It’s an American classic: A slice (or two) of melted cheese sandwiched between two pieces of toasted bread. The combination, beloved by children and adults alike, is not a new favorite.
In fact, according to historians, cooked bread and cheese is actually an ancient food. Studies suggest that the modern version of the grilled cheese sandwich originated sometime in the 1920s when inexpensive sliced bread and American cheese became easily available.
While we’ve escaped the Great Depression, we haven’t escaped our cravings for the inexpensive and filling treat. While making an old fashioned grilled cheese sandwich at home can be just as scrumptious, we’ve compiled our favorite Grilled Cheese sandwiches across the country. Say cheese!
The Pullman Kitchen – New York, New York
The Pullman Kitchen is a distinctive eatery that features local craft beers and wines plus fun creative cocktails emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients. Oh, and did we mention grilled cheese? The restaurant’s “grilled cheese monster” features fried chicken, ham with melted pepperjack and cheddar, tomatoes, spicy cherry peppers and two cornbread waffles drizzled with maple syrup between two pieces of grilled sourdough. Yep, it’s five pounds!
Mi Tomatima – Winter Park, Florida
Mi Tomatina provides a fusion of authentic Spanish cuisine and American favorites. Extensive menu selections range from small tapas dishes to complete entrees and signature paellas. Our favorite? The $8 “Grilled Cheese Mi Tomatima.” It’s crafted with artisanal butter bread, fig compote, fresh goat cheese and mahon drizzled with honey. Delicious!
St. Stephen’s Green – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you happen to be in Philadelphia and craving grilled cheese, then a stop to St. Stephen’s Green is a must. Of course the restaurant named after one of Dublin’s most famous public parks is going to have a grilled cheese made with Irish bacon. The menu states it simply: “Irish Bacon Grilled Cheese.” In other words, this is the best thing you’ve tasted all week. The 7-cheese blend and brioche combination is sure to tickle your tastebuds.
The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen – San Francisco, California
Mission Monday specials: ham and Jack biscuits, chicken pot pie soup, pb and j muffins, bacon potato Mac and royal cookies: coconut, macadamia nut chocolate chip cookies! A photo posted by theamericansf (@theamericansf) on
Heidi and Nate opened The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen in May 2010, during the peak of the recession. Recently laid off from their office jobs, and Heidi just winning her 7th national grilled cheese championship, Heidi and Nate cashed in their savings and decided to go pro. They were united to fulfill a common Mission: “to serve exceptional American comfort food using the highest quality local and unique ingredients; with the best possible individualized service.”
Roxy’s Grilled Cheese – Boston, Massachusetts
It’s “Boston’s Best Grilled Cheese” for a reason! All of Roxy’s sandwiches and sides are cooked to order. It takes approximately seven to eight minutes for grilled cheese perfection. Can’t decide what you’d like to eat? With more than a dozen choices on the menu, you’re sure to find a meal that won’t disappoint.
The Brewery: Black Star Co-Op – Austin, Texas
Black Star’s grilled cheese centers on a sharp cheddar/gruyere blend with a slice of tomato sandwiched between two slices of Easy Tiger sourdough. The cheese choices give the sandwich chewiness and flavor, with just a touch of saltiness. Don’t forget the garlic fries!
Grilled Cheese Academy – Everywhere, USA
Don’t be fooled by the name! The institution is neither a cooking school nor an establishment of higher learning. Inspired by a love of Wisconsin Cheese, we are relentlessly committed to creating the tastiest and most sublime gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches to ever grace plate or tempt palate. The best part? You can live anywhere and still have access to its online recipes and detailed cheese descriptions.
What’s your favorite grilled cheese? We invite you to join the conversation on social media or add your favorite grilled cheese in the comments below.
