Grilled cheese is the perfect meal for a night out. Enjoy one before drinking to make sure you have bread in your stomach to soak up the alcohol (that’s how it works, right?) or satisfy your drunk munchies on your way home from a show.
From gourmet paninis to greasy food truck favorites, we’ve listed the best grilled cheeses you can find in Chicago.
The Panini Republic
No matter what you are craving on your pressed sandwich, The Panini Republic has it. Try the Bacon Bacon, Fresh Veggie, or the classic Grilled Cheese. You also have the choice of white french, multi-grain, or pretzel bread.
Hint: If ever given the option of pretzel bread, choose pretzel bread.
And if you’re feeling lazy, The Panini Republic delivers!
Photo via The Panini Republic
The Fat Shallot
The Fat Shallot is a food truck serving Chicago and Evanston. They also have a spot at Revival Food Hall where the menu varies slightly. Husband-and-wife team Sam and Sarah pour their hearts and culinary talents into serving up delicious sandwiches.
The grilled cheese, available from both the truck and Revival, includes muenster cheese melted between slices of sourdough with sautéed spinach and caramelized onions.
Photo by Elizabeth W. via Yelp
3 Arts Club Café
Want to enjoy your grilled cheese in an Instagram-worthy oasis? 3 Arts Club Cafe’s gorgeous interior, complete with a historic fountain and heritage olive trees, is the place for you.
Their truffled grilled cheese on home-made sourdough bread is to die for. Enjoy it with a glass of wine or a cold-pressed juice (if you want to feel at least a little bit healthy).
Photo by Julie K. via Yelp
Gayle’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese
With a name like Gayle’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese, this spot had to make our list. All of Gayle’s ingredients come from local producers and farmer’s markets, so you know they are fresh. Gluten-free? You can get any of their delicious sandwiches made with a gluten free pita! On Fridays, you can even enjoy a lobster grilled cheese.
Photo via Gayle’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese
Cheesie’s Pub & Grub
Cheesie’s serves up twelve different grilled cheese sandwiches and each one comes with a dipping sauce such as tomato soup or creamy pesto mayo.
Feeling adventurous? They also offer two grilled cheese eating competitions. Finish the four pound sandwich, and you earn yourself a $50 gift card. If your stomach can handle an eight pound sandwich, you can win a $100 gift card. You also need to finish one pound of fries in each scenario. Good luck!
Photo via Cheesie’s Pub & Grub
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