There is nothing like some tasty fast food. For many of us, it’s convenient, affordable, and delicious. But getting caught in the same routine of ordering your “usual” from your favorite fast food joint is easy. Why not try a menu hack the next time you have a craving?
Menu hacks allow people to order (or at least request) special items from the restaurant. Sometimes these are items that have been discontinued. Other items were created by creative kitchen cooks or a simple combination of two (or more) normal menu items.
So, let’s get creative and try something new! Below, we’ll review ten menu hacks from your favorite fast food joints. From special sandwiches to fries, custom drinks, and desserts, this has all the fast food favorites you never knew you wanted!
10 Wendy’s Meat Cube/Grand Slam Burger
Our first menu hack comes from Wendy’s. Wendy’s offers a wide variety of hamburgers on their menu; however, they have another secret, special burger that you can order. This burger has three names, so make sure to order it carefully. It is sometimes called the Meat Cube, Dave’s Hot ‘n Juicy 1-lb Quadruple, or the Grand Slam Burger.
So what is it? The Meat Cube consists of four quarter-pound hamburger patties totaling a pound of ground beef. The patties are served on a traditional Wendy’s bun, complete with all of the typical toppings, including cheese. To order it, try asking for it by name. Explain what you need if the employee does not know what you are talking about. It is basically a 3/4 pound burger, with an extra patty and slice of cheese added.
9 McDonald’s Apple Pie McFlurry
Next, we’ll look at an unusual combination of two classic treats. McDonald’s is often the first restaurant people think of when they think of fast food. Because of this, McDonald’s also has a fairly extensive menu, complete with various burgers, chicken, fish, and sides. They also have some fairly iconic desserts. For our next menu hack, let’s combine two of their famous desserts that you may not have thought would complement each other.
The Apple Pie McFlurry is just what it sounds like. It combines a full apple pie blended with an original McFlurry treat. You may want to eat it quickly before it gets melty and congealed. But when enjoyed fresh, it’s hard to beat the combination of apple pie and ice cream.
So, if you are looking for a sweet treat that is both cold and hot, what is more American than an apple pie McFlurry from McDonald’s? You can also try blending other kinds of pie, but the Apple Pie McFlurry is by far the most popular.
8 In-N-Out Animal-Style Fries and Burger
In-N-Out is known for having delicious burgers and fries. Many consider their burgers to be some of the best fast food burgers in the country. However, some fast food connoisseurs want to take it up a notch. In order to do that, fast food aficionados should order their fries “animal style.”
Animal-style fries are the most popular menu hack for In-N-Out and maybe the most well-known on our list. In order to be “animal style,” the fries are covered with:
- Melted cheese
- In-N-Out spread
- Grilled onions
These fries are basically a meal all on their own. You can also order an animal-style burger, which includes the same ingredients piled on a burger. Of all the items on this list, these are almost guaranteed to be available, so you definitely won’t get any weird looks from the cashier.
7 McDonald’s Land, Sea, and Air Burger
Our next menu hack comes from the king of fast food, McDonald’s. This one is… a bit of an acquired taste. Have you ever wanted the best of both worlds? What about the best of three worlds? Well, that is the idea with this Frankenstein of a sandwich.
The Land, Sea, and Air Burger combine three of McDonald’s best-known sandwiches. The land element of the sandwich is a Big Mac (or a McDouble). Next, the sea is represented by a Filet-O-Fish sandwich. Lastly, the air is represented by a McChicken patty… for some reason. (They do know chickens can’t really fly, right?)
You build your sandwich by adding the fish and chicken patties into the middle of your Big Mac. Open wide, and taste a little bit of everything with this monstrous sandwich. While employees may be aware of the Land, Sea, and Air Burger, it is probably a better choice for you to build your own using the three sandwiches. Just be sure to have a drink ready to wash it all down.
6 Burger King Frings
Hacks don’t necessarily have to be complicated. The next item came about simply because someone asked. Burger King is known for having delicious French fries; however, they are known for their onion rings as well (perhaps because most fast food restaurants don’t have onion rings). This leaves customers in a conundrum when choosing their combos.
