Fast food menus may look fixed, but many chains allow for more customization than you might expect. Over time, customers and employees have come up with creative combinations—often called “secret menu” items—that aren’t officially listed but can still be ordered with the right request.
Not every location will recognize these by name, and availability can vary based on ingredients and staff, but most of these items are simply custom builds using standard menu components. If you’re willing to order by ingredients, you can try something a little different on your next drive-thru visit.
McDonald’s Land, Air & Sea Burger
This over-the-top combination brings together beef, chicken, and fish in one meal. It’s typically made by ordering a Big Mac, a McChicken, and a Filet-O-Fish, then stacking them together yourself. It’s not an official item, but it’s widely known among fans of McDonald’s menu hacks.
KFC “Triple Down” (Custom Order)
The Double Down—fried chicken used in place of a bun—has appeared on KFC menus before. A “Triple Down” takes it further by adding an extra piece of chicken, though this version isn’t officially offered. Some locations may accommodate the request depending on staff and inventory.
Dunkin’ Chocolate-Covered Blueberry Coffee
This custom drink combines mocha and blueberry flavoring for a sweet, dessert-like coffee. It’s not listed on the menu, but many Dunkin’ locations can make it if both flavors are available. It’s most commonly ordered as an iced coffee.
Starbucks Butterbeer-Inspired Frappuccino
Inspired by the popular fictional drink, this fan-created order typically uses a crème-based Frappuccino with caramel and toffee nut syrup. Because it’s not an official item, you’ll need to order it by listing the ingredients. Syrup availability may vary by location.
In-N-Out Animal Style Fries
Animal Style Fries are one of the better-known off-menu options and are widely recognized at In-N-Out. They come topped with melted cheese, grilled onions, and the chain’s signature spread. Unlike many “secret” items, you can simply order them by name.
Arby’s Meat Mountain Sandwich
This stacked sandwich includes a mix of meats like roast beef, turkey, ham, and chicken tenders, along with cheese. While it’s not always displayed on menus, it has been officially acknowledged by Arby’s and may still be available upon request at some locations.
Chipotle Quesarito
The Quesarito swaps a standard tortilla for a cheese-filled quesadilla wrapped around your burrito. It’s a popular custom order, though some locations limit it to digital orders due to the extra prep time. Availability can vary depending on the store’s traffic.
Five Guys Grilled Cheese Burger
Five Guys offers extensive customization, making this hybrid easy to order. By adding burger patties to a grilled cheese sandwich, you get a rich, bun-free alternative to a traditional burger. Like most items at Five Guys, it can be adjusted to taste.
Explore 30 Fast Food Items That Feel Overpriced (and Why) for more chain orders that miss the mark.
Taco Bell “Incredible Hulk” Burrito
This variation on the Beefy 5-Layer Burrito replaces nacho cheese sauce with guacamole. It’s not an official menu item, but it’s simple to order as a modification. While the swap changes the flavor profile, it’s still a filling, indulgent option.
See 16 Fast-Food Experiments That Should Never Have Happened for fast-food ideas gone sideways.
Wendy’s “Grand Slam” Burger
Sometimes called a “Meat Cube,” this item is essentially a burger with multiple beef patties stacked together. Wendy’s allows customers to add extra patties to most sandwiches, making this more of a customization than a hidden item. Portion size and cost can increase quickly.
Fast food “secret menus” are less about hidden recipes and more about creative ordering. Most of these items rely on ingredients already in the kitchen, so success often comes down to how clearly you place your order—and how busy the location is. If you’re open to a little customization, there’s plenty of room to mix things up beyond the standard menu.
Read The Best Pizza Spot in Every State for a better comfort-food splurge.
