Five Guys Secret Menu: Hidden Favorites Revealed
Five Guys Secret Menu is a simple idea: creative orders built from standard ingredients at a popular fast food counter. In short, it means combining patties, buns, toppings, and seasonings to make off-menu favorites you can actually ask for.
This guide helps you order confidently without sounding “chronically online.” Expect smart customization, not magical new items. Many hacks need extra assembly by you, and some popular requests (like special cheese fries) may be refused at busy locations.
What to expect: quick descriptions, exact wording to say at the counter, who will love each build, and a note on what you might finish yourself. Availability varies by store, so stay polite and flexible.
Dietary needs are covered throughout — gluten-aware, keto-ish, and vegetarian options are noted. Later sections list top crowd-pleasers like the patty melt, burger bowl, well-done fries, and shake tweaks, with clear ordering language for each item.
What the “secret menu” means at Five Guys in the US
At most U.S. counters, the so‑called secret options are less a hidden roster and more a culture of tweaks you can ask for. The phrase points to customization, not a printed list behind the counter.
Most secret menu items are custom builds that use standard menu parts: burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, fries, and shakes. Customers combine patties, buns, toppings, and sauces to create something new without extra ingredients.
Why custom builds spread online
Endless free toppings encourage experimenting. People share their go‑to builds and a viral idea can travel fast.
When staff can refuse and why
- Requests that slow service or require extra cook time may be declined.
- “Well done fries” often get refused during rushes because they tie up fryers.
- Some viral menu items become operational headaches and aren’t supported everywhere.
Be polite, have a simple backup order, and expect staff to say no sometimes. Next, exact wording will keep your order clear and easy to ring up.
| Request | Likely Outcome | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Custom burger build | Usually accepted | State patties and toppings clearly |
| Extra crispy fries | May be refused at peak times | Offer to wait or order standard fries |
| Complex viral mashups | Varies by location | Ask kindly and have a backup |
How to order Five Guys secret items without the awkwardness
A smooth order starts with plain language and a clear list of parts you want. Say the base item, then note patties, bun choice, and toppings in a short, logical order. This helps staff ring things up fast and reduces mistakes.
Clear wording and official components
Use official menu items and add brief mods. For example: “Little Burger, two patties, regular bun, add grilled onions and pickles.” That format names the base, the patty count, the bun, and the toppings.
When to order separate parts
Some builds need separate components. For the grilled cheeseburger hack, order two grilled cheese sandwiches and two plain Little Burgers. Then remove extra buns and assemble at the table.
- Say it like this: base item → patties → bun → toppings.
- Keep modifications short; avoid rapid-fire topping lists.
- If a complex build is confusing, ask staff to confirm the final order before paying.
- For fries requests, try “well done, if possible” and accept standard guys fries if denied.
| Item | Quick note | Allergen |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled cheese | Best used as a bun swap | Dairy, wheat |
| Little Burger | Order plain for assembly | Wheat, beef |
| Fries | Ask politely for well done | Cooked with oil used for peanuts |
| Shake mix-ins | Request peanuts separately | Nuts, dairy |
Safety note: If you have allergies, ask staff to confirm ingredients and cross-contact risk—peanuts and dairy are common concerns. Some builds need quick assembly on your end, so plan to finish stacked grilled cheese or sandwich-style items yourself.
Next: actual secret menu favorites that are worth ordering, with clear dietary callouts and exact wording to use at the counter.
Five Guys Secret Menu favorites worth ordering
If you want one bold tweak, start here: tried-and-true builds that deliver. These picks are the best of the best so you can pick one upgrade without overthinking. Each item includes a quick tip for placing the order and a short dietary note.
Patty melt with your choice of toppings
The patty melt pairs a grilled cheese with a burger patty for melty, savory balance. Add grilled onions, pickles, or peppers for texture and bite. This item is easy to request at the counter.
Grilled cheeseburger using grilled cheese as the bun
Ask for two grilled cheese sandwiches plus two plain Little Burgers and assemble at the table. It’s shareable and heavy — a real indulgence.
Grilled dog for a cheesy, grilled upgrade
The grilled dog is a hot dog pressed with cheese. Order it plain first, then add onions, ketchup, or your favorite toppings.
Burger bowl for a bun-free option
Request a burger bowl to skip the bun. Ask for all toppings so it reads like a full meal. Cross-contact can affect gluten-free claims, so confirm in-store.
Extra crispy fries — ask “well done”
For extra crispy fries, say “well done.” Some locations decline during peak times. Try Cajun seasoning if you want more flavor than plain cheese fries.
Vegetarian BLT with grilled mushrooms
Swap bacon for grilled mushrooms and hold meat. It stays vegetarian but not vegan if mayo is used. Add lettuce, tomato, and onions to keep it fresh.
Extra chunky peanut butter shake
Mix peanut butter, chocolate, and peanuts for a dense, spoonable shake. Note allergens: peanuts and dairy are present.
| Item | Price | Calories | Vegan/Keto/Gluten-Free Options | Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patty melt | Varies by location | ~700–900 | Not vegan; keto no (bread); gluten-free limited | Dairy, wheat, beef |
| Grilled cheeseburger | Varies by location | ~900–1,200 | Not vegan; not keto; gluten-free limited | Dairy, wheat, beef |
| Burger bowl | Varies by location | ~400–700 | Good gluten-free potential; keto-friendly if you skip sweet toppings | Beef, possible dairy (cheese), cross-contact |
| Extra chunky peanut butter shake | Varies by location | ~600–1,000 | Not vegan; not keto | Peanuts, dairy |
- Quick ordering tip: name the base, then list patties and toppings clearly.
- Allergy note: ask staff about peanuts and cross-contact before ordering.
Patty melt spotlight: the easiest “not-so-secret” order
If you want a no‑fuss custom order that still feels indulgent, try the patty melt.
The patty melt is simply a grilled cheese pressed around a single burger patty. It uses two slices of cheese—one above and one below the patty—so the cheese‑to‑meat ratio is intentionally rich.
What it is and why the ratio works
The grilled cheese exterior toasts crisp while the interior stays gooey. That contrast makes the melt feel larger than a standard burger.
Best topping combos
- Classic: grilled onions + pickles
- Spicy: jalapeños + mustard
- Tangy: grilled onions + green peppers + a swipe of mustard
How to order: say, “Can I get a patty melt, and please add [toppings]?” List toppings in a short sequence so the counter can ring it up fast.
| Item | Calories (approx) | Vegan/Keto/Gluten-Free Options | Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patty melt | ~700–900 | Not vegan; not keto; gluten-free limited | Dairy, wheat, beef |
| Typical toppings (grilled onions, pickles, peppers) | Varies | Can omit for dietary needs; cross-contact possible | Depends on topping (onions safe; cross-contact possible) |
| Grilled cheese swap | Adds 100–200 cal | Not vegan; adds dairy | Dairy, wheat |
Dietary note: this build contains dairy and gluten by default. Ask staff about cross‑contact if you have severe allergies.
If you want to push further, the next section covers grilled‑cheese mashups that stack multiple melts and patties for an extra‑decadent choice.
Grilled cheese mashups that go big on cheese and patties
Big on cheese and bold textures? The double grilled cheeseburger is built for appetite, not subtlety. This build replaces the bun with toasted cheese slices, turning the sandwich into a layered, melty feast.
How to build the double using simple orders
The easiest way: order two grilled cheese sandwiches and two plain Little Burgers. Remove the extra buns, then stack the two patties between the grilled cheese sandwiches yourself.
Why people love it — and when it’s overkill
- Why it works: two layers of toasted cheese deliver comfort-food richness while keeping the classic burger flavor.
- Assembly tip: open wrappers flat, place napkins underneath, press gently, and cut in half to share.
- When to skip: it’s ideal for sharing, big hunger, or a one-time splurge. Too heavy for everyday orders.
Light alternative: choose the patty melt when you want grilled-cheese flavor without doubling the bread and calories.
| Item | Price | Calories | Vegan/Keto/Gluten-Free Options | Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double grilled cheeseburger | Varies | ~1,200–1,800 | Not keto; gluten present | Dairy, wheat, beef |
| Patty melt (lighter option) | Varies | ~700–900 | Not keto; gluten present | Dairy, wheat, beef |
| Serving tip | — | — | Split to reduce portion | Cross-contact possible |
Dietary note: heavy dairy and gluten make this a poor fit for keto and many allergies. Consider sharing to cut portion size. Next: hot dog builds that deliver big flavor with less stacking.
Hot dog secret menu items for people who don’t want a basic dog
Upgrade your hot dog order by borrowing flavors and assembly tricks from burgers. These builds are for diners who want more than ketchup and mustard on a bun.
Burger dog: cheeseburger-style flavors on a dog
The burger dog blends hot dog flavor with cheeseburger toppings. It’s a both‑worlds order that gets messy but tastes memorable.
Order tip: ask for a hot dog plus cheeseburger toppings and cheese. You can say, “Hot dog with cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and ketchup.” Confirm if you want the bun removed or kept.
Breaking Windy City-style dog
This take is tangy and bright: pickles and sweet relish meet crisp green peppers and a dash of Cajun seasoning for heat. Mustard ties it together.
