As you may remember from two weeks ago, we went to Izalco when I found out that the restaurant that I really wanted to go to was closed on Sunday.  Well, even though it was a pleasant surprise and we just came from lunch at Cucina Enoteca, I still wanted to head over to… The Grilled Cheese Spot!

It’s a tiny place, but in the same cute retro building as Izalco.  Notice the not-so-subtle EAT tile on the ground?  Also, do you notice the grilled cheese lights in every upper window?

Okay, so it is a tiny place with a menu on the wall.  They give you a sheet of paper so you can check off what you want on your Build-Your-Own-Menu or you can order…

…one of their house sandwiches!  I love the clever names of each one.  🙂  I won’t spoil what we ordered until you see them below.  I actually asked the guy behind the counter to make up a sandwich that he thought we would be great with his expertise, with the only criteria being that I love gooey cheese.

Their decor is pretty much black and white, plain and simple, with the tongue and cheek touch of a wall of headshots of famous people who have “visited” the shop.

They packed up our sandwiches to go and even though we had just eaten, I wanted to take a few bites of our freshly made sandwiches.  Oh, and the guy threw in a tomato soup because he thought that it would enhance the flavors of the sandwich.  Piping hot and delish!

Here is my custom sandwich!  I / he chose:

Ciabatta bread, Spanish Manchego, Cheddar, Grilled onions, Roasted Red Bell Pepper

I ended up eating half of it right away.  Plus, perfectly melted cheese!

It was ridiculous with the tomato soup!

Smoked Gouda cheese, applewood smoked bacon, 2 fried eggs, grilled onions, sourdough bread

My guy ordered this sandwich and it looks amazing, right!  He claimed not to be hungry, but he ate half of his sandwich right away too!

This place cost way less than lunch, and we will definitely be back.  Next time, I’m possibly ordering the starving artist… either way I’m getting Gruyere because I know it will ah-mazing.  Can’t wait!

The Grilled Cheese Spot
318 West 5th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 542-2235
thegrilledcheesespot.com