The New Jersey Sandwich Spot Making Grilled Cheese Legendary

They say looks can be deceiving — and nowhere is that truer than in New Jersey, where a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shack in Kenilworth is serving up some of the best grilled cheese sandwiches in the country. Forget fancy lighting, glossy menus, or curated Instagram aesthetics. American Melts proves that sometimes, all you really need is hot bread, gooey cheese, and a little imagination.

Photo From: American Melts NJ Instagram

From the outside, it’s nothing fancy — a small, no-frills building that could easily pass for a backyard shed. But step up to the window, and you’ll quickly see why locals and food lovers alike can’t get enough. Since opening in 2013, this cozy takeout spot has become a cult favorite for its wild and wonderfully indulgent takes on the grilled cheese sandwich.

The menu is packed with creative twists, but one of the all-stars is the Big Tex — a jaw-dropping combination of Monterey Jack, cheddar, bacon, roast beef, avocado, jalapeños, barbecue sauce, and yes, a scoop of macaroni and cheese. It’s a little smoky, a little spicy, and a whole lot of satisfying.

Photo From: Yelp, Penelope M.

Then there’s the Shroom, a flavor-packed vegetarian melt stacked with mozzarella, provolone, and balsamic-marinated portobello mushrooms. One diner summed it up perfectly:

“The mushrooms and cheese gave it a deep, savory flavor. It was a bit [of an] umami punch and I loved it! Even after reheating the bread, [it] was a nice combination of crisp on the top levels but still chewy on the inside. Best of all, the sandwich held together really nicely.”

And if you don’t see your perfect combo on the menu? Build your own. Choose your cheeses, pile on extras like caramelized onions, avocado, or horseradish aioli — and for those with a serious sweet tooth, go all in with the donut melt. That’s right: you can swap the bread for a glazed donut, grilled to golden perfection. As one fan put it,

“Absurdly good grilled cheese. I had mine on a donut — glazed, grilled, perfect.”

Photo From: Yelp, Tahera Z.

Despite its humble setup — just a few picnic tables scattered around the parking lot — American Melts continues to win over both locals and newcomers. With nearly 150 five-star reviews, it’s safe to say the hype is real. And with most sandwiches priced under $10, it’s one of those rare foodie finds that delivers both quality and value.

Sure, it’s off the beaten path, and you might miss it if you’re not looking closely. But that’s part of the charm. As one loyal customer put it best:

“This small unassuming place is 100 percent worth the stop. So easy to miss, it's one of Union County's best kept secrets.”

So next time you’re cruising through Kenilworth, keep your eyes peeled for a little shack with a big line and an even bigger smell of toasted bread and melted cheese. That’s your sign you’ve found one of New Jersey’s most delicious hidden treasures.