Philadelphia, PA -The grilled cheese sandwich, once considered so plain it was relegated to kids' menus, has now gained grown-up favor and flavor among specialty food vendors, lunch spots, and esteemed eateries in and around Philadelphia.
Philadelphia's sandwich culture extends far beyond the traditional cheesesteak and roast pork. The city boasts an incredible array of chefs treating the humble grilled cheese as a canvas for high-end cheeses, slow-braised meats, and artisanal breads. If you are searching for the best grilled cheese in Philadelphia, skip the basic diners and head to these standout local restaurants serving melty perfection.
1. Woodrow's Sandwich Shop (South Street)
The Gourmet Sweet & Savory Blend: While they are famous for their Whiz Wit cheesesteak, Woodrow's Sandwich Shop serves arguably the most complex gourmet grilled cheese in the city. The signature Woodrow's Grilled Cheese is built on thick sourdough and packed with creamy taleggio, sharp provolone, sweet pear puree, and thick-cut bacon. The balance of salty, savory, and sweet makes this an absolute must-try for Philly comfort food hunters. Address: 630 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
2. Good Dog Bar (Center City)
The Short Rib Heavyweight: A beloved Center City institution, Good Dog Bar elevated pub fare long before it was a nationwide trend. Their Short Rib Grilled Cheese is a decadent, savory powerhouse. The kitchen piles tender, slow-braised short rib and caramelized onions between thick slices of sourdough, binding it all together with a heavy melt of Gruyère and sharp cheddar. Address: 224 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
3. Royal Tavern (East Passyunk)
The Elevated Pub Classic Located in the heart of South Philly's dining district, Royal Tavern returned from its pandemic hiatus with its reputation for elite bar food completely intact. Their grilled cheese takes a straightforward approach but executes it flawlessly using high-quality ingredients. Expect a thick, perfectly buttered and toasted crust that yields to a rich blend of smoked Gouda, provolone, and cheddar, always served alongside a steaming cup of house-made roasted tomato soup. Address: 937 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
4. Middle Child & Middle Child Clubhouse (Fishtown & Center City)
The Nostalgic Standard: With locations in both Washington Square West and Fishtown, Middle Child has taken Philadelphia's sandwich scene by storm. Their approach to the grilled cheese relies on the quality of their bread and cheese rather than distracting gimmicks. Built on thick-cut, heavily buttered Pullman bread, they use a heavy hand of Cooper Sharp—the undisputed king of melting cheeses in the Philadelphia region. Locations: 1232 N Front St (Clubhouse) and 248 S 11th St (Center City)
5. High Street (Center City)
The Artisanal Bread Champion, recently relocated from Old City to a beautiful new space on 9th Street in Center City, High Street remains one of Philadelphia's premier bakeries and restaurants. A great grilled cheese requires great bread, and High Street bakes everything in-house. Their grilled cheese rotates slightly by season but consistently features a curated blend of local Pennsylvania farm cheeses melted between slices of their award-winning, freshly baked sourdough. Address: 101 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
6. Liberty Kitchen PHL (Fishtown)
The Neighborhood Deli Standout Liberty Kitchen is a Fishtown staple specializing in hoagies, tomato pie, and exceptional hot sandwiches. Their grilled cheese focuses on utilizing the premium deli ingredients they already have on hand. Stacked with sharp provolone, Cooper Sharp, and fresh mozzarella on locally baked bread, it offers an incredible cheese pull. You can easily customize it by adding their house-sliced prosciutto or spicy soppressata. Address: 1244 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
7. Molly Malloy's (Reading Terminal Market)
The Market Comfort Food: Situated in the center of the bustling Reading Terminal Market, Molly Malloy's offers a comfortable sit-down oasis amid the chaos. Their grilled cheese is a classic, no-nonsense diner-style sandwich featuring an aggressive amount of yellow American cheese melted between perfectly golden Texas toast. It pairs perfectly with one of the local Pennsylvania craft beers they keep on draft at the market bar. Address: 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
What are your favorite local bakeries to grab fresh sourdough or Pullman bread to make a gourmet grilled cheese at home?
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Written By: Philly Bite Magazine Staff
The Philadelphia Best Of Series is a roundup of the best places to find great food, entertainment, and more in Philly.
