And though we may be breaking all the rules in doing so, we’re here to clue you in.<\/p>\n
Here are 11 of Chicago’s best off-menu items.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Baller Roll<\/h2>\n![\"Secret](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Sunda-Baller-Roll.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sunda<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSunda<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nSure, River North’s Sunda offers plenty of damn-good rolls to cure your sushi cravings, but none compare to the Baller Roll. Though not much of a secret, this extravagant roll is<\/em> strictly off-menu, and for good reason too. The Baller Roll features black truffle, Japanese Wagyu and wasabi creme making it one of the most extra sushi rolls on any menu in the city. Oh, and did I mention that this dish comes in at a whopping $75 per roll \u2013\u00a0<\/em>talk about ballin’ out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
The Grand Daddy Patty Melt<\/h2>\n![\"Secret](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/tmg-article_tall.jpg\")
Photo Credit: III Forks<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIII Forks<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nLiving up to its name, this secret sandwich from III Forks is the “granddaddy” of all burgers. Piled high with a 10oz Angus beef patty, saffron horseradish, caramelized onions, and, yes, a slab of pork belly, this greasy masterpiece used to be a secret item but was so popular that it was recently added to the official menu for $24. And, honestly, it’ll be worth it.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Daily Drip<\/h2>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Dawson_DailyDrip1.jpg\")
<\/em> Photo Credit: Gage Hospitality Group<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Dawson<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nShots are the name of the game at the Dawson, as their secret menu item is an ever-changing, seasonal shot of Old Forest 100 proof bourbon that drips through an elaborate teat tower. Since the bourbon is fused with a variety of botanicals and spirits, every sip of the drip lets you taste something totally unique since the ingredients form together over time.\u00a0This secret shot’s current form is infused with\u00a0Peloton de la Muerte mezcal & cr\u00e8me de cacao with peach, basil, and mint and can be had for just $6. Let me be the first to say hell. yes.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Monster Smash<\/h2>\n![\"Secret](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/static1.squarespace-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: HBFC<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHoney Butter Fried Chicken<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nIf you thought Avondale’s Honey Butter Fried Chicken couldn’t get any better, then do I have news for you. As of March of 2017 this southern-inspired eatery is offering what is, and I quote, “basically the loaded mashed potatoes of your dreams.” Available for delivery only, The Monster Smash features HBFC’s signature potatoes topped with fried chicken, kimchi, spicy honey mayo, something known only as “crunchies” and a sprinkling of scallions. Um, yum?!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Meatball Sub<\/h2>\n![\"Secret](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/16788803_1278764058881911_7620342172990046208_n.jpg\")
Photo Credit: RPM Italian Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nRPM Italian<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nThis upscale Italian chain gets down-and-dirty with their off-menu meatball sub. Served on a piece of RPM’s iconic garlic bread, this sandwich is topped with four enormous prime beef meatballs, slathered in cheese and marinara sauce, and then served with a side of spicy giardiniera.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Speculoos Shake<\/h2>\n![\"Secret](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/22802388_181792415718462_4741861168589570048_n.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Edzo’s Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEdzo’s<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nThree words: Cookie. Butter. Milkshake.<\/p>\n
Now, Edzo’s makes dozens of wildly delicious milkshakes to sip alongside its burgers and fries, but the secret-menu Speculoos Shake is truly in a league of its own. Try it topped with hot fudge and this diet-breaker is sure to become your next cheat day favorite.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Humdinger<\/h2>\n![\"Secret](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Yelp<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDonald’s Famous Hot Dogs<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nThis city-wide chain has been serving up classic Chicago dogs for decades, but the off-menu item being sold at Donald’s Pilsen location is anything but traditional. In fact this secret dish doesn’t event start with a hot dog, but rather, a handmade tamale. Add to that a toasted roll and a shit-ton of chili cheese and you have yourself a Humdinger. And believe me when I say it. is. unreal.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Poipu Beach Boogie Board<\/h2>\n![\"Secret](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/17077235_415768605432463_2047112796323184640_n.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Three Dots and a Dash Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThree Dots and a Dash<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nThe mixologists and Three Dots and a Dash are no stranger to secret menu cocktails. With an ever-changing menu and a penchant for seasonal creations, this River North tiki lounge is known for its ability to create and recreate most of its signature on the spot. The most commonly requested off-menu drink among guests? The Poipu Beach Boogie Board, a strong mix of rum, rye, lemon, pineapple, guava, grenadine, and maraschino.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Roman-Style<\/h2>\n![\"Secret](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/M-Burger_Roman-Style_MB40-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: M Burger<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nM Burger<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nM Burger has, by far, one of the largest secret menus in the whole of Chicagoland. Offering everything from an enormous grilled cheese to a salad-style creation, this burger bar and tap does off-menu the right way. Our favorite? The Roman-Style burger: a double bacon cheeseburger sandwiched in between TWO grilled-cheeses. Amazing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Elvis<\/h2>\n![\"Secret](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/tmg-article_default_mobile.