Find out who came out on top in our grilled cheese sandwich showdown
Sure, January is about new beginnings and healthy habits, but sometimes, we need the healing powers of a melty, golden, grilled cheese sandwich. On a cold winter day, nothing satisfies like those warm, buttery triangles, perhaps dipped into an herby tomato soup.
A staff discussion about some of the best grilled cheese sandwiches in town led to an epic tasting that included old-fashioned classics, newfangled spins, and everything in between—plus sides galore. The research left us all marveling at the wealth of options in our area—and very, very full.
Grilled Cheese Selections
Best Newcomer: The Pharmacy
The Pharmacy opened in October on Conestee Avenue, just off Augusta Road. From the menu of five grilled cheese sandwiches to suit any taste, we opted for a classic Three Cheese, with cheddar, gruyere, and pepper Jack on brioche toast, and our tasting panel was unanimously impressed.
“This grilled cheese tastes like an amped-up classic with perfectly browned Texas toast-style bread and melty, delicious cheddar cheese.” – Britiney McCombs, operations assistant
Best New Twist: Society Sandwich Bar and Social Club
The Cheez Loueez from Society wowed tasters with its herby focaccia, creamy three-cheese blend, and side of house-made honey. Italian herbs and sea salt take it over the top.
“The ricotta makes this one stand out, and the focaccia is perfectly seasoned and so soft.” – Anna Walker, associate creative director
Best Bread: Three-way tie
Rise Bakery has built an avid fan base with its bread expertise, so it’s no wonder their grilled cheese sandwich received high marks. With muenster and havarti toasted on sliced country sourdough, this grilled cheese is simply satisfying.
“Rise has my favorite bread. I’d love this one dipped in the tomato soup from The Pharmacy.” — Laura Allshouse, creative director
Because they use Rise sourdough, it makes sense that the OGC (Original Grilled Cheese) from Fireforge also scored high for its bread. They top it with a blend of melty cheeses and serve it with Calabrian chile hot honey on the side.
“This amazing Fireforge sandwich was my introduction to hot honey, and I fell in love. Order it with tomato soup and a Leisure Services kolsch.” — Leigh Savage, executive editor
And who can forget stecca? This famous bread from Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery is the salty base for a stellar grilled cheese with Monterrey Jack and cheddar. They can even make it vegan.
Best Open-faced: Brick Street Cafe
Brick Street Cafe earned fans for its creative presentation, with melted Monterrey Jack cheese on a brioche bun, scattered with bacon and green onions. You can choose tasty pasta salad or fresh fruit for your side, but we recommend the rich, creamy tomato dill soup—and, of course, a slice of sweet potato cake for dessert.
Best for Meat-lovers: Southernside Brewing Co.
There was some debate about whether this entry was a “real grilled cheese,” but whatever you call it, staff members kept wandering in, wanting to try the Short Rib Grilled Cheese from Southernside Brewing Co. Made with slow-cooked short rib braised in the brewery’s Bleed Black stout, this sandwich comes with smoked Swiss, caramelized onions, and roasted onion aioli.
“It’s not a grilled cheese sandwich, but this is the best sandwich.” — Chris Lee, digital content specialist
Best Sides
The panel was divided on the sides question, with top vote-getters including truffle fries and tomato soup from The Pharmacy, Cajun fries from Southernside Brewing, and the classic tomato dill soup from Brick Street Cafe.
“The tomato soup at The Pharmacy makes a great dip for their grilled cheese sandwich and also for their truffle fries.” — Ryan Gilchrest, editorial director
Readers Say Cheese
We asked @towncarolina on Instagram: Who makes your favorite grilled cheese in town? We weren’t able to taste them all, but here are a few that got reader raves. Grilled cheese is a personal preference, but it’s clear that no matter how you like it, the Upstate is overflowing with flavorful options.
- Bohemian Cafe
- Califa’s
- Comal 864
- Jack Brown’s
- Jasmine Kitchen
- Kuka Juice
- Mobile Meltdown Food Truck
- Mountain Goat
- The Nose Dive
- The Pantry
- QT
- Southside Smokehouse (Landrum)
- Upcountry Provisions
- Zorba’s
