The present technology describes various embodiments of methods and systems for improved coke quenching. More specifically, some embodiments are directed to methods and systems for improving the coke quenching process by partially cracking coke before it is quenched. In one embodiment, coke is partially cracked when placed in horizontal communication with one or more uneven surfaces. In another embodiment, a coke loaf is partially broken when dropped a vertical distance that is less than the height of the coke loaf. In another embodiment, a mass of coke is partially broken when first placed in vertical communication with one or more uneven surfaces and then placed in horizontal communication with the same or different one or more uneven surfaces. In some embodiments, the one or more uneven surfaces may be mounted to a coke oven, train car, hot car, quench car, or combined hot car/quench car.