Grab a delectable grilled cheese at these 15 un-brie-lievable local spots
Reading time: 5 minutes
This guide was originally created in April 2021 and was last updated in April 2022.
Each year on April 12, we celebrate an American icon—the grilled cheese sandwich. Whether you like it simple or overloaded with extras, we can all agree that nothing is cheddar than chowing down on one of these ooey-gooey bad boys. Looking for a place to cheese the day in Birmingham? Read on for 15 local spots to grab the classic favorite.
1. MELT
True to its name, MELT offers a wide variety of cheesy goodness for every palette. My personal favorite is the Mac Melt—a classic grilled cheese with mac and cheese nestled between two slices of Texas Toast. Dreams really do come true.
- Avondale Location: 4105 4th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222 | Hoover Location: 5219 Peridot Place, Ste 3 Hoover, Alabama 35244
- Avondale Hours: Closed Sunday-Monday | Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-2PM, 5PM-close | Hoover Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:30AM-9PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Crestline Bagel Company
You probably know and love Crestline Bagel Company for their award-winning breakfast, but have you tried their equally delicious grilled cheese sandwich? You can’t go wrong with Vermont cheddar, baby swiss and gruyere melted to perfection on homemade focaccia.
- Mountain Brook Location: 66 Church St B, Mountain Brook, AL 35213 | Cahaba Heights Location: 4117 Crosshaven Dr, #5230, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 | Downtown Location: 1500 1st Ave N Ste 31, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Mountain Brook + Cahaba Heights Hours: Monday-Friday 6AM-2PM | Saturday-Sunday 7AM-2PM | Downtown Hours: Monday-Friday 7AM-2PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint
Did you know you can get one of the most popular burgers from Jack Browns in grilled cheese form? The Frankie Brady comes with homemade mac and cheese and barbecue potato chips for the perfect crunch, plus, you can wash it all down with your fave beer.
- Location: 2811 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 11AM-2AM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Paramount
Chow down on a sourdough grilled cheese with cheddar, mozzarella and savory tomato jam, then hit the arcade for some fun. Sounds like a childhood dream.
- Location: 200 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11AM-9PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Ashley Mac’s
Sometimes, you can’t beat the classics. I mean, just look at that cheese pull!
- Location: Check here for nearest location
- Hours: Check here for your location’s hours
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Diplomat Deli
Diplomat Deli has been serving up comfort food since 1982, and their classic grilled cheese is no exception. Pair it with a hot cup of chili and you’ve got yourself a meal.
- Location: 1425 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
- Hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-8PM | Saturday-Sunday 11AM-3PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Al’s Deli & Grill
Al’s Deli & Grill is everyone’s favorite late-night food stop. They have killer Mediterranean food and a grilled cheese that’ll hit the spot without breaking the bank.
- Location: 1629 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11AM-11PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. Sammy’s Sandwich Shop
Sammy’s Sandwich Shop was named Alabama’s Best Burger, so you can trust that they can make a gnarly grilled cheese. Get it for just $2.65.
- Location: 4921 Messer Airport Highway, Birmingham AL 35212
- Hours: Monday-Friday 7AM-3PM | Closed Saturday and Sunday
- Website | Facebook
9. Scott’s Koneys
If you’re on the hunt for a welcoming, no-frills spot that’ll serve you up a classic grilled cheese, allow me to introduce you to Scott’s Koneys.
- Location: 2021 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Monday-Friday 6AM-2PM | Closed Saturday and Sunday
10. Salem’s Diner
Although they’re known for their crowd-pleasing Philly cheesesteaks, Salem’s offers a yummy grilled cheese as well. Make it a combo to top it off with fries and a drink.
- Location: 2913 18th St S, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30AM-1:30PM | Saturday 6:30AM-2PM | Closed Sunday
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
11. The Garage
The Garage won a Nowie for Bham’s Best Kept Secret, there’s nothing hush-hush about how downright tasty their sandwiches are. Grab a grilled cheese and enjoy it in their beautiful courtyard.
- Location: 2304 10th Terrace S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Closed Monday-Wednesday | Thursday 11AM-11PM | Friday-Saturday 11AM-12AM | Sunday 12-10PM
12. Collins Bar
What better time to indulge in a grilled cheese than when you’re sippin’ on a handcrafted cocktail?
- Location: 2125 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4PM-Midnight | Friday-Saturday 4PM-2AM
- Facebook | Instagram
13. Greenhouse
You’re in gouda hands with this warm and toasty grilled cheese, filled with smoked gouda, cheddar, mozzarella and GH Chimichurri on Birmingham Breadworks Sourdough.
- Location: 1017 Oxmoor Rd, #111, Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Closed Monday | Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-8PM | Sunday 10AM-3PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
14. Gilchrist
Conveniently located in the heart of Mountain Brook, stop by Gilchrist for your grilled cheese fix.
- Location: 805 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
- Hours: Closed Sunday | Monday-Friday 8AM-4:30PM | Saturday 8:30AM-4PM
15. Birmingham Breadworks
What’s better than a grilled pimento cheese sandwich? A grilled pimento cheese sandwich on fresh, homemade bread.
- Location: 2408 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:30AM-5:30PM | Closed Sunday
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Contributors to this guide include Cecilia Wood and Gabby Gervais.
Looking to get cheesy in Huntsville? We’ve got you covered with 7 Huntsville grilled cheeses that might be better than homemade