Spoon University Logo
DSC 2338 1
DSC 2338 1
Lifestyle

9 IHOP Secret Menu Items You Didn’t Know About

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

Just like the vasty majority of mainstream food chains,the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) features a secret menu. Despite its pancakes being some of the best around, IHOP does more than just fluffy flapjacks. This secret menu contains some pretty surprising additions, actually. That being said, the next time you find yourself at the breakfast chain, here’s what you should be ordering off the IHOP secret menu.

1. Red Velvet White Chocolate Cheesecake Macarons

ihop secret menu chocolate caramel
Tabitha Wibowo

Can you say yum? These delicious cookies act as the perfect end to any IHOP dining experience. They melt in your mouth. They’re sweet. They’re even topped with a delicate gold foilJust ask for the macarons; they’re not on the menu, but they are available. What could possibly be better?

2. Steak Tartare

ihop secret menu steak beef
Kathleen Lee

Seems like a pretty fancy dish for a joint like IHOP, but people seem to like it. IHOP seasons this rare meat dish with egg yolks, capers, and onions, very similar to the preparation of the Philly Cheese Steak. Next time you find yourself at IHOP, upgrade to this dish if you’re feeling ballsy by asking for the tartare preparation of the Philly Cheese Steak.

3. Spinach and Asparagus Risotto

IHOP definitely does more than make stellar pancakes. The secret menu even includes this classic Italian dish. Cooked in a lemon broth, the risotto is a somewhat healthy alternative to the sugary treats at IHOP. All you have to do is ask! 

4. Roquefort and Pear Soufflé

ihop secret menu cheese wine
Tara Stacy

Fancy cheese? Fancy name? Fancy dish. IHOP goes above their typical diner menu with this French delicacy. It might not be on the menu, but this dish is available.

5. Patagonian Prawn Ceviche

ihop secret menu seafood shellfish
Jocelyn Hsu

Again, sounds pretty fancy for a 24-hour diner. Ordering this seafood speciality requires a four-hour notice. So, if you’re in the mood for seafood and know you’re headed to IHOP, call in advance.

6. Onion and French Fry Omelet

Sounds crunchy, salty and delicious. Eggs and potatoes go a long way back as a power duo, especially when it comes to curing hangovers. Ask for this omelet for an egg-and-potato flavor combination that will blow your tastebuds out of the water. How could an omelet with potatoes in it not be utterly amazing?

7. Warmed Syrup

IHOP is low-key famous for its syrup options. Although the syrup comes on the table ready-to-go, you can ask your server to warm any flavor up. Nothing pairs better with your pancakes than warm syrup.

8. Speciality Pancakes

Nothing caused more of a controversy (and panic) than when IHOP took the Cinn-A-Stacks off its menu. The important part of these famous pancakes is the cinnamon spread, which is used on the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast. Ordering buttermilk pancakes with the cinnamon spread basically recreates this old favorite. Also, most of the speciality pancakes can always be recreated as long as the server and cook know the recipe. Don’t be afraid to ask. 

9. Kids Menu

The menu might say “12 and under,” but IHOP understands that sometimes a kids-sized serving sounds just right. That being said, IHOP won’t turn down your order if it’s from the kids menu, regardless of your age. Relive those childhood days with an order off the kids menu. 

With secret menus becoming all the buzz on the Internet, you’ll never run out of creative options to sample at IHOP. With this pancake house’s 24-hour service and numerous locations, try something new and order from its secret menu. Its pancakes may be phenomenal, but IHOP features some pretty special and top-secret items that are worth trying. 

Sonia Harris

Northwestern '20