Fast food is a game, and the people who play it best have secrets. A new list of 15 ordering tips says a few small changes can make your burger hotter, your fries fresher and your wallet a little happier.
Some are clever, some are quirky, and a couple come with a warning label. All of them are worth a try if you like to eat on the go.
The tips come from a Tasting Table roundup published October 28.
Ask For Fries With No Salt And Get A Fresh Batch
One tip passes along a claim from a former employee. Order fries with no salt, then add salt packets yourself.
The reasoning is that unsalted orders are more likely to be cooked to order, so you get a batch cooked on the spot. The result is hotter, fresher fries.
A Plain Hamburger Dressed Like A Whopper
At Burger King, the tip is to ask for a regular hamburger dressed like a Whopper Jr., with the usual Whopper toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, ketchup and mayo. One Reddit customer calls the result a “super cheap Whopper Jr.”
The regular hamburger is already one of the chain’s cheaper items, so you get a similar burger for less. Adjust the condiments to taste.
A similar trick at McDonald’s is the “poor man’s Big Mac.” Order a McDouble with no ketchup or mustard, then add Mac sauce and shredded lettuce.
Small Swaps That Change The Whole Sandwich
Several tips are about swapping one thing for another.
- Ask for a round egg instead of a folded egg on McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches. Round eggs are cracked fresh on the grill, while folded eggs are cooked from a liquid egg mix.
- Order the Steak, Egg and Cheese on a biscuit instead of a bagel for a Southern-style twist. One Facebook fan called it way better than the bagel.
- Request Mac sauce on a Filet-O-Fish for a creamy, tangy flavor.
Keep Lettuce Crisp And Burritos Crunchy
Lettuce wilts inside a warm burger. The tip is to skip it or ask for it on the side, and add it right before the first bite if the food will sit.
At Taco Bell, ask for your burrito to be grilled. That produces a crispy, golden exterior and seals the ingredients inside the tortilla, making it taste gourmet for free.
You can also tuck fries into a burger. It adds crunch and salty texture to a basic build and works in the car without special requests.
Budget Moves And App Tricks
At Starbucks, the budget Italian soda starts with an ice-filled cup, two or three pumps of a flavor such as raspberry or vanilla, sparkling water and half-and-half from the creamer station. It is cheaper than espresso drinks.
At Chipotle, you can ask for two types of meat, beans and sides in your bowl for a bigger meal. The article warns that extras may cost more than standard ingredients, so check with staff first.
The apps can help too. Check the offers section before you order, and read the app’s terms first, because misusing apps can get you banned.
A Name In The App Can Make Things Fun
One light-hearted tip is to enter a playful name in the app’s name field, such as “Hook it up chicken please.” The article says it can make the order memorable and may help you try for an upgraded meal.
It also avoids the pressure of saying something in person. Most of all, it is a harmless bit of fun.
Mix Flavors Across Brands
For the adventurous, the article suggests pairing items from different chains, such as McDonald’s fries with 7-Eleven cheese sauce or Taco Bell fire sauce on a Whopper.
It takes a little planning, but it creates new flavor combinations that you will not find on any menu.
Be Kind When You Ask
The final tip is the best one. Use clear, friendly language when requesting ingredients or off-menu hacks, and be patient with staff who may not know a trend.
A polite request is much more likely to get the order right. A smile and a thank-you cost nothing and often get you the best results.
With these tricks, your next drive-thru stop may be faster, tastier and a little easier on your budget.
Which Tips Are Worth Your Time
Not every hack suits every person, so pick the ones that match how you eat. If you like crisp fries, the no-salt trick is easy and costs nothing.
If you eat on a tight budget, the plain hamburger and McDouble ideas stretch a few dollars further. They give you a familiar flavor with fewer frills.
If you eat in the car, tucking fries into a burger and asking for lettuce on the side are simple moves that keep a sandwich tasting fresh.
A Few Safety And Courtesy Notes
Hacks that involve customizing an order work best when the restaurant is not slammed. Try them during a quiet hour so staff have time to get it right.
Be ready to pay for add-ons. An extra scoop of meat or a different bun can raise the price, and it is better to ask first than to be surprised at the window.
Always check the bag before you drive away. A quick look makes sure you have your sauces, your napkins and the right order.
With a little know-how and a friendly attitude, you can get more out of every trip through the drive-thru.
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