You've Likely Eaten Here, But Have You Tried The Secret Menu?
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — You probably know the offerings at your favorite fast-food joints inside and out, but did you know that many of them have a secret menu?
In-N-Out Burger was one of the first to introduce secret items that have since become so well-known they're not exactly privileged information anymore. There are, of course, the grilled cheese sandwich and "animal-style" burger. But lesser-known creations not listed on the menu include the Neapolitan-style shake, "4x4" – that's four patties and four cheese slices – and "animal-style" fries.
The "animal-style" fries take fried potatoes to the next level by smothering them in cheese, grilled onions and In-N-Out's special sauce. Those who've tried it say it will change your life.
Even McDonald's has gotten into the secret menu game.
The "Land, Sea and Air" burger at The Golden Arches stacks a a beef patty, chicken patty and filet o' fish into one gut-busting sandwich.
Subway doesn't openly advertise it's pizza sub, which pairs spicy pepperoni, with marinara sauce and cheese on their Italian Herb & Cheese bread.
Taco Bell has the enchirito. It's a perfect mix of an enchilada and a burrito, which is stuffed with beef, beans and cheese, topped with diced onions and smothered in their red sauce.
And Jamba Juice has six secret-menu items, including the "Pink Starburst." Their secret "PB & J" smoothie is a spin-off of the "Peanut Butter Moo'd" smoothie that replaces the chocolate with grape jelly.
The secret at Starbucks is that you can customize anything. Have you tried the banana cream pie Frappuccino? Or the one with cookies and cream?
But Panera Bread takes the cake with their secret menu, which they've developed through crowd-sourced ideas solicited on social media.
There's the power-chicken hummus bowl, which is one of many health-conscious offerings that you won't find on the signboard above the register.
If any of these items comes as news to you we suggest you give them a try. It may add a fun little dash of novelty to your usual order. And if there are other secret-menu items we've missed feel free to share in the comments section below.