10 Must Try Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
“Where to find the best ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwiches in Newport Beach”
In honor of April being pronounced as National Grilled Cheese Month, we’ve done some research and found 10 favorite local Newport Beach grilled cheese sammies. Whether they feature rare gourmet cheeses, or they’re stuffed with other locally sourced specialty ingredients, you can’t go wrong with any of these satisfying cheesy sandwich options.
Sometimes when we’re craving grilled cheese, we want it just like Mom used to make it. Newport Beach’s own Eat Chow has a diverse menu with a little something for everyone, and there’s no doubt you’ll all leave with a full belly and comforted soul. Steps away from the beach, you can enjoy their Simple Grilled Cheese, which has the perfect crunch to ooey-gooey ratio. Their crispy parmesan-encrusted Texas Toast is dripping with Tillamook cheddar, imported swiss, and muenster cheeses, served with your choice of soup or salad. You can always add some avocado and tomato as an upgrade if you’re feeling too grownup for Mom’s “simple” grilled cheese… but, how can you go wrong?
The perfect Newport Beach afternoon is often spent on the Harbor, whether you’re on a boat or not. The dining experience at 3 Thirty 3 Waterfront includes gourmet plates with a neighborhood vibe, and lovely views of sails amongst the bay waters. Come by for lunch and a cold beverage and bite into their Grilled Cheese Avocado-Bacon-Roasted Tomato Sandwich, (now that’s a mouthful, literally!) It’s filled with gooey provolone and cheddar cheeses, on toasted whole wheat bread, and features the perfectly balancing tangy bite of yellow mustard.
If you’re feeling that the beach goer lifestyle is the best way to go, flip flops and sunscreen in hand, add a sandwich from The Beach Barrel to that tote bag of yours. These guys are into the rustic, American classic style eats. Their Ultimate Grilled Cheese blends their dedication to making fun-to-eat sandwiches along with their love for high quality locally sourced ingredients. The Beach Barrell’s grilled cheese is served on parmesan crusted Texas Toast, and is stuffed with fresh spinach and melted cheddar and feta cheeses. Oh yeah, did we mention they deliver locally til 3am?!
Nothing says gourmet like Lobster! Take your grilled cheese satisfaction to the next level with Tommy Bahama’s Lobster Grilled Cheese and Roasted Tomato Bisque. Tommy Bahama prepares their sandwich on classic Sourdough, with a four cheese blend and fresh chunks of Lobster. This may as well be your everyday lunch – bright beachside flavors that breathe California, yet decadent enough that you won’t be able to stop eating it.
If you haven’t heard about Slapfish’s Clobster Grilled Cheese yet, we’re here to tell you… it’s life changing. With multiple OC locations, and a knack for seafood, these guys have made a name for themselves. Enjoy their laid-back Southern California ambiance with a side of gooey-greatness! The Clobster is made up of rich American cheese plus half crab knuckles, half lobster chunks, some cabbage, and their signature ‘awesome sauce’. A seafood and cheese symphony, performed daily right here in Newport Beach.
If you haven’t tried a Sessions West Coast Deli sammie yet, you’re missing out. They do a lot of things right between two slices of bread, and their grilled cheese is no exception. Their version of the cheesey classic features smoked provolone, jalapeno jack, humboldt swiss, and white cheddar cheeses, as well as vine-ripened tomato and creamy avocado. Grab it to go and head down to the nearby sand, grab some waves and then reward yourself with what they call ‘The best sandwich to ever hit the lip”.
These traveling foodies are known for their creative presentation and bursting flavors! After you track down their funky Newport-based food truck, don’t skip out. Patrons rave about their pulled pork, and what could be better than a grilled cheese with sweet and tangy BBQ pulled pork inside?! Served with fresh fries and a side of slaw. Food truck glory at its finest.
No surprise that Patty Mac’s is known for the gooey mac ‘n cheese dishes. Also no surprise that they’re grilled cheese is equally on point. Straight forward yet ideally prepared, Patty Mac’s Three Cheeses Grilled Cheese is served with homemade tomato basil soup. Bring the whole crew to Balboa Village for this whimsical Newport eatery’s cheese sammies.
Zinc Cafe and Market offers more to Newport locals and visitors than just good bites. A full service cafe and eclectic market is accompanied by their dinner dining hall down the road in Laguna, as well as a catering service. What’s unbeatable though is their local spirit and varietal menu, all to be often appreciated on their outdoor patio commonly hosting live musicians. Their grilled cheese is prepared on crispy toasted sourdough with gruyère cheese, cornichons, marinated onions and tomato, along with some whole grain mustard. Add one of their housemade fresh sides to your plate for the ultimate Zinc experience.
Soup du’jour? Nah, we’re into grilled cheese du’jour. At Crow Bar and Kitchen chef John Cuevas serves up daily grilled cheese creations. This James Beard-nominated chef is pushing the flavor boundaries left and right, as well as the cheese boundaries. Ask your server what’ll be melting that day between sliced bread, but expect the unexpected! A few of the past have included smoked mozzarella and provolone with cured meats and spicy mustards. The Crow Bar and Kitchen also hosts multiple event nights per week, so you may even get more entertainment on your plate than you planned for!
