Start planning your ultimate South Carolina adventure with a free copy of the 2025 Vacation Guide. Request your free copy, view the guide online or download a PDF version below.
Grilled Cheese Is for Grown-ups at These SC Restaurants
Libby Wiersema
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
A toasty grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate comfort food.
The grilled cheese sandwich might be the ultimate American comfort food, and its staying power is impressive.
When James L. Kraft rolled out his processed cheese in 1915, he not only solved the problem of cheese spoilage in a pre-refrigeration society, but set the stage for the creation of a cheap, easy-to-make sandwich that was filling and tasty.
While grilled cheese sandwiches are still in high demand today, modern-day palates happily lean toward more gourmet interpretations that showcase various cheeses and ingredients.
Lots of South Carolina restaurants serve up versions that capture the essence of the sandwich while upping the deliciousness with such imaginative additions.
Here are some suggestions on where you can experience all the comfort of eating a grilled cheese sandwich with a few twists thrown in to surprise your taste buds.
The grilled cheese at Nose Dive is a delicious melding of cheddar, brie, apples and arugula.
Nose Dive, Greenville Take the plunge and order the grilled cheese at Nose Dive in Greenville - a solid leap upward. The savory-sweet blend of cheddar, brie, caramelized onion, apple, fig spread and arugula on hearth bread is all the rage of the grilled cheese crowd.
Tattooed Moose, Charleston Area Grilled cheese really hits new heights at Tattooed Moose in North Charleston and on Johns Island in Charleston.The Super Melty Grilled Cheese is loaded with layers of melty American cheese on perfectly grilled sourdough bread. Add tomato, bacon or pork belly for an additional charge.
Fresh basil and tomato lend Tuscan flavors to this grilled cheese at Eli’s Table.
Eli's Table, Charleston At Eli’s Table in Charleston, try the Tuscan Grilled Cheese with Roma tomato, basil, cheddar, American cheese on toasted sourdough bread.
Craig's Deli, Santee The Ultimate Grilled Cheese with Swiss, American, provolone, tomato and bacon on white or wheat bread is a pinnacle grilled cheese experience offered at Craig’s Deli in Santee.
Sharp cheddar and pimento cheese team up with brisket at Game Day BBQ.
Game Day BBQ, Duncan Smoky chopped brisket, sharp cheddar and creamy pimento cheese are layered on Texas toast and grilled for a winning combo at Game Day Barbecue.
Midwood Smokehouse, Columbia Midwood Smokehouse in Columbia offers a cheddar and Gruyere grilled sandwich topped with smoked onions and a creamy tomato spread on Texas toast. Elevate your sandwich with additions of brisket, chopped pork or even broccoli.
The Hot Mess at Grill Marks is a monstrous grilled cheese-burger-hot dog mash-up.
Grill Marks, Greenville and Columbia Grill Marks takes the concept of a grilled cheese sandwich to monster levels. Imagine a grilled cheese at the core of a tower of two beef patties, a grilled hot dog, cheddar cheese, American cheese, chili, crispy haystack onions, fried pickles, lettuce, tomato. Now, that's one humongous sandwich. Take the challenge at either the Greenville or Columbia locations.
Duke Sandwich Company, Greenville
Duke Sandwich Company is known in Greenville for their classic sammies. While you can get a traditional grilled cheese, there is a rogue menu option that is a real tastebud twister: the Deluxe Grilled Pimento Cheese & Bacon that gets a special kick from dollop of tomato jam.
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
