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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.
In-N-Out
On the not-so-secret menu of this California burger staple, you can find burgers protein-style (aka lettuce-wrapped), animal style (grilled onions), and even a grilled cheese (no meat on that bun). If you like the taste of In-N-Out burgers but feel like skipping the meat, their grilled cheese has all the fixings sans beef. You can even get it with grilled onions.
Joan’s on Third
Joan McNamara’s gourmet market, café, ice cream parlor, bakery, and deli are all packed into one very popular (very crowded) place on 3rd Street in West LA. It’s a food lover’s paradise; everywhere you look there’s a new item for your eyes to feast. The grilled cheese does not disappoint and is downright out of this world. It’s a classic grilled cheese – no frills – just perfection on buttery pain de mie.
The Nickel Diner [CLOSED]
At this Downtown diner you can get breakfast, lunch, dinner, and some seriously amazing desserts (red velvet layered cakes, jam tarts, maple bacon donuts). You can even find The Nickel Diner on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” The grilled cheese lives under the guise of Big Time Cheddar and comes with cheddar, tomato, and bacon on country white bread.
The Roof on Wilshire [CLOSED]
Chef/co-owner Eric Greenspan, who won a past Grilled Cheese Invitational, is about to open Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese on Melrose. In the meantime, he serves a fun grilled cheese here, filled with roasted peppers, date marmalade, and Gruyère on sourdough bread. Come for the cheesy sandwich, stay a while for the views.
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.