What Secret Menu Items Have You Found?

[Hula1974]

I was in Dunkin' Donuts this morning and the woman in front of me ordered her coffee with Fat Free Half and Half. I never knew they had that as an option!

It got me thinking....

What secret menu items have you discovered? Do you ask for special requests and get them all the time?

If you worked in fast food I'm sure you have some good tips or hidden secrets :)

[MLA]

I've discovered that you can order short drinks at Starbucks. Tall isn't the smallest they have. The only exception is Starbucks that are in Targets. For some reason, they won't do short drinks there.

[ManteoChik]

I've discovered that you can order short drinks at Starbucks. Tall isn't the smallest they have. The only exception is Starbucks that are in Targets. For some reason, they won't do short drinks there.

Thats beacause the Starbucks in places like Target and Barnes & Noble are not "really" Starbucks. Its like they bought the stuff and the licenseing to be able to sell Starbucks products and use their logos but its not technically a Starbucks. I guess thats the best I can explain here and here's how I found out:

My aunt/uncle/cousins gave me a Starbucks GC *several* years about as part of my Christmas present. Now, that would have been a thoughtful gift IF I lived near a Starbucks. These are family memebers we're very close with and they know full well that our small town doesn't have one and the closest Starbucks is over an hour away.

I tried several times to use my CG at places like Target or B&N while on shopping trips and kept getting told I couldn't use it. Well, it took like my 5th try before someone was able to explain to me why. They told me that It was only usable at what they call a "freestanding Starbucks" or one in a shopping center but NOT located within a store. I ended up using it in NJ while visiting family and they took it just fine.

Whew...that was long...lol.

[ejs]

Didn't someone once post all of the "secret ordering ways" at In 'n Out? I know you can find them via Google.

[Rico'sAlice]

IIRC you can order pink lemonade at Outback Steakhouse but it isn't on the menu. (At least it wasn't back then when we went often, ~10 years ago...)

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I order off the "secret menu" at In N Out all the time. It's not really a secret anymore.

This is the best secret menu I have been able to find.

http://www.tiburon-belvedere.com/cgi/home.cgi?c=In_N_Out

[firefly]

If you want fresh french fries at McD's order fries no salt (and some packets of salt on the side) they have to make you a new batch. takes about 7 minutes but they are so much better.

[mmeblue]

Waffle House has sugar free syrup, which I don't think they show on the menu. It's just as good as the regular stuff, too!

[hokiegirl]

You can get organic milk for your coffee at Starbucks. They don't put it out for some reason, but they keep it behind the counter.

[Missy2U]

At some McDonald's you can get bacon - it isn't on the menu, but when my son worked there, my husband would get Qtr. Pounders with bacon all the time.

[LIZNKEITH]

Chik-Fil-A has a grilled cheese kids meal. DD can't eat their nuggest because they contain egg so this is always they route we go at CFA.

[suzfuzsunflower]

Carrabbas:

Several years ago I was at Carrabbas with a friend eating dinner. She couldn't decide on a chicken dish, so the waiter suggested that she get the "Chicken Trio." CT comes with a salad, Chicken Bryan, Chicken Marsala, and Polo Rosa Maria, and side item. I've been back to Carrabbas many times, and one of us always orders it.

[rene']

I order off the "secret menu" at In N Out all the time. It's not really a secret anymore.

This is the best secret menu I have been able to find.

http://www.tiburon-belvedere.com/cgi/home.cgi?c=In_N_Out

This is OT but I am so excited. I am going to Phoenix in November to surprise my mom for her 60th birthday and the only thing I can think about is eating at In N Out! I can't wait!

