The In-N-Out Burger Ordering Request Some Employees Secretly Can't Stand

In-N-Out is known for its not-so-secret secret menu, allowing customers to order a variety of customizations ranging from an Animal Style Cheeseburger, which some consider the best In-N-Out secret menu item, to Neapolitan shakes. But there's one common customer request that drives some employees up the wall. Based on several Reddit threads, it's getting burgers cut in half. But we're not talking about the usual cheeseburger or basic Double-Double. Employee complaints are mainly about burgers piled high with extra toppings and patties that basically fall apart the moment they're cut in half. In some cases, customers have even asked for them to be remade because the finished burger was too messy.

"There's a special place in hell for the MFs who do protein cut in half," declared one Redditor, who says they're a shift manager at In-N-Out. "I've had someone make us remake their 4x4 protein style cut into quarters because it was too messy. Twice!" vented another Reddit commenter. "And here I am feeling guilty for asking for my double double to be extra toasty and Animal Style," shared one concerned Reddit user. However, they were reassured that normal requests are fine, but that the slicing of a big burger or a bun-less protein-style burger just doesn't work.

At a certain point, these heavily customized burgers can lose all structural integrity, leading to a saucy mess that basically has to be eaten with a fork. And since every portion still needs to be wrapped, cutting a loaded burger also creates extra work for employees. So, if you want to stay on the good side of the person making your burger, maybe think twice before getting that loaded 4x4 cut in half.

However, there are some situations where getting a burger cut in half makes sense and probably won't earn you a side-eye from employees. One of the most common reasons is when ordering for kids, since a smaller portion can be easier for their little hands to enjoy without making a mess. They can also save the rest for later if they can't finish the entire thing. Seniors may also have a good reason to order burgers cut in half, too. One worker shared that they'd gladly cut a burger in quarters for an elderly woman who had a hard time eating without her teeth. Customers with disabilities or other special needs may also have practical reasons for making the request.

Then there are those who are sharing a burger or eating while driving, whether on a road trip or at a stoplight. But if you really want to avoid annoying employees, you can always ask for a fork and knife and cut it yourself. It may be a bit trickier with a plastic knife but it's totally doable. And that's about all the exceptions for the rule. Once people have realized the pain this ordering request can be for employees, some even avoid ordering certain In-N-Out menu items altogether. "I'm an adult and like it cut in half. However, once I found this subreddit I stopped," says one Redditor. When in doubt, you may better off cutting it yourself.