GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar Washington DC
Lunch near National Mall
One of the eternal struggles for both DC locals and tourists is where to eat on the National Mall. I have recently discovered a spot that can satisfy almost every hungry National Mall explorer. About two blocks from the White House, you’ll find GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar.
As the name suggests, GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar serves up several different variations of grown up grilled cheese plus an extensive drink menu. I always order one of the three loaded tots options. They are a delicious, warm way to get the meal started. My favorite tots are loaded with cheddar, bacon, jalapenos, pico de gallo, and the GCDC sauce. The GCDC sauce is a little spicy so it gives the tots a little kick. The tots are pretty hardy so you could pair them with a beer for a mid afternoon snack.
My go-to sandwiches are the smoked apple and gouda, Carolina BBQ, and chicken parmesan. I always pair my sandwich with grilled cheese’s BFF tomato soup but you can also order tater tots, mac and cheese, or a salad.
GCDC also features rotating, seasonal art by local artists. This art gives the bar a local neighborhood feel even though it is in such a high traffic tourist area.
GCDC offers happy hour specials Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 18:30. They are closed on Sundays.
About this spot
Explore Washington DC like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Washington DC guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Washington DC
Bar Charley
Craft cocktails cool vibe
"Bar Charley" in Washington DC is famous for its cocktails. Great creations - and the food is even better!
By
Lydia
Strohl
Jolt 'n Bolt
Morning Jolt! Coffee and juice bar
"Jolt 'n Bolt" in Washington DC has all-day breakfast that's cheffed up on sight and a great menu of smoothies, like the Mood Boost or Morning Detox.
By
Lydia
Strohl
Lapis
Afghan in AdMo
The menu hosts a bevy of dumplings and small plates, heavy on veg - we loved the eggplant-based buranee bademjan as well as the gulpee!
By
Lydia
Strohl
Ambar
Bottomless brunch
"Ambar" in Washington DC is a beloved bottomless brunch spot. It's my go-to birthday celebration spot and I always make a reservation a month in advance...
By
Kelley
Smith
Boundary Stone
Offbeat outdoor brunch
"Boundary Stone" is my go-to, no-reservation-needed brunch spot in Washington DC. My favorites are the Huevos Rancheros and the egg and chorizo sandwich...
By
Kelley
Smith
Taco City D.C.
Tacos deliciosos
As far as I'm concerned, "Taco City D.C." makes the best tacos I've had anywhere. The fact it's so close to my house is dangerous for my bank account...
By
JR
Denson
Miracle Theatre
Oldest theater in the city
"Miracle Theatre" in Washington DC is the oldest (second-run) movie theater in the city. They also host private events - I once performed theater there...
By
JR
Denson
National Building Museum
Good gift shop
I love going to the gift shop of the "National Building Museum" - very reasonably priced items, Also, I like what they do on Saturday mornings...
By
JR
Denson
Sticky Rice
The best sushi
"Sticky Rice" is honestly one of my top five favorite places to eat in DC. My go-to dish is the Drawn and Buttered sushi roll... Impossible not to like!
By
JR
Denson
Surfside
Late night Tex-Mex
I always stop at "Surfside" whenever I go out dancing or hanging out in the Dupont Circle area for a late-night taco, enchilada or quesadilla...
By
JR
Denson
Ala
Bottomless Turkish brunch
"Ala" is a beloved Turkish restaurant in Washington DC. Recently, they started offering bottomless brunch for great value! Also try the drinks...
By
Kelley
Smith
Heading to Washington DC?
101 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Washington DC?
✓ 101 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
