Cleveland's Melt Bar And Grilled Is A Cheese Lovers' Haven

If you’re a cheese lover planning a trip to Cleveland, a visit to Cleveland’s Melt Bar and Grilled is an absolute must! With innovative twists on childhood favorites, craft beers, and a wide variety of monthly features, you won’t go wrong if you bring a big appetite and a hankering for gourmet grilled cheese to this Cleveland eatery.

Since Melt Bar and Grilled was launched by Cleveland-area musician/chef Matt Fish in Lakewood, Ohio, in 2006, it’s attracted a great deal of media attention and has become one of the most popular restaurants in Ohio. The eatery, which focuses its attention on grilled cheese riffs and craft beers, has featured on popular shows like Man vs. Food and Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

So, what’s the big draw? In part, nostalgia. Melt does bold, whimsical takes on comfort food. Try the classics, such as the Monte Cristo (deep fried with honey ham, smoked turkey, American and Swiss cheeses, powdered sugar, and berry preserves for dipping) or the Wake ‘n’ Bacon, a heartier take on the breakfast sandwich.

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For a regional favorite, try the Lake Erie Monster: crispy panko-crusted fish heaped with sweet slaw, American cheese, and jalapeño tartar sauce. Or if you’re feeling creative, you can build your own grilled cheese from the ground up, selecting from a variety of breads, cheeses, and toppings.

The drinks, too, are killer, featuring a full menu of local, national, and international beers and wines. The handcrafted cocktails are as innovative as the food menu, featuring eclectic boozy treats like the Cactus Mule (vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, prickly pear puree, and ginger juice) and the Maple Date Old Fashioned (bourbon, orange, Amarena cherry, Medjool date, and maple syrup).

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Melt isn’t for the faint of heart—portions are massive! Kids can enjoy smaller portions of the sandwiches and steakburgers on the kids’ menu. And if you have dietary restrictions, Melt is also known for its lengthy vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus. If you’re feeling brave, take the Melt Challenge and devour the Monster in one sitting: five pounds of food, including 13 types of cheese, three different kinds of bread, and a hefty side of slaw and fries. If you win, you’ll get a gift card and a Melt pint glass or shirt, and will be given a tribute in the Melt Challenge Hall of Fame.

Melt Bar and Grilled has 13 locations in the Cleveland area. All of them have a kitschy, memorabilia-stuffed atmosphere that makes for a fun night out with friends or a lively date or family dinner, as well as a great space for events.