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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of New York

Grilled cheese spots

A crisp, buttery grilled cheese sandwich at a diner is the ultimate comfort food.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Baby Blues Luncheonette image 1
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Bright space with NY vintage decor and sun-drenched tables creates a laid-back, authentic vibe. Music adds to the fun atmosphere while crowds gather on weekend mornings. Unique brunch options and custom coffee merchandise set it apart from typical diners.

Offers a modern spin on classic Greek diner fare with a great menu. The atmosphere feels like an old New York Greek diner with quirky twists and unique salt and pepper sets at each table.

Grilled cheese has a perfect texture and pairs well with tomato soup that still has chunks. The cheddar grilled cheese stands out alongside the tomato soup, making a solid combo.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, healthy Mediterranean brunch food here."

"This diner's Greek-inspired food, like the Zorba Plate, is amazing."

"The grilled cheese and tomato soup combo really stole the show."

Good to know

1

Arriving early is recommended because the line to get in is long by 9:30 am.

2

The brunch spot is very popular and often has waits of 1 hour or more on weekends.

3

They only do walk-ins and do not take reservations.

02
Bodega image 1
Restaurant

Bar-height seating fills a space decorated with retro diner and nostalgic bodega items, creating a cozy, glamorous vibe without screens or distractions. The atmosphere feels relaxed and friendly, welcoming a diverse crowd for drinks and bites. Unique touches like cereal boxes and hot sauce on the walls add a fun, comforting ambiance.

Low key vibe blends old-school diner feel with a contemporary chic touch. Decor mixes retro diner and bodega elements creating a comforting atmosphere with classic diner foods like pancakes and burgers.

Grilled cheese pairs with tomato soup for a classic comfort combo. Both come together as a delicious, satisfying meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good."

"It's got a classic American diner feel with a comforting vibe."

"The grilled cheese and tomato soup were the perfect comfort food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a happy hour from 4-6pm.

2

Tinis are $11 during happy hour (4-6pm) and $15 normally.

3

Happy hour burger, fries, and cocktail combo is $15.

03
Fat Rabbit image 1
American restaurant

Upscale diner with 80s and 90s nostalgia features a cozy, beautiful interior with snakeskin leather walls and slow tempo pop music creating a relaxing vibe. Regulars often sit at the bar, enjoying the folk and pop folk classics playlist. The atmosphere blends intentional design with a welcoming neighborhood feel.

Classic diner food comes with an upscale yet unpretentious twist. The menu offers a cut above traditional diner fare, matching a solid diner vibe throughout.

A fancy grilled cheese sandwich costs about $9 and pairs well with French Onion Soup. It ranks as one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches available.

People are saying

"I loved the elevated diner food with a twist."

"You have to try the fried chicken sandwich; it's wildly good."

"I thought the grilled cheese was one of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $132 for two burgers, an appetizer, and drinks.

2

Fries and other sides are charged separately when ordering sandwiches.

3

Brunch is very crowded, so plan to arrive early.

04
Mom's Kitchen and Bar image 1

Restaurant offers a retro diner interior filled with '90s nostalgia and Nickelodeon cartoons on TVs. Loud house music and live DJ create a lively, energetic atmosphere that can make conversation difficult. Outdoor seating includes heated options, while indoor space feels small and cozy.

A movie-like American diner interior sets a fun, cozy vibe here. The food feels upgraded from classic 50s diner fare, matching the lively, diner-ish atmosphere.

Grilled cheese sandwiches come with BBQ brisket or short ribs on Texas toast. Portions are big and the flavors are rich, blending meatiness with melty cheese.

People are saying

"The food portions here are really large and delicious."

"This diner has amazing food and generous portions."

"You have to try the short rib grilled cheese; it's pretty good."

Good to know

1

Brunch is served all day at the restaurant.

2

Happy hour specials are available from 3-5pm on weekdays.

3

Y2K specials are available on Fridays starting at 8pm.

05
Hamburger America image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Vintage burger diner with retro-modern design and old school American vibe fills a small space packed with eager diners. Formica counters and sizzling flattops create a nostalgic atmosphere where the burger assembly line is visible from the counter. Outdoor seating and a bar add variety to the lively, crowded setting.

Old school American diner vibe shines through with a 1950s era ambiance featuring a wraparound bar and classic seating. Phenomenal burgers capture the authentic diner and burger joint feel.

Grilled cheese sandwiches come with patty inside or with ham, both paired well with fries. The combination with the house special burger or onion burger adds a hearty touch.

People are saying

"The American Food here is simple, delicious, and perfectly satisfying."

"This diner's smash burgers are juicy with a great seared crust."

"I loved the grilled cheese, it was perfect."

Good to know

1

You order food and pay upfront, which makes the process easy and efficient.

2

Be warned that lines can be long on certain days at George Motzโ€™s restaurant.

3

Opening time is the best time to visit to avoid crowds.

06
Junior's Restaurant & Bakery image 1
American restaurant

1950s decor with neon lights and period furniture creates a movie-like atmosphere. The space feels spacious yet busy, with a high noise level typical of a bustling city setting. A wide variety of cheesecakes and a full bar complement the lively environment.

Great food features classic American diner style options with a strong nostalgic vibe. The legendary cheesecake stands out and lives up to its reputation.

Buttery, golden grilled cheese sandwiches come with thick, crunchy bread. Variations include tomato and onions for added flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the cheesecake here was the best ever."

"The cheesecake here is creamy, rich, and utterly addictive."

"I loved the cheesecake; the slices were huge!"

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at the diner.

2

Breakfast service ends at 11:00 AM on Christmas day.

3

Expect long queues; wait times may exceed 1 hour.

07
Diner 24 NYC image 1

Classic diner design blends with cozy, comforting atmosphere and calm, happy energy. Music ranges from Frank Sinatra classics to a jukebox with personal selections, enhancing the nostalgic vibe. Seating includes comfy chairs with outlets, supporting relaxed meetings or work sessions.

Offers a 24-hour diner experience with top-notch service and amazing food that stands out in quality and taste.

Grilled cheese comes on a hamburger bun and pairs well with onion rings. A gluten-free option is available, and the tomato soup served alongside complements it nicely.

People are saying

"The diner staff here is so friendly and attentive."

"The milkshakes here are ridiculously large and photograph-worthy."

"The retro vibe here really rings my bell for a grilled cheese."

Good to know

1

Brunch is available any day.

2

Happy hour offers $4 beers and $7 cocktails at the bar.

3

Breakfast is served all day.

08
Friedman's image 1
Gluten-free restaurant

Small American restaurant offers cozy, romantic design with ample indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere blends classy and down-to-earth vibes with occasional live singing during dinner. Known for gluten-free menu and welcoming families with thoughtful amenities.

An upscale atmosphere blends with a classic New York diner feel here. The coffee and food stand out as much better than typical diners.

A nice blend of cheese defines the grilled cheese here. It stands out as an excellent sandwich alongside other classic options.

People are saying

"The gluten-free options here are amazing and spectacular."

"The diner food here is great with hearty portions."

"I had the best grilled cheese sandwich with a nice blend of cheese."

Good to know

1

A reservation is highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant offers gluten-free options for various dishes.

3

This place gets busy during brunch time until 3 PM.

09
Junior's Restaurant and Bakery image 1

Space combines retro diner vibe with vibrant decor featuring red and yellow hues. Atmosphere stays fun and lively, often busy and chaotic, with music that is pleasant and not overpowering. Crowd enjoys classic American comfort with standout cheesecake and a bar offering notable cocktails and beers.

Big, clean space offers a classic American diner experience with quick service. Staff handle orders efficiently and engage in friendly conversation while serving typical diner food.

Thick bread with an awesome crunch holds gooey, melted cheese. The sandwich feels like a nostalgic treat with toasted bread and flavorful cheese.

People are saying

"I found their famous cheesecake to be truly delicious."

"You have to try the cheesecake at this diner; it's rich and creamy."

"The grilled cheese has an awesome crunch with gooey cheese."

Good to know

1

You can put your name on a waitlist to plan your visit better.

2

The place is busy and open till midnight, close to Times Square.

3

On Saturday night at 6:00 PM, there was a 10-minute wait for a table for two.

10
Golden Diner image 1

Small, cozy diner with intimate seating and a classic diner vibe. Kitchen activity is visible and well organized, adding to the atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers heated comfort despite being under a noisy bridge.

Breakfast features fluffy, buttery pancakes glazed with honey butter. Staff are very friendly, and the food stands out as some of the best diner fare around.

Grilled cheese comes with a kimchi tomato soup pairing that stands out. The vegan grilled cheese gets noted for its unique flavor but some find the price high for the portion size.

People are saying

"These pancakes are fluffy, lemony, and buttery."

"The Diner pancakes were fluffy, lemony, and buttery."

"I found the vegan grilled cheese to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly suggested to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a wait of 1 hour or more during popular brunch times.

3

There is no reservation option for brunch on weekends.

11
George's image 1
American restaurant

Two-floor diner with retro decor and clear plastic screens creates a cozy, bustling atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers a lively spot to watch people, while inside feels authentic and homey with a steady flow of locals. Music adds to the energetic vibe despite some cramped spaces upstairs.

Offers a traditional diner experience with affordable pricing and friendly staff. Serves as a solid go-to spot for classic diner meals in a lively area.

Grilled cheese sandwiches come with oily, salty toast and sometimes include ham. They pair with items like milkshakes and sweet potato fries.

People are saying

"The Breakfast service here is quick and friendly."

"This lunch spot has huge portions and fresh, appetizing food."

"I enjoyed the grilled cheese; the taste is perfection."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served all day.

2

The diner has a break in the afternoon.

3

There is a $2 fee for non-cash payments.

12
Brooklyn Diner image 1

Large, bright diner with traditional New York decor and retro exterior creates an authentic vibe. Atmosphere feels lively and celebrity-infused, with comfortable seating and booths ideal for people watching. Design uses shutters and mirrors to avoid feeling cramped, distinguishing it from typical NYC diners.

Classic diner vibe meets friendly, fast service with a menu that shines at breakfast and lunch. The club sandwich stands out, and the spot works well for a quick bite before shows.

Waffle grilled cheese stands out with its pastrami filling and a style similar to a New York Monte Cristo. The combination offers a unique twist on classic grilled cheese flavors.

People are saying

"This Diner burger was juicy, flavorful, and cooked perfectly."

"You have to get the chicken pot pie; it's huge!"

"The waffle grilled cheese with pastrami was very good."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served all day.

2

The restaurant closes at 9:00 p.m.

3

Reservations are needed for this diner.

13
Cubby's image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small hamburger restaurant offers a warm, fun atmosphere with non-screen tabletop games that engage all ages. Clean, open space features marble counters and nostalgic decor with a youthful twist. Burgers stand out as a distinctive culinary highlight in the city.

Huge counter and counter-style service create a classic diner feel. Old-school diner visuals mix with sleek marble countertops and games for a modern twist.

Simple and great grilled cheese sandwiches come with bacon and onions in the Greaser's Special. They serve it with fries and a black cherry ice cream soda for a classic combo.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were amazing and high quality."

"I woke up craving another great grilled cheese this morning."

"The owner and staff at this Diner are super friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

You need to pay cash to avoid the credit card fee.

2

Cubby's has a deal for Beacon students: burger, fries, soda, and ice cream for $15.

3

Take out is available for those on the go.

14
Bubby's image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant with close seating and loud music creates a lively, bustling atmosphere. Indoor and covered outdoor spaces offer a chic, bright vibe with a retro photo booth in the basement adding unique charm.

Offers delicious pancakes and home fries that do not need salt or pepper, unlike typical diner-style fries. Serves classic diner fare with a solid reputation.

The grilled cheese pairs well with tomato soup and comes as a classic sandwich. It looks appealing and often appears alongside other breakfast items like pancakes and biscuits.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, comforting American cuisine."

