Grilled Cheese Face off: American Melts
American Melts capitalizes on what Americans love most—carbs, cheese and creative add-ons like jalapeños or even chips—to bring the classic grilled cheese to yummy new levels. American Melts is a specialty grilled cheese shop that recently popped up in Kenilworth. With the number of grilled cheese restaurants continuing to increase, American Melts has found new ways to make an old staple. At American Melts, the possibilities are endless, ranging from chef’s pre-made combinations to build-your-own sandwiches.
When I ordered a plain grilled cheese on white bread with American cheese and New York Cheddar, I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. The sandwich was flavorful and the two cheeses were spread evenly through the whole sandwich right to the crust. The bread was buttered and toasted to perfection, making it savory without feeling too greasy. It cost $3.75, an inexpensive choice for fast, quality food.
During my visit, I also tried the mac and cheese special, priced at $5.30. This is American cheddar cheese topped with macaroni and cheese on white bread. They didn’t skimp on the mac and cheese, but it also wasn’t over the top. It was a phenomenal combination.
The restaurant itself is a small shack—if you drive by too fast on Springfield Road, you could miss it.
Like many other current restaurants, it is fast-casual but also has the vibe of a food truck. You walk up to a window, order and seat yourself at picnic tables surrounding the shack. While convenient if you’re on the go, the minimal outdoor-only seating was a bit of a drawback for a rainy day.
At a short 15-minute drive from WHS, American Melts is a bit far to visit during open lunch, but it’s close enough to stop by any day after school before it closes at 4 p.m. Go get your grilled cheese fix, and you won’t be disappointed.
