The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen
As the name suggests, this spot is all about top-of-the-line, award-winning grilled cheese. Order anything on the menu and you're sure to be pleased, although we can point carnivores in the general direction of the Jalapeño Popper, filled with gooey chèvre and monterey jack cheeses, applewood-smoked bacon, and an apricot-jalapeño relish that packs quite the punch. Meanwhile, superb veggie options include the Mousetrap (Tillamook sharp cheddar, creamy havarti, and monterey jack on artisan sourdough slices), the Mushroom Gruyère (fontina, gruyère, roasted wild mushrooms, gold potatoes, melted leeks, caramelized onions, and thyme butter), or the double-whammy Mac 'n Cheese Grilled Cheese. Note: It's simply criminal not to order a side of smoky tomato soup. Together, it's the stuff of dreams.
The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen, 1 South Park Avenue, Suite 103A (at 2nd Street); 415-243-0107.

Photo: Courtesy of The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen