This year's Best Sandwich winners reflect broader consumer trends as chefs find a new twist on traditional menu favorites. See all the winners >>

Winner: Kim Cheesy

Restaurant: The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen, San Francisco

Units: 2

Price: $11.90

Food cost: $3.25

Ingredients: Korean short rib, Tillamook sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, Napa Valley cabbage kimchi, gochujang hot sauce, scallions and sesame butter on San Francisco sourdough bread. 

What makes it special: The Kim Cheesy is a twist on a Korean-inspired grilled cheese sandwich. It hits on a number of flavor elements — sweet, savory, sour and spicy — as well as texture, crunchy and gooey. Kim Cheesy is also new to The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen, launching with the restaurant’s new menu. 

What others are saying: In response to a post featuring the Kim Cheesy sandwich on The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen’s Instagram account, one user commented, “So good! I can’t wait to come back and try everything else on the menu!” And on Facebook, a user wrote, “I love grilled cheese and they make the best! I found this place on a trip to [San Francisco]. I will definitely go back! Ooey gooey cheesy! What’s not to love? Great local beer on draft and friendly staff too!”