Hunger strikes and you’re feeling original. Maybe even funky. What’s a diner to do?
Consult the secret menu, of course!
Available for many popular restaurants, secret menus list original items that restaurants can create with the ingredients they have — even though the items aren’t listed on the menu.
Secret menus are sometimes developed by companies (as is the case with Chipotle), who then train their employees to make the menu items. Most often, they’re devised by long-time employees that know their way around familiar ingredients, or just plain #hacked by customers that know what flavors they like.
From fine dining restaurants to quick drive-through pit stop joints, there’s something for everyone.
According to secretmenus.com, there are two basic rules to follow when ordering “off the menu.” They are as follows:
- Know the name of the item.
- Also know the recipe. Remember, some of these “secret menus” were conceived by hungry customers.
Insider tip: As with many things in life, the key to getting what you want off the secret menu is being courteous. Try to order special items at off-peak hours, when employees are more likely to have time to honor your request (and do the secret menu item justice).
One unifying factor binds all secret menus: They have come to live on the internet.
Here are a few favorites, with recipe highlights:
Starbucks
If not seeking a heavy caffeine dose, the Fruity Pebbles Frappuccino is a crowd-pleasing twist on sugary cereal that will take you back like a Saturday morning cartoon.
Taco Bell
This one’s easy to remember: The Hulk burrito. The recipe? Simple. Extra, extra guacamole on a bean and cheese burrito.
McDonald’s
The McDonald’s Mc10:35 is so special, it can only be ordered within a half-hour window: Between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. As breakfast comes to a close and lunch service starts, order a McDouble and a McMuffin, and ask for the McDouble patties to be inserted into the McMuffin.
Panera
From the mouth of former Panera employee Mande Zierath to the masses: “Oh man, and the sausage breakfast sammie on a cinnamon crunch bagel!” Need more be said?
Chipotle
Fresh, free cilantro. Chipotle’s off-the-menu offerings are astounding in scope, from the Quesarito to the Burritodilla. But the best is the most simple: Fresh, free cilantro. (As long as you’re not one of those people that thinks it tastes like soap)
For secret menus from Olive Garden, Wendy’s, Burger King and more, check out hackthemenu.com or secretmenus.com.