Fast script: “Hot dog with pickles, relish, green peppers, mustard, and Cajun seasoning.” Skip the Cajun seasoning if you want no heat. Add onions for extra bite.
- Customization note: swap or skip toppings to suit heat and texture preferences.
- Dietary guidance: buns contain gluten; cheese adds dairy; toppings are usually customizable but ask about cross-contact.
- Ordering clarity: state the base (hot dog), then list toppings in a short sequence to avoid confusion.
| Item | Price | Calories | Vegan/Keto/Gluten-Free Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burger dog | Varies by location | ~450–700 | Not vegan; not keto with bun; gluten-free only if bun substituted and cross-contact checked |
| Breaking Windy City-style dog | Varies by location | ~350–600 | Customizable toppings; bun has gluten; dairy if cheese added |
| Grilled dog + grilled cheese combo (assembly) | Varies | ~600–900 | High dairy and gluten; share or skip cheese for lighter option |
Next step: once your dog is set, consider upgrading fries by dialing in crispiness and seasoning.
Fries and seasoning hacks to level up your Five Guys fries
Small tweaks to how fries are cooked and seasoned unlock big flavor gains. Start with what makes the fries a fast food favorite: fresh-cut potatoes, hot oil, and generous portions.
“Well done” phrasing and the polite add-on
Ask like this: “Medium fries, well done, if possible—no worries if you can’t.”
This line tells staff you want extra crispy fries but keeps the request flexible during busy times.
Cajun seasoning tips and pairing ideas
Cajun seasoning is spicy‑salty and bright. Start light, taste, then add more for heat. It pairs especially well with cheese fries to create a spicy‑creamy contrast.
Extra crispy fries develop darker edges and a crunchier bite that holds up to melted cheese and rich burgers.
- Fallback: If asked to skip the extra cook time, accept the standard fries and add seasoning at the counter.
- Pairing idea: Cajun + cheese fries for spicy, creamy texture.
- Allergen note: Fries are typically vegan by ingredients, but cross-contact and cheese add dairy risk.
| Item | Why it works | How to request | Allergens / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well done fries | More crunch, darker edges | “Well done, if possible—no worries if you can’t.” | Cooked in shared oil; cross-contact possible |
| Cajun fries | Spicy‑salty boost | Ask for Cajun seasoning on the side or sprinkled | Seasoning contains spices; check for intolerance |
| Cheese fries | Rich, creamy topping that pairs with crisp texture | Order fries with cheese; add Cajun after tasting | Contains dairy |
Once you’ve locked in crisp and seasoning, the next section shows copycat and celebrity‑inspired builds that use these core tricks.
Copycat and celebrity-inspired secret menu builds
Named builds make quick ordering simple when you want a reliable flavor profile. These items let you ask for a known combo instead of listing each topping every time.
The Presidential
The Presidential is a cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato, jalapeños, and mustard. The balance is classic, fresh, and slightly spicy.
Say this at the counter: “Cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, jalapeños, and mustard.” That script is short and clear for staff to ring up.
In-N-Out-inspired sauce (copycat)
This is a simple side-sauce hack, not an official menu item. Order a cheeseburger and request mayo, ketchup, and relish on the side.
Why on the side: it’s easier for staff and lets you control sauciness. Mix the three into a creamy, tangy copycat “animal style” sauce at the table.
- Best pairings: spread on the burger or use as a dip for fries for a sweet‑tangy lift.
- Allergens: mayo and cheese add eggs and dairy; relish can contain sugar and preservatives—confirm with staff if you have allergies.
- Ordering tip: use the short script above so your request is fast and clear.
| Item | Why it works | Allergens / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Presidential | Fresh lettuce and tomato balance the cheeseburger; jalapeños add heat | Dairy, possible cross-contact; peppers may vary |
| Animal-style-inspired sauce | Sweet, tangy, and creamy when mixed from mayo, ketchup, and relish | Contains eggs, sugar; request on side to manage portion |
Final note: named builds and copycat items work best when you use official components and stay polite. This keeps the order clear and the kitchen moving. Next: a short conclusion to wrap up the guide.
Conclusion
This wrap-up shows how simple tweaks turn standard orders into standout eats.
The core takeaway: the five guys secret menu is really smart customization. Order clearly, use official components, and keep requests short for the best result.
Start with the patty melt—add grilled onions and pickles for bright contrast. Choose a burger bowl to skip the bun, ask for well‑done fries when you want extra crispy, or try a hot dog build for something different.
Some builds need quick assembly and staff may limit complex requests at peak times. Note allergens: peanuts are onsite and cheese-heavy items and shakes contain dairy—confirm if you’re sensitive.
Pick one secret menu item at your next visit, tweak toppings by taste, and enjoy food that fits your appetite and needs.
