There's nothing like finding a tiny shack on the side of the road with stellar comfort food. With fast food chains charging $10+ for bland mystery meat American Melts is both exceptional and affordable. It's a breath of fresh air to find places using real ingredients with a distinct flavor & charging under $10 each. Since I was starving I picked up 3 sandwiches: 1.) Brie - While quite good this was my least favorite. The brie & apple slices didn't pop out as much I wanted, but it still was satisfying. 2.) Stone Pony - Whoah! This is praise worthy. Roast beef was tasty & the caramelized onions & aioli horseradish are great additions to the flavor. 3.) Big Tex - This was my absolute favorite. If you have a hunger that needs to be quenched this is the sandwich to do it. The mac n cheese, bacon, & roast beef were on point. It mentions there is BBQ sauce, but I don't recall tasting it. Either way it wasn't overpowering as I'm not the biggest BBQ sauce fan & the sandwich stands on it's own with or without it Their sandwiches are perfectly portioned so you're not getting too little or too much. Their Staff was very friendly, there's seating outside, it's located next to a park and a bike trail, & there's actually a lot of parking despite it being a tiny shack. It's perfectly located & optimized if you like to grab & go or sit & chill. Kudos to these guys. Definitely worth going to over & over. read more

What a find! I was just perusing on google maps looking at what's nearby and stumbled upon this shack. Without actually vetting this place out beforehand I would've never stopped by. I'm here to continue with spreading the word that this place serves top quality sandwiches. I even reheated my leftover sandwich for my husband the next day and he gave it a solid 9.2 saying it's one of the best chicken sandwiches he had (tried the somerset). Imagine if he ate it fresh? When you order, they even deliver it to your car. Think Sonic vibes. Definitely stopping by again in the future to try more items. read more

American Melts - Sandwiches Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

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This is the best shack I've ever eaten at. Seriously, don't fly by too fast or you'll miss it - this spot is a literal shed that slings out a diverse menu of creative grilled cheeses. You'll want to have a car to munch in, or at least a nice day so that you can sit out at one of the few tables in the lot. My favorites on the menu are the 5-way, which boasts five cheeses, or the dusk to dawn, a breakfast sandwich combined with delicious melted cheese. I also love a good side of tots - I can't say they're anything special, but I feel like there aren't enough tots in this world. read more

American Melts - Big Tex with Roast Beef, Caramelized Onions, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Macaroni and Cheese, Bacon, Fresh Roast Beef, Avocado, Jalapeños - Sandwiches Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

First started coming here back in late 2018, & can't believe I never reviewed it. It's a small shack that sits on a gravel lot right off of Route 22E. Sandwiches are made to order, either build your own, or from their signature menu. They have other items, but I only ever get the grilled cheese. In this case, the Stone Pony. Service is always friendly, they'll engage you in a good chat while you wait. There are a few benches and tables to sit and eat at off to the side with some umbrellas for shade, but that's it. This small unassuming place is 100% worth the stop. So easy to miss, it's one of Union County's best kept secrets. Grade: Stone Pony: A+ read more

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I opted for the C.A.T and it was so yummy! As others have mentioned, this is not a place to visit and dine in, but there were tables off to the side. I think this is a great lunch option, and I look forward to coming back! read more

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The place is basically a shed so if your looking for a nice sit down meal not the place but it's. It supposed to be!!! The sandwiches are great. Really enjoyed it. My cardiologist might not agree but sometimes you gotta just go for it and enjoy!! We will be going back. read more

American Melts - Carnegie Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

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I went here for the first time on a Friday afternoon and the service was very nice and attentive. My mother got a C.A.T with no balsamic glaze and spinach added and she thoroughly enjoyed the sandwich. I myself got a sandwich on Multigrain with Swiss and Mozzarella,Herb Grilled Chicken,Sun Dried Tomatoes,Spinach and Pesto. My sandwich was amazing as I was able to taste every ingredient on the sandwich. It was a wonderful fall atmosphere with a slight breeze and a bit of nature to enjoy. I will definitely be returning. read more

American Melts - Multigrain with Swiss and Mozzarella,Herb Grilled Chicken,Sun-dried Tomatoes,Pesto and Spinach - Sandwiches Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

