Something about the gooey nature of melted cheese will transform something pedestrian into a seductive series of bites. Whether it be a drooping slice of Jarlsberg in a supporting role, or an unctuous Brillat Savarin as the main star, a well-played fromage will help elevate humble slices of bread into a decadent nosh begging for a glass of wine. Here are a few of our sandwich with cheese or cheese sandwich picks.
E.A.R.L.
The East Coast-style sandwich shop may have started its Hawaii operation in a parking lot but the flourishing business is now about to open its third brick-and-mortar on Oahu.
The sub sandwiches at E.A.R.L. are nothing short of sublime, but if you want to play to their strengths, consider something conceived from the origin of its inspirations. We think the Pastrami Single Cheeseburger is a fun fusion flavor, which layers pastrami over a hamburger patty, Swiss and American cheeses, and grilled onions with mayonnaise, ketchup, and a pickle to accent.
E.A.R.L. >> Get a special offer!
Locations : 400 Keawe St.
10am – 8pm (Mon – Sat)
(808) 744 – 3370
Locations : 2919 Kapiolani Blvd.
10am – 4pm (Sun)
(808) 200 – 4354
Butcher & Bird
A full-service butcher and deli, Butcher & Bird prepares locally-sourced specialty meats as well as house-crafted sandwiches and salads.
They claim to have the best burger in Honolulu, complete with all the fixings to go with. Head butcher and CEO Chuck Wakeman takes great pride in the quality local ingredients, fresh toppings, and homemade dressings that go into everything on the menu.
The Double Cheeseburger is an uncomplicated item, featuring two all-beef patties, lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. However, this savory sandwich speaks volumes with regards to the attention and care that go into the preparation of each patty. And with a cascade of melted cheddar, we are confident you will be back for another one.
Butcher & Bird >> Get a special offer!
Location : 324 Coral St. SALT At Our Kaka’ako 2nd Floor
Hours: 11am – 6pm *Closed Mon
Phone: (808) 762 – 8095
Aloha Melt
The name alone already gives preview to the decadently delicious sandwiches to expect at Aloha Melt in Waikiki.
Imagine massive sandwiches dripping with cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone cheese. The casual eatery offers about five different versions of hearty grilled sandwiches but our top recommendation is the Patty, which buries a thick beef hamburger patty, caramelized onions, bacon, and a flavorful aioli inside melted cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, and American cheeses.
Consider a bowl of the tomato basil soup for dipping and watch your Instagram post populate with likes and comments.
Aloha Melt >> Get a special offer!
Location: 355 Royal Hawaiian Ave.
Early Hours : 10am – 2pm daily
Late Hours : 5pm -1am (Mon – Sat),
5pm – 11pm (Sun)
Phone : (808) 600 – 8887
Kua ‘Aina
Kua ‘Aina is one of the oldest but most popular burger joints in Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oahu.
Since 1975, they have earned a reputation for their juicy, all-beef patties flame-grilled to order over lava rocks.
They offer a wide variety of toppings for customizations, including pineapple, ortega chilis, grilled onions, avocado, and more, but we think that the Bacon Burger is the way to go. Choose from either a ½ pound or ⅓ pound patty, which is prepared medium unless requested otherwise, along with a type of bread among Kaiser roll, multi-grain wheat, or hearth rye. Then, choose a cheese from the impressive selection including Swiss, American, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Provolone, though we believe the sharpness of Cheddar is the one to consider.
Spend the rest of the afternoon on the beach and work on that tan as you take a nice siesta.
Kua ‘Aina >> Get a special offer!
Location: 66-160 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa
Hours: 11am – 8pm daily
Phone: (808) 637-6067
Talk
Talk in Kaimuki is the talk of the town in Kaimuki. Besides the daytime café rebranding from Coffee Talk to just Talk, the eatery now serves beer, wine, cocktails, and bites from Thursday to Saturday. Enjoy a few exquisite specialty craft cocktails infusing unorthodox flavors with some focaccia pizzas, or better yet, one of the splendid grilled cheese sandwiches, which showcases a blend of cheeses oozing out of the sides. The selections are truly inspiring–honey and ham with Brie and mozzarella, fig jam with Brie, pesto with mozzarella and roasted red peppers scented with basil and balsamic pressed inside the focaccia. However, our pick is the So Ham sandwich which counterbalances sweet honey against ham surrounded by luscious Brie and weeping mozzarella. Your pupils will dilate after a bite of this sandwich, and people may not get you to shut up afterwards, except with perhaps another grilled cheese sandwich.
Talk
3601 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI
Phone: (808) 737-7444
Business hours: Mon-Wed, 6:00am – 4:00pm; Thu & Fri, 6:00am – 4:00pm, 6:00pm – 12:00 midnight; Sat, 7:00am – 4:00pm, 6:00pm – 12:00 midnight; Sun, 7:00am – 4:00pm
Try some of these burgers and sandwiches and you will be delivered to heaven. They are not for those seeking a healthy meal, but rather, those seeking good old-fashioned decadence. A beer may be befitting, but if you are seeking a little more healthfulness, then maybe a glass of wine would make you feel less guilty.
