7 Best Must-Try Grilled Cheese Sandwiches in Philadelphia

The grilled cheese sandwich is the undisputed champion of comfort food. This simple combination of melted, gooey cheese and buttery, toasted bread has the power to brighten any day. In Philadelphia, a city that has perfected the art of the sandwich, chefs and delis have elevated the humble grilled cheese into a culinary masterpiece. From classic, no-frills versions to gourmet creations with artisanal cheeses and unique ingredients, here is a guide to finding the best grilled cheese sandwiches in Philly.

1. High Street Philly (Center City)

• The Sandwich: At High Street, the bread is the star. Their grilled cheese is a testament to quality ingredients, featuring sharp Pennsylvania Noble cheddar and rich, cultured butter on incredible house-made roasted potato bread. It's a simple yet profoundly delicious take on the classic.

  
  
  

• The Vibe: A casual yet acclaimed bakery and deli that has earned national recognition for its bread program, located just off Washington Square.

• Location: 101 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

  
  
  

2. Woodrow's Sandwich Shop (South Street)

• The Sandwich: Woodrow's elevates the grilled cheese to a gourmet level. Their signature version features a parmesan herb crust on the outside of the bread, encasing a perfect melt of American and Taleggio cheese with the surprising sweetness of pear. It’s a flavor combination that’s both unique and amazing, especially when paired with their tomato soup.

• The Vibe: An intimate, urban sandwich bar on bustling South Street with outdoor seating, known for its creative and hearty subs, brunches, and salads.

  
  
  

• Location: 630 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

3. Good Dog Bar (Center City)

• The Sandwich: Known for its signature blue-cheese stuffed burgers, this beloved, pooch-themed bar also makes a phenomenal grilled cheese for those seeking a heartier meal. They offer a mustard-braised brisket grilled cheese with melted Emmenthaler cheese on thick sourdough bread, served with hand-cut fries.

• The Vibe: A hip, cozy, three-story bar serving excellent craft beer and upscale pub grub.

• Location: 224 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

4. Famous 4th Street Delicatessen (Queen Village)

• The Sandwich: If you believe bigger is better, head to Famous 4th Street. This legendary Jewish deli, known for its famously overstuffed sandwiches, makes what is likely the city's biggest grilled cheese. It's a classic, perfectly melted sandwich that can be ordered with or without bacon.

• The Vibe: A retro, bustling deli hangout with walls covered in photos of famous faces and family, located just south of South Street.

• Location: 700 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

5. Silk City Diner (Northern Liberties)

• The Sandwich: Looking for the ultimate late-night comfort food? Silk City has you covered. This renovated diner serves a fantastic three-cheese griddled sandwich after midnight. They load American, provolone, and Swiss cheeses onto country white bread, add tomato, and offer the option of country ham or bacon.

• The Vibe: A classic diner with a vibrant, expansive outdoor beer garden, making it a popular spot day or night.

• Location: 435 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

6. Tavern On Camac (The Gayborhood)

• The Sandwich: This cozy, all-American tavern serves an impressive grilled cheese that's perfect for a comforting meal. Their version features a blend of four different kinds of cheese—Cooper sharp, Cotswold, pepper jack, and Midnight Moon—melted onto griddled sourdough and served with a cup of tomato soup for dipping.

• The Vibe: One of America's oldest LGBTQ+ bars, this historic piano bar offers a warm, friendly, and intimate atmosphere.

• Location: 243 S Camac St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

7. Luke's Lobster (Rittenhouse Square)

• The Sandwich: While an East Coast-based seafood company best known for its lobster rolls, Luke's Lobster offers a fantastic grilled cheese that stands on its own. For the ultimate indulgence, you can get their grilled Gruyère cheese sandwich on classic Maine-style split-top bread and add lobster meat for a decadent surf-and-turf experience.

• The Vibe: A bright, casual, and quick-service spot perfect for a high-quality lunch in the Rittenhouse area.

• Location: 130 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Philadelphia's sandwich artistry shines brightly through its incredible grilled cheese offerings. From the simple perfection of house-made bread and artisan cheese at High Street to the creative flavor combinations at Woodrow's and the comforting classics at Famous 4th Street, there's a gooey, golden-brown masterpiece for every taste. Explore these top spots and rediscover the simple, delicious joy of a perfectly made grilled cheese.

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Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is aimed at food and foodie lovers. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly.