Secret Menu Items

Updated: February 06, 2006

Can't keep a secret? Neither can we. From fried chicken at the Grill to delicious yam fries at Library Ale House, discover some of the best off-menu dishes in Los Angeles.

Top Spots

  1. 1 3.5 Star Rating: Average Beverly Hills Farm Inc
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    439 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)

    For special occasions only, call three to four days ahead and order the restaurant's signature brownies with rich chocolate mousse cream.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Grill on the Alley
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    9560 Dayton Wy, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)

    Call a couple days ahead of time and order the secret fried chicken--it's not listed on the menu and must be ordered prior to your arrival.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Urasawa Restaurant
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    218 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)

    This is the only restaurant in Los Angeles with a license to serve real Japanese blowfish. It's a staple in the winter months.

  4. 4 3.5 Star Rating: Average The Prince
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    3198 W Seventh St, Los Angeles, CA 90005 (map)

    Most of the pan-Asian menu is thoroughly translated--except the Korean-only script at the bottom, which yields less tame treats like live octopus tentacles.

  5. 5 3.5 Star Rating: Average Ago Restaurant
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    8478 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

    Regulars start with platters of unlisted burrata encircled by slivers of prosciutto and crowned with green beans and diced tomatoes.

  6. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended Griddle Cafe
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    7916 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046 (map)

    There's only one way to get the "secret" French toast: Visit once prior, order the regular French toast and attain the password.

  7. 7 3 Star Rating: Average Trader Vic's
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    9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)

    Get the special gravy boat of homemade peanut butter and warm buttered whole grain bread for spreading--an unusual but tasty tropical drink accompaniment.

  8. 8 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Whist Restaurant
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    1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

    Clued-in guests call to pre-order the blue foot chicken--roasted whole in a copper pot with black truffles and vegetables--which arrives tableside by Chef Schwartz himself.

  9. 9 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Dominick's Restaurant
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    8715 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048 (map)

    The lone off-menu order here is so top secret it's only given to longtime regular customers. Here's a hint: It involves cheese.

  10. 10 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended In-N-Out Burger
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    7009 W Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

    This secret menu has long enjoyed a cult following, the most unique being an "animal-style" burger, cooked in mustard, and topped with pickles, grilled onions and extra sauce.