In 'N Out Burger came up in a GQ thread, and when I was checking into the question, I discovered that INO has a so-called “secret” menu. They have a very limited number of items (double cheesburger, cheesburger, hamburger, frie, shakes, and the usual soft drinks). Apparently, though, there are special codes for variations on the usual items:
Chinese restaurants have hidden menus all the time. One restaurant has these chinese “tacos” made from a section of lettuce and chicken, chow mein, peanuts, and lots of other stuff that is really good but I haven’t looked too closely at it. Really good, but you can’t get it off the menu. You have to order it in advance.
Another Chinese restaurant has a chicken dish that’s not on the menu. Chicken baked in a caramel sause sprinkled with seseme seeds. It’s like eating candy.
There’s a whole underworld in the restaurant business. Are you brave enough to enter?
If you have a Cooker near you (chain restaurant similar to an Applebee’s), try ordering the “Border Chips.”
Just a big plate of tri-color nachos with melted cheddar, sour cream, and salsa. About $4. But it’s not on the menu, and my friends have ordered it at more than one Cooker around here. I don’t know if they’d exist outside of this area–if the waitress gives you a really strange look, they don’t.
Some chains menus do vary at places. I know the “pizza skins” at the Uno’s chain are NOT available at the original in Chicago (Was it Wabash and Ohio?)
The sushi bar where I frequent has a sort of secret menu. There are a number of items that are not on the menu you can get, if they have it that day and if you know to ask for it.
My favorite is something called Hamachicama. (not sure about the spelling) It is the roasted jaw of a yellow fin tuna. Very very yummy. They usually only have a couple a night and if you call ahead they will save it for you.
I love the idea (but not the odd name ) of **
Animal Style: Burgers are cooked with mustard. Pickles, extra spread and grilled onions are added**
I like to add mustard into the burger before it’s made into patties.
I’ve heard that the Mexican restaurants that crowd my neighborhood have separate “Anglo” and “Mexican” menus, and that the food served to those that look Hispanic is spicier than that served to Anglos.