The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches in Brooklyn
With the weather still semi-gloomy, we really need our comfort food. In other words, National Grilled Cheese Day couldn’t have come at a better time this year. The modern day American variety of melted cheese between bread we’ve come to love traces its roots back to the 1920s, when the meal began providing families with a quick, cheap, and nutritious snack. But it’s safe to say the beloved staple for children across the country has made its way into some of Brooklyn’s most lauded kitchens. Over the years, this classic has been included onto plenty of eclectic culinary menus. From rustic cheddars to creamy bries, Brooklyn offers up both the gourmet, high-end variety along with classic grilled cheese for every palate borough-wide. So, in order to best celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day today, try one (or five or more!) of for our favorites listed below!
Mama Mia, Mrs. Dorsey’s Kitchen
Talk about a local favorite. Mrs. Dorsey’s Kitchen offers plenty of grilled cheese options to satisfy your crave, but our favorite has to be the Mama Mia. This Italian take on the sandwich boasts plenty of mozzarella, ricotta cheese, basil, and fresh tomato to keep you full. Not to mention, all their grilled cheese are made with Caputo Bakery’s Italian country loaf, toasted with homemade extra virgin olive oil spread.
794 Washington Avenue, Prospect Heights
Green Mountain Grill Cheese, Corner of Vermont
This quaint farm-to-table creamery in the heart of Park Slope serves one of our favorite grilled cheese sandwiches around. Bite into the Green Mountain—filled with smoked cheddar and maple caramelized onions, on your choice of sourdough or multigrain bread—for a true taste of Vermont. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a maple shake!
374 5th Avenue, Park Slope
The Karen, Noorman’s Kil
It wouldn’t be a complete BK grilled cheese guide if we didn’t mention this Williamsburg favorite. There’s plenty to choose from to pair with your choice of whiskeys from the bar, but if you can’t decide, we highly recommend the Karen. Fromage blanc, gruyère, New York sharp cheddar and havarti on sourdough bread from Orwasher’s Bakery provide for plenty of rich, creamy flavors.
609 Grand Street, Williamsburg
Build your own! (Lika a sourdough, gruyère, caramelized onions, and mushrooms version), The Wheelhouse
This Bushwick spot has become known for its endless grilled cheese possibilities. Build your own from scratch by choosing everything from the bread to the proteins. We love the sourdough, gruyere, caramelized onions and mushrooms combo, but feel free to add more to the punch. All grilled cheeses are served with tart cornichon pickles to satisfy your taste buds.
165 Wilson Avenue, Bushwick
Grilled Cheese #1 (Brie, honey, walnuts, dates, sea salt and parmesan), Blind Barber
If you’re looking for a more refined take on grilled cheese, Williamsburg’s grooming destination, Blind Barber, is the place for you. With fancy ingredients like walnuts, dates, honey and sea salt, this version is a long way from the Kraft-singles-on-white-bread you grew up with. Worth checking out even if you aren’t stopping by for a haircut.
524 Lorimer Street, Williamsburg
Spicy Chicken Grilled Cheese, Morris Grilled Cheese
This beloved sandwich shop is worth heading to just for the Spicy Chicken Grilled Cheese option. This pressed sandwich is a clever twist on the classic grilled cheese and the spice level is real. Add-on options include Spicy Tomato Bisque or Gazpacho.
569 Lincoln Place, Crown Heights
Truffle Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup, 61 Local
61 Local’s rich variation has become somewhat of a local favorite at this Cobble Hill hangout. The sandwich features Reading raclette, truffle butter, pickled shallots, all on sourdough by Hot Bread Kitchen. Comes with with your choice of either tomato soup with basil pesto or a house side salad.
61 Bergen Street, Cobble Hill
Truffled Grilled Cheese, The Counting Room
A Williamsburg cocktail bar may be the last place you think of when it comes to grilled cheese, but The Counting Room’s version really hits the spot during a late night outing. Simple melted Fontina, truffle oil and optional ham come together in perfect harmony on toasted bread. Don’t be afraid to sip on your favorite cocktail while nibbling on this goodness.
44 Berry Street, Williamsburg
Customize yours! (Grilled cheese with avocado and tomato), Roots Café
We love us some great customization options, and this South Slope eatery has got ‘em. The Roots Café pressed sandwich already comes with perfectly melted cheddar and swiss, but we recommend you try some add ons for a twist, which include tomato or avocado. Choose your flavors and sides, and get ready to dig in.
639A 5th Avenue, South Slope
Grilled Gruyère, Runner & Stone
Treat yourself to a scrumptious afternoon snack at this acclaimed Gowanus bakery. Runner & Stone’s take on the grilled cheese consists of melted gruyère with red wine shallots and yellow mustard on fresh rye bread. And with all the beautifully baked goods acting as a backdrop to your cheesy meal, we can’t guarantee you won’t be tempted to order a dessert or two after.
285 3rd Avenue, Gowanus
Cuban, Little Muenster
To round out your Brooklyn grilled cheese expedition, Little Muenster is a must visit. This Tiny Takeout location is dedicated to providing plenty of delicious options, but go with the Cuban and live a little. It’s got plenty of Swiss cheese, slow roasted pork, Virginia Ham, house pickles and smokey chipotle mayo to satisfy your dairy, protein and carbs needs.
145 Front Street, DUMBO
Photos by Max Branigan
