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TallBoy Grilled Cheese — A Cuban style grilled cheese sandwich from TallBoy.

15 Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Fit for Adults

A guide to the meltiest, stretchiest meals around D.C.

by Tim Ebner Updated Feb 19, 2020, 1:04pm EST

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A Cuban style grilled cheese sandwich from TallBoy.

| Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

by Tim Ebner Updated Feb 19, 2020, 1:04pm EST

Grilled cheese is an elementary dish that most at-home cooks can prepare. But it takes a special touch to transform the familiar comfort food into a must-have menu item. At these 15 restaurants, grilled cheese is more than just cheese and bread — it’s a gourmet treat that’s a must-order no matter the time of day.

From a riff on French onion soup at downtown’s go-to grilled cheese bar GCDC to a grilled cheese-centric power lunch at Ris to a dizzying 20-plus selections at Falls Church’s Spacebar, the area has no shortage of gooey options.

Don’t see a personal favorite on the list? Sound off in the comments or shoot us an email (dc@eater.com).

—Updated by Vinciane Ngomsi

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If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Room 11

This secret hideaway’s destination grilled cheese combines aged cheddar, fresh mozzarella, spicy marinara, and raclette. To keep things on the lighter side, this meal switches out tomato soup for house salad as a side.

3234 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20011

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Ted's Bulletin (Multiple locations)

Call it old fashioned, but the tomato soup paired with grilled cheese at homegrown chain Ted’s Bulletin is a match made in heaven. The “deluxe” option folds in braised short rib and mac and cheese.

1818 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

What’s your snow day craving?
Posted by Ted's Bulletin on Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Also featured in:

Glen's Garden Market

Dine on a budget at this local market that maintains one location in Dupont. A Colby Jack blend melts on freshly-baked and toasted sourdough bread, which can be split with an 8-ounce cup of soup or chili. Pair the classic with a $4 pint of beer and dinner is served.

2001 S St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Glen’s Garden Market

Also featured in:

The Riggsby

Michael Schlow’s restaurant tucked inside the Carlyle Hotel offers a secret, off-menu grilled cheese. It’s prepared open-faced in a hot buttered pan before hitting the oven.

1731 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Cork Wine Bar & Market

The wine bar’s relocated 14th Street NW digs has a grilled cheese built with a curated selection of artisanal cheese and house jam on award-winning Bread Furst bread.

Open in Google Maps

1805 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Get up close and personal on #grilledcheesesandwich night @corkdc. Try the #bluecheese, #comte and #bacon with #roastedshallot comfit. #corkdc #dceats
Posted by Cork Wine Bar and Market on Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Also featured in:

Stoney's (Multiple locations)

This no-frills watering hole has a whole grilled cheese sandwich menu that can be customized to suit just about any taste. One of the most popular versions is the “super grilled cheese” featuring tomato, bacon, and onions. For an even heartier option, go with a melty meatloaf sandwich.

1433 P St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

When you spend all day packing and moving, you go to Stoney's for a meatloaf sandwich

A post shared by Gabe Hiatt (@gabehiatt) on Jan 31, 2020 at 4:08pm PST

Also featured in:

TallBoy

The short food lineup at Shaw’s year-old hub for 16-ounce cans of beer stars six types of grilled cheeses thatserved until late. The Smoked & Stacked, an ode to chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley’s previous restaurant inside, comes with Swiss, pastrami, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing.

1239 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

TallBoy Grilled Cheese — A grilled cheese at TallBoy.

Also featured in:

Ris

Those craving a comforting taste of childhood in an adult setting should venture over to Ris Lacoste’s Foggy Bottom mainstay. The midday “lunch box” special comes with a warm bowl of tomato soup and other comfort foods.

2275 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Visit Website

Ris DC interior

Also featured in:

Rare Steakhouse and Tavern

This Wisconsin-based restaurant group displays its love for cheese with a double-stacked ham and cheese sandwich made with Hook’s three-year cheddar, served with a charred tomato soup for dipping. Order a side of its famed fried cheese curds to double up on dairy.

1595 I St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

Customers seated at the downstairs bar at Rare Steakhouse and Tavern.

Also featured in:

Stable

Chef David Fritsche’s Swiss-centric menu features a fondue grilled cheese prepared with three different, semi-soft Swiss cheeses (available at brunch).

1324 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

The fondue grilled cheese at Stable.

Also featured in:

GCDC

Downtown diners head to this self-styled “grilled cheese bar” for build-your-own creations and a dizzying list of rotating specials. The “French Onion” features a gruyere blend and caramelized onions on challah bread.

Open in Google Maps

1730 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

Visit Website

Don't forget about our AMAZING Vegan Menu! You can build your own grilled cheese for lunch or choose between The Vegan...
Posted by GCDC on Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Barmini

José Andrés’s elite cocktail den is best known for its inventive and over-the-top beverages, but there’s some new bar bites worth trying while sipping drinks. One upscale snack features rectangular strips of grilled cheese featuring gorgonzola, brie, and white cheddar cooked in truffle butter.

501 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by barmini by José Andrés (@barminibyjose) on Jul 13, 2018 at 1:45pm PDT

Also featured in:

Spacebar

Vegan grilled cheese is an option at this beloved Falls Church eatery, as are dozens of other fillings thanks to the build-your-own menu (starts at $6.50 and increases with each additional topping). Or choose from a dizzying 20 grilled cheese sandwich selections like one with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and sharp cheddar on rye.

709 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046

Visit Website

Posted by Spacebar on Monday, August 6, 2018

Also featured in:

SER Restaurant

Named after the Mediterranean island where Mahón cheese is made, SER’s lunchtime version of the American classic pairs young Mahón, queso style, with brioche bread. Meat eaters can add a salty bite with bacon for $3 extra.

Open in Google Maps

1110 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22201

Visit Website

SER

Also featured in:

Cheesetique (Multiple locations)

This local chain with three area outposts prides itself on cooking with cheeses of all shapes and sizes. A heavy favorite is the “Sassy Goat,” a grilled cheese sandwich featuring chèvre, bacon, avocado, roasted tomatoes, and garlic aioli. Add its award-winning side of “Mac ‘N Cheesetique” for $5 extra.

Open in Google Maps

2411 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

Visit Website

What a perfect morning for walking into town and getting a gooey Raclette Baguette on the Avenue. Wear your jammies. We dare you! (8am til noon today on the patio.)
Posted by Cheesetique Del Ray on Saturday, January 11, 2020

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Room 11

3234 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20011

This secret hideaway’s destination grilled cheese combines aged cheddar, fresh mozzarella, spicy marinara, and raclette. To keep things on the lighter side, this meal switches out tomato soup for house salad as a side.

3234 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20011

Visit Website

Ted's Bulletin (Multiple locations)

1818 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Call it old fashioned, but the tomato soup paired with grilled cheese at homegrown chain Ted’s Bulletin is a match made in heaven. The “deluxe” option folds in braised short rib and mac and cheese.

1818 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

What’s your snow day craving?
Posted by Ted's Bulletin on Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Glen's Garden Market

2001 S St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Dine on a budget at this local market that maintains one location in Dupont. A Colby Jack blend melts on freshly-baked and toasted sourdough bread, which can be split with an 8-ounce cup of soup or chili. Pair the classic with a $4 pint of beer and dinner is served.

2001 S St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Glen’s Garden Market

The Riggsby

1731 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

Michael Schlow’s restaurant tucked inside the Carlyle Hotel offers a secret, off-menu grilled cheese. It’s prepared open-faced in a hot buttered pan before hitting the oven.

1731 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Cork Wine Bar & Market

1805 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

The wine bar’s relocated 14th Street NW digs has a grilled cheese built with a curated selection of artisanal cheese and house jam on award-winning Bread Furst bread.

