Forget basic. These melty masterpieces go way beyond your average slice of cheddar on toast. From school-bus kitchens and donut buns to 3 a.m. beach snacks, here are eight next-level grilled cheese joints across the U.S. that are worth a detour—or a full-blown pilgrimage.
Ms. Cheezious – Miami, FL
Ms. Cheezious is what happens when a retro food truck grows up—but still knows how to party. The turquoise façade, palm-lined patio, and 30+ craft brews say it all. Try the “Mackin Melt” stuffed with Gouda mac and bacon, or go big with the waffle-fried chicken combo, smothered in maple gravy. Don’t sleep on their roaming trucks—catch ‘em at Wynwood art walks for secret menu melts and a serious Miami vibe.
Roxy’s Grilled Cheese + Roxy’s Arcade – Cambridge/Boston, MA
A grilled cheese empire with arcade cred? Yes, please. At Roxy’s flagship in Central Square, you can level up on melty sandwiches like the “Green Muenster” (guac + bacon, oh yes) before heading downstairs to the neon-lit arcade lounge. Think ‘80s cabinets, DJs, and serious cocktails. Come early to avoid the joystick crowd, then wander down the block for indie shows at The Middle East.
Clinton Hall – New York City (Multiple Locations)
Clinton Hall blends beer hall energy with grilled cheese genius, offering 20+ taps, oversized games, and five NYC locations—including FiDi, Midtown, and the Bronx. The FiDi flagship stays open ‘til midnight most nights and 2 a.m. on weekends, perfect for post-show bites. Their Doughnut Grilled Cheese is a wild standout: molten mozzarella inside a warm glazed doughnut, hung above tomato soup so the cheese melts straight into the bowl. Part comfort food, part viral spectacle.
Milktooth – Indianapolis, IN
This is brunch, Hoosier-style. Milktooth has turned a former auto garage into a coffee and libations haven with award-winning cred. Their grilled cheese is oozing with fontina, St. Andre triple cream cheese, and truffle honey between two slices of cranberry-walnut bread. Add a sunny duck egg or prosciutto to dial it up a notch. Lines form early, but the people-watching and pour-over coffee make it a vibe. Don’t miss the old lift columns still framing the open kitchen.
New York Grilled Cheese Co. – Wilton Manors & Wynwood, FL
This spot takes “extra” to new heights. Sandwiches are waffled (yup, pressed in waffle irons) and served until 4 a.m.—perfect post-club fuel in Fort Lauderdale. Dive into the truffle-slicked “Truffle Shuffle” or go full breakfast-for-dinner with the “Wall Street Grinder,” loaded with fries, eggs, and bacon. Inside, it’s all NYC subway tile and neon vibes. Hit nearby Wilton Drive after for the bar crawl.
Tom & Chee – Midwest & Southeast
Born in Cincinnati and boosted by Shark Tank, Tom & Chee is now a road-tripper’s best friend. Their grilled cheese donut (yes, really) made them famous, but they keep it fresh with in-house soups, vegan options, and gluten-free bread. Try the “Grilled Mac & Chee” or spicy-sweet “Jalapeño Popper” melt. Many locations hug highways, so use their app to order ahead and keep the cheesy detour short and savory.
Cheesie’s Pub & Grub – Chicago, Illinois
Cheesie’s is Chicago’s late-night grilled cheese legend. Open until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. Fridays–Saturdays, it’s a go-to for post-game cravings. TikTokers flock for the 8-pound Mega Cheesie’s Challenge, but real ones know to order The Tenderizer—fried chicken tenders, bacon, cheddar, mozzarella, and “tendy” sauce on Texas toast, with ranch for dunking. It’s indulgent, addictive, and gloriously over-the-top.
Melt Shop – Midtown West, New York City
Smack between 6th and 7th on 50th Street, Melt Shop’s flagship is a Midtown must for tourists and locals alike. The scratch kitchen pumps out fresh-baked bread, house pickles, and from-scratch sauces, keeping this fast-casual spot feeling gourmet. Don’t miss the Truffle Melt—muenster cheese, cracked black pepper, mixed greens, and a drizzle of white truffle oil on country-white bread. It’s rich, aromatic, and highly photogenic.
