These dishes from neighborhood restaurants aren’t on the menu. You just have to know.

Grilled whole tilapia at La Calle Doce. Photo by Danny Fulgencio

Only so much ink will fit in print. Ask any graphic designer. That’s one reason almost every restaurant serves a dish or two that is not on the menu. Some are famous. Others are the result of cravings, hangovers and happy accidents. Even though one or two might annoy the cook or waiter, these off-the-menu dishes keep customers smiling.

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» Next: Chicken & waffles at Hattie’s

Navigate through all the dishes»

Chicken & waffles at Hattie’s

Meatball sub at Eno’s

Vegetarian sandwich at Bolsa Mercado

Mojarra entera a la parilla at La Calle Doce

More off-the-menu dishes