Macaroni and cheese is a staple of childhood, but there’s no need to abandon it once you're a grown man. In fact, a true test of a chef’s mettle is how they choose to cook the comforting, simple foods of their youth, and these restaurants are doing just that with aplomb to spare. These are the tastiest, the gooiest, and the most memorable mac and cheeses in America. I'd be lying if I said I didn't take a mac and cheese break while writing this article...

Kuma’s Corner | Chicago, IL
Founded in 2005 with its flagship location in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood, Kuma’s Corner is about two things: amazing locally-sourced ingredients, and heavy metal (

The Old Fashioned | Madison, WI
As a Minnesota Vikings fan, I grew up loathing the so-called “Cheeseheads” from Wisconsin. But when it comes to the Old Fashioned’s mac and cheese, I’ve got to cut them a little slack. These guys know their cheese. This mac and cheese is usually served simply (and that’s a good thing), although you can order it with a side of Fendt’s Bologna from Watertown for a few dollars more. Made with 7-year-old Vern cheddar and Sarvecchio (a Wisconsin take on Parmesan), it’s pretty hard to beat the beauty of this simple perfection.

Parkside | Austin, TX
Shawn Cirkiel opened his upscale Parkside gastropub and raw bar in 2008, drastically changing the culinary landscape of the town. While there are a number of unique entrees to choose from (pan-seared rabbit comes to mind), the mac and cheese is stellar. Described simply as elbow macaroni with gruyere and cheddar, it’s sprinkled on top with breadcrumbs and parmesan. You’ll have to restrain yourself at first so as not to burn yourself—this tasty dish comes out of the kitchen piping hot.

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese | Seattle and New York
Originally located in Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese now has a second location in the Flatiron District of Manhattan, where they continue to sell all manners of award-winning cheeses. Their signature mac and cheese is served with their Flagship Cheese (a nutty, umami delight of aged cheddar and gruyere) along with a special Jack cheese—all over penne noodles. If you can’t make it to either of those locations, never fear: you can check out their recipe on their website or order a frozen dish shipped to anywhere in the United States.

Crave Kitchen and Cocktails | Mount Pleasant, SC
There’s a thing called the Charleston Mac Off, and Crave has won it for the past SIX YEARS IN A ROW, making this the winningest mac and cheese of all time. If there’s more you need to know than that, you’ll be happy to hear that Crave’s mac and cheese is made of cavatappi noodles served with parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, and a special secret ingredient that was dreamt up by the chef’s daughter.

Smack Shack | Minneapolis, MN
You may have seen Smack Shack in a 2012 episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” but since then they’ve evolved from a beloved food truck serving sustainable seafood in the heart of the American North to a beloved brick and mortar restaurant doing more of the same. You definitely won’t want to miss this mac and cheese with a seafood spin. Smack Shack’s Lobster Mac & Cheese is served with taleggio cheese (a semi-soft Italian cheese with “an unusually fruity tang”), lobster, sweet corn, and breadcrumbs all baked into one indulgent, savory dish.