Went looking for something different to eat in the area and stumbled upon this place on here. The sandwiches were so good & the service was incredible. It was raining out when we went and I was told to wait in my car and my food would be brought to me, it was a small but thoughtful gesture that guarantees we'll be back. read more

American Melts - California - Sandwiches Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

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I absolutely love this place. Really just a shack that makes the best grilled cheese sandwiches. They feature a variety of cheeses and accompaniments. You can even get tomato soup as an add on. You have to try this place read more

It was a dark and stormy day as I drove up to American Melts. Tucked away in a small parking lot in Kenilworth, American Melts looks like a tiny house. Walk a few steps up and you're at a counter where you can order your food. The menu is written on boards in front and off to the side of the counter. This may not sound impressive, but even on a cold, rainy day there were customers swooping in to grab their sandwiches and go. There *is* an outdoor seating area off to the side, but on this day it was not set up (for obvious reasons). This is not an elegant spot, but it does the job. I ordered two sandwiches and then went back into my car to wait. I checked in about ten minutes later and I only had to wait about another five before I had my melts in my hands. The two folks who helped me out were very nice and efficient. No issues with service at all! So here's what I got, and keep in mind I ate them after reheating in the oven about an hour later (having half of each sandwich and saving the rest for another day): SHROOM (Mozzarella, Provolone, Roasted Red Pepper, Balsamic Marinated Portobello Mushrooms, Whole Grain) I *love* mushrooms so having an entire sandwich with mushrooms as the foundation was a no brainer for me. I loved this sandwich. The mushrooms and cheese gave it a deep, savory flavor. It was a bit Umami punch and I loved it! Even after reheating the bread was a nice combination of crisp on the top levels but still chewy on the inside. Best of all, the sandwich held together really nicely. SOMERSET (Mozzarella,Herb Grilled Chicken, Pesto, Organic Greens, Country White) I have had a sandwich with similar ingredients at another spot I love called &grain in Garwood so I thought I'd give this one a try. I am happy to say that while it reminded me of the &grain version of this sandwich, it stood nicely on its own thanks to the texture of the bread and the melted cheese. Of the two sandwiches, this one is definitely more robust and satisfying overall but I loved the flavors of both! My first (but certainly not last) experience at American Melts was fantastic and I look forward to going back! read more

Been passing by this little stand for years and finally had a chance to try it out. Phenomenal grilled cheese with every imaginable meat or veggie accompaniment. Grilled to a perfect crisp. Highly recommend. read more

What a delicious spot! We loved everything especially the dip! We got 2! Give this spot a try

I have driven by this place a million times and didn't even know that it was a restaurant! Tiny hut in the parking lot, but better described as a diamond in the rough! Delicious grilled cheese made to order. It's a one person operation so prepare to wait if there is a line. No dining area so be prepared to take it to go or eat in your car. Definitely plan on visiting again soon! read more

Still getting great sandwiches here Closes early so check times Pablo at the register is so pleasant when taking orders on the phone or at the front! I praise amazing customer service and nice people I don't get to talk to the cook who I think is the owner much but when he has taken my order - also very kind Will keep coming here !!! Turkey Reuben is my go to BTW read more

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What's not to like about a place that focuses on one of our great American foods? The sandwiches are terrific, service is quick, fairly priced, tons of parking. Conveniently steps off the highway of death, RT22! read more

Moving forward using all my breath Making love to you was never second best I saw the world crashing all around your face Never really knowing it was always mesh and lace I'll stop the world and melt with you You've seen the difference and it's getting better all the time There's nothing you and I won't do I'll stop the world and melt with you read more

American Melts - Sandwiches Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

This is THE SPOT! I built my own grilled cheese and every flavor just melted seamlessly together to create easily the greatest grilled cheese I've ever eaten! That have a ton of pre-set options as well if you wanna play it safe and the older gentleman working the shop was wonderful! 1000/10, will definitely come back to try more options!! read more

The best grilled cheese I have ever had. I get the 5 way with tomato soup dippers. Loveeee read more

