VIRGINIA - Virginia's food scene, particularly across Northern Virginia (NoVA), Richmond, and Hampton Roads, has wholeheartedly embraced the humble grilled cheese sandwich, elevating it from simple comfort food to a gourmet experience. Chefs across the state are layering artisanal bread with complex cheeses, house-cured meats, and inventive spreads.
VIRGINIA - Virginia's food scene, particularly across Northern Virginia (NoVA), Richmond, and Hampton Roads, has wholeheartedly embraced the humble grilled cheese sandwich, elevating it from simple comfort food to a gourmet experience. Chefs across the state are layering artisanal bread with complex cheeses, house-cured meats, and inventive spreads.10 Must-visit Spots In Virginia Serving Up Melts That Are Truly Magnificent
1. The Grilled Cheese Bistro (Norfolk)
This establishment is fully dedicated to the art of the grilled cheese, offering a massive menu of wildly inventive and complex melts in the Hampton Roads area.
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City: Norfolk.
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Must-Try Melt: The "Three Little Pigs." A decadent combination of BBQ pulled pork, Applewood bacon, smoked ham, red onion, and cheddar cheese, all pressed on toasted sourdough bread.
2. Food For Thought (Williamsburg)
Tucked away in historic Williamsburg, this cozy spot earned statewide recognition for its surprisingly gourmet take on the classic comfort sandwich.
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City: Williamsburg.
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Must-Try Melt: The "Wine Country." This melt achieves a fantastic balance of sweet and savory, featuring creamy brie cheese layered with crisp apples, strawberries, red onion, and a honey mustard spread.
3. Home Sweet Home – A Grilled Cheese Pub (Richmond)
As a pub dedicated entirely to grilled cheese, this Richmond establishment provides a fun, relaxed atmosphere and a deep roster of creative melted sandwiches.
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City: Richmond.
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Must-Try Melt: The "Cheddar Jackson." A popular choice featuring multiple cheddar varieties, often combined with unexpected savory elements like caramelized onions or bacon.
4. Hops N Shine (Alexandria)
This Northern Virginia favorite boasts an entire menu section dedicated to "Loaded Grilled Cheeses," giving aficionados endless opportunities for cheesy indulgence alongside its vast craft beer selection.
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City: Alexandria (NoVA).
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Must-Try Melt: The "Holy Cheesus." This melt features four different types of cheese, offering maximum gooeyness, sometimes topped with a unique, cheese-crusted exterior.
5. Truckle Cheesemongers (Richmond)
More than just a shop, Truckle is Richmond's dedicated cheese bar, where every sandwich is built using their curated, cut-to-order artisanal cheeses and locally made bread.
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City: Richmond.
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Must-Try Melt: The Daily Grilled Cheese Special. Since the menu changes based on seasonal ingredients and available artisanal cheeses, you’re guaranteed a melt featuring the freshest, highest-quality dairy.
6. Grilled Cheese Mania (Harrisonburg)
A highly popular spot in the Shenandoah Valley, this venue offers a massive menu of creative sandwiches and prides itself on accommodating dietary needs with extensive gluten-free and vegan options.
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City: Harrisonburg.
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Must-Try Melt: The "Mushroom Mania." A savory melt loaded with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and multiple cheeses on beautifully toasted bread.
7. Royal Restaurant (Alexandria)
This charming, historic diner is a local landmark that offers comforting classics, but their creative grilled cheese pushes beyond the standard American cheese fare.
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City: Alexandria (NoVA).
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Must-Try Melt: The "French Onion" Grilled Cheese. This sandwich is a flavor bomb, pairing creamy Swiss cheese and sweet grilled onions on marbled rye bread, capturing the essence of French onion soup.
8. Cheddar Jackson (Richmond)
A modern, simple shop focused squarely on crafting perfect, cheesy creations for breakfast and lunch.
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City: Richmond.
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Must-Try Melt: The Breakfast Grilled Cheese. A popular choice that incorporates melted cheese with egg and bacon or sausage, offering a savory start to the day.
9. Lost Dog Café (Multiple NoVA Locations)
Known for its relaxed vibe and pet-friendly mission, Lost Dog Cafe has a "Grown-Up Grilled Cheese" that is a surprisingly fresh and satisfying take on the classic.
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City: Multiple locations (Arlington, Fairfax, etc.).
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Must-Try Melt: The "Grown-Up Grilled Cheese." Features a duo of melted cheeses, fresh tomatoes, and hunks of avocado on whole wheat bread.
10. The Big Cheese (Food Truck - Northern VA)
This successful food truck specializes in gourmet grilled cheese, proving that some of the best comfort food is found on the move. They are famous for their inventive specials and high-quality ingredients.
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City: Roaming (Herndon, Chantilly, Arlington, Ashburn).
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Must-Try Melt: The "Thrilled Cheese." A melt with a Mexican twist, featuring chipotle cheddar, freshly made guacamole, and a kick of jalapeño.
