Daily Melt Midtown: Big Mac Prices, Much Better Chow

A couple of weeks ago, the Daily Melt began serving melty cheese concoctions and savory soups to the folks in midtown. The concept is simple -- and superb. After all, regardless of age, race, or income, grilled cheese is everyman's sammie.

Yesterday, Short Order stopped by for lunch to try a bite or two and gauge this new grilled-cheese-lover's paradise. With a menu chock full of provolone, Swiss, bacon, and truffle butter, what's not to love?

See also:
- Free Grilled Cheese at the New Times Daily Melt Meetup This Friday

My lunch partner and I took to the counter, debating the myriad cheese choices. I went for a three-cheese melt (mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar) with truffle butter and extra mozzarella. It runs a shockingly cheap $3.50, plus 99 cents extra each for additional cheese and truffle goodness. Then, for $2.50, you can get the "full melty," which includes a soda and a "shot" of soup or a bag of chips. I went the soup route and chose broccoli cheese.

My companion opted for the bacon melt (roma tomatoes, spinach, cheddar, and bacon, $4.95) without the bacon. She also scored a roasted-tomato soup shot. The dude behind the counter was nice and knowledgable enough to inform us that it's cheaper to order the original melt (American cheese, $3.45) and then add tomatoes and spinach instead and sub cheddar for American.

We were a little shocked by his concern. They sure as hell don't make those kinds of suggestions at Subway -- or any other fast-casual establishment that I know of. For two people, our lunch was $15 and change. Those are fast-food prices, which is pretty amazing.

Some of the cashiers seemed a little flustered, presumably new hires who need a little more training. But no matter -- everyone was nice nonetheless. The interior is clean, pleasant, and accented with rosy reds.