There are many people who think that “fake holidays” are getting out of hand. National Popcorn Day? (January 19) National Selfie Day? (June 21) National Margarita Day? (February 22)—”It’s all too much! And it’s all too unnecessary!” we hear them say.
Sure. It may be a little ridiculous to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month this April. Or sink our teeth into National Grilled Cheese Day on April 12. But if you ask us, the audacity is not in giving this melty, velvety comfort food a day (or month) of its own. It’s in not giving ovation to the majesty of a quality grilled cheese sandwich every day of the year!
These 14 Western North Carolina restaurants celebrate the glory of grilled cheese every day.
Appalachian Java
Don’t be fooled by the name—Appalachian Java offers much more than your standard coffee shop. A children’s menu features PB&J, grilled cheese, and grilled ham and cheese. But adults can enjoy “grown up” versions of each of these items (and much more!). The Greek grilled cheese features mixed cheddar cheese, feta cheese, tomato, and pesto aioli on sourdough bread.
8 W Main Street, Burnsville | (828) 682-0120 | appalachianjavaburnsville.com
Burgerworx
If you crave it, Burgerworx makes it—including grilled cheese. And with their fully customizable menu, you can build your grilled cheese however you want it! Choose from six cheeses, including their spicy ghost pepper jack cheese. Add toppings like bacon and grilled onions (that’s what we got in the photo above), and top off your order with fresh cut fries, a fountain drink, and a premium milkshake.
1 Page Avenue, Asheville | (828) 253-2333
1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville | (828) 412-5212
638 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville | (828) 595-9800
Chestnut
This New American eatery pairs a fancy atmosphere with a homemade menu in a way that’s emblematic of classic Asheville. Their lunch menu features a selection of mouth-watering sandwiches, including a sensational apple and brie melt. It consists of layers of melted brie, shaved local apples, caramelized onions, arugula, and black mission fig jam on a talera roll.
48 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville | (828) 575-2667 | chestnutasheville.com
Cosmic Carry-out
We enjoy Innovation Brewing in Sylva, but there’s no question that the experience is improved by the presence of their exclusive food truck, Cosmic Carry-out. Their hand-made burgers, veggie burgers, and hand-cut fries hit the spot after a long day of mountain biking! Next time you’re there, try the grilled cheese with American and Swiss cheese on sourdough bread.
414 W Main Street, Sylva | (828) 506-2830 | cosmiccarryout.com
Early Girl Eatery
Nothing tops a classic comfort dish at a restaurant that’s been known for comfort food since 2001! The grilled pimento cheese sandwich is made in house with arugula and tomato on whole wheat (or gluten free toast). Pair it with the soup of the day or fries, but be sure to save room for dessert. You won’t regret a bite!
8 Wall Street, Asheville | (828) 259-9292
444 Haywood Road #101, Asheville | (828) 820-2323
Harry’s Grill & Piggy’s Ice
What started as an ice cream parlor in 1979 expanded to include a BBQ and grill joint in 1993. Since then, Harry’s has served large portions for low prices. Try a classic grilled cheese or a pimento cheese sandwich. Pair it with one of Piggy’s shakes, sodas, floats, freezes, or sundaes. You haven’t had such a good time since you were a kid!
102 Duncan Hill Road, Hendersonville | (828) 692-1995 | harrysandpiggys.com
Loretta’s Cafe
The crown in Loretta’s logo should be made of gold, because we would bow down to their specialty sandwich menu! Make sure you arrive hungry, because their hot sandwiches, including the traditional grilled cheese or pimento grilled cheese, are only available in full size. Choose your bread and enjoy crisp chips and a tart pickle with your order.
114 N Lexington Avenue, Asheville | (828) 253-3747 | lorettascafe.com
Mayberry’s
Mayberry’s serves JUST good food like grandma used to make, but with an unexpected twist. Everything is made in house, including the classic grilled cheese. But if you’re craving that twist, we suggest the short rib grilled cheese served on Texas toast. If you have room, their homemade desserts are the perfect ending to a hearty meal.
30 W Main Street, Brevard | (828) 862-8646 | mayberrys.co
Melt Your Heart
The Grinch would have been a one-page book if the Whos had just given him one of the heart-melting sandwiches from this food truck favorite! Whether you’re in a classic or specialty kinda mood, your sandwich comes on organic French bread from West End Bakery. For your first experience, we recommend the Love at First Bite—it lives up to its name, and then some!
129 Roberts Street, Asheville | (828) 989-6749 | facebook.com
Mike’s on Main
Looking for a 50s-style soda fountain experience in the heart of Historic Downtown Hendersonville? Mike’s on Main is the place! Pair your classic grilled cheese or grilled pimento cheese with fresh squeezed lemonade or a malted shake for an experience that takes you back in time. Come back any time for all-day breakfast specials.
303 North Main Street, Hendersonville | (828) 698-1616 | mikesonmain.com
Rise Above Deli
Attached to Hillman Beer in Historic Biltmore Village, Rise Above Deli is a treat that can’t be missed! They keep a simple menu of traditional and signature deli sandwiches and sides, but that simplicity allows them to focus on making everything the best it can be. Try to catch grilled cheese when it’s on special—their recent iteration was white cheddar, sundried tomato pesto, and bacon on garlic butter grilled sourdough. Yum!
25 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville | (828) 515-1312 | riseaboveavl.com
Rocky’s Grill
Rocky’s Grill and Soda Shop has been a hub of classic Americana since 1942. They still serve all your favorites, from flat-top burgers and hot dogs to famous milkshakes, malts, and egg creams. And grilled cheese, too, of course! After you eat, wander through to the connected shops, D.D. Bullwinkel’s old-fashioned general store and Moose Tracks casual and stylish footwear.
50 S Broad Street, Brevard | (828) 877-JERK | facebook.com/pg/RockysBrevard/
Ward’s Grill
Thompson’s Store in Saluda is North Carolina’s oldest grocery store. Since the late 1950s, the family-run business has also operated Ward’s Grill front the storefront next door. The location is known as Saluda’s gathering place and would be worth a visit even if you weren’t enticed by the classic grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade sausage biscuits, chili cheeseburgers, homemade cornbread salad, and seasonal pies.
24 Main Street, Saluda | (828) 749-2321 | thompsons-store.com/wards_grill
West End Bakery
Established in 2001, West End Bakery is West Asheville’s neighborhood go-to location for fresh breads, mouth-watering cinnamon rolls, and made-from-scratch sandwiches. Every basic or signature sandwich is served on your choice of fresh baked bread. We recommend the Grilled Cheese Deluxe, featuring provolone and swiss cheese, grilled with roasted red peppers, red onion, and basil mayonnaise.
757 Haywood Road, Asheville | (828) 252-9378 | westendbakery.com