When it comes to fantasy foods, grilled cheese has got to top the list. Let's see why: it's gooey, delicious, and flavorful. Does it get any better than that?
When it comes to loving cheese and good bread, New Yorkers have got to be some of the people who love them both with the most intensity.
We've also got to be some of the most inventive, because all of the grilled cheese joints in New York City are really pushing the envelope with recipes and combining flavors.
There are plenty of amazing grilled cheese spots in NYC. To start, try the grilled cheese at your local diner. We're pretty sure they've got it on point.
If you're like us, though, and you want to shove as many amazing grilled cheese sandwiches in your mouth as possible during your time on earth, we've compiled a list of places for you to try.
We will not think it's weird if you print this list out and travel around the city trying to eat at them all. Read on to find out where they're whipping up the most delicious grilled cheese in NYC below.
1. Earl's Beer and Cheese (1259 Park Avenue)
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What could we possibly say to describe a place as on fire with excellence as Earl's Beer and Cheese? The only two words we can think of to really do the job are these: go there.
Their chef puts kimchi and pork belly on a cheddar grilled cheese, and it's absolutely incredible. Their beer cheese is out of this world, and their bread pudding is an absolute fantasy. They've also got craft beer on tap, so you can get a little (or a lot) tipsy while you eat.
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We also need to mention that the buffalo chicken with these is also supremely delicious. While dining at Earl's Beer and Cheese, you'll treasure every crumb. Trust us.
2. The Melt Shop (various locations)
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Oh, The Melt Shop. Our tongues love you and our waistbands hate you. Our tongues love you more, though.
If you're a grilled cheese aficionado, you'll feel right at home in The Melt Shop. They've got tasty tater tots that'll make you question why we ever eat French fries, and plenty of mouth-watering grilled cheese variety.
These varieties of grilled cheese include their maple bacon, which has just the right proportion of sweet and savory, and their buffalo blue, which we might consider for our last sandwich on earth.
Their bread is so buttery, so perfectly greasy, and their sandwiches are entirely unique. Also, we've got to let you know that their truffle melt will rock your world. It's made with havarti cheese, truffle oil, and arugula on sourdough bread. Basically, it's perfect.
3. Pies-n-Thighs (various locations)
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Of course the whole hype about Pies-n-Thighs is their fried chicken. Did you ever expect they'd have incredible grilled cheese, too? Well, we're here to say that, in fact, they do have nearly perfect, flavorful grilled cheese.
When it comes to dining at Pies-n-Thighs, we've got some priceless advice: get the sausage gravy as a side. Biting into your grilled cheese sandwich after it's been soaked in the sausage gravy is truly something else.
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Their Rob Evans sandwich contains an egg and melted cheese, all smothered with sausage gravy and pressed between a biscuit. It's to die for.
If you're feeling more traditional, though, the grilled cheese involves perfectly melted, flavorful cheese pressed between delicious fried bread. It will definitely do the trick. We're also all about their golden, crispy French fries. We're not kidding. Go to Pies-n-Thighs soon.
4. Meltkraft (various locations)
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Meltkraft's got a few locations; one in Park Slope, one in Greenwich Village, and one in Midtown. This is simply good news for every grilled cheese lover in NYC, because it means more luscious grilled cheese for everyone.
Here's what we're into: The valley thunder, one of the most perfect sandwiches we've ever encountered, is stuffed with brisket and mac'n cheese. It's worth every single calorie.
They also homemake their cheese here, and all their ingredients are locally sourced. They've also got great beers on tap if you want to get a little crunk while you indulge.
In addition, their tomato soup is some of the creamiest, most delicious tomato soup for dipping heaven. If you do Meltkraft right, you won't be able to think about anything else for days.
,5. Beecher's Handmade Cheese (900 Broadway)
Everyone who works here is extremely kind and knowledgeable about the world's best food: cheese. They make all their cheese on-location in this lovely cheese establishment.
We're currently handling a grilled cheese obsession, but we've still got to say it: The mac'n cheese is completely out of this world at Beecher's, as well as, of course, their grilled cheese.
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They've got a cozy loft at the top of the store where you can watch the cheese-making process and dine on one of their delicious cheesy sandwiches. They've also got a basement restaurant called The Cellar with fantastic, seasonal cocktails and an amazing happy hour.
6. Little Muenster (various locations)
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Little Muenster's got two locations; a takeout location in DUMBO and a bigger location in the Financial District. They're both equally appetizing.
Here's what we mean. Their Number 2 grilled cheese is packed with blueberry jam, whipped ricotta cheese, and mascarpone. Their grilled cheese classic is topped with cheddar cheese, arugula, pancetta, and basil mayo.
Their bread is buttered to perfection, and while their flavors are complex, they go amazing together. Also their grilled cheese Cuban sandwich is so, so good.
It doesn't really matter what you order. You'll be happy regardless.
7. Cheese Grille (188 Allen Street)
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Cheese Grille is grilled cheese heaven. Whether you munch on the sloppy joe, the crispy goat, or the three cheese doesn't really matter. Your mind will be blown either way.
Speaking of the crispy goat, though, could you imagine the most delicious blend of goat and gouda cheese, avocado and crispy applewood bacon on multigrain? We know, the crispy goat blows our minds too.
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We know we're here to talk about the grilled cheese, but we've also got to say the pickles at Cheese Grille are delectably spicy.
Want your tastebuds really happy? Pair the sloppy joe grilled cheese with a bowl of spicy tomato soup and fries. You'll never be the same again.
Check out 7 Best Breakfast Sandwiches in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]