Grilled Cheese for Dinner? Yes, Please!

In a world and economy where a gallon of gas costs roughly the same as a kid’s meal, it’s important that the meal is just as good as the gas it takes to get there.  

Now by “good,” I do not mean “extremely healthy" and "made out of organic air.” I mean your child will eat it, and you won’t end up taking home leftovers, shoving them in the back of your refrigerator and forgetting all about them. An epic waste of money.

Recently, my family discovered a place that's cheap and kid-friendly, where everyone will eat the food. This establishment only serves one main course: grilled cheese.

I will admit, my knowledge of cheese is minimal at best. To me, there are only two types of cheese—yellow and white. I'm vaguely aware of the existence of other kinds, but they’re sort of mythical, like a unicorn.

As a family, we’ve eaten at Grilled Cheese & Co. in Catonsville three times. Twice I’ve gotten the BCT—bacon, cheese and tomato. The bread is warm and buttery with the outside crispy and the inside fluffy. Bite into the sandwich and the butter and cheese come together in a combination that leaves you craving more. Then you get a mix of the tangy tomato and the saltiness of the bacon coated in the cheese. It’s food perfection.

When I finished my sandwich, I was disappointed that it was over. The last time I was there, I had the most popular sandwich: the Crabby Melt (Monterey jack with crab dip and crab meat). It was messy, not the sort of meal you can eat and be sexy. But man, is it good.

My husband tries something new every time and always loves what he gets. He's had specials like the Blue Ox (blue cheese, roast beef and horseradish) and Kickin’ BBQ Chicken.

Our daughter got the kid's meal and finished it. A kid's meal comes with half a sandwich, apple sauce or chips, and a juice box or milk for $4.99.

With no sandwich on the menu more than $7.99, it’s a very affordable meal. (Monthly specials might run a little bit more expensive.) And trust me, you won’t leave hungry if you add an order of sweet potato fries.  

Kathy Little, who has been the manager since Grilled Cheese & Co. opened, said she's not at all surprised by the store’s success. With the economy being what it is, people are seeking comfort food, said Little.

The staff is extremely friendly, and when I confessed I have zero cheese knowledge, Little came out with an array of cheeses for me to try. They all looked white to me, but I did learn that Swiss cheese tastes like smokey death but I like Havarti.

The restaurant is located right off of 695 at exit 14 (Edmondson Avenue)—a quick right at the end of the exit ramp (coming from the south/west), and you’re there.  

Grilled Cheese & Co. is a wonderful place. You’ll leave happy and full.

Erinn lives in Elkridge, teaches middle school, and is the mom of a 3-year-old. While she claims she's not a foodie, she will be writing about restaurants in and around Elkridge that are family friendly.