April brings many wonderful things with it. Trees and flowers start to blossom, days grow longer, and the entire month is dedicated to one of the most beloved sandwiches on the planet. Yes, April is National Grilled Cheese Month! To honor this wondrous occasion, we set out to find some of the best grilled cheese sandwiches in New Jersey. We also asked our contributors to chime in with their favorite spots for grilled cheese satisfaction. Dig in.
 

Toast City Diner, Asbury Park, Montclair, and Red Bank

Gourmet grilled cheese, with American, Swiss, cheddar, grilled onions, and mushrooms on multigrain bread is a three-cheese masterpiece that’s worth every calorie. The addition of onions and mushrooms is genius and elevates this Toast sandwich to the gourmet status it claims. 

Wingcraft, Atlantic City

Wingcraft short rib grilled cheese
Wingcraft short rib grilled cheese

Wingcraft’s short rib grilled cheese includes braised short rib, cheddar, American, soup onions, and mozzarella. This hearty handful is another grammable sammy. With three different cheeses, a generous portion of tender short ribs and soup onions, make no mistake: This bad boy is no snack. Only the truly hungry need apply. 

The Sand Castle Diner, Beachwood 

Sand castle Diner Beachwood
Sand Castle Diner Beachwood

Outrageous and over-the-top versions of grilled cheese may strike my fancy on a whim, but the simple pleasure of perfectly toasted rye bread, Swiss that melted to gooey deliciousness, along with the slightly sweet bite of a sliced tomato will always be #1. Add in a cup of soup on the side (for dipping, of course) and every bite is a perfect bite. You can never go wrong with simple, quality ingredients done right. 

The best place to enjoy it? I have been enjoying this classic at the Sand Castle Diner, in Beachwood, for over 20 years. It’s where I go for great food with fast and friendly service and a joke or sports antidote from the owner. The Sand Castle is the perfect spot to enjoy this comfort classic on National Grilled Cheese Day—or any day! —Jennifer Shafer

Tick Tock Diner, Clifton

Grilled Cheese with Bacon Tick Tock Diner MG
Grilled cheese with bacon at the Tick Tock Diner

A grilled cheese sandwich at the Tick Tock Diner, in Clifton—comfort food that’s simply elegant. More than just a quick meal, it’s a statement on Garden State culture and tradition. Crispy, toasty, and tasty. My father used to say, “You can never go wrong with a grilled cheese sandwich, wherever you decide to eat.” In other words, it was always a safe choice. However, I’m pretty sure he was referring to diners, cafes, and luncheonettes in New Jersey, and not Le Bernardin, in Manhattan. Whatever.

I always enjoy slices of tomato with my grilled cheese sandwich, but this time I decided to be semiradical and go with bacon. Eat heavy, my friends; eat heavy! —Michael Gabriele

Art of Salad, East Brunswick, Long Branch, Piscataway

Art of Salad
Art of Salad mozzarella grilled cheese
The Art of Salad mozzarella grilled cheese, served on toasted nine-grain bread, is a photo op if ever there was one. This ooey-gooey masterpiece is just begging for some serious cheese-pulling action.  

State Line Diner, Mahwah

State Line Diner Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
State Line Diner buffalo chicken grilled cheese
With provolone cheese and crispy buffalo chicken tenders, the breaded Buffalo chicken tenders with provolone cheese on your choice of bread brings two favorite flavors together for one super-satisfying lunch or dinner. State Line also offers many combinations of grilled cheese sandwiches in addition to an open-faced grilled cheese with bacon and tomato.

Coffee & Cornbread, Montclair

Coffee and Cornbread Vegan Grilled Cheese
Coffee and Cornbread Vegan Grilled Cheese
You can be leaf it! The Be Leaf vegan bacon served with vegan cheese on your choice of organic peasant or sourdough bread offers all the comfort vibes of a traditional grilled cheese sandwich while it keeps your plant-based lifestyle unscathed. This, and more, at Coffee & Cornbread. 

B2 Bistro + Bar, Toms River (brunch menu)

Short Rib Grilled Cheese
B2 Bistro + Bar Toms River – Short Rib Grilled Cheese

When you stop by B2 Bistro + Bar, do yourself a favor and order the short rib grilled cheese: short rib, caramelized onions, Gruyère, and American cheese on grilled brioche and served with garlic parmesan fries. This beefy beauty is only available on the weekend brunch menu, so plan accordingly and ask for plenty of napkins. 

MooCheeze Food Truck

Gyro Grilled Cheese from
Gyro grilled cheese from MooCheeze food truck
My favorite grilled cheese sandwich is the gyro grilled cheese from MooCheeze—a self-
described gourmet melts, fries, and mac-and-cheese food truck, which can be found at festivals, wineries and other random places throughout the Delaware Valley. The gyro grilled cheese is much of what you would expect in the classic pita version, just not as sloppy, and delivered in grilled cheese form: tender, sliced gyro meat, crisp onions, tangy tomatoes and a fresh, vibrant tzatziki sauce, all held together by melted mozzarella cheese between two pieces of crunchy grilled bread.
 
With a unique menu—try a side of cheesesteak fries with your Gyro Grilled Cheese—you will not be disappointed! MooCheeze is definitely worth seeking out. —Todd Noon