In-N-Out might be my go-to fast food burger joint in college, but Five Guys will always hold a special place in my heart (and in my arteries). From their bottomless complementary peanuts to the sheen of grease seeping out of the brown paper bag, Five Guys gets it. No other place overrides the requests of your wallet and conscience for a small fry in favor of what you taste buds really want— a flood of fries that completely covers the cup they come in, sans any extra charge. But rivaling this generous fry-giving is the Five Guys secret menu. Here are a few of my favorite secret menu items you’ll wish you knew sooner.
Patty Melt
This one’s a pretty patty, indeed. There’s some debate about the name, but the Patty Melt (or is it Fatty Melt?) is basically a grilled cheeseburger — a burger patty, or multiple patties, and your choice of the usual toppings — surrounded by an upside down grilled bun. A simple upgrade to an already elevated burger. Patty melt, patty please.
Double Grilled Cheeseburger
This one quite literally took my breath away. The Double Grilled Cheeseburger is a Five Guys secret menu concoction that consists of x number of burger patties (the limit does not exist) sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches. Double the meat, double the cheese, double the mouthwatering gut bomb.
The Presidential
If you have a presidential palate, this is the burger for you. Although Obama has since left office, he leaves his legacy with his longtime Five Guys favorite secret menu contribution: The Presidential. This tasteful treat is a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, jalapeño peppers, and mustard. Classic with a kick.
Burger Dog
Are you a hot dog and a burger person? This Burger Dog is the best of both grilled meat worlds. It is a cheeseburger with extra cheese, mustard, pickles, raw onions, salt, and pepper. And a hot dog with no bun, that is shoved into the middle of it. Not sure if this is heaven or hell on a bun, but I’m into it.
In-N-Out “Animal Style” Double-Double
BYOAS (Bring Your Own Animal Style) to Five Guys with this copycat creation inspired by In-N-Out’s Animal Style double-double. Order a regular cheeseburger with extra cheese, tomato, lettuce, and pickles. Ask for mayo, ketchup, and relish on the side, mix it together, and slather it on, à la In-N-Out. An East Coast take on a West Coast delicacy.
Breaking Windy City Dog
This last one’s for the people who order hot dogs at burger joints. Or for those who need a side of hot dog with their burger. Go with this Chicago-inspired secret menu item, dubbed the Breaking Windy City Dog. It’s a hot dog with pickles, tomato, relish, hot sauce, green peppers, mustard, and Cajun seasoning.
Cheers to that drool-worthy list. I didn’t believe it could any better than limitless toppings, but the Five Guys secret menu brings its already stellar offerings to another level. Whether you’re missing the West Coast, thinking about the Windy City, developing a presidential palate, or getting tired of your go-to order (unlikely), try one of the many Five Guys secret menu items for a hidden gem of a meal or six.