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Lifestyle

5 Best Secret Menu Items From Your Favorite Restaurant Chains

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at CU Boulder chapter.

It’s no secret, the selection of fast food can become boring after a while. Thank goodness for secret menus, because they definitely help mix things up a bit. Here are some of the best secret menu items at some of my favorite fast food restaurants. 

In-N-Out: Flying Dutchman

In-N-Out is known for their secret menu items. From Animal-Style to the Neapolitan shake, you can really do it all. I’m guessing you’ve probably heard of “protein style” (aka no bun), but, have you heard of the Flying Dutchman? It’s basically a patty in between two slices of cheese. Slather it in the special sauce and call it a (very delicious) day!

Chipotle: Quesarito

Picking what you want from Chipotle is harder than going to Costco without taking any samples. Burrito? Bowl? QUESADILLA (yup, that’s a thing). Well now, you can get the Quesarito, which is a burrito wrapped in a quesadilla. YUP. Food porn central. My tip? Load it up with chicken, brown rice, guac, medium salsa and be prepared for the ultimate food experience.

McDonald’s: McCrepe 

McDonald’s breakfasts are a childhood staple, and if anyone tells you otherwise, I think you should reevaluate your friendship. Kidding! (But, not really.)

The McDonald’s hotcakes are beloved and truly never get old, while the Fruit ‘n Yogurt parfait is an up and coming favorite. So, why not combine them into a fancy crepe?

This one requires a bit more work than the others, but it’s worth it! Simply order a Fruit ‘n Yogurt parfait along with some hotcakes, mix the parfait up, and spoon yogurt into each pancake. Fold up, drizzle with syrup, and devour.

Subway: Pizza Sub

Remember pizza bagels? Well, now you can get a pizza sub! When you go into Subway, skip the basic grilled chicken sandwich and order a sub with tomato sauce, pepperoni, parmesan (and mozzarella if you’re feeling fancy) and olive oil dressing on Italian Herb n Cheese bread! Get it toasted and kiss your boring sandwich goodbye.

Starbucks: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Frappuccino

Starbucks is the king (or queen?) of secret menu items. From the Purple Drink to the beloved Coco Puffs Frappuccino, it seems like there’s a new combination every time you go in. This is no different: PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE FRAPPUCCINO.

Sounds like a mouthful, but stick with me. Fall means three things: football, baking, and pumpkin. (Bonus points for baking anything with pumpkin in it.) But seriously, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are extremely underrated, so why not pair the combo into a frapp with a generous whip cream dollop? Sounds like a plan to me. Simply order your pumpkin spice Frappuccino, ask for a scoop or two of of java chips, a pump or two of mocha sauce, and a pump or two of cinnamon dolce syrup. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy… sprinkle on some cinnamon!

These are the best secret menu items, in my opinion, but there are lots more out there to try. Don’t be afraid to hack the menu as you see fit and create your own concoctions! 

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Danielle Clark

CU Boulder '21

Hard working, passionate foodie with a love for health, fitness, wellness, and happiness