"I loved the fried chicken and pancakes at this diner."

"I loved the sourdough grilled cheese with tomato soup."

Good to know

1

Bubby's does not take reservations on weekends for brunch.

2

Expect to wait at least 30 minutes to an hour on weekends.

3

Bubby's only accepts walk-in customers.

15
Remedy Diner image 1

Classic diner with tin ceilings and large windows offers a quaint New York borough style ambiance with comfortable seating and bottomless coffee. Lighting enhances the space, creating a nice, clean, and comforting atmosphere. Tables and counter service maintain an old-school diner style.

Open 24 hours with fast, exceptional service, this diner offers a modern take on classic American food. It features big, tasty pancakes and luscious pies in a clean, authentic setting.

Grilled cheese comes out perfectly warm, with a crispy crust and plenty of cheesy goodness.

People are saying

"I found the food to be spectacular and the portions huge."

"This diner has a great old school NYC feel."

"Their grilled cheese is perfectly warm, crispy, and cheesy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a $10 minimum per person requirement.

2

Expect additional charges for card payments, which are not clearly indicated.

3

The diner is open almost 24 hours, 7 days a week.

16
Montague Diner image 1

Classic diner design blends 1940s nostalgia with modern touches like soft pink lighting and thoughtful details. Noisy atmosphere fills with an eclectic playlist and lively energy. Crowd enjoys cocktail menu alongside traditional diner fare, creating a warm, welcoming vibe.

Offers high-quality diner food with a warm, nostalgic touch honoring classic staples. Includes gluten-free and dairy-free options and manages noise well for easy conversation even when packed.

A massive grilled cheese comes on challah or Texas toast, toasted beautifully and served in a giant Montague style. The sandwich is simple but perfectly toasty and stands out for its size and flavor.

People are saying

"The diner food here is solid and satisfying, especially the pancakes."

"The food here is good, with generous portions and strong coffee."

"The giant grilled cheese is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The diner plans to operate 24 hours during the holiday.

2

The restaurant serves a late Sunday lunch.

3

There is a 2-hour wait even when the diner is half empty.

17
Ellen's Stardust Diner image 1

Classic Broadway-themed diner with singing waitstaff performing throughout, creating a lively, energetic environment. Small, crowded space with a balcony overlooking the whole place adds to the unique atmosphere. Entertainment feels like being inside a Broadway musical.

A lively diner with fun and friendly staff who perform live singing. It offers a unique restaurant experience focused on entertainment alongside meals. The atmosphere feels like part of a Broadway musical experience.

Grilled cheese sandwiches come with tomato and bacon or sometimes short rib. The menu offers gluten-free options and pairs grilled cheese with sides like waffle fries and tater tots.

People are saying

"The singing servers put on a Broadway-caliber show; it's such fun activities!"

"The Diner's servers sing Broadway songs while you eat."

"The Grilled Cheese here is served with a side of continuous singing performances."

Good to know

1

Expect a 50-minute wait during evening hours.

2

A 20% tip is automatically added to the bill.

3

Come during the week to avoid long lines.

18
Gracie's Diner image 1

Diner showcases 1950s American style with roomy seating including an enclosed sidewalk area. Bright and welcoming atmosphere features best R&B music and comfortable booths. The space feels lively and upbeat, blending old-school charm with a family-owned vibe.

Offers a warm and friendly atmosphere with staff that feel like family. Serves excellent, delicious food at reasonable prices with efficient and chill service.

Grilled cheese comes with options like bacon and corned beef hash. Some sandwiches arrive unevenly grilled with torn cheese pieces. Prices can reach around $25 when paired with sides and drinks.

People are saying

"The diner staff here is so friendly and fast."

"I found the flame-grilled beefburger to be very good."

"I enjoyed the grilled cheese, especially with bacon."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open 24 hours a day.

2

Gracie's turns tables over quickly, so don't expect to wait long to be seated.

3

The seating is limited indoors and it's a tight squeeze.

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