Food culture has hit our generation hard; there are food shows galore, countless food personalities, the next “big” dish or cooking style. While trying that new fun “it” food or restaurant is thrilling, sometimes I just have to go back to basics. There’s not much that’s more basic than grilled cheese – a buttery and warm exterior with a melted, cheesy center. Of course, even grilled cheese gets dressed up every now-and-again (hello Mr. Greenspan). Peruse my top Los Angeles grilled cheese picks, which span from classic to experimental in alphabetical order.
With hand-crafted drinks and a menu devoted to grilled cheese, it’s no wonder The Blind Barber is one of my favorite places on the Westside. And it’s a speakeasy. Blind Barber is business up front, party in the back. The front is an actual barbershop. Enter the bar through the shop’s back door. There’s a grilled cheese for every palate: Spanish, Italian, American, spicy, and even sweet. Great service, great drinks, and seriously delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Cocktails and artichoke spinach dip grilled cheese, anyone?
Clementine sits on an almost-residential hill right across from the Century City mall. Chef-owner Annie Miler has devoted the whole month of April to grilled cheese sandwiches and typically features at least one on the menu. That could mean extra sharp Tillamook cheddar on a grilled country white bread. Or deluxe white cheddar and feta with turkey and “The Works” on olive bread.
The Corner Door is one of the newer Mar Vista restaurants. It’s great for happy hour and the chef was even on the show “Chopped.” Grilled Cheese R&D Night (every Monday) features a weekly grilled cheese + side for $10. It’s a great deal and a great sandwich. I’ve had one with sliced apples that was delicious. [Photo courtesy of The Corner Door]
Lydia and sister Marnie Clarke run this DTLA cheese destination. They make a grilled cheese with a three-cheddar and mozzarella blend on brioche. DTLA Cheese broils and serves their sandwich with pickled vegetables and whole-grain mustard.
The Curious Palate has two locations, in Santa Monica Place and Mar Vista. Both are charming market/café hybrids where you just want to buy everything. Their grilled cheese royale is like your childhood dream sandwich; it’s got so much cheese it falls just short of too much and lands at awesome. This sandwich has Havarti, fresh mozzarella, and sharp cheddar sandwiched between sourdough.
The Grilled Cheese Truck [CLOSED]
You’ve probably seen the Grilled Cheese Truck around L.A. by now; Dave Danhi’s truck roams all over the city, from popular corners to events to shows. The menu seems like an endless times table of grilled cheese combinations with 8 cheeses, 17 savory additions, and several bread options. They even do sweet melts – think Nutella, marshmallows, Oreo cookie pieces, and more. [Photo courtesy of The Grilled Cheese Truck]
Heywood: A Gourmet Grilled Cheese Shoppe [CLOSED]
You can make your own grilled cheese or choose from their delicious gourmet sandwich selections. If you decide to make your own, choose between six cheeses (+ one vegan option) – among them one of my favorite cheeses, the fromage d’affinois – five breads, fruit and veggie additions (avocado, apples, jalapeños, etc.), artisan spreads (onion confit, fig jam, habanero jam, etc.), and of course, bacon. This Silver Lake shoppe is even open late nights from Thursday through Saturday. [Photo courtesy of Heywood]
Blog Comments
bendy
March 29, 2014 at 11:47 AM
The grilled cheese at the local peasant in Sherman Oaks is amazing. Shame it’s missed here.
Joshua Lurie
March 29, 2014 at 12:19 PM
Bendy, Thanks for the Local Peasant rec. That was definitely off our radar…until now.
lynn @ the actor's diet
March 26, 2014 at 4:00 PM
I love that In-n-Out is on this list.
Joshua Lurie
March 26, 2014 at 10:07 PM
Lynn, I’m glad you also like In-N-Out. Then again, I’ve never met anybody that dislikes the chain, or publicly admits to disliking it.