[Irish Elf]

Barnes & Noble cafes sell Starbucks coffee and Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes but they aren't a Starbucks or Cheesecake Factory. The product standards are the same but have less selection. The reason you can't use Starbucks (or CF) gift cards is the computer systems that read them aren't compatible. So B&N can't read the cards. We used to get this all the time and people would get so mad. I never could understand why. It isn't a Starbucks cafe, it's a B&N cafe that happens to sell Starbucks coffee. I always wanted to say well, can you use a Starbucks GC to buy coffee at the grocery store? But alas, I had to set a good example for the staff and not be snarky to the customers. :p (Of course I would only want to be snarky after the customer made a scene. Most people were very nice about it.)

Another sort of secret at Carrabas. They have Veal Picatta and Chicken Marsala so you can get Chicken Picatta if you ask.

[Hello Kitty]

On the starbucks thing, people may be confused because it's not standard everywhere. I went to a Starbucks in Dominck's (grocery store) and had no problem using my SB GC. The receipt even said Dominick's on the top.

And if I had another GC, I'd be genuinely confused as to why I couldn't use it at a SB Target or wherever. So take pity - the companies don't make it easy!

[KK812]

I've discovered that you can order short drinks at Starbucks. Tall isn't the smallest they have. The only exception is Starbucks that are in Targets. For some reason, they won't do short drinks there.

I had heard this but when I tried to order a short drink they said that tall was the smallest size that they have.


You can get organic milk for your coffee at Starbucks. They don't put it out for some reason, but they keep it behind the counter.

Starbucks actually has plans to be "added-hormone free" by early next year.

[MichelleRenee]

You can usually order pink lemonade at any restaurant with a bar. It can be made by adding a small splash of grenadine to regular lemonade.

At Olive Garden you can request a different salad dressing for your salad. I don't know who would want to, but I once heard a lady ask for ranch instead of the house dressing and they brought it for her. Why go to OG if you aren't going to eat the house dressing?

Once at a Subway I was ordering a cookie and she said I could have the broken ones for free and that I should ask if they have broken ones whenever I come in.

[LDS Angel 19]

At some McDonald's you can get bacon - it isn't on the menu, but when my son worked there, my husband would get Qtr. Pounders with bacon all the time.

Yup, I get my double cheeseburgers with bacon alot.

Also at the McDonald's I worked at, you could get pancakes at any time of day.

[MrsT]

At Olive Garden you can request a different salad dressing for your salad. I don't know who would want to, but I once heard a lady ask for ranch instead of the house dressing and they brought it for her.

That's funny you mentioned this, as it's the only "secret" I could think of. I waited tables at OG in college and many people would ask for ranch (the only other dressing they have, BTW). You also used to be able to buy their house dressing in bottles.

[mrschica]

I used to work at Starbucks and you can make any drink any size, but it's a PIA which is why someone may deny you a short drink if you do order one. They're being lazy. :D

Yes, Starbucks does offer organic milk but you have to ask for it, though I have to warn that some smaller Starbucks may not have it because it's rarely ever used and it would go bad. It's very rare that someone asks for the organic milk, but I blame that on the company for not making it more well known.

You can ask for a drink at Starbucks any way you want, an iced macchiatto can be asked to be served in reverse, with milk on top, for instance. If you ever think of any strange combination, just mention it, the baristas should be more than accommodating and do it for you, unless they suck. ;)

I like to order the "animal style" fries at In-N-Out when I'm in the mood for cholesterol. :D

P.S. At Chevy's, if you ask for a salsa that's hotter than the one they serve with the complimentary chips, they bring you another batch they have made of something with a little more kick!

[mgrace]

Yes, Starbucks does offer organic milk but you have to ask for it, though I have to warn that some smaller Starbucks may not have it because it's rarely ever used and it would go bad. It's very rare that someone asks for the organic milk, but I blame that on the company for not making it more well known.


Organic milk is now listed on the menu at Starbucks--it is .50 extra.

I always ask for Cherry Coke at restaurants (when they don't have it on the menu) that have bars, because they add grenadine to regular coke. Much better than Cherry Coke anyway. :)

I get McDonald's burgers no pickles--they are fresh, then.

