In-N-Out Burger, renowned for its straightforward menu, offers basic burgers, fries, and shakes. However, since 2005, it has also publicized some of its popular off-menu items on its ‘Not-So-Secret Menu’ online. Among these, the Animal Style burger is one of the most notable.
According to the company website, the Animal Style burger comes with hand-leafed lettuce, tomato, a mustard-cooked beef patty, pickle, extra spread, and grilled onions. This item reflects the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
We’re all about making our customers happy.– In-N-Out’s website notes.
The Animal Style burger’s inception dates back to the early 1960s. Denny Warnick, Chief Operating Officer of In-N-Out Burger, shared with Fox News Digital that a customer observed an associate making a personalized burger and requested the same preparation. The name ‘Animal Style’ emerged spontaneously from this interaction.
Over time, many such variations received names, often coined by frequent customers. These terms started describing specific preparation methods according to customer preferences. Warnick confirmed that whether on the secret menu or not, every burger is cooked fresh-to-order.
In addition to Animal Style, In-N-Out’s off-menu list features:
- Double-Meat: Two beef patties.
- 3×3: Three beef patties with three slices of American cheese.
- 4×4: Four beef patties and four cheese slices.
- Grilled Cheese: Replaces the beef patty with two slices of American cheese.
- Protein Style: A burger wrapped in hand-leafed lettuce instead of a bun.
- Flying Dutchman: Two patties and two slices of cheese without buns or condiments.
The first In-N-Out restaurant was opened by founders Harry and Esther Snyder in a Los Angeles suburb in 1948. It was California’s first drive-thru hamburger stand. By 1973, 13 locations were operational in Los Angeles County.
Today, the privately-owned company still remains in the hands of the Snyder family, boasting over 400 locations across 10 states. The off-menu options, known for decades, have become a cultural staple. Patrons often customize their orders, fostering a community feel around its offerings.
The New York Times reported in 2004 that customers had been ordering their burgers Animal Style for years. This menu option, while popular, continues to draw in new customers. A Reddit user described their recent experience with it as a ‘game changer,’ making it their new preferred choice.
In-N-Out’s first location, noted for being California’s pioneer drive-thru hamburger stand, remains a symbol of their longstanding customer focus.
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