Grilled cheese—like spaghetti, mac n’ cheese and PB&J—is one of those childhood favorites that just never goes out of style. But the great thing about not being a kid anymore? Grilled cheeses can be so much more interesting than just American cheese and white bread (but hey, you do you).

Where’s your favorite local place to grab a grilled cheese? Or would you rather whip it up at home like momma used to make? Let me know in the comments!

Side bar: I’m super intrigued by the Kimchi Grilled Cheese at Forward Foods, but as kimchi typically isn’t vegetarian, I haven’t given it a try. However, expect to see a recipe for a veggie-friendly version on the blog next week!

*Just an absolute all-time classic via Kitchen No. 324.*

Really Fancy Grilled Cheese via Kitchen No. 324

I’ve already told you about the Broccolini Melt at Kitchen No. 324, which, for good reason, is probably my favorite item on their menu right now. But my OG favorite at Kitchen? Their Really Fancy Grilled Cheese, hands down. Served on pressed sourdough bread, this grown-up grilled cheese features smoked cheddar, jack cheese, poblano-peach preserves and fresh thyme. The jam adds a touch of sweetness and heat that goes super well with the smokey cheese; ask to add grilled onions to it, and you'll be all set.

324 N. Robinson Ave. @kitchen324

*A glorious vegetarian classic via The Mule*

Herbivore via The Mule

It's almost cliché to include The Mule on this list, but credit where credit is due, people. I've never in my life encountered a vegetarian grilled cheese quite like the Herbivore from The Mule. The toppings on this thing are absolutely insane; we're talking cashew cheese, roasted beets, mushrooms, sundried tomato pesto, avocado, grilled jalapeños, grilled onions and chipotle aioli, all between two slices of Vienna wheat bread. I'll sometimes add gruyere cheese as well if I'm in the mood for gooey, melty goodness, but it's honestly totally fine as is.

When I want something a bit more decadent, I might go with the F.Y.D.H sans bacon: sourdough, avocado, goat cheese, peperoncino cheese, spicy aioli and an over-easy egg. It's basically glorified avocado toast, and it's hella delish.

1630 N. Blackwelder Ave. @themuleokc

Jimbo's Grilled Cheese Sandwich via McNellie's Pub

In regards to McNellie's, most people usually fall into one of three camps: (1) they haven't been there since college/don't remember the food because they were drunk, (2) only go to McNellie's to drink or (3) are McNellie's regulars and go there specifically for their tasty food. Ed and I firmly fall into the third category.

McNellie's actually has a ton of great vegetarian options, including their Publican House Salad, Hosty Black Bean Burger and Monterey Wrap. But as this is a grilled cheese post, of course, we're here to talk about Jimbo's Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

If you order this straight off the menu, it will come with melted American and Swiss cheese served on your choice of Texas toast or wheat bread. But if you order it the OKC Veggie way, here's what you'd say: "grilled cheese on rye bread and please add avocado, grilled mushrooms and grilled onions." Done and done. I'm telling you, people—hen I'm craving a classic, reminds-me-of-childhood grilled cheese, this is what I go with.

1100 Classen Dr. @mcnellies_okc

*When you want your grilled cheese with a side of fine art, head to the Museum Cafe.*

Grilled Asparagus Panini via The Museum Cafe*

The Museum Cafe is someplace I feel like people totally forget about. My complaint is that it seems a bit stuffy—white tablecloths, servers who say "yes ma'am" and "no ma'am," etc. This vibe meshes with their dinner menu, for sure, which includes the likes of grilled quail, duck breast and lamb shank, but their lunch menu is actually super approachable and quite vegetarian friendly.

I absolutely love their Grilled Asparagus Panini—and maybe some people wouldn't consider that technically a grilled cheese, but whatever. This tasty little number comes with asparagus, brie, toasted almonds, tomato and herbed aioli between two slices of sourdough bread. Believe me when I say it's a must-try!

*April 2019 update — The Museum Cafe is undergoing a remodel/management change, so it’s likely that this sandwich will no longer be on the menu.

415 Couch Dr. okcmoa.com/cafe

*So creamy, so gooey, so tasty. Great work, West.*

Grilled Cheese via West on Western

This is a grown-up grilled cheese if I've ever seen one. Let's break it down, folks: Tuscan bread (everything from Tuscany is fancy, of course), herbed ricotta (perhaps one of the best cheeses), goat cheese, mozzarella and basil pesto. The bread is super thick, incredibly buttery and acts as a perfect, crispy anchor for the insanely gooey cheese. And combine all this with basil pesto? Get outta here. I've heard several people say they've had bad experiences at West (I personally never have), but I have one word for those people: Postmates.

6714 N. Western Ave. @westonwestern

*A truly decadent creation via Upper Crust.*

Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup via Upper Crust Wood Fired Pizza

If you're one of those people who "doesn't like too much cheese" on their grilled cheeses, then skip this one. However, if you could eat a wheel of sweet cheese like it's going out of style, then have at it. This decadent sandwich features Tillamook cheddar and havarti between two pieces of sourdough and is served with creamy house-made tomato basil soup. You'd swear you were a kid again when eating this dish. 13/10 would recommend.

Locations in Edmond, OKC and Tulsa. @uppercrust_pizza