Raleigh’s Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Where to find cheesy goodness around town

If you thought grilled cheese sandwiches were only for grade-schoolers or college students with zero culinary skills, think again. The gooey staple is the flip-flop of the culinary world—easy yet comforting, casual yet endlessly versatile—and Raleigh’s grilled cheese game coaxes all palates. Whether you’re a soup-on-the-side sandwicher or a grilled cheese purist, these local selects are sure to satisfy.

Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen
To dip or not to dip? The all-day DTR eatery answers the call with a steaming bowl of tomato soup paired with the sharp white cheddar, Gruyere, white American and fontina-packed number smothered in silky garlic cream sauce. Fayetteville Street District, @birdiesraleigh

Postino
The nostalgic sando gets adultified at the chic wine and tapas bar, thanks to the OMG grilled cheese’s layered Gruyere, brie, whipped goat cheese and white cheddar—stacked with bacon and paired with creamy tomato dip, not soup. Village District, @postinowinecafe

Flying Saucer
Extraterrestrial contact confirmed via an out-of-this-world sandwich. Three cheeses loaded with bacon melt together between thick-cut sourdough, served alongside a bowl of tomato bisque for the ultimate childhood throwback. Capital District, @flyingsaucerraleigh

Union Special 
The standard grilled cheese gets an artisan spin at this fan-fave bakery with honest bread and real food (and a little something green). Think fontina, sharp cheddar, kale pesto and pepper jelly stacked between hefty slices of Union sour for a version that’s equal parts comfort and craft. Iron District, @unionspecialbread

State of Beer
Current state of mind: Sometimes simple is the most satisfying—especially when it’s a classic. Cheddar is better when melted together with American on grilled bread and savored in the sun with a pint. Capital & Warehouse Districts, @stateofbeernc

Relish
Not one, but six cheesy melts headline the menu at this Southern sup staple, serving up almost every twist imaginable. Expect creative riffs feat. raspberry preserves, pulled pork and slaw, pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes, and salami—for the ultimate cheese spread. North Raleigh, @relishraleigh 

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