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I've been here twice because it's just one of those places you have to keep visiting. What can I say. I like to get their Mac n cheese grilled cheese with roast beef and tomato soup. The sandwich is absolutely delicious!!! The soup is a little bitter. Tastes more like spaghetti sauce but I guess that's how natural it is. I would say add a little milk to make it taste great (only a few would understand). But yeah, put this one on your list to try out. read more

American Melts - Sandwiches Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

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Excellent grilled cheese- so many choices! Beware it's a not so lovely looking shack on the side of the road, and there's only a few tables and chairs outside to eat, but the food itself hit the spot. I had the Shroom grilled cheese with portabella mushrooms. Husband had the mac n cheese grilled cheese. Yum! Sandwiches weren't overly oily and the tater tots were perfect (not soggy). There was a customer smoking at one of the tables while waiting for his food which was a bit of a turn off, and some of the employees looked disheveled and 16, but if you're not worried about aesthetics, they do make a great grilled cheese! Check their social media or call first because they sometimes close depending on weather. read more

Best sandwiches I ever had!!! Good quality meats and bread. Loved both sandwiches that I shared. Definitely plan to go here again.

I've driven passed here for over 10 years and have never made the effort to stop. After a high recommendation from a friend and an empty stomach I finally decided to stop by. I had the pastrami sandwich and the bread was beautiful crisp, juicy pastrami and enough crunch from the coleslaw to tie it all perfectly together. The ratio of toppings was just right! read more

This is definitely going to be a weekly lunch treat for me! I have been meaning to try this place for years, and finally made time to treat myself to a delicious lunch and I am so glad I did. I settled on the Stone Pony, a side of mac and cheese, and some tomato soup. The sandwich was delightful, the mac and cheese was so cheesy and very homestyle, and the tomato soup was very good as well. I ate half of my grilled cheese and was full, but now I have extra for dinner tonight. The gentleman helping me was also very kind, and brought my food right up to my car window when it was ready so I wouldn't have to wait in the cold. Thank you for such a delicious lunch. Can't wait to be back soon! read more

Truly a hidden gem in Kenilworth. I always recommend this place to friends and family. I've tried multiple different ingredient combinations and they always come out really good! read more

American Melts - Sandwiches Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

A cute little shop for the most delicious grilled cheese selections. There a nice park next to it with a lake and outside seating areas

Found my new favorite sammy place in New Jersey! Happened across this place by seeing it in a buzzfeed article, and I can't believe i've missed it. Atmosphere: Came on a Saturday around 1ish, fairly empty, it's a little shed with some seating outside. Food: You can create your own sammy or they have specialties. Being lazy, I opted for the C.A.T. (monterey jack, mozz, herb grilled chicken, avocado, sun dried tomatoes, whole wheat bread). So simple, so damn delicious. Packed with a good amount of everything for quality taste. Also love that the bread is toasted but not too crisp to hurt the mouth. My partner got the stone pony (monterey jack, cheddar, fresh roast beef, caramelized onion, horseradish aioli, country white) and his was def a little heavier but still super packed with flavor. The tator tots as a side are nice and crispy and they were super fresh out of the fryer. Everyone else we were with built their own sandwiches, and it's so easy to customize based on your dietary restrictions. Every sandwich was like $6-7, under $10 for sure. Service: Quick and friendly, they brought the sandwiches out to us in less than 10 minutes. Definitely aching to come back here. There is absolutely nothing negative to say about this place. read more

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This little hut that produces the best melts you can imagine! A large menu board the size of a poster is placed outside for easy menu viewing. There is a hand written Specials Board that has more options as well. An add on list for extras can be found just inside is you have special requests and pricing. Now Open and very worth the trip! Today we got 2 melts and some tater tots. We got the Dagwood and I got the Stone Pony Melt! Yummy!! Both highly recommended! Finish off your meal with a delightful dessert! I'm an Apple pie fan and their Apple dessert is something to dream about! read more

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Consistently great food and friendly service! If you're a fan of grilled cheese or cheese in general, this is definitely the spot for you. The customization options here are awesome and there's plenty of them. I'm lucky enough to work right down the road, so I'll be sure to stop in and try some more combinations! read more

We'll priced and a nice change from Rt 22's fast food selections. It was a little wait for the food, but nice to sit outside and relax while waiting. read more

