While you can certainly argue that a grilled cheese is the perfect sandwich on any day, it’s in the spotlight on April 12, national grilled cheese day. Whether you’re a purist who wants the simplicity of white bread and American cheese, or you like to gussy it up a bit, Charleston offers delicious options when it comes to the humble, soul-warming sandwich.
And then, of course, there’s the grilled cheese and tomato soup one-two punch. Executive Chef Nathan Thurston at Miller’s All Day serves a fantastic version of this rainy-day classic (which, trust us, tastes just as delicious on a sunny afternoon).
“It’s a pretty simple dish as it reads,” Thurston said. “We use sharp white cheddar and brush with butter before griddling on the flat-top grill. The tomato bisque is very traditional, garnished with fried basil and sourdough croutons. This dish is a big seller for us, especially during cold weather. Several guests have referred to the dish as a warm hug, which resonates with me, as I find this dish very reminiscent of childhood.”
Whether you plan to celebrate on April 12 or crave a grilled cheese during the other 364 days a year, here are some stellar grilled cheese options in the Holy City (listed in alphabetical order):
- Basic Kitchen puts a spin on its grilled cheese and serves a spinach and feta version on pita along with hot honey on the side.
- Brown Dog Deli serves a classic grilled cheese along with Wes’ French onion grilled cheese, which layers Boar’s Head roast beef, Swiss, gouda, provolone, caramelized onion, herb-roasted tomato and local sourdough with au jus.
- By The Way is currently serving a crab grilled cheese with herbed crab, white cheddar and scallions on crispy sourdough.
- Circe’s Grotto’s version has sharp white cheddar, gouda, tomato and avocado.
- East Bay Deli keeps its grilled cheese classic at its locations throughout the Lowcountry including West Ashley, Mount Pleasant and Summerville.
- Félix Cocktails et Cuisine stays true to its French roots with a croque monsieur, the classic bistro staple. Its version takes toasted sourdough from Brandon’s Bread and layers it with Parisian ham, house-shredded gruyère and Dijon- and nutmeg-spiked béchamel, finished under the broiler until bubbly and golden with melted gruyère on top. The sandwich is served with house-cut pommes frites.
- Five Loaves Café has a grilled cheese on the kid’s menu at its locations in Summerville and Mount Pleasant.
- The Griffon keeps it simple and serves grilled ham and cheese on white bread with American cheese.
- Katsubo in North Charleston serves a grilled cheese katsu sando with fresh panko crusted mozzarella “cutlet” on top of thinly sliced cabbage, bulldog-tonkatsu sauce and yuzu kosho mayo on toasted Japanese milk bread.
- Legend Deli’s delightfully named Ham-Ela Anderson sandwich offers grilled ham, Swiss, arugula, tomato and dijonaise on sourdough.
- Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint’s Lil’ Rascals menu (for kids 12 and under) offers a grilled cheese meal that comes with a kid’s drink and a choice of a fruit cup, fresh-cut fries or homemade chips, and you can add pulled pork or beef brisket to take it up a notch.
- Melvin’s BBQ’s chopped brisket grilled cheese is served on buttered toast with chopped brisket and cheddar cheese.
- Miller’s All Day serves the aforementioned tomato bisque with its sourdough grilled cheese.
- Pitt Street Pharmacy might have the best deal in town, offering its classic grilled cheese for $4 alongside soda fountain vibes.
- Philosophers and Fools offers a grilled cheese with Lowcountry Kettle Chips and a pickle.
- Poe’s Tavern on Sullivan’s Island has a classic grilled cheese on its kid’s menu.
- See Wee Restaurant offers a $6 grilled cheese on its senior and kid’s menu,
and this classic version is worth the drive to Awendaw. - Stems and Skins serves its version with gruyere and provolone on Brandon’s Bread alongside cornichons and an arugula salad, and guests have the option to add jamon iberico.
- Tattooed Moose has a super melty grilled cheese with an overabundance of American cheese and the option to add tomato and/or bacon at its Johns Island and Park Circle locations.
- Three Little Birds Café in Windemere has a classic grilled cheese on its kid’s menu.
- Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream and Sandwich Café’s multiple locations grill up its version with three slices of toasted white, wheat or rye bread.
- Zaxby’s might be best known for its fast food chicken, but its grilled cheese with American cheese on Texas toast is worth a try, especially on a road trip.
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