It takes only three ingredients to make a decent grilled cheese sandwich: cheese, bread and butter. But why stop there? “A simple grilled cheese is a great base and allows you to get creative,” says Spencer Ruben, co-founder of the Melt Shop, a New York City-based upscale grilled cheese restaurant that will open a D.C. outpost in November. In the meantime, we’ve rounded up some of the city’s more over-the-top takes on the childhood classic.
Monster burger
Duffy’s, 2106 Vermont Ave. NW
You’ve got to have a strong appetite and an even stronger jaw to enjoy this Irish pub’s appropriately named monster burger, which has been a menu staple for the past six years ($11.95). In lieu of a bun, the half-pound Angus burger, topped with sauteed mushrooms and bacon, arrives between two grilled cheese sandwiches on sourdough bread. It’s served with a pickle wedge and a mountain of Tater Tots. Duffy’s also throws some sliced tomatoes into the grilled cheeses, you know, for a balanced meal.
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