10 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Spots in Ohio

The 10 Best Spots In Ohio Serving Up Melts That Are Truly Magnificent

1. Melt Bar and Grilled (Multiple Locations)

Melt is not just a restaurant; it’s a grilled cheese empire built on the philosophy that more is always better. Expect giant, gourmet sandwiches stuffed with creative ingredients.

• City: Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and more.
• Must-Try Melt: The "Godfather." A massive blend of Provolone, Muenster, and garlic-herb cheese, often paired with layers of cured meats or unique extras.

2. Tom+Chee (Cincinnati Area)

Started in Cincinnati, this chain gained national fame for its inventive (and sometimes questionable) pairings, proving that grilled cheese can be a wild adventure.

• City: Cincinnati and surrounding areas.
• Must-Try Melt: The Grilled Cheese Donut. A sweet and savory mashup featuring shredded cheddar cheese grilled inside a glazed donut. It sounds crazy, but it works.

3. The Eagle (Cincinnati)

While primarily famous for its outstanding fried chicken, The Eagle offers a perfect menu of Southern-influenced comfort food, including a grilled cheese that is simple yet deeply satisfying.

• City: Cincinnati (Over-The-Rhine).
• Must-Try Melt: The Spicy Pimento Grilled Cheese. High-quality bread toasted with a creamy, house-made pimento cheese blend that packs a slight kick.

4. Larder Delicatessen and Bakery (Cleveland)

Larder brings Eastern European and Jewish deli traditions to Ohio, and their minimalist, ingredient-focused approach elevates even the simplest items on their menu.

• City: Cleveland (Ohio City).
• Must-Try Melt: Their Classic Melt. Featuring house-baked, artisanal bread and impeccably sourced, high-quality local cheese, this is perfection in simplicity.

5. Pint House (Columbus)

A popular spot for beer and hearty gastropub fare, Pint House delivers comfort food designed to be paired with a cold brew.

• City: Columbus (Short North).
• Must-Try Melt: The Short Rib Grilled Cheese. A decadent melt featuring slow-braised short rib meat and a blend of rich cheeses, served on toasted Texas toast.

6. Press Grill (Columbus)

A beloved, late-night institution, Press Grill offers the quintessential American bar and grill experience, serving up a no-nonsense, perfectly executed classic grilled cheese.

• City: Columbus (Victorian Village).
• Must-Try Melt: The Classic Grilled Cheese. Simple American cheese on butter-soaked white bread, toasted until golden—nostalgia on a plate.

7. The Northside Yacht Club (Cincinnati)

Despite the name, this is a landlocked bar famous for its inventive, often indulgent comfort food that pushes the boundaries of bar snacks.

• City: Cincinnati (Northside).
• Must-Try Melt: The Yachtie Melt. A creative, over-the-top sandwich that changes frequently but always involves layers of cheese, savory fillings, and a signature deep-fried element.

8. Oddfellows Liquor Bar (Columbus)

Known for its relaxed, eclectic vibe and focused menu of elevated snacks, Oddfellows perfects the grilled cheese as a companion to conversation and cocktails.

• City: Columbus (Short North).
• Must-Try Melt: The Simple Grilled Cheese. This melt is perfectly executed and often served with a side of their deeply flavored tomato soup for dipping.

9. The Root Cafe (Lakewood)

Focusing on locally sourced ingredients and high-quality preparations, The Root Cafe offers fresh, creative alternatives to standard diner fare.

• City: Lakewood (Cleveland Suburb).
• Must-Try Melt: Their Vegetarian/Vegan Melt (Ask for the special). They excel at crafting a rich, savory melt using gourmet dairy-free cheeses and fresh veggie additions that are satisfying without the meat.

10. The Half Pint (Dayton)

This casual pub and taproom pairs an extensive craft beer list with a menu full of high-quality comfort food, making it an excellent stop in the Miami Valley.

• City: Dayton.
• Must-Try Melt: The Bacon Jam Melt. A gourmet spin on the classic, featuring a combination of sharp and creamy cheeses spread with a savory, house-made bacon jam.