We all have those days when only a grilled cheese will do – that perfect combo of melty cheese between two slices of buttery, toasted bread. But not all grilled cheeses are created equal, especially at chain restaurants where they should know better. I recently tried six different chain restaurant grilled cheese sandwiches to find out which ones are worth your money and which ones should be avoided at all costs. What I discovered was shocking – some chains are charging premium prices for sandwiches that wouldn’t pass muster in a school cafeteria.
Panera Bread makes the worst grilled cheese around
Coming in dead last in our ranking is Panera Bread’s grilled cheese, which is honestly a huge disappointment. For a chain that specializes in bread and sandwiches, this was a massive letdown. The bread was tough and charred in spots, making it hard to bite through. The American cheese inside was dull, stiff, and barely melted, clinging to the bread like it was afraid to let go. At $8.39 or more depending on your location, this sandwich is highway robbery for what you actually get.
Many customers agree that this sandwich is a total flop. People on social media have complained that they could make an entire week’s worth of grilled cheese at home for what Panera charges for one sandwich. The lack of attention to basics – properly melted cheese, well-toasted (not burnt) bread, and a good cheese-to-bread ratio – makes this a sandwich that even your worst enemy doesn’t deserve to eat. When a sandwich has one job – be a good grilled cheese – and fails this badly, it deserves its spot at the bottom.
Starbucks grilled cheese is a soggy mess
Coming in at second-worst is Starbucks’ attempt at a grilled cheese. While you might not think of Starbucks as a sandwich destination, they do offer food items – though maybe they shouldn’t. Their grilled cheese features a sourdough bread that gets completely overpowered by a salty parmesan butter spread. The cheese inside becomes a congealed mass rather than the gooey, stretchy texture you want. By the time you unwrap it from its paper, it’s often already soggy and lukewarm.
The biggest issue with Starbucks’ grilled cheese is that the flavors compete against each other rather than working together. The parmesan butter is so strong that it fights with the cheese inside, creating a confusing taste experience. The bread often ends up with a weird, almost greasy texture that ruins the entire sandwich. When you’re paying premium coffee shop prices for a simple sandwich, you expect something at least decent. What you get instead is a sandwich that disappoints on every level – from texture to taste to temperature.
Dairy Queen grilled cheese lacks actual cheese
Dairy Queen might be known for ice cream, but their venture into hot sandwiches leaves much to be desired. Their grilled cheese ranks third from the bottom because it commits the cardinal sin of a grilled cheese sandwich – it doesn’t have enough cheese. The bread is often soggy rather than crisp, suggesting it might be microwaved rather than grilled. When you bite into it, you’re met with disappointment in the form of a thin, barely-there layer of American cheese that gets lost between the bread slices.
The sandwich feels like an afterthought on their menu, something thrown together with little care or attention. It’s especially disappointing when you consider that Dairy Queen should understand dairy products, including cheese. Instead, what you get is a sad approximation of a grilled cheese that lacks the fundamental elements that make this classic sandwich so beloved. For a company that built its reputation on frozen treats, perhaps they should stick to what they know best and leave the grilled cheese to others who can do it justice.
Five Guys grilled cheese is messy and underwhelming
Five Guys takes a unique approach to their grilled cheese by serving it on an inside-out hamburger bun. While points for creativity are due, the execution falls flat. The sesame seeds from the bun end up everywhere, creating a messy eating experience. The sandwich often comes stuffed with too much American cheese, making it overwhelming and unbalanced. For a chain known for its attention to detail with burgers, their grilled cheese feels like an oversight on the menu.
What’s particularly disappointing is the lack of that buttery flavor you expect from a good grilled cheese. The bun gets toasted on the grill, but it doesn’t have that rich, buttery taste that makes a grilled cheese so satisfying. Some people might appreciate the unorthodox approach, but for grilled cheese purists, this sandwich misses the mark. While not the worst option out there, Five Guys’ grilled cheese lands squarely in the middle of our ranking – edible but ultimately forgettable when compared to better options available elsewhere.
Sonic’s grilled cheese is simple but satisfying
Sonic’s grilled cheese earns its spot in the middle of our ranking by doing the basics right without trying to be fancy. Served on Texas toast with American cheese, this sandwich is straightforward but satisfying. The bread gets properly toasted, giving it a nice crunch when you bite into it. The cheese melts well, creating that gooey texture that’s essential to a good grilled cheese. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it delivers exactly what you expect from a classic grilled cheese.
One of the best things about Sonic’s grilled cheese is the price – it’s actually affordable compared to some of the premium options from other chains. Reddit users agree that Sonic’s grilled cheese hits the spot when you’re craving a grilled cheese on the go. The Texas toast provides a good foundation that stands up to the melted cheese without getting soggy. While it won’t win any awards for innovation, Sonic’s grilled cheese proves that sometimes doing the simple things well is enough to create a satisfying sandwich experience.
In-N-Out’s grilled cheese is a hidden gem
In-N-Out’s grilled cheese isn’t officially on the menu, but this secret menu item deserves recognition. It’s essentially a burger without the meat – complete with their fresh-baked bun, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and special sauce if you want it. What makes this grilled cheese stand out is the freshness of the ingredients. The bun gets a nice toast on the grill, and the cheese melts perfectly. Unlike some other chains, In-N-Out doesn’t skimp on quality, even for their meatless options.
The value is another major point in In-N-Out’s favor. Their grilled cheese is significantly more affordable than many competitors, coming in at around half the price of Panera’s version. Many customers appreciate that they can get the signature In-N-Out experience without the burger. The only downside is that it’s not available everywhere, as In-N-Out’s locations are limited primarily to the western United States. For those lucky enough to live near one, this secret menu item is well worth trying for a fresh take on the classic grilled cheese.
Friendly’s uses real Tillamook cheddar on sourdough
Friendly’s earns major points for using quality ingredients in their grilled cheese. Unlike many chains that stick with basic American cheese, Friendly’s opts for Tillamook cheddar on sourdough bread. This upgrade makes a noticeable difference in flavor – the cheese has actual character and sharpness that elevates the entire sandwich. The sourdough provides a tangy contrast that complements the rich cheddar perfectly. It’s clear that some thought went into designing this sandwich.
The bread gets properly grilled, giving it a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a soft interior. The cheese melts beautifully, creating that perfect pull-apart moment when you take a bite. In taste tests, Friendly’s grilled cheese consistently ranks near the top, coming in second place among major chains. The only thing keeping it from the top spot is that it can be a bit inconsistent from location to location. When done right, however, Friendly’s grilled cheese stands as proof that a few quality ingredients can transform this simple sandwich into something special.
Shake Shack makes the best chain restaurant grilled cheese
Taking the crown for the best chain restaurant grilled cheese is Shake Shack. Their version features American cheese melted inside a buttery, perfectly toasted potato bun. What sets this grilled cheese apart is the attention to detail – the bun gets exactly the right amount of butter before hitting the grill, creating a golden, crispy exterior. The cheese is bold and flavorful, melting into every nook and cranny of the bun. The result is a grilled cheese that tastes rich and high-end despite its simple ingredients.
Shake Shack also offers customization options, allowing you to add bacon, tomato, or avocado for an additional cost. At around $5.49 for the basic version, it’s not the cheapest option out there, but the quality justifies the price. In blind taste tests, testers found themselves unable to stop eating this sandwich, a testament to its addictive quality. According to multiple reviews, no other chain comes close to matching the perfect balance of buttery crispness and cheesy goodness that Shake Shack achieves. For a grilled cheese worth spending money on, Shake Shack is the clear winner.
The next time you’re craving a grilled cheese but don’t want to make one at home, choose wisely. Skip the disappointment of Panera’s overpriced, underdelivered sandwich and head to Shake Shack instead. A good grilled cheese doesn’t need fancy ingredients or techniques – just quality basics done right. The best chains understand this, creating sandwiches that honor the simple perfection of bread, butter, and cheese coming together in harmony.
