When temperatures dip below freezing — as they have this winter, with colder and drier than average weather this January — few things are more comforting or nostalgic than a warm, toasty grilled cheese.
Whether you’re spending the off-season shopping in Riverhead or looking for a bite after a winter walk in Greenport, here are five cozy lunch spots serving hot, cheesy melts to warm you up.
The Treatery (1564 Main Road, Jamesport, 631-779-2883)
At the Treatery, there’s no such thing as too much cheese. The Main Road bakeshop makes a variety of sweet and savory sandwiches, each stuffed with mounds of shredded, melted cheese that ooze out from between two slices of oversized, grilled sourdough. Highlights include the “Sweet Cheddar Baby,” made with Schmitt’s Farm’s sweet Carrot Cake Marmalade and loaded with cheddar, and the “OG Grilled Cheese,” packed with gruyere and a slathering of homemade caramelized onion, bacon and fig jam.
Riverhead Brew House (221 E Main St Suite 5, Riverhead, 631-212-1265)
Escape the cold in Downtown Riverhead with grilled cheese and a beer at the Riverhead Brew House, which opened last May in the former Peconic Brewing Company building. The gastropub’s menu offers seasonal, elevated takes on classic comfort foods — this winter, you’ll find a french onion-style grilled cheese with caramelized onions, swiss and mozzarella.
Biggie’s Lunch (43715 County Rd 48, Southold, 631-765-8448)
This laid-back lunch locale specializes in sandwiches, making it the ideal place to grab a casual grilled cheese in Southold. Keep it simple with their all-American style sandwich, featuring crispy bacon and american cheese, or go for a twist with their spinach and artichoke grilled cheese — both served on country white bread.
Nookies (1400 Silvermere Rd, Greenport, 631-997-1957)
Operating out of the Silver Sands Motel, this 50s-style joint serves up old-school diner classics, including its bowl of creamy tomato soup with buttery, grilled cheese soldiers for dipping.
Ellen’s On Front (38 Front St, Greenport, 631-333-2743)
For the purists, Ellen’s On Front’s lunch menu features a traditional cheddar grilled cheese on white bread that doesn’t disappoint. Choose between fries or a side salad, or jazz it up with some bacon and avocado.
