Man’s trip to In-N-Out has him freaking out over an order that even employees agree is extremely bizarre

A man’s recent trip to In-N-Out had him utterly perplexed after overhearing a truly bizarre secret menu order from the car ahead, sparking a huge online debate about what should probably stay a secret. Ryan (@ryanbrosch) captured the moment on TikTok, racking up over 720,000 views, showing his on-screen text declaring, “The car in front of me ordered a grilled cheese, protein style. What the actual.” 

If you’re an In-N-Out fan, you probably know “protein style” means ditching the bun for a lettuce wrap on your burger. It’s a great option if you’re cutting carbs or just prefer a lighter meal. While it doesn’t add extra protein, it definitely shifts the calorie ratio. But a grilled cheese, protein style? That’s a whole new level of experimental.

Per BroBible, this “secret” order involves hot, melted cheese served on two pieces of lettuce, typically with tomatoes and the signature In-N-Out spread. It sounds less like a sandwich and more like a cheesy, deconstructed bite of a salad. I can’t imagine biting into that without everything just falling apart.

Also, that would probably make me hungrier

Unsurprisingly, In-N-Out employees themselves have chimed in on Reddit, calling it one of the strangest requests they’ve ever gotten. One worker mentioned the practical difficulties, saying, “When you’re cooking it’s a little bit of a pain in the butt getting it off the grill without using the spatula… but I can’t feel the tips of my fingers anymore anyway ;).” 

Another commenter was just confused about the logistics, asking, “Hold up. How would the cheese be melted? On the grill like used to be done for fries? Lettuce would not be very good run through the steamer.” It sounds like a mess to make, and probably an even bigger mess to eat.

Some commenters actually noted that there are legitimate reasons some people go for it. One commenter explained, “My mom does this lol, she can’t have wheat and meat makes her feel sick lol.” Another agreed, saying, “It’s so good lol when I didn’t eat meat I would order that all the time. I don’t really like the added heaviness of the bread so I would just order it ‘protein style’ lmao.” 

Some even offered up enhancements, with one person suggesting, “Protein style grilled cheese whole grilled onions chefs kiss.” Another viewer mentioned, “It’s actually not bad it’s the same thing as the burger just minus the bun and meat. I like to add pickles and extra tomato.” 

Ryan, the TikToker who started it all, weighed in on the debate via email, clarifying, “I don’t think a protein style grilled cheese is in my future ever when their burgers are the moment (a Double-Double to be specific)!” He has a point, too. In-N-Out’s double-double is so good that it even entered the Rock’s cheat day rotation. 

In-N-Out has excellent food, enough that even the odd prankster who might harass you in a fake uniform wasn’t enough to dissuade me from my animal fries and double-double treats.