Get the fries? Get the onion rings? Get both? Getting both is the way to go! You can simply order half fries and half onion rings by asking. At some restaurants, this is referred to as frings, but at others, ordering frings may leave your cashier confused.
To keep it simple, just ask for half and half, and enjoy your two favorite fried sides simultaneously. Be sure to try dipping the French fries in the zesty onion ring sauce as well. You may never have to choose between fries and onion rings again.
5 Starbucks Dirty Chai
If you’re at Starbucks, you are likely looking for a jolt of caffeine to get you through your day or night! So, why not try something different besides a simple drip coffee? Chai is a popular drink that is smooth, delicious, and easy to drink. However, it doesn’t pack the punch of a typical coffee drink. So, hack the menu and get everything you want!
Order a Dirty Chai from Starbucks by simply adding an Espresso shot into a traditional Chai Latte. A Chai Latte is already on the menu, but just adding a single shot of Espresso can take your caffeine game to the next level. Or, for those days when you are really dragging, why not add a second Espresso shot? Not only will a Dirty Chai give you the rush of energy you need, but it’s also packed with nutrients and all kinds of health benefits.
4 Arby’s Bacon, Beef, and Cheddar
Arby’s has the meats. We all know it. Now, the issue is, which meat do you choose?
Arby’s has several sandwich options, from Market Fresh sandwiches to classic Roast Beef. However, one of their classics, which they are best known for, is a simple Beef ‘n Cheddar Sandwich. This sandwich comes with thinly sliced roast beef, cheddar cheese sauce, and Arby’s sauce, all on a soft onion bun.
This is the favorite of many Arby’s fans, including yours truly. Take yours to the next level by adding bacon! Adding bacon to this already delicious sandwich adds a depth of flavor and texture, making what seemed like a perfect sandwich even better.
Arby’s employees will be happy to prepare this sandwich for you; just ask for a Beef ‘n Cheddar with bacon. You won’t regret it!
3 Chick-Fil-A Root Beer Float
Chick-Fil-A is the favorite fast food joint of many connoisseurs. They have a somewhat limited menu, based largely around fried chicken. However, because of this, just about everything on their menu is delicious. One of the best menu hacks from Chick-Fil-A is a simple root beer float. This involves asking for a scoop (or more) of their delicious Ice Dream treat to be added to Root Beer.
Be sure not to include any ice! The Chick-Fil-A root beer float is a dream come true (pun intended) because of their creamy, delicious Ice Dream. They didn’t invent the root beer float, but they may have perfected it. The friendly employees at Chick-Fil-A will be happy to help you with this menu hack.
2 Taco Bell Cheesarito
Taco Bell is known for making up food items. Crunchwrap? Cheesy Gordita Crunch? Mexican Pizza? Quesarita? These are just some of the many different food items that Taco Bell has produced over the years. They are creative and constantly develop new things for their fans to try. They even invented a new meal. Fourth meal, anyone? Because of this, their employees are often familiar with creating exciting inventions out of their typical ingredients. The Cheesarito is one such item.
It has an incredible name but is a pretty straightforward snack, at least by Taco Bell standards. The Cheesarito is a value menu item, too, making it one of the cheapest on our list. It is made with melted cheese, scallions, and Taco Bell sauce, all wrapped in a tortilla. Great for a small snack or as an additional treat to go along with your tacos. The Cheesarito may just be your new favorite fast food menu item.
1 Starbucks Cinnamon Roll Frappe
Another decadent drink from Starbucks rounds out our list. Starbucks has many, many drink options. But the one they don’t tell you about or put on the menu is the Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino. Like it sounds, this drink was created to imitate the taste of a fresh cinnamon roll (Cinnabon, anyone?). Creating this menu hack may take some careful explaining to your barista.
First, request a vanilla bean crème Frappuccino. Then, request two (or three, depending on taste) pumps of Starbucks’ Cinnamon Dolce Syrup. This will result in a delicious cinnamon roll drink that will make you feel like you are back in a mall food court. Most Starbucks should be able to prepare this drink as long as they have the Cinnamon Dolce Syrup available.
Starbucks has many menu hacks available, and you can make all sorts of custom drinks, from a Cake Batter Frappuccino to Candy Cane or Butterbeer. If they don’t, why not create your own new menu hack? It may be the next big thing.