Navigating the Minimalist Menu
In-N-Out's strength lies in its simplicity, but this can initially seem daunting for vegetarians. The official menu offers no dedicated veggie burger patty, but this is where the "secret menu" becomes a vegetarian's best friend. The standard options provide the foundation for creative, delicious meals using the restaurant's high-quality, fresh ingredients. Learning the lingo and knowing how to customize your order is key to a great vegetarian meal at In-N-Out.
The Cornerstone Vegetarian Options
The Famous Grilled Cheese
The Grilled Cheese is the most popular and satisfying vegetarian item on the secret menu. It is essentially a standard burger or cheeseburger ordered without the beef patty. It comes with two slices of melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and the famous spread on a toasted bun. This is a complete, filling sandwich that holds its own against its meaty counterparts. You can even customize it further to suit your taste.
The 'Wish Burger' or Veggie Burger
For those who prefer a less dairy-heavy option, the "Wish Burger," also known simply as a "Veggie Burger" by employees, is the way to go. This is a toasted bun loaded with all the standard vegetable toppings—lettuce, tomato, and onion—plus the signature spread. It offers a lighter, vegetable-forward experience. Vegetarians who don't eat dairy can also order the Wish Burger without the spread, substituting ketchup or mustard.
Customizing Your Vegetarian Order
The real fun for vegetarians at In-N-Out comes from customization. Almost any aspect of your order can be tweaked to your liking.
- Animal Style: You can order your Grilled Cheese or Wish Burger "Animal Style" to kick up the flavor. This adds extra secret spread, grilled onions, and pickles to your sandwich. For a grilled cheese, the cheese can even be fried with mustard for an extra layer of flavor.
- Protein Style: For a low-carb, lighter option, request your Grilled Cheese or Wish Burger "Protein Style." This swaps the bun for a large, crisp lettuce wrap.
- Extra Toasty Bun: For more texture and to prevent a soggy bun, ask for your bun to be "Extra Toasty." This is a simple customization that enhances the sandwich experience.
- Mustard Fried Cheese: On a Grilled Cheese, you can ask for the cheese to be "mustard fried," where it's seared on the grill with mustard before being assembled. This adds a tangy, savory crust to the melted cheese.
The Iconic Fries and Shakes
No In-N-Out meal is complete without fries, and vegetarians have a few ways to enjoy them.
Fries Done Your Way
In-N-Out's fries are made from freshly cut potatoes and cooked in 100% sunflower oil, making them a safe vegetarian and vegan option. You can order them cooked to various levels of crispiness:
- Light: Less fried than usual.
- Well-Done: Crispier and darker.
- Extra Well-Done: Deeply fried and crunchy.
Animal Style Fries
The legendary Animal Style Fries are a vegetarian favorite. They come topped with melted American cheese, the signature secret spread, and a heap of grilled, caramelized onions. They are an absolute must-try for any vegetarian dining at In-N-Out, provided you are okay with dairy.
Delicious Milkshakes
In-N-Out milkshakes are made with real ice cream and come in three classic flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. While not vegan, they are a perfect vegetarian-friendly treat to complement your meal. They are famously thick, so thick you might need a spoon to start.
Comparison Table: Vegetarian Options at a Glance
| Feature | Grilled Cheese | Wish Burger (Veggie Burger) | Animal Style Fries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ingredients | Melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, spread, toasted bun | Lettuce, tomato, onions, spread, toasted bun | Fresh-cut fries, melted cheese, spread, grilled onions |
| Dietary Notes | Vegetarian (contains dairy) | Vegetarian (spread contains dairy), can be made vegan without spread | Vegetarian (contains dairy) |
| Customization | Animal Style, Protein Style, Extra Toasty Bun, Mustard Fried Cheese | Animal Style, Protein Style, Extra Toasty Bun | Order well-done for extra crispiness |
| Flavor Profile | Rich, cheesy, savory | Fresh, crunchy, tangy | Savory, zesty, creamy, sweet |
How to Place Your Perfect Order
Ordering off the secret menu is simple, but a few tips can help ensure your meal is exactly what you want:
- Start with the base item: Say "Grilled Cheese" or "Veggie Burger." Many employees are familiar with these terms, but be prepared to specify if needed.
- Add your customizations: Use the specific terms like "Animal Style" or "Protein Style" clearly and confidently. For example, "I'd like a grilled cheese, protein style, animal style."
- Specify ingredient modifications: If you want to remove an item or add something extra, state it clearly. For instance, "Grilled Cheese, animal style, add chopped chilis" or "Veggie burger, no spread, add ketchup and mustard."
Conclusion
While In-N-Out does not offer a dedicated veggie patty, its secret menu provides several excellent and flavorful vegetarian options. From the satisfying, fully-loaded Grilled Cheese to the crunchy, savory Animal Style Fries, vegetarians have plenty to choose from. Knowing how to navigate the hidden menu and customize your order is the key to a memorable and delicious meal at this classic fast-food chain. So, the next time you visit, you know exactly what to ask for to get a great meatless meal. You can find more details on ordering options and secret menu items on fan sites and forums like Reddit.
