I Tried All The Best Mac & Cheese Dishes In Los Angeles—These Were The Must-Haves
Apologies but...things are about to get cheesy. Our beloved mac and cheese doesn't exactly need an introduction, but I am going to give it one anyway. Drumroll, please: Ladies and gents, may I presenting the one, the only, the classic, cheesy, all-American staple, macaroni and cheese!
Since we are in a pandemic I am constantly looking for ways to be a bit more comfortable in such an uncomfortable situation—and comfort food is my remedy. More specifically mac & cheese, because without a doubt it always satisfies my cravings. I went on a quest to find the best mac that Los Angeles has to offer, and I narrowed it down to nine restaurants. I hope they bring you a little comfort and joy during this time. Enjoy!
Dulan's Soul Food
📍4859 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043, United States
I had to start off with Dulan's because there is nothing quite like soulful mac & cheese. At first bite you can taste the love and the community poured into it. This gorgeous dish is where soft macaroni meets a rich, golden, smooth, blend of melted cheeses to create the ultimate comfort food. It not only fills your belly but your soul.
Maple Block BBQ
📍3973 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230
Elbow noodles, and bread crumbles, and chives—oh my! Maple Block may be known for their delicious brisket but just like every Batman needs his Robin, every brisket needs its creamy side. The noodle sauce here is made with white cheddar and American cheese topped with the restaurant's homemade cheese crumble and chives. Yum.
Bludso's BBQ
📍609 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Texas in the house! Bludso's has been dubbed the best BBQ in SoCal with people like Guy Fieri co-signing the statement. This joint serves up Texas style BBQ that even Texans vouch for, and their macaroni and cheese is to die for—gooey, cheesy, and homemade goodness.
Jon & Vinny's
📍412 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
This shell and cheese dish may be on the kids menu, but make no mistake—the portion is fit for an adult. Jon & Vinny's take on macaroni and cheese is simple yet delicious—there's more cheese in each bite than pasta. If you like parmesan cheese and shell noodles, this is the mac and cheese for you.
Slaters 50/50
📍61 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
Slaters 50/50 stands out from the rest on this list because they serve up bacon mac & cheese fried balls. It is truly the perfect combination—crispy panko breading on the outside, gooey cheese and bacon on the inside. They also give you Tapatío ranch dipping sauce on the side. Dip the mac and cheese ball in that and you'll instantly be teleported to heaven.
The Federal
📍 5303 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
If you have a whole day dedicated to macaroni and cheese at your restaurant—called "Mac & Chz Monday," no less—you're seriously dedicated to cheesy goodness. The Federal has a handful of delicious macs to choose from, and you can even build your own. I tried their short rib served in a hot skillet with aged parmesan and mozzarella cheese. The short rib is cooked to perfection, it's flavorful, and it melts in your mouth. No matter which one you choose to order, you'll definitely be satisfied.
The Village
📍 12345 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
Truffle Jalapeño Mac & Cheese...need...I...say...more? This macaroni and cheese is truly unique; the secret weapon, jalapeños! The jalapeños takes an already decadent dish to the next level. Do yourself a favor and spice up your life with this popular menu item at The Village.
SunCafe Organic
📍 10820 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
Calling all vegans! You didn't think we forgot about you, did you?! SunCafe's vegan mac aims to please all different types of palates. It's baked in a cast iron skillet with gluten-free quinoa pasta, tomato, and cashew "cheese" sauce. Their macaroni and cheese is the most convincing vegan version you'll try in LA since the texture is on point and perfectly creamy. It's a daunting task to recreate one of the world's most favorite dishes, but SunCafe kills it.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
📍 6100 CA-27, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
We had to save the best for last. Ruth's Chris may be known for its steaks but the Lobster Mac & Cheese is the chain's best seller on the menu thanks to its sweet and savory flavor. Just typing about it makes my mouth water. Chock full of a three-cheese blend, mild green chiles, and chunks of fresh tender lobster, it's not a cheap order ($34!) but it is totally worth every dollar spent.
Watch the full video on YouTube now.
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