Melt Bar and Grilled — Review by Food Network
Cleveland, United States — American - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Melt Bar and Grilled in Cleveland offers inventive grilled cheese sandwiches that elevate the classic comfort food to fine dining quality. The standout Parmageddon sandwich features Polish pierogis, caramelized onions, and tangy vodka-cider cabbage, delivering bold flavors that impressed the reviewer as one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches ever had. Chef and owner Matt Fish combines quality ingredients and creative combinations to prove that grilled cheese can be far more than just a simple sandwich.
What was great: Creative grilled cheese sandwiches made 30+ different ways, high quality ingredients with 4 oz of cheese per sandwich, standout items like the Parmageddon with pierogi and vodka-cider vinegar cabbage, Big Popper with jalapeno popper filling, excellent bread texture with perfect crunch
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Melt Bar and Grilled showcases an impressive menu of over 30 different grilled cheese variations. The Purple Parma features local Polish influences with a traditional touch, while the West Side Monte Cristo delivers classic flavors. The Big Popper takes inspiration from jalapeno poppers, stuffing them between grilled bread for a spicy kick that caught the reviewer by surprise. However, the true star is the Parmageddon, a masterpiece that combines fresh potato pierogis browned to golden perfection, caramelized grilled onions, and a house-made kraut slaw made with vodka and cider vinegar. Fresh sharp cheddar cheese, approximately 4 ounces per sandwich, melts beautifully between thick slices of grilled bread that achieves the perfect crunch while remaining soft inside. The sandwich is finished in what the kitchen calls the meltification machine, an oven that toasts everything for 3-5 minutes to create the ideal texture. The pierogi and cabbage combination proved to be a revelation, with the vodka and cider vinegar slaw adding an over-the-top flavor dimension that elevated the sandwich beyond typical grilled cheese territory.
The Experience
The review captures the restaurant's vibrant kitchen atmosphere where chef and owner Matt Fish personally oversees the sandwich creation process. The energy is enthusiastic and collaborative, with staff and guests alike excited about the creative offerings. The kitchen is visible and engaging, allowing diners to witness the craftsmanship that goes into each sandwich. The operation feels friendly and welcoming, with a clear passion for reinventing the grilled cheese sandwich.
Value and Pricing
While specific prices are not mentioned in the transcript, the value proposition is clear. Chef Fish aims to bring four to five-star restaurant quality into the grilled cheese medium, with each sandwich containing substantial portions of quality cheese and fresh ingredients. For a specialized sandwich shop offering this level of creativity and ingredient quality, the pricing appears justified.
Notable Moments
That is one of the best grilled cheese I've ever had.
We can stick anything inside of it and it's still considered a grilled cheese sandwich.
The cabbage with the vodka and the cider, it's over the top and around again over the top.
It's so much more than a grilled cheese sandwich. My idea was to take a four to five-star restaurant, that quality of food and the medium is grilled cheese.
The reviewer brought in a guest named Paulie who tasted the Parmageddon and was equally impressed, describing it as bursting with flavor and noting that pierogis in sandwich form was a pleasant discovery.
The Verdict
Melt Bar and Grilled deserves a visit for anyone who appreciates creative comfort food taken to elevated levels. The Parmageddon is an absolute must-try, showcasing Polish heritage through pierogis while delivering unexpected flavor complexity. This restaurant proves that grilled cheese sandwiches can be far more sophisticated than their childhood reputation suggests. It's perfect for food enthusiasts seeking innovative takes on classic dishes, as well as anyone craving bold, satisfying flavors in sandwich form.