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Thrillist<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPotbelly<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nOkay, okay \u2013 so Potbelly’s secret menu isn’t necessarily “secret” anymore, but that doesn’t mean this Midwestern sandwich shop’s off-menu items are any less fantastic. What is perhaps Potbelly’s most creative secret sandwich, The Elvis comes just as the king would like it: smothered in peanut butter and topped with bananas and thick-cut bacon. I’ll take two, thanks.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The McGangbang<\/h2>\n![\"Secret](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/BqefayxCIAE40G1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Twisted Spoke Twitter<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Sunda<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Sure, River North’s Sunda offers plenty of damn-good rolls to cure your sushi cravings, but none compare to the Baller Roll. Though not much of a secret, this extravagant roll is<\/em> strictly off-menu, and for good reason too. The Baller Roll features black truffle, Japanese Wagyu and wasabi creme making it one of the most extra sushi rolls on any menu in the city. Oh, and did I mention that this dish comes in at a whopping $75 per roll \u2013\u00a0<\/em>talk about ballin’ out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n III Forks<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Living up to its name, this secret sandwich from III Forks is the “granddaddy” of all burgers. Piled high with a 10oz Angus beef patty, saffron horseradish, caramelized onions, and, yes, a slab of pork belly, this greasy masterpiece used to be a secret item but was so popular that it was recently added to the official menu for $24. And, honestly, it’ll be worth it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Dawson<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Shots are the name of the game at the Dawson, as their secret menu item is an ever-changing, seasonal shot of Old Forest 100 proof bourbon that drips through an elaborate teat tower. Since the bourbon is fused with a variety of botanicals and spirits, every sip of the drip lets you taste something totally unique since the ingredients form together over time.\u00a0This secret shot’s current form is infused with\u00a0Peloton de la Muerte mezcal & cr\u00e8me de cacao with peach, basil, and mint and can be had for just $6. Let me be the first to say hell. yes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Honey Butter Fried Chicken<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n If you thought Avondale’s Honey Butter Fried Chicken couldn’t get any better, then do I have news for you. As of March of 2017 this southern-inspired eatery is offering what is, and I quote, “basically the loaded mashed potatoes of your dreams.” Available for delivery only, The Monster Smash features HBFC’s signature potatoes topped with fried chicken, kimchi, spicy honey mayo, something known only as “crunchies” and a sprinkling of scallions. Um, yum?!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n RPM Italian<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n This upscale Italian chain gets down-and-dirty with their off-menu meatball sub. Served on a piece of RPM’s iconic garlic bread, this sandwich is topped with four enormous prime beef meatballs, slathered in cheese and marinara sauce, and then served with a side of spicy giardiniera.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Edzo’s<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Three words: Cookie. Butter. Milkshake.<\/p>\n Now, Edzo’s makes dozens of wildly delicious milkshakes to sip alongside its burgers and fries, but the secret-menu Speculoos Shake is truly in a league of its own. Try it topped with hot fudge and this diet-breaker is sure to become your next cheat day favorite.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Donald’s Famous Hot Dogs<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n This city-wide chain has been serving up classic Chicago dogs for decades, but the off-menu item being sold at Donald’s Pilsen location is anything but traditional. In fact this secret dish doesn’t event start with a hot dog, but rather, a handmade tamale. Add to that a toasted roll and a shit-ton of chili cheese and you have yourself a Humdinger. And believe me when I say it. is. unreal.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Three Dots and a Dash<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The mixologists and Three Dots and a Dash are no stranger to secret menu cocktails. With an ever-changing menu and a penchant for seasonal creations, this River North tiki lounge is known for its ability to create and recreate most of its signature on the spot. The most commonly requested off-menu drink among guests? The Poipu Beach Boogie Board, a strong mix of rum, rye, lemon, pineapple, guava, grenadine, and maraschino.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n M Burger<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n M Burger has, by far, one of the largest secret menus in the whole of Chicagoland. Offering everything from an enormous grilled cheese to a salad-style creation, this burger bar and tap does off-menu the right way. Our favorite? The Roman-Style burger: a double bacon cheeseburger sandwiched in between TWO grilled-cheeses. Amazing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Potbelly<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Okay, okay \u2013 so Potbelly’s secret menu isn’t necessarily “secret” anymore, but that doesn’t mean this Midwestern sandwich shop’s off-menu items are any less fantastic. What is perhaps Potbelly’s most creative secret sandwich, The Elvis comes just as the king would like it: smothered in peanut butter and topped with bananas and thick-cut bacon. I’ll take two, thanks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe Grand Daddy Patty Melt<\/h2>\n
The Daily Drip<\/h2>\n
The Monster Smash<\/h2>\n
Meatball Sub<\/h2>\n
The Speculoos Shake<\/h2>\n
The Humdinger<\/h2>\n
The Poipu Beach Boogie Board<\/h2>\n
The Roman-Style<\/h2>\n
The Elvis<\/h2>\n
The McGangbang<\/h2>\n