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Top picks in the Theater District

Grilled cheese lunch spots

A midday break calls for a warm, melted grilled cheese sandwich before the curtain rises.

Based on 813 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Yard House image 1
Yard House image 2
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New American restaurant

Sprawling multi-story space with big screens and three-story cooler creates a lively, pub-like atmosphere. The vibe is relaxed yet loud, filled with sports fans watching games on numerous TVs. Tables feature self-service kiosks for easy ordering, enhancing the energetic dining experience.

Lunch here offers large servings including platters like wings and stir fry edamame. The atmosphere stays chill and not crowded, making it easy to grab a meal with coworkers or clients.

Grilled cheese with bacon pairs well with tomato bisque soup for a warm, comforting meal. The combination is consistently delicious and highly recommended.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious and thoughtfully prepared food."

"This lunch spot's food is always delicious and beautifully presented."

"The grilled cheese and tomato bisque soup were delicious."

Good to know

1

The open bar is available until 1 o'clock on New Year's evening.

2

Guests are asked to leave the building after the party ends at 12:30 AM.

3

Expect a crowded venue during happy hour and game nights.

02
Burger & Lobster Bryant Park image 1

British restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with perfect lighting and a big space featuring a bar and high tables. The vibe is friendly and casual, filled with a happy hour crowd and comfortable seating. Live singing adds a personal touch to the energetic environment.

Fixed menu offers a great lunch option with attentive and polite service. The spot stays surprisingly quiet even during busy times, making it a solid choice for a relaxed midday meal.

Lobster bisque comes with a lobster grilled cheese sandwich. The grilled cheese pairs well with the bisque, making a rich, flavorful appetizer.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here really good and packed with flavor."

"Our Lunch Spot server, Adam, gave great food recommendations."

"The lobster grilled cheese with the bisque was amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers cocktails for $10 and fried calamari for $10.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

3

The restaurant has a private dining room available for events.

03
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.

Lunch features big, tasty sandwiches like tuna melt and turkey with cheese. The spot serves classic New York cuisine and includes the option to try the famous cheesecake.

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."

"You have to try the cheesecake for your Lunch Spot."

"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.

04
Melt Shop image 1
Restaurant

Ordering happens through self checkout kiosks in a spacious setting with bench seating and paper-served food on tin trays. The atmosphere stays chill and uncrowded, with a mix of loud music and conversation creating a lively background. An open-air courtyard across the street offers additional seating options.

Offers a quick and casual lunch with options like a soup and salad combo. Serves as a solid spot for a light and satisfying meal on the go.

Grilled cheese sandwiches feature perfectly golden and crispy bread with gooey, melted cheese that stretches with each bite. A variety of options exist, often paired with a refreshingly delicious milkshake.

People are saying

"The fast food burgers here are juicy and flavorful."

"The hot honey Mac and Cheese is really delicious."

"This lunch spot has delicious grilled cheese sandwiches."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 8:30 PM, not 9 PM as stated online.

2

Expect a lack of seating availability during peak hours.

3

Prices are high, with a small portion of Mac nโ€™ cheese costing $13.

05
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.

Lunch comes with a short wait even when the place is packed. The pastrami sandwich serves piled high and piping hot portions. Seating at the bar offers a casual spot to enjoy lunch in a busy area.

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."

"Our server Ashraf was terrific and didn't rush us."

"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.

06
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.

Quality and consistency stand out during lunch hours. Service and food maintain a strong level of excellence for a typical American meal.

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."

"The lunch spot portions were huge and the food was excellent."

"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.

07
Friedman's image 1
Gluten-free restaurant

Dining room features Broadway-style singing staff creating a lively and fun atmosphere. Ornate, historic interior with authentic design lacks sound dampening, leading to high noise levels. Offers gluten-free options and a gluten-free dedicated fryer, attracting those with dietary restrictions.

Lunch features a variety of delicious gluten-free options served promptly, often before 4 PM. The menu offers consistently excellent dishes that satisfy midday hunger.

Simple and delicious grilled cheese pairs well with tomato soup. The sandwich is straightforward but satisfying.

People are saying

"I found the gluten free pancakes to be amazing."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was fantastic."

"The grilled cheese with tomato soup is really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for large groups.

2

The restaurant offers Broadway night events where servers perform.

3

Food service starts at 3:30 PM, but drinks are available at the bar before that.

08
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.

Lunch includes a lively show with performances matching or exceeding theater quality. The experience combines food, entertainment, and merchandise for a price comparable to a matinee ticket.

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 wait staff at this lunch spot are professional Broadway singers."

"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.

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