I've bought patties at McDonalds twice. The first time, the staff were very confused. The guy at the cash register had to call a manager over, to show him how to order it. Then I was asked MULTIPLE times by the employees doing the cooking in the back, whether I just wanted them plain, without onions. Seriously, like 3 times. Then...I got them with onions. But hey, it still worked.

The second time I went through the MCD drive through, and used what may be the magic words "I'd like to order from the a-la-carte menu". I ordered my patties, asked for some salt packets, they tucked in knife and fork for me without my asking, and I was on my merry way.