American Melts - Sandwiches Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

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Hands down one of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten. Their grilled cheeses are phenomenal as is their customer service. Everything that we have ever encountered that works there are always so happy and friendly! read more

Got 3 sandwiches and they were all great - albeit a bit smaller than normal. Staff was friendly and professional. The taste and texture of the grilled cheese sandwiches are very appetizing and I recommend American Melts as a great lunch option. read more

I have now ordered from American Melts multiple times for myself and my family, each time ordering a different sandwich in order to try different things. Every single sandwich has been exceptional! I plan on continuing to try new things, but so far the CAT and the Stone Pony are definite hits. read more

American Melts - Dagwood & tater tots - Sandwiches Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

Cute little roadside tiny house with tables outside on patio. Really delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Tomato soup meh. Will go again for sure. read more

We love hidden gems! Good luck finding this tiny hut off the beaten path. But aren't those always the best places? I got the California grilled cheese which was amazing. Clearly some butter is involved we also got the stone pony- AHmazing. And the Ruben was also fantastic. We will be back!!! read more

American Melts - Sandwiches Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

Absurdly good grilled cheese. I had mine on a donut - glazed, grilled, perfect. With a range of ingredients that seem far too good for the low prices, it would be absurd to not give this place a shot. I just found out about it on Friday and I'm already going back again on Sunday - and it's 20 miles away. Notes: One little outdoor table - don't expect to sit outside in the winter, or find a seat in the summer. This is just a walk-up, take-out shack. If that seems like it should deduct a star, the star comes right back because they offer carside service (at least in cold weather) - just stay comfy and someone will come tapping on your window. In addition to the grilled cheeses, they offer soups, always starting with the basic tomato, and sometimes with chili. I think it's impossible to go wrong here. read more

This place is a shack in the middle of a busy road near a park with a pond. I got lost trying come here because google maps is wrong. I made my own sandwich with brie and pepper jack cheese with turkey and honey mustard in between whole wheat bread. And, I also got the BLT. I also got the tomatoes soup to dunk my sandwiches. The tomato soup was too runny and tasted like marinara. The food is cooked in a shack and there's picnic type table seating with umbrellas. My recommendation is to come here and eat 1 sandwich. You will thank me later. Each sandwich goes for around $5.50. Two sandwiches and a soup and you and your wallet will be crying. read more

American Melts - $3.00 tomato soup - Sandwiches Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

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American Melts is beyond delicious.. It is literally a hidden gem. We Loved it and can't wait to go back!

Yes, this is a small shack in the middle of a parking lot. But yes, it is so worth the stop! My boyfriend and I were looking for somewhere to grab a quick lunch while we were in the area & he remembered a friend of his recommending this place. I had their Reuben with turkey. My boyfriend had a bbq sandwich. The person who took our order was patient and friendly. He even brought out our order to us since we took it to go. There is some seating outside if you want to eat it there. It's also right next to a park which has some additional benches just a short walk down. Food came out fast and was perfect. The bread was toasted perfectly. My sandwich had turkey, sauerkraut, & thousand island dressing in it. Amazing. Very flavorful and I was extremely satisfied afterwards without feeling overly full. If I wasn't allergic to beef and pork, I would love to try other sandwiches. My boyfriend said the bbq one he had was also amazing. A few people biked over for a quick bite. Yes it is indeed a hidden gem but well worth the find! read more

What a fantastic idea. Awesome sandwiches. From make your own creations to pre-set creations. Can't go wrong. And above all TOTS...

As stated by another reviewer, I wish I didn't have to give any stars. My daughters and I ordered 3 sandwiches and 1 order of fries. The sandwiches were average and the amount of fries for $3.75 was disgraceful. My daughter (who was treating) went back up to the counter and asked if this was in fact a full order of fries. What she got back was bad attitude from both the young man (son?) and the owner (who threw 5 more fries into the container). This same young man was rude when he brought the food out to us. No you're welcome, no thank you, nothing, so their lack of any concern shouldn't have come as a surprise. Real kick in the ass here is she tipped 15%. So, to reiterate, the food quality was average. The service SUCKED! read more

American Melts - Sandwiches Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey