Secret Menu Items You Didn't Know You Were Missing Out On

Posted by Bronwyn Hope on April 22, 2016

We all know about the not-so-secret menu items at all the national fast food restaurants. However, the secret menu trend isn't limited to chains. There are mouthwatering off-menu items at your favourite local restaurants, you just didn't know it! Look like the ultimate foodie next time you are out with friends when you order one of these secret menu dishes.

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Kimchi Bibimbop from Chaban (Toronto, ON)

Regulars at <a href="http://chabantoronto.com/" target="_blank"> Chaban </a> are so loyal that even after taste-testing the entire menu, these happy customers simply suggested new flavours. Chefs at Chaban didn't hesitate — and good thing! The Kimchi Bibimbap, all though not on the menu, is always available and is definitely worth a try.
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The Chucky from Chuck Burger (Blue Mountain, ON)

 The Chucky is brain-child of owner Serge Fiorino of <a href="http://eatchuckburger.ca/" target="_blank"> Chuck Burger</a>. In a hangry rush, he piled on two kid's patties, doubled up on bacon and cheese and smothered the burger in their version of Big Mac sauce. It's name is borrowed from Chucky the doll and known only by those who follow the burger joint on social media. When asked what his last meal on earth would be, Serge answered the Chucky, with no hesitation.
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The Chupacabra from Civil Liberties (Toronto, ON)

 <a href="http://www.civillibertiesbar.com/" target="_blank"> Civil Liberties </a> operates with no menu at all. Which means everything is technically off-menu. So how do you choose what to drink? You engage in a little old-fashioned conversation with the bartender who gets to know your likes and dislikes and then crafts you a personalized cocktail. The Chupacabra is the perfect creation for someone who loves their smoky mezcal, but is in the mood for something refreshing.
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The Three Little Pigs Mac'N'Cheese from Cut The Cheese (Toronto, ON)

 <a href="http://www.cutthecheese.ca/" target="_blank">Cut The Cheese </a> knows a thing or two about ultimate comfort foods, being a grilled cheese and mac and cheese restaurant. They also know how to take those foods to the next level. On top of an already mouth-watering menu, this cheese-obsessed restaurant has a secret menu with five different items and it is found exclusively online. The Three Little Pigs Mac'N'Cheese triples up on pork and cheese and is so delicious that it'll be hard to keep a secret once you try it.
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The Wild Turkey Poutine from Fancy Franks (Toronto, ON)

 <a href="http://www.fancyfranks.com/" target="_blank">Fancy Franks </a> is all about taking those classic carnival eats and making them into a gourmet meal. What makes this weinerie even fancier is that they often showcase a secret menu item on social media. Savvy followers get to enjoy Fancy Franks' secret items like this Wild Turkey Poutine with Cajun fries topped high with turkey sausage, squeaky cheese curds, gravy and peperoncino.
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Homemade Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce from Five Doors North (Toronto, ON)

 Sometimes dishes are just so creamy and delicious that they can't be on the menu because no one would order anything else. That is the situation at <a href="http://www.fivedoorsnorth.com/" target="_blank"> Five Doors North</a>. Their Homemade Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce is an off-menu item that is so notorious is doesn't need advertisement. Food Network Canada host John Catucci agreed when visited the restaurant last season on You Gotta Eat Here!
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Manly Muppet from La Distillerie (Montreal, QC)

 <a href="http://www.pubdistillerie.com/en" target="_blank"> La Distillerie</a> already boasts a pretty impressive cocktail lists that guides you to the correct drink based on flavour profiles. However, sometimes you can't commit to what is mapped out for you. Luckily, the bar offers some secret cocktails that are quite popular despite not being written down anywhere. The Manly Muppet is about as refreshing as it gets: a perfectly balanced combination of melon, cucumber, lime and gin.
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Half Deluxe Pizza with a Garlic Roll from Za Pizzeria (Toronto, ON)

 We all know the struggle of deciding whether to order both pizza and garlic bread. Well, <a href="http://za-pizzeria.com/" target="_blank"> Za Pizzeria </a> understands that the struggle is real and created the Half Deluxe Pizza with a Garlic Roll. You can have your pizza and eat your garlic roll too. Although these pizzas are monthly features, the secret is that they are available year round and dressed with their Vega-Waiian or Chicken Caesar toppings. The best kept secret is that the garlic roll can be made vegan-friendly with their housemade almond "ricotta" and fresh herbs.
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"I Can't Even" from Bar Raval (Toronto, ON)

 Move over Cosmo, there is a cocktail in town. Feel as cool as Carrie Bradshaw in the early 2000's when you order this secret cocktail from <a href="http://www.thisisbarraval.com/" target="_blank"> Bar Raval</a> . The "I Can't Even" was created for those who love their sweeter vodka-based martinis but crave something more adventurous and much more 2016.
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Islamic Noodles from Salad King (Toronto, ON)

This dish is Toronto's best known not-so-secret secret menu item. The notoriety of the Islamic Noodles from <a href="http://www.saladking.com/" target="_blank">Salad King </a> dates back to the 1990's when the dish was a daily special. It was never put on the printed menu, but that didn't stop customers from ordering. To this day, when you walk into Salad King you'll see students slurping those rice noodles smothered in Panang curry sauce.
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Fried Chicken Friday from YEW (Vancouver, BC)

Regulars know that Friday is the day to have lunch at <a href="http://www.yewseafood.com/" target="_blank"> YEW</a> . They aren't just celebrating that it's FriYAY, it's also when YEW serves their secret fried chicken dish. Paired with a refreshing watermelon and feta salad, this Friday exclusive is the perfect weekend kick-off.
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MacSteady from The Steady Cafe (Toronto, ON)

Brunch menus can be daunting when you've had a few too many the night before. Take the guess-work out completely and order something not even on the menu. At <a href="http://www.thesteadycafe.com/" target="_blank"> The Steady Cafe</a>, they keep their MacSteady on the down-low because it is just that good: bacon, egg, tomato, and cheese on a homemade biscuit. Another insider tip when dining at The Steady: when you order anything "like it was cool in 2012" your meal with show up with bacon added to it.
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