In-N-Out Burger’s Secret Menu: A Culinary Tradition

In-N-Out Burger has earned a reputation for its straightforward offerings, featuring simple burgers, fries, and shakes. By 2005, the chain began to list popular off-menu options on a section dubbed the “Not-So-Secret Menu.” Among these selections, the Animal Style burger stands prominently. According to the company’s website, this burger includes hand-leafed lettuce, tomato, a beef patty cooked with mustard, pickle, extra spread, and grilled onions.

In-N-Out’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its flexibility with orders. An integral example is the Animal Style burger, originating in the early 1960s when a customer requested a specially prepared burger. As explained by Denny Warnick, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, various customizations of basic menu items gained distinct names over time, often coined by customers repeatedly ordering them.

“The name was created there on the spot. Over the years, many of the variations in preparation for our basic menu items were given names, usually by the customers who frequently ordered their burgers that way.”

Such off-menu items, including Animal Style, remain popular as individuals tailor their orders. Other intriguing options include Double-Meat, featuring two beef patties, the 3×3 with three beef patties and three slices of cheese, and the 4×4 which offers an additional patty and cheese. There’s also the Grilled Cheese, substituting the beef patty with two slices of American cheese, and Protein Style which wraps the burger in lettuce instead of a bun.

In-N-Out has a rich history, founded by Harry and Esther Snyder in 1948 in a Los Angeles suburb as California’s inaugural drive-thru burger stand. By 1973, the business expanded to thirteen locations within Los Angeles County. Now, still privately held by the Snyder family, the brand boasts over 400 outlets across ten states.

The discrete appeal of the off-menu selections began grabbing attention decades ago. In 2004, the Los Angeles Times observed that loyal customers have long been aware of these creative ways of ordering, advocating for the Animal Style experience.

Even today, Animal Style continues to capture new admirers. Reddit users have shared transformative experiences, labeling Animal Style as a preferred choice after their initial taste.

An additional hidden treasure, absent from the website list, includes the Flying Dutchman—a creation by the late former CEO Guy Snyder. This order consists of two patties and two cheese slices without buns or condiments.