Somewhere, Prometheus is still chained to a rock, waiting for that eagle to come back and eat his liver again. Does he regret stealing fire from Zeus and giving it to mankind? No, because we’ve done more with it than all the gods on Mount Olympus combined when we tamed the flame and used it to create grilled cheese sandwiches.
By Greg Elwell Photos Garett Fisbeck
The Mule
1630 N. Blackwelder Ave.
405-601-1400
The first name in grilled cheese in Oklahoma City is The Mule. But before you dig into a plate of fried cheese curds, tomato soup and a Macaroni Pony, get a little green in your diet with the restaurant’s signature Caesar salad. Not only is the romaine lettuce replaced by the more flavorful arugula, but check out those croutons — they’re tiny grilled cheese sandwiches.
Picasso Cafe
3009 Paseo Drive
405-602-2002
There’s something classic about pimento cheese. Despite a history that has seen it ridiculed and crammed in grocery store refrigerator cases next to the hate crime that is ham salad, pimento cheese is a lovely mix of shredded cheese, mayonnaise and chopped cherry peppers. At Picasso, they grill it with slices of avocado for an ultra-rich and strangely familiar twist on a sandwich that hasn’t gotten much love.
Hobby’s Hoagies
222 S. Santa Fe Ave., Edmond
405-348-2214
The worst part about going to Hobby’s Hoagies is trying to choose which to get, the Philly cheesesteak or the grilled cheese. Well, fret no more, friends, because the clouds have parted and the sun is shining on the grilled Philly cheese sandwich. Gorgeous thick slices of Texas toast are cooked to a beautiful gold. Those sturdy slabs of bread are just enough to hold back a torrent of melted cheese and delectable steak and onions.
Slaughter’s Hall
221 N. Central Ave.
405-606-6063
It turns out I went through all that hassle for nothing. Slaughter’s Hall doesn’t even check IDs when you order Uncle Joe’s Lunch Box. So forget going to the courthouse and changing your name to Joseph R. Uncleson; you can just head straight to Slaughter’s for a grilled cheese, tomato basil soup and a chocolate chip cookie to go with your beer. Oh, and they will ID you for that, just so you know.
Power House
1228 SW Second St.
405-702-0699
Of all the houses you can visit — ranch-style, haunted, halfway — the best is always Power House. Located next to OKC Farmers Public Market, this patio-heavy, mood-lit bar and restaurant is a favorite for strong — some might even say powerful — drinks. Be sure to line your stomach with something that can handle all that alcohol, like the delightful grilled cheese panini. It will have you eager to make this Power House your new Power Home.
Elemental Coffee Roasters
815 N. Hudson Ave.
405-604-9766
The C’est La Brie sandwich at Elemental is so good it’ll make you feel stupid. How did you never think to put creamy, buttery Brie next to a thick slice of country ham, drizzle on some fig jam and grill it all between two superior pieces of bread? It doesn’t take a genius to know that’s going to taste good. Chow down on that glorious combo while sipping one of Elemental’s pour-over coffees. And save room for a salted chocolate chip cookie!
Off the Hook Seafood & More
125 W. Britton Road
405-840-3474
The image that springs to mind when one hears the phrase “melted lobster” is not nearly as appetizing as the reality of this Off the Hook staple. Cajun boiled lobster meat is joined with Monterey Jack cheese, roasted peppers, grilled onions and garlic butter Texas toast for a sandwich that is overflowing with both flavor and cheese. One bite and you might melt in your seat, because it’s just that good.
