Comfort Food Alert: Where to Get Grilled Cheese in Charlotte

Whether you like your grilled cheese plain with cheddar or piled high with pork belly, these places are serving up some of the best comfort food between two slices of bread.

Sometimes the simple things in life are among the best. Take that fave comfort food – the grilled cheese. All you need is bread, butter, cheese, a little heat and the perfect meal is ready. Below is a list of eateries that have perfected the grilled cheese and taken it to the next level. From yellow cheese on white bread with a slice of ripe tomato, to Gouda, pickles and pork belly, your tastebuds have tons of ways to get cheesy in and around Charlotte. The only thing left to do is dig in!

Arthur's at Belk

When you visit Arthur's at Belk (or Arthur's for those in the know) you feel like you've found a secret spot in SouthPark Mall. Located on the bottom floor of Belk department store near bedding, luggage, dishes and small cooking appliances, is a quaint cafe that serves up one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches in town. It's all about the butter generously slathered on the bread and so much cheese it spills out onto the plate. If you need a break from the food court, Arthur's is a welcome respite. It also has a full service wine store and serves beer and wine which you can take with you while you shop in Belk. 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

Orman's Cheese Shop

This specialty shop in the 7th Street Public Market in Uptown Charlotte features over 100 types of cheeses so you know this sandwich is going to be good. "We think up combinations that most people wouldn't consider putting on a sandwich and I think we are pretty successful with the pairings," says owner Rachel Klebaur. The top seller is the cheddar, Gouda, pickles and mustard sandwich but customers also love the Gouda, plum chutney and pickled green tomatoes and peanut butter, triple berry jam and goat cheese creations. Orman's also keeps kids happy with a classic grilled cheese with cheddar on sourdough. 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Papi Queso

What started as one of the most sought after food trucks in Charlotte has recently set up a brick and mortar location in Optimist Hall. Now whenever you are ready for the ultimate cheese sandwich you know exactly where to go! Prior to the move, Papi Queso's most popular grilled cheese offering was the Pig Mac, stuffed with pulled pork, mac and cheese, caramelized bourbon onions and cheddar. So popular over 50,000 of them have been sold since 2012! "When we decided to make a business around grilled cheese, we loved the nostalgia of it. Grilled cheese is something everyone knows and loves, and we liked the variety we could create with it," says Brian Stockholm, executive chef and co-owner of Papi Queso. "We think our grilled cheese stands out because of the chances we take with it and the value we place on high-quality ingredients." 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206

photo courtesy of papi queso

Are you one of the 50,000 hungry customers who has fallen for the Pic Mac?

Metro Diner

Can't decide between a burger and grilled cheese sandwich? At Metro Diner you don't have to. At this popular spot with locations in Pineville, Huntersville and Matthews you can order a Holy Davoli sandwich – a half-pound of Angus beef burger topped with lettuce, pickle and mayo served between – wait for it – two grilled cheese sandwiches stuffed with American cheese, tomatoes and cherrywood smoked bacon. Come hungry! Multiple locations. 

photo courtesy of metro diner

Hungry? Try a burger between two grilled cheese sandwiches and experience the best of both worlds. 

Dandelion Market

If grilled cheese had a BFF,  it would be tomato soup. Dandelion Market in Uptown Charlotte brings this dynamic duo together with a cheese sandwich made with Tillamook cheddar, white cheddar, and provolone cheese then pairs it with tasty tomato basil soup. One dip and you are sure to be added to their list of fans! 118 W 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

photo courtesy of dandelion market

Head to this fun and funky place in Uptown Charlotte for grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Dish

Dish keeps it simple and the result is buttery, cheesy goodness sure to make you smile. This Plaza Midwood hot spot brings it home with Southern comfort food and a relaxed atmosphere. The secret ingredients to this cheesy star is Sunbeam white bread, butter, plenty of cheese and love. For extra amore, add pork belly! 1220 Thomas Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

photo courtesy of dish

Southern cooking, chill vibes and lots of love make Dish a popular spot in Plaza Midwood. 

Rusty's Deli

Since 1983, Rusty's Deli in the Quail Corners Shopping Center off Park Road has created a mad following with their Philly cheesesteak, pilled high club, piping hot fries, burgers oozing with chili and divine grilled cheese sandwiches. You can find the neighborhood peeps here on Tuesdays for Kids Eat Free night, even after the kids have grown. 8512 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210

Take your love of cheese and bread to the next level or keep it simple. No matter how you slice it, a grilled cheese sandwich is always the perfect choice.

Courtney McLaughlin is a freelance writer, mom and grilled cheese enthusiast.