Stoney’s legendary grilled cheese. Photo by Liliang.

It’s National Grilled Cheese Month! In recognition of this wonderfully melty designation, we took an informal poll of our staff to determine the best places in the area — aside from your own kitchen, of course — to grab this classic American dish.

The consensus winner among DCist writers is the version served up at Stoney’s and Tunnicliff’s. (Of course, since most people order the tuna melt, you may never have been aware of the restaurants’ unbelievably good grilled cheese.) DCist food editor Jamie Liu recommends trying out Eat Wonky’s take, which apparently uses cheese curds to make their grilled cheese. Arts editor Missy Frederick notes that “if you’re liberal with the definition you could go with the grilled bread and tomato/manchego options at places like Estadio and Jaleo.” Music contributors Catherine McCarthy and Matthew Siblo like the grilled manchego at Zola Kitchen and The Popeye at The Diner, respectively.

Like tomato soup with your grilled cheese? A beer bar might be your best bet. Sports writer Brett Gellman calls The Black Squirrel’s grilled cheese and bacon sandwich with tomato bisque “pretty damn good,” while resident DCist beer expert John Fleury recommends Churchkey’s truffled grilled cheese with tomato soup dip. And if you’re on the run, you can either check out the Big Cheese Truck (which offers eight different grilled cheese offerings) or just grab one at Five Guys.

Now it’s your turn: who serves up your favorite grilled cheese in town? Let us know in the comments.