Indianapolis, Indiana's Hidden Steak and Shake Item

As I sat late one night ordering my usual chili cheese fries from Steak and Shake, I thought back to when I first learned that I did not have to order both components separately. When I first ordered the chili cheese fries from Steak and Shake I ordered both parts, the chili meal and the large fries, of course since chili cheese fries was not on the menu I thought this had to be done to get chili cheese fries.

I would simply order a large chili deluxe with the onions and everything. Then I would order the large plate of french fries. Once they arrived I would pour the chili over the french fries. Although this combination is very popular, it has never been on the actual Steak and Shake menu. Why it is excluded I do not know, but I would later find out was indeed very well known to the Steak ad Shake staff.

After ordering chili cheese fries in this very complicated fashion, I was finally asked "why don't you just order chili cheese fries?". This simple question set my mind in motion and stalled my actions. The only thing I could get out verbally was a quiet "can I do that? it's not on the menu.". This revelation is a turning point in my view of Steak and Shake. The next time the waitress walked up I simply asked if even though the chili cheese fries were not on the menu I could get them made without me mixing it myself by just simply asking for chili cheese fries. In a "silly kid" attitude she said "of course" and went about her business. Now the interesting part of the chili cheese fries adventure begins.

Over the years I have come to realize that no matter what Steak and Shake I go too, and no matter how new the waiter is, if I ask for chili cheese fries I will get them. I have had some waiters as the very first true customer they have served and when asked for chili cheese fries there is no problem. I would think that there would be a slight stall with a confused question of if they even offer it, especially from a new hired waiter, but it never comes. Steak and Shake must make some form of mention of it in training or someone within the system at each restaurant has to mention it at least once for this sort of service. Yet recently when Steak and Shake re made their menu's, the option for chili cheese fries was overlooked. I do not expect to see a huge display for the simple dish, but one would assume that a small note under the french fries could be added for adding chili.

Chili cheese fries continues to be a staple in my diet, I know its not the healthiest but dang are they good. That and if you order the simple chili cheese fries it costs less than making your own at the table. Now I just wish someone would have told me this sooner, it would have saved some face.