Buzz
The ultimate fantasy for fast-food workers: Customers arriving and ordering intricate items that aren’t listed on the regular, common menu.
This week, the site #HackTheMenu is receiving fresh attention as a self-proclaimed hub for uncovering so-called 'secret menu' items at all your favorite fast-food spots. #HackTheMenu may not be new; we first covered this secret menu treasure back in 2014, but the current hype is being fueled by the latest trend in digital journalism: a viral TikTok.
Let’s be clear, we’re not opposed to menu hacks. Over the years, we’ve shared our favorite secret menu treasures, from the Poor Man’s Big Mac at McDonald’s to the Chipotle Quesarito. But before we explore more of the best secret menu options, let’s revisit what these hidden menus are and how to order from them without being rude to fast food staff.
What exactly is a secret fast food menu?
Let’s begin by clearing up what a secret menu is not: A hidden treasure trove of forbidden wisdom that separates you from the masses who stick to the mundane, ordinary menu, and that will rocket your status as a food influencer.
What a secret menu actually is: A collection of off-the-radar ingredient combos that aren’t listed on the regular menu but can still be made by the restaurant. #HackTheMenu shares that “while some secret menu items were created by the restaurants themselves, most of the secret options were dreamed up by customers and spread through word-of-mouth.” So there’s a good chance the person taking your order won’t have a clue what you’re asking for (more on that shortly).
Secret menu items can range from minor tweaks to outrageous creations that are probably best left unsaid. For example, as Kristin Salaky mentions in Delish: “If a restaurant has buffalo sauce and chicken, the staff can likely whip up a buffalo chicken sandwich.” But if you walk into Starbucks and ask for an off-menu “Birthday Cake Frappuccino,” don’t be surprised if your barista has no idea that you want them to blend a birthday cake pop into your drink.
How to avoid being a jerk
Our primary issue with secret menus is highlighted in that viral TikTok, where creator Matty McTech describes these menu hacks as 'items they don’t want you to know about.'
Let’s break this down. Who exactly is the 'they' in this scenario? Are 'they' a big corporation you’re outsmarting? Or is 'they' possibly the underpaid staff working at this Burger King who have been there for just two weeks and have no clue what a ' Suicide Burger ' is, but definitely know you’re holding up the line for frustrated customers ready to make their order?
If you’re planning to try these menu hacks, don’t just call them by the name some random customer gave them and posted on #HackTheMenu. Be clear on what you’re asking for, so you can describe the exact modifications to the person taking your order. Otherwise, you might come across as clueless at best, and annoying at worst.
How to #HackTheMenu
#HackTheMenu is 'committed to providing you with the details, recipes, and prices for the most intriguing and delicious secret menu items available at all your favorite fast food restaurants.' Simply click on a restaurant logo from the 20 top fast-food chains, including big names like McDonald's, Starbucks, and Chipotle, browse through their hidden menus, and select specific items to get details such as available locations, prices, and how to order them.
Once again: Focus less on the creative names people have given these items, and more on the extra steps and ingredients you’re asking an actual person to prepare for you. And maybe try to avoid doing this during peak hours.
What are some of the top picks from secret menus?
Now that you know how to avoid being a jerk, here are our top menu hacks:
Double-wrapped burrito at Chipotle: For those who understand that the warm tortilla is the best part of the burrito. When ordering, request two tortillas to be warmed together.
The Incredible Hulk at Taco Bell: This is basically a lighter version of the five-layer burrito. Ask for guacamole in place of nacho cheese sauce, remove the extra inner tortilla shell and sour cream, and make it fresco.
McCrepe at McDonald’s: Just order Hotcakes and a Yogurt Parfait. Then, add the Yogurt Parfait into a folded Hotcake to create your own “McCrepe” breakfast.
Burritodilla at Chipotle: A more manageable version of the Chipotle Quesarito that lets you eat without the mess of a giant burrito. Ask for a burrito to be grilled like a quesadilla, and request half the usual fillings to prevent an overflow.
Butterbeer Frappuccino at Starbucks: Order a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino (preferably made with whole milk for better texture). Add three pumps each of toffee-nut syrup and caramel syrup. Top it with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle.
The classic Animal Style Burger at In-N-Out: Even if you’ve never visited this California favorite, you’ve probably heard of the “Animal Style” burger. The good news: You can now order it directly. The bad news: You’ll need to be in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, or Oregon to get one.
