New Grilled Cheese & Cupcake Co. Is a One-Stop Sweet & Savory Shop

There’s been speculation as to whether grilled cheese has replaced the cupcake food fad, or if pie is the new grilled cheese. Regardless of which camp you're in, a good cupcake is still a good cupcake, a great pie is still a great pie, and a delicious grilled cheese is, well, you get the idea.

Republic of Pie brought tasty tarts to NoHo, and now a new(ish) place in Valley Village is serving up both grilled cheese and cupcakes in one place. Occupying the former Famous Cupcakes space, The Grilled Cheese and Cupcake Co. is sandwiched between Grandma’s Deli and Danielle’s Pizza in a strip mall at the corner of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Riverside Drive in Valley Village.

On a Wednesday evening, though there are only 10 customers, the small eatery is considered packed. I glance at the menu and the Jack Daniel’s Melt – Swiss cheese, shredded JD pulled chicken, caramelized onions and chopped tomatoes – immediately catches my eye, but I’m not feeling too adventurous this particular evening. I opt for the Kiss Me & Melt with its gruyère, Swiss, caramelized onions and fresh spinach on French bread for $6.75, while my husband gets the $7 Caprese Melt (mozzarella, chopped heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil and balsamic glaze).

The man behind the counter apologizes that their credit card machines aren’t up and running yet; they’ve only been open for a few weeks, he tells me. Later, I ask him what happened to the previous tenant, Famous Cupcakes. He tells me the only thing that has changed is the ownership and the addition of the grilled cheese menu; the old bakery and its staff is still there. Their sign outside has yet to change, and it still reads "Cupcakes" in neon blue above their door.

We sit down at the last open table next to the register (in total, there’s only really room to seat eight). Our sandwiches quickly arrive wrapped in checkered paper with a shot of hot tomato soup for dipping, and we’re greeted by gooey, oozing cheesy goodness when we hurriedly unwrap them.

Despite the inconvenience of eating — I recently got braces — I can’t help but wolf down bite after bite of melted gruyère and Swiss and buttery bread.

Behind us sits a mom and her two teenage children, and I overhear them gushing over their food. Mom introduces herself to the man behind the counter and tells him they’ll definitely be returning — They live only a few blocks away, too close to not come back for more, she says.

To top off our meal, we order an Oreo cupcake, which has a surprise center filling. My husband remarks that with my spontaneous Valentine’s Day baking obsession, we’re on a bit of a cupcake overload (there are at least 10 strawberry and Guinness cupcakes still sitting on my kitchen counter).

Afterwards, I chat it up with the employee a little more. He tells me everything has been a hit so far; the only sandwich that has yet to be ordered on his shift is the Fish & Chips Melt (provolone, tuna, banana peppers, mayo and chips on whole wheat bread for $6.75).

As we leave the shop, I'm already planning my next trip and pairing. I could test my culinary creativity and order a Simple Melt and add toppings (mac 'n' cheese and jalapeños could be good). Perhaps I'll take on the JD Melt with a red velvet cupcake... If I feel defeated, I can always get a small popcake instead.

The Grilled Cheese & Cupcake Co. is located at 4820 Laurel Canyon Blvd. in Valley Village. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed Sundays. Sandwiches range from $3.50 to $5 for Simple Melts; Gourmet Melts are between $6.25 to $7.50 and include a shot tomato soup. Cupcakes are $1.25 (small) or $3.25 (regular), and Popcakes are $1.50 to $3.