Houston's Top Dish

The best grilled cheese in Houston: True foodies know this isn't kids' stuff

National Grilled Cheese Day came and went Friday, but there is still time to reflect upon one of the greatest culinary inventions since sliced bread — which just so happens to be the building blocks of the greasy-spoon staple (click here for the history of grilled cheese).

While some may scoff at the humble sandwich as "kid food," the grilled cheese is a versatile little concoction that continues fascinate the most experienced of chefs looking to take an American diner classic to new heights.

Foodie town that it is, Houston offers some impressive options. Here are some picks from the CultureMap staff along with some suggestions from our grill-cheese-loving readers.

And keep in mind that the celebration goes on — April is National Grilled Cheese Month.

Down House

I myself swear by Down House's grilled cheese sandwich, which features a glorious combination of gouda, chèvre and local heirloom tomatoes . . . all served between two slices of rye from Slow Dough Bread Company. Plus, it comes with an amazing bowl tomato bisque for anyone who likes to dip.

Max's Wine Dive

Listings editor Joel Luks had a very serious look on his face when described the grilled cheese at Max's Wine Dive — a sandwich so good, he'll break his vegan dietary habits for a taste of its provolone and roasted red pepper pimento.

Golden Grill

For Whitney Radley, there's not a damn thing wrong with anything on the menu of Golden Grill, a food truck dedicated to the art of combing bread and cheese.

Buffalo Grille

CM photo guru Barbara Kuntz rocks the classic grilled cheese at Buffalo Grille when the mood strikes her. You even have the option of adding bacon.

Blacksmith

CultureMap marketing manager Emily Goetz stands by Blacksmith not only for its carefully-crafted coffee drinks, but for one of the most memorable grilled cheeses in town.

Fan faves

Moved by the lure of grilled cheese, our readers have flooded us with thoughts and suggestions. Don't miss Kenny & Ziggy's, Pinewood Cafe in Hermann Park and The Counter as well as food trucks options like like Ladybird, Speers Rolling Bistro and Mr. Sizzles Curbside.

unspecified

rumor no more

Houston's only Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex joint confirms Heights plans

Photo by Duc Hoang

undefined

Houston’s only Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant is coming to the Heights. Sambrooks Hospitality confirmed that it will open a new location of Candente in the neighborhood sometime in 2027.

Over the weekend, internet sleuths noticed the City of Houston Plat Tracker website listed an entry for Candente Heights. Similarly, Candente owner Michael Sambrooks established an LLC called Tex Mex 2020 LH. That matches with a new development at 2020 Lawrence St. that’s near the intersection of 20th Street and N Shepherd Dr.

"The Candente team is extremely excited to enter the Heights community, and we're about a year away from opening our doors,” owner Michael Sambrooks said in response to CultureMap’s request for comment on these developments. “We're currently working with an amazing developer and some very talented designers to make this the best Candente location yet."

First opened in 2019, Candente is known for its wood-fired fajitas, brisket enchiladas, nachos, birria tacos, and other fare that helped it achieve a “Recommended” designation in the Michelin Guide for Texas — the only Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston to earn that a place in the prestigious guide. Pair them with margaritas (both shaken and frozen), as well as agave-based cocktails such as the paloma and ranch water, beers, and non-alcoholic options.

The company opened a Bellaire location of Candente in December 2025. Sambrooks also operates two locations of The Pit Room, which holds a Bib Gourmand designation in the Michelin Guide, in Montrose and Memorial.

openings news-you-can-eat candente the-heights