Additional Coverage:
- 10 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Ordering at In-N-Out (financebuzz.com)
Maximize Your In-N-Out Experience: Insider Tips for a Perfect Order
For burger enthusiasts on the go, In-N-Out Burger remains a beloved institution, revered by a loyal fanbase who know just how to craft the perfect order. In an era of rising costs, making every dollar count at your favorite fast-food spot is more important than ever. Here’s how to navigate the In-N-Out menu like a pro and avoid common ordering blunders.
1. Shake Up Your Shake Order
While the milkshake menu appears straightforward with just three flavors, In-N-Out welcomes customization. Beyond the classic chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, delve into the “secret” menu for options like a root beer float or a Neapolitan shake, featuring layered vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Don’t be shy about mixing and matching!
2. Don’t Miss Out on “Animal Style” Fries
You can find French fries almost anywhere, but “Animal Style” fries are an In-N-Out exclusive. This “secret” menu item transforms a standard order into a hearty, satisfying treat, topped with the chain’s signature spread, melted cheese, and grilled onions. It’s a game-changer for your fry experience.
3. Customize Your Fries to Perfection
Beyond “Animal Style,” In-N-Out’s fries offer further customization. Specify “extra crispy” or “lightly done” to ensure they’re exactly to your liking, reducing the chance of uneaten fries. You can also request a specific salt level and additional toppings to perfectly suit your palate.
4. Be Specific with Your Burger Toppings
While asking for “everything” on your burger might seem straightforward, it can lead to confusion for In-N-Out employees due to the nuances of their standard toppings. The default includes spread, lettuce, and tomato, but you can also add pickles, chiles, and either grilled or raw onions. Being precise ensures you get the burger you’re craving.
5. Explore the Onion Spectrum
In-N-Out offers a surprising variety of onion preparations. While many establishments offer only raw onions, In-N-Out typically steams whole onion slices on your patty by default. You can also request chopped onions or, for a truly transformative experience, grilled onions, which offer a sweeter, milder flavor for those who prefer to avoid the sharp bite of raw onions.
6. Discover the Hearty Tomato Wrap
For those avoiding carbs or gluten, the lettuce wrap is a familiar option. However, for a more substantial, satisfying alternative, consider the “tomato wrap.” This option features your burger patty nestled between thick slices of tomato, providing a heartier base and a welcome change for those who aren’t keen on lettuce.
7. Treat Your Four-Legged Companion
Don’t leave your furry friend out of the In-N-Out fun! You can order a “pup patty,” a plain, unsalted, broiled hamburger patty specifically prepared for your dog. Free of onions, garlic, and other potentially harmful human ingredients, it’s a safe and delicious treat that will keep your canine companion happy and away from your own meal.
8. Spice Up Your Burger with Chiles
For those who enjoy a kick, In-N-Out often keeps a secret stash of cascabella peppers, similar in heat to a jalapeño, which can be added to your burger toppings. Availability can vary, sometimes replaced by banana pepper rings due to shortages, but it’s always worth asking if you prefer to elevate your burger with a touch of heat.
9. Try the Tangy Mustard-Grilled Patty
You don’t need to go full “Animal Style” to enjoy the unique flavor of a mustard-grilled patty. In-N-Out’s burgers are highly customizable, allowing you to request any burger with a patty that has been grilled with mustard, adding an extra layer of tanginess to your meal.
10. Keto-Friendly “Flying Dutchman”
For those following a Keto diet, the “Flying Dutchman” is a hidden gem. This non-published menu item offers two slices of American cheese sandwiched between two beef patties, providing a delicious, low-carb option beyond the traditional “Protein Style” lettuce wrap.
The Bottom Line
As more people opt for home cooking to manage rising grocery costs, the occasions they do choose fast food become more significant. Nobody wants to spend their hard-earned money on a subpar meal. Fortunately, In-N-Out’s seemingly simple menu is surprisingly versatile, allowing you to customize your order precisely to your preferences, ensuring a satisfying experience and minimizing waste.
Read More About This Story:
- 10 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Ordering at In-N-Out (financebuzz.com)