National Cheese Day

Louisiana Purchase Alligator Andouille Cheesecake (courtesy photo)

National Cheese Day is coming up, on June 4th, and there's no better way to indulge in a cheesy feast than here in San Diego. Whether you're hankering for a cheesy burger, mac 'n cheese, cheesecake, or fries dripping with cheese, you'll find it all here! We curated five perfect spots to satisfy your cravings and celebrate everything cheese in style. 

Start your cheesy adventure at The Original 40 Brewing on University Avenue. The family-owned brewpub offers a uniquely vintage, yet inviting environment that balances hospitality with elevated food and brew. Sip on a craft beer as you enjoy Grilled Cheese and Fries made with sharp white cheddar and American cheese on artisanal bread. But their notorious Chili Cheese Dog with homemade chili, Hebrew national, and cheddar cheese isn't one to skip either.

To experience the true taste of Caribbean, drop by Coco Maya in Little Italy. This popular open-air restaurant specializes in island flavors bringing a tropical twist to all-American favorites. Sink your teeth into their Chopped Cheese Bokit packed with a chopped cheeseburger, shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, creole ketchup, mayo, and a side of potato tostones. And creamy Mascarpone Cheesecake with graham cracker and strawberry compote is just what you need to end your meal on a sweet note!

If you're looking for big, bold flavors, check out Louisiana Purchase, in North Park. This restaurant presents southern soul food that highlights Cajun and Creole fare. You will fall in love with Chef Q's famous Alligator Andouille Cheesecake made with alligator and andouille topped with crawfish cream sauce. And for those looking for something classic yet sophisticated, it's hard to find anything better than Crawfish Mac N Cheese with smoked gouda and crawfish.

The Smoking Gun, found in the Gaslamp Quarter, pays homage to the all-American style favorite with their off-the-wall Smoking Gun Mac and Cheese. It sounds cheesy, but every bite is music to the mouth. But what really makes this place stand out is their world-famous San Diego Cheese Steak sandwich made with shaved top sirloin, caramelized peppers and onions, poblano beer-cheese sauce in a homemade bagel roll served with a choice of thick chips, tater tots, buttered fries or red chile slaw.

If you are a connoisseur of authentic Italian cuisine, RustiCucina in Hillcrest is your new go-to spot. This farm-to-neighborhood restaurant offers a unique blend of American and Sicilian cuisine featuring rustic seasonal dishes. The Crispy Burrata with breadcrumbs and crostini in spicy Pomodoro sauce is a cheese lover's delight. Treat yourself to chef's Cheese Wheel Pasta tossed tableside in the 36-month Parmesan cheese wheel to make your celebration extra cheesy.

National Cheese Day only comes once a year, so why not make it extra special? Grab your loved ones and head to one of these restaurants to enjoy the best cheesy dishes San Diego has to offer.