Discover CheeseSmith - The Sociable Adventurer

Some restaurants take a humble idea and turn it into something genuinely special. CheeseSmith is one of those places. What started as a food truck slinging elevated grilled cheese sandwiches has grown into one of Wilmington’s most beloved local restaurants — now with two locations, a loyal following, and a sandwich game that’s been featured on the Cooking Channel’s Best Thing I Ever Ate. Be sure to check out the pictures below to get a feel for the place before you go — or to relive the visit after.

Not Your Momma’s Grilled Cheese

CheeseSmith is the brainchild of husband-and-wife team Brendan and Molly Curnyn, and the concept is simple: take the all-American grilled cheese, treat it like an artisan ingredient deserves to be treated, and have a little fun with it. The result is a menu of perfectly crisped, made-to-order sandwiches that take grilled cheese well beyond the lunchbox.

The original CheeseSmith truck quickly gained a cult following around Wilmington, and the crowds it attracted at every stop eventually made a brick-and-mortar a necessity. Today, they operate two locations in town — one in the lively Cargo District, and a newer second location in the Landfall Shopping Center, conveniently close to Wrightsville Beach.

The Sandwiches

The menu is where the love shows. Every grilled cheese is made to order on thick, buttery-soft bread that toasts up with just the right amount of crunch. Some of the fan favorites:

The O.G. — the classic, done right, with aged white cheddar, American cheese, and house tomato jam
The Buffalo Baby — Havarti and buffalo chicken
The Hoss — a regular standout
The Pimento BLT — crispy bacon, fresh tomato, romaine, pepperoncini mayo, and house-made pimento cheese on warm ciabatta
Maple Bacon Grilled Cheese — drizzled with hot honey for the perfect sweet-and-spicy combo
A Buffalo Cauliflower Grilled Cheese — a fully vegan option that’s just as good as the meat-and-dairy lineup

Beyond the headliners, the menu rotates regularly, so even regulars find something new to try. Pretty much every sandwich on the menu has the option to be made vegan as well.

The Sides (Don’t Skip Them)

The sides are not afterthoughts at CheeseSmith — they’re a real part of why people keep coming back:

Parmesan French Fries with house-made sauces — a near-mandatory addition to any order
Smoky Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup — the perfect grilled cheese companion
House-made desserts — including a salted caramel cheesecake that’s been spoken of in reverent terms

There’s also a Sunday Brunch menu and a fancier take on the cheesesteak that has its own loyal fan base.

Good to Know

Two locations: The original Cargo District spot and the newer location in the Landfall Shopping Center.
Casual, kid-friendly atmosphere — both locations are perfect for families, casual lunches, or a quick stop after a day at the beach.
Vegan-friendly: Beyond the dedicated vegan sandwich, vegan cheese substitutions are available on just about anything.
Takeout, delivery, and dine-in are all easy options at both locations.
Outdoor seating is available at the Landfall location, with a nice patio area.
Sunday brunch is its own event — worth planning around if you’re a brunch person.
As featured on Best Thing I Ever Ate on the Cooking Channel — a fair representation of the kind of food you’ll find here.

A Wilmington Favorite

CheeseSmith is one of those Wilmington spots that earns the hype. The sandwiches are creative without being pretentious, the staff is genuinely friendly, and the whole place has the kind of energy you only get from people who love what they’re doing. Whether you’re a grilled cheese purist, an adventurous eater, or just looking for a casual, satisfying lunch, CheeseSmith delivers — every single time.