And at one restaurant, I order their salad (it comes tossed with the dressing), with no salt added in the dressing.

[cynder]

Denny's will serve you grilled cheese and fries even though it is not on the menu. Sometimes it is on the senior menu but in case I order this every time and have never been denied. I don't know why but I love the grilled cheese there. Memories of college late nights, I guess.

[mrschica]

Organic milk is now listed on the menu at Starbucks--it is .50 extra.



Oh, nice. Yeah, the extra caramel and pumps of syrup cost the same as well, just throwing out that info in case someone doesn't know! I know that I never personally paid attention to that till I worked there.

:D

[linekelei]

Yes, Starbucks does offer organic milk but you have to ask for it, though I have to warn that some smaller Starbucks may not have it because it's rarely ever used and it would go bad. It's very rare that someone asks for the organic milk, but I blame that on the company for not making it more well known.

The organic milk at Starbucks is highly pasteurized and I don't believe it even requires refrigeration. It lasts for at least two months. Or at least the organic milk at all of the Starbucks in and around Irvine & South OC have the same boxed, pasteurized organic milk.

[KK812]

At Olive Garden you can request a different salad dressing for your salad. I don't know who would want to, but I once heard a lady ask for ranch instead of the house dressing and they brought it for her. Why go to OG if you aren't going to eat the house dressing?


See what the heck, I went to Olive Garden for the first time in 6 or 8 years a few months ago and asked for my salad with ranch. My entire table started cracking up at me and the waitress gave me a "You're weird" look and said "We only have ITALIAN dressing."

What is up with the restaurants around here? :mad:

[lauren f s]

I don't think the Starbucks rule applies to every Starbucks. I got a gift card last Christmas and only used it at the Starbucks in my local grocery store.

[mrschica]

The organic milk at Starbucks is highly pasteurized and I don't believe it even requires refrigeration. It lasts for at least two months. Or at least the organic milk at all of the Starbucks in and around Irvine & South OC have the same boxed, pasteurized organic milk.

Really? No wonder they fired my manager. :D

[Marisa]

In my experience Starbucks GCs are good at -- I think -- almost every SB but the ones in B&Ns. Irish Elf's explanation makes a lot of sense.

We also have a SB at our supermarket and I use my GC all the time (I reload it with the change that we accumulate in our cars, etc. at one of those Coinstar machines). I can't NOT get something every time I'm there (so at least 2-3 times a week).

[MichelleRenee]

Now I really want Olive Garden!

[ShelbyMay]

You can get extra mix-ins with your Blizzard at Dairy Queen for something like $0.50 more. I "discovered" this when I was pregnant and really craving a Butterfinger Blizzard. It's even better with EXTRA Butterfinger!

[tgray99]

At Brusters Ice Cream (I think they're only in GA) you can get a peanut butter milk shake that's not on the menu. They blend a big ol' dollop of real peanut butter in with vanilla ice cream. It's OMG good.

[Liz]

You guys are making me so hungry for Olive Garden, Starbucks, and ice cream!!!

[carrie9142]

We have Brusters in AL. And man, they are freaking good! I probably had ice cream twice a week for the first 3 months we lived here! :o

[TennJane]

I live just down the street from a Brusters. Dangerous! One of my neighbors works there and used to bring me 'oops' ice cream when I was pregnant. It's kind of like oops paint - they mix in the wrong flavor or add the wrong add-in. Some of the flavors ended up being darn good! Not sure if they would serve it to you if you asked. It would be kind of funny to walk up to the window and request 'oops' ice cream.

[TOMama]

I order off the "secret menu" at In N Out all the time. It's not really a secret anymore.

This is the best secret menu I have been able to find.

http://www.tiburon-belvedere.com/cgi/home.cgi?c=In_N_Out

You can also ask for chili peppers. They give it to us whole and although they're yellow, they're pretty hot.

[lawyerlee]

Fun thread. I don't have anything good to add, but I'll be keeping some of these insider tips in mind. :)

[taraw]

I always order my burritos at Taco Bell with "green sauce". This sauce is much better then the hot sauce packets that they give out and it is already in the burrito so you don't have unroll it to add your own sauce.

[manda_kate]

This is a fun thread!

[tgray99]

Hmm...what does the green sauce taste like? Is it like green salsa or is it more like green taco sauce?

[mgrace]

I love the crunch cone coating at Dairy Queen and have discovered that you can get it mixed in your Blizzard. It's tasty--and dangerous.

[GoCougs]

You can get extra mix-ins with your Blizzard at Dairy Queen for something like $0.50 more. I "discovered" this when I was pregnant and really craving a Butterfinger Blizzard. It's even better with EXTRA Butterfinger!

This is 100% true. A girlfriend ordered a butterfinger blizzard with extra butterfinger, gave me a bite, and I've been craving one ever since.

The only "secret" menu item I can think of (which I'm sure isn't really secret) is that I can get a blue-cheese crust baked on top of my steak at my favorite local steak house. It makes the delicious steak that much better.

[kithara]

DH & I love Outback's cheese fries - but they are soooo horrible for us! While it's not usually listed, you can order a HALF order instead, yay!

At Olive Garden, I ask for broccoli to be added to my Chicken Alfredo - it's really nice. And I always order the alfredo dipping sauce for the breadsticks.

ETA: At Dairy Queen - I order a Peanut Buster Parfait, but ask for oreo in place of peanuts. Very rich, but I love oreos.

[dollface]

I order off the "secret menu" at In N Out all the time. It's not really a secret anymore.

This is the best secret menu I have been able to find.

http://www.tiburon-belvedere.com/cgi/home.cgi?c=In_N_Out

I never knew it was a secret menu! I have ordered that way since high school - almost 20 years!

Regarding Starbucks in Targets - some are real Starbucks. I use my GC regularly at the 2 Target stores nearest my office. There is also a Starbucks in a gas station nearby and they take the GC as well.

The only secret menu item i can think of was a few years back when McD's had fry sauce. I think some McD's in the mid-West may still have it.

[katmg]

I haven't been to one in years, but in college we used to order lunch portions at dinner at Olive Garden. Their regular portions were so huge plus they charge a few dollars less for the lunch size.

[diam124]

Someone in front of me at Chipotle ordered quesadillas once - I'm pretty sure that isn't on the menu. They just put the whole thing in the tortilla warmer and let it sit there for a little while to melt the cheese.

[Natasha]

These are great secret menu items! The truth is, most sit down restaurants will make you whatever you want. As a server, I will do whatever I can to make sure the customer gets what they want, and it doesn't bother me in the least.

[greenbunny]

Dang you people for being late! I live on the east coast and got In N Out in CA in August. Now I won't have it again for years.

[Irish Elf]

The key to Starbucks is whether it's an actual Starbucks kiosk/cafe or a place that sells Starbucks coffee.

And now I'm hungry for cheesefries, Blizzards and burgers. And wow does my current banana taste yummy.:(

[taraw]

Hmm...what does the green sauce taste like? Is it like green salsa or is it more like green taco sauce?

It's more like a green taco sauce.

[Hula1974]

Whoa! This is totally fun. :D

So, I was at DD again today and discovered another great treat!
You know how they have the new Pumpkin Lattes? Well, you can ask for the pumpkin flavoring to be added to regular coffee (just like they do with the other list of flavors they have). I LOVE it!

[May27JnJ]

At McDonalds you can get a double cheeseburger and ask for lettuce and mac sauce on it. You get a Big Mac for $1!!! :)

[Rosebud]

There's an article about this very topic on ABCnews.com today:

At Fast Food Joints, Try the Secret Menu (http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/CSM/story?id=3751840&page=1)

I can add more more to the list. If you have an El Pollo Loco near you, ask for their Black Bean Burrito. It's just like the BRC burrito, but with their BBQ black beans instead of pinto beans. It's is to die for, but not on the menu. I really don't eat fast food more than a couple times a year, but will drive miles out of my way to get this burrito. Yum!

[TOMama]

Not a secret, but if your meal at Mimi's Cafe comes with a muffin, ask what their seasonal muffin is. Usually it's better than the regular stuff. Right now it's pumpkin (for fall), other times of the year it's lemon cream cheese, coffeecake, cinnamon, etc.

[Leilynne]

Someone in front of me at Chipotle ordered quesadillas once - I'm pretty sure that isn't on the menu. They just put the whole thing in the tortilla warmer and let it sit there for a little while to melt the cheese.

Chipotle will make you anything you want with the ingredients they have. I love that place it's number one on my list of American restaurants I wish we had in Canada.

[Rosebud]

At Starbucks, you can usually still get their seasonal drinks (like a peppermint latte, for example) out of season. They keep the flavoring around and will add it to regular drinks all year round. The only exception to this that I've found is that the banana drinks usually aren't available except in summer. However, you can always ask for whatever you want even if it's not on their menu anymore.

Also, a friend was telling me this weekend that Jamba Juice supposedly has a secret menu. I never go there, but looked up some info for those that do: Jamba Juice Secret Menu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamba_Juice#Secret_Menu)

[jajacobsen]

IME, we can use our SB GC's at Target, but not at B&N's. No big deal.

[kendriln]

At IHOP you can get real eggs if you just ask for them, and warmed syrup, not the stuff sitting on the table.

[BooeyJ2]

Not really a secret, but when I go to In N Out, I always order my burger with the right letter codes.

For instance, I order a double double, well done - S - T - O - P

S-T-O-P = Sauce, Tomatoes, Onion, Pickles


I noticed the code on my receipt one day and realized it was way easier to just tell them the code instead of explaining what I did and did not want :)

[salysaturn]

At the DOMINOES by us, we can order cheesey bread, large pizza and a 2 liter bottle. It comes up to under $18...the soda rings up .50, but it isn't anywhere on the menu.

[Maggie8202]

Houston's has a "flying chicken" basket that is fried chicken fingers in a light tempura batter it is not on a menu. You can order it with or without fries. Yumm.

[wideopenskies]

You can get extra mix-ins with your Blizzard at Dairy Queen for something like $0.50 more. I "discovered" this when I was pregnant and really craving a Butterfinger Blizzard. It's even better with EXTRA Butterfinger!

My sister worked at Dairy Queen, and they will make you anything you want. I love peanut buster parfaits, but they are HUGE! Instead, I order a small sundae with hot fudge sauce and peanuts on it. It is exactly the same, and way cheaper... I also order mint-Oreo and Smarties Blizzards. Those are my favorite!

[Eric's Wife]

You can change orders at chilis. I have changed the guilt free pita from a chicken pita to a steak pita. I have alos changed the chicken quesadilla explosion salad to a steak quesadilla explosion salad. It was for the same price.

[amyintn]

Also at Chili's:

You can get the Philly Cheesesteak with either the sliced turkey or chicken. Both are good.

Also, if you're a fan of the Molten Chocolate Cake, order it with a shot of Chambord. It adds about 5 bucks to the price but OMG is it to die for. They put the raspberry liqueur right into the molten center and then top it with ice cream. :eek:

[Ellyn]

I often substitute shrimp for the chicken dishes at Olive Garden...and I'm a fan of their old seafood alfredo (without the scallops) and they will add more shrimp if you ask for it without the scallops.

