You love a good secret-menu flex, but some off-menu orders make employees roll their eyes and scramble the kitchen. This piece shows which custom requests actually slow service, create messes, or frustrate staff so you can order smarter and keep your visit smooth.
As you scroll through the list, expect examples from big chains and common hacks that circulate online. The article explains why certain tweaks cause problems and helps you spot swaps that fit the workflow without turning a simple meal into a headache.
Animal Style Burger from In-N-Out
You’ll hear “Animal Style” tossed around like it’s standard, but it’s a custom tweak that adds mustard-cooked patties, extra spread, pickles, and grilled onions.
Employees often dread it because the mustard-on-meat step and extra toppings slow the line during rushes.
If you want it, ask for Animal Style on a regular burger; asking politely helps.
Many workers prefer when customers order clearly and avoid stacking multiple off-menu requests at once.
McDonald’s ‘Land, Sea, and Air’ Burger
You order a Big Mac, Filet-O-Fish, and McChicken and ask the crew to stack them into one sandwich. It’s bulky and messy, with multiple sauces and different textures fighting for space.
Employees dislike making it because it slows the line and uses extra buns and patties. If you want it, be ready for a longer wait and a staffer who might tell you to assemble it yourself.
Starbucks’ Pink Drink with Extra Coconut Milk
You’ll ask baristas to double the coconut milk, which sounds simple but changes texture and heat sensitivity.
The extra creaminess can slow line speed and makes the drink heavier than the standard Strawberry Açaí Refresher with coconut milk.
You may also request more freeze-dried strawberries for flavor, which adds prep time and cleanup.
If you want the original recipe details, Starbucks lists the Pink Drink ingredients on their site: the Pink Drink is made from the Strawberry Açaí Refresher, coconut milk, and freeze-dried strawberries (example: https://flavor365.com/the-starbucks-pink-drink-all-ingredients-revealed/).
Subway’s ‘Garlic Bread’ Sandwich
You ask for garlic butter on a toasted sub and suddenly your order becomes a time sink. Employees hate it because it requires extra prep: buttering, toasting longer, and often cleaning melted butter off equipment.
Flavor can be great if you like rich, oily bread. Keep expectations realistic—it’s not a true garlic loaf, just a heavy, buttery twist on a regular sub.
Taco Bell’s ‘Cheesy Gordita Crunch Supreme’
You’ll ask staff to build a mash-up: a crunchy taco inside a soft gordita shell with extra cheese and the Supreme toppings.
That combo adds prep time and juggling for employees, since it mixes components from two different stations.
Expect customization questions and possible extra charge depending on location.
If a crew member hesitates, offer to order the parts separately and assemble it yourself.
You can read more about its availability on Hack The Menu’s Cheesy Gordita Crunch page: Cheesy Gordita Crunch – Taco Bell Secret Menu.
KFC’s Double Down (two chicken filets instead of buns)
You ask for chicken in place of buns, so staff swap two fried filets to hold bacon and cheese.
That request slows the line and can throw off assembly stations built for sandwiches and wraps.
Some crew dislike it because it complicates plating and ups cross-contamination risks for shared fryers.
If you really want extra chicken, ordering a double chicken sandwich or extra pieces is usually faster.
Try asking politely and expect a short wait during busy times.
For more on the sandwich’s comeback and fan posts, see KFC Double Down discussion on Reddit.
Burger King’s ‘Suicide Burger’ with all the patties
You might hear staff call it the Suicide Burger — a custom stack of extra patties, cheese, and sometimes bacon that isn’t on the official menu.
Asking for it can slow down service because it requires multiple modifications and extra cooking time.
Not every location will agree to make one, and employees often dislike assembling oversized orders during busy shifts.
If you try it, be clear about how many patties and toppings you want to avoid confusion.
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As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