Open in Google Maps

1805 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Get up close and personal on #grilledcheesesandwich night @corkdc. Try the #bluecheese, #comte and #bacon with #roastedshallot comfit. #corkdc #dceats
Posted by Cork Wine Bar and Market on Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Stoney's (Multiple locations)

1433 P St NW, Washington, DC 20005

This no-frills watering hole has a whole grilled cheese sandwich menu that can be customized to suit just about any taste. One of the most popular versions is the “super grilled cheese” featuring tomato, bacon, and onions. For an even heartier option, go with a melty meatloaf sandwich.

1433 P St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

When you spend all day packing and moving, you go to Stoney's for a meatloaf sandwich

A post shared by Gabe Hiatt (@gabehiatt) on Jan 31, 2020 at 4:08pm PST

TallBoy

1239 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The short food lineup at Shaw’s year-old hub for 16-ounce cans of beer stars six types of grilled cheeses thatserved until late. The Smoked & Stacked, an ode to chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley’s previous restaurant inside, comes with Swiss, pastrami, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing.

1239 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

TallBoy Grilled Cheese — A grilled cheese at TallBoy.

Ris

2275 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Those craving a comforting taste of childhood in an adult setting should venture over to Ris Lacoste’s Foggy Bottom mainstay. The midday “lunch box” special comes with a warm bowl of tomato soup and other comfort foods.

2275 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Visit Website

Ris DC interior

Rare Steakhouse and Tavern

1595 I St NW, Washington, DC 20005

This Wisconsin-based restaurant group displays its love for cheese with a double-stacked ham and cheese sandwich made with Hook’s three-year cheddar, served with a charred tomato soup for dipping. Order a side of its famed fried cheese curds to double up on dairy.

1595 I St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

Customers seated at the downstairs bar at Rare Steakhouse and Tavern.

Stable

1324 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Chef David Fritsche’s Swiss-centric menu features a fondue grilled cheese prepared with three different, semi-soft Swiss cheeses (available at brunch).

1324 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

The fondue grilled cheese at Stable.

GCDC

1730 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

Downtown diners head to this self-styled “grilled cheese bar” for build-your-own creations and a dizzying list of rotating specials. The “French Onion” features a gruyere blend and caramelized onions on challah bread.

Open in Google Maps

1730 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

Visit Website

Don't forget about our AMAZING Vegan Menu! You can build your own grilled cheese for lunch or choose between The Vegan...
Posted by GCDC on Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Barmini

501 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

José Andrés’s elite cocktail den is best known for its inventive and over-the-top beverages, but there’s some new bar bites worth trying while sipping drinks. One upscale snack features rectangular strips of grilled cheese featuring gorgonzola, brie, and white cheddar cooked in truffle butter.

501 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by barmini by José Andrés (@barminibyjose) on Jul 13, 2018 at 1:45pm PDT

Spacebar

709 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046

Vegan grilled cheese is an option at this beloved Falls Church eatery, as are dozens of other fillings thanks to the build-your-own menu (starts at $6.50 and increases with each additional topping). Or choose from a dizzying 20 grilled cheese sandwich selections like one with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and sharp cheddar on rye.

709 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046

Visit Website

Posted by Spacebar on Monday, August 6, 2018

SER Restaurant

1110 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22201

Named after the Mediterranean island where Mahón cheese is made, SER’s lunchtime version of the American classic pairs young Mahón, queso style, with brioche bread. Meat eaters can add a salty bite with bacon for $3 extra.

Open in Google Maps

1110 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22201

Visit Website

SER

Cheesetique (Multiple locations)

2411 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

This local chain with three area outposts prides itself on cooking with cheeses of all shapes and sizes. A heavy favorite is the “Sassy Goat,” a grilled cheese sandwich featuring chèvre, bacon, avocado, roasted tomatoes, and garlic aioli. Add its award-winning side of “Mac ‘N Cheesetique” for $5 extra.

Open in Google Maps

2411 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

Visit Website

What a perfect morning for walking into town and getting a gooey Raclette Baguette on the Avenue. Wear your jammies. We dare you! (8am til noon today on the patio.)
Posted by Cheesetique Del Ray on Saturday, January 11, 2020

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