, you can always just enjoy a Vanilla Milkshake all by itself, too. What better way to treat yourself?
French Fries
Since we’re talking about menu basics, let’s talk about the French Fries at In-N-Out Burgers. They don’t come from the freezer section. In-N-Out French Fries are hand-cut and fried in 100 percent sunflower oil for a crispy texture that’s not greasy. They’re also not sitting around all day once they’re cut. Instead, the potatoes are thrown into the fryer almost immediately. Just the right sprinkling of salt finishes these spuds to perfection. If you’re ordering an In-N-Out burger, make it a combo to add in an order of these French Fries, or order the Ultimate Animal Fries to enjoy them topped. You can also choose your “doneness,” ordering well-done fries if you want them extra crispy.
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