Ever feel like your fast food experience could use a little something extra? The good news is it can be done. The better news? You don’t have to stick to what’s on the menu. There’s a whole world of secret options and special requests just waiting to be discovered, and we’re here to spill the beans (or extra fries!).
Secret Menus: Hidden Gems in Plain Sight
It turns out that fast food chains have secret menus that only the most dedicated fans know about. These hidden items can turn your regular order into something special.
In-N-Out Burger’s “Animal Style”
Yes, it’s a classic! If you’ve ever felt like your burger needed a little extra oomph, “Animal Style” is the way to go. It adds extra spread, grilled onions, and a mustard-cooked patty. And if you’re a fry lover, get them Animal Style too—cheese, grilled onions, and special sauce galore!
Starbucks’ Secret Frappuccinos
Starbucks isn’t just about your everyday lattes. If you know the ingredients, you can order off-the-menu Frappuccinos like the “Nutella Frappuccino” or the super Instagrammable “Pink Drink.” It’s like your coffee shop just got a whole lot cooler.
Customization: Make Your Order Uniquely Yours
Fast food doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. Most chains are happy to tweak your order if you just ask.
McDonald’s Custom Breakfast Sandwiches
Who says you have to stick to the standard Egg McMuffin? Mix and match with different bread types, add extra bacon, or even swap the egg for a double sausage patty. Your breakfast, your rules!
Chipotle’s Quesarito
Feeling extra hungry? Chipotle can wrap your burrito in a cheese quesadilla instead of a regular tortilla. Sure, it’s a calorie bomb, but it’s also pure deliciousness. Ask, and you shall receive.
Little Extras: Just Because You Can
Sometimes it’s the small things that make a big difference. Here’s what you can get with just a little bit of asking.
“Well-Done” Fries at Five Guys
Do you like your fries extra crispy? At Five Guys, you can ask for them “well-done,” and they’ll cook them just a bit longer for that perfect crunch. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.
Extra Sauce at Chick-fil-A
Love Chick-fil-A’s sauces? Good news—you can ask for as much as you like. Whether it’s the classic Chick-fil-A Sauce or their zesty Polynesian Sauce, they’re usually happy to load you up.
Unexpected Combos: Hidden Discounts and Deals
Even fast food chains have their little-known combos that aren’t always on the menu.
Taco Bell’s “Happier Hour”
Taco Bell has a “Happier Hour” where you can get drinks and selected items at a discount. If you time it right, you’ll get more bang for your buck, and who doesn’t love that?
Shake Shack’s ShackMeister Ale
Beer and burgers, anyone? Shake Shack offers a special ShackMeister Ale that pairs perfectly with their juicy burgers. It’s not always on the menu, but it’s there if you ask.
Beyond the Basics: What Else You Can Get
Want to mix things up even more? Here are some options that you probably didn’t even know existed.
Burger King’s Frings
Can’t decide between fries and onion rings? At Burger King, you don’t have to. Just ask for “Frings,” and they’ll give you a mix of both. It’s the best of both worlds, all in one order.
Arby’s Meat Mountain
Arby’s is all about the meat, but did you know you can ask for a sandwich stacked with every meat they offer? The Meat Mountain is a carnivore’s dream come true and definitely worth a try.
Sweet Surprises: Dessert Hacks You Didn’t Know About
Desserts are better when they’re custom-made. Here’s how to upgrade your fast food sweets.
McDonald’s Pie McFlurry
This one’s a game-changer. Ask them to blend your favorite McDonald’s pie into a McFlurry, and suddenly you’ve got a dessert that’s part pie, part ice cream, and entirely awesome.
Wendy’s Frosty Float
Love a Wendy’s Frosty? Take it up a notch by turning it into a float. Just ask them to add soda, and you’ve got a cool, creamy treat that’s perfect for a hot day.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
These hidden fast food gems and special requests are all about making your meal exactly how you want it. So the next time you’re ordering, don’t be shy—try something new, customize, and make your fast food experience a little more special. After all, who doesn’t love a good food hack?
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Eugenio Marongiu.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accurac