Actually, I've found that Olive Garden will pretty much accomodate any substitution (for an extra dollar or two) that I've made. :)

[HeatherH]

I'm a server at The Cheesecake Factory and we have something called Mahi Mahi Mediterranean style (we call it Mahi Medi). The fish is crumb crusted with tomatoes, artichokes, capers, fresh basil and balsamic vinaigrette...served over mashed potatoes. It's not on the menu and it's fabulous! :p

[Suzlywoozly]

I'm a server at The Cheesecake Factory and we have something called Mahi Mahi Mediterranean style (we call it Mahi Medi). The fish is crumb crusted with tomatoes, artichokes, capers, fresh basil and balsamic vinaigrette...served over mashed potatoes. It's not on the menu and it's fabulous! :p

My DH orders that everytime we eat there and he LOVEs it!:)

[mkvh]

All this talk of Dairy Queen made me remember that you can order Blizzards with CHOCOLATE ice cream. Mmmmm...chocolate mint Oreo Blizzard!

[manda_kate]

I have nothing new to add to this, but I hope someone does!

[TracyDP]

Taco Bell will make anything thats ever been on their menu if you just ask for it (you know, the specials they run for a limited time). We always stop if DH and I are out late and he orders a Cheesy Gordita Crunch, even when they are not on the menu anymore. I love the "cheesy beef burrito" or whatever it's called they have now and plan to keep ordering them once they go off menu again.

[njdiva]

My only contribution:

At TGIFriday's you can get the Jack Daniel's wings (that are no longer on the menu) if you ask. They only feature the JD ribs, shrimp & salmon on the menu. The wings used to be an appetizer.

[Red'sGirl]

Taco Bell will make anything thats ever been on their menu if you just ask for it (you know, the specials they run for a limited time). We always stop if DH and I are out late and he orders a Cheesy Gordita Crunch, even when they are not on the menu anymore. I love the "cheesy beef burrito" or whatever it's called they have now and plan to keep ordering them once they go off menu again.

Will they do chilitos? I loved those!

[wagsgirl]

The chilitos at Taco Bell are now called the Chili Cheese Burrito. Same thing, different name. I used to work there back in HS and early college. And surprisingly enough, I still eat there! ;) Taco Bell will basically make anything you want. You can add or delete anything off any item. Beans instead of meat to make it veggie. Nacho cheese in the middle of the mexican pizzas is AMAZING!

[stevesbabygirl]

The Taco Bells by me don't do chili cheese burritos anymore :(. I tried asking if they would make one for me, and they said no, I was sooooooooooooo bummed! But then I went to Minnesota, and had one at the Mall of America. It was awesome!

[TracyDP]

The chilitos at Taco Bell are now called the Chili Cheese Burrito. Same thing, different name. I used to work there back in HS and early college. And surprisingly enough, I still eat there! ;) Taco Bell will basically make anything you want. You can add or delete anything off any item. Beans instead of meat to make it veggie. Nacho cheese in the middle of the mexican pizzas is AMAZING!

My BF gets "veggie" baja gorditas all the time with beans instead of meat. Pretty tasty actually.

[Ellyn]

Dammit...all this DQ and Taco Bell talk makes me want to not just fall off the WW's wagon, it makes me want to jump off! :rolleyes: :D

[mgrace]

At IHOP you can get real eggs if you just ask for them, and warmed syrup, not the stuff sitting on the table.
Real eggs? As opposed to what? I'm a little frightened!

[honeygirl]

This thread inspired me to try something new at Chipotle today. I ordered a large quesadilla with chicken and mild salsa. Very yummy!

[Jen309]

Speaking of Olive Garden, I asked for a few extra olives (for the kids) once -they're so stingy lately- and the server brought a whole plate of just olives. DH got more salad and the guy brought more olives. He may have been searching for a big tip, but so what!! He earned it!

Also, I had a pg craving and stopped by McD's for a hot fudge sundae and said "can I get extra hot fudge?". It was 30 cents more, but 30c to quench a pregnancy craving? Sounds like a deal!

[Lizard]

All this talk of Dairy Queen made me remember that you can order Blizzards with CHOCOLATE ice cream. Mmmmm...chocolate mint Oreo Blizzard!

I was JUST going to post this one. :) Oreo Blizzard with chocolate ice cream.... oh man oh man.