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Best Mac & Cheese In Los Angeles

mac cheese
(credit: shutterstock)

(credit: shutterstock)

Macaroni and cheese is a dish synonymous with American food, specifically American Southern food. Interestingly enough, the history of cheesey pasta dates back to the medieval days. It became an American specialty thanks to President Thomas Jefferson. It is said that in the late 1790s, he requested an Italian macaroni machine, which turned out to be a bust. Following his memories of cheese-covered pasta in France and Italy, Jefferson began serving a simple version of the treasured dish at dinner parties.

These days, macaroni and cheese has become a must-have on menus for many restaurants. Some uphold traditional standards, while many others veer in the latter direction to wow diners with tastebud-bending recipes. Elbow noodles versus shells, breadcrumbs or extra cheese, spicy instead of mild, eight cheese rather than two. It is a never-ending list of possibilities that allows anyone to throw their name in the hat for the best dish in town. Here are a few restaurants that serve a mac and cheese that you must try.

Roscoe's House of Chicken N Waffles
730 East Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 437-8355
www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com

With locations throughout Los Angeles, Roscoe's is an LA institution. Known for its famous chicken & waffles, the mac and cheese side here is something you must try if you haven't had the pleasure of biting into it. Made in true Southern style, it is clumped together in a way that lets you know it was baked through and through. Alongside the well-known fried chicken, collard greens and candied sweet potatoes, this mac and cheese is a classic choice.

Bludso's BBQ
811 South Long Beach Boulevard
Compton, CA 90221
(310) 637-1342
www.bludsosbbq.com

Similar to Roscoe's, Bludso's BBQ serves a macaroni and cheese side dish that harkens back to Southern traditions. The clump of this mac and cheese hints towards a buttery roux with egg tossed into the mix to form a binder. The generous seasoning of black pepper adds just enough spice for flavor to pair with the sweet and tangy pulled pork sandwich or smokey ribs. Add in the affordability of this delicious side, and it's a no-brainer!

The Hudson
1114 North Crescent Heights Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 654-6686
www.thehudsonla.com

The macaroni and cheese at The Hudson packs a big punch with a four cheese mix of American, smoked cheddar, cream cheese, Parmesan, smoked jalapeños, roasted garlic and shallots and a topping of crunchy bread crumbs. Make it a full meal with the addition of wild mushrooms, smoked bacon or short ribs for a few extra bucks.

Nook Bistro
11628 Santa Monica Boulevard #9
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 207-5160
www.nookbistro.com

With an all-American menu, the mac and cheese here is a small plate on the menu and one you won't want to overlook as you order delicious fare. Return diners rave about the cheesy mac with Parmesan, cheddar and Gruyère. The restaurant used to be open for lunch, serving this dish as a full meal with a Caesar salad. With new hours during dinner time only, you can snag the famous mac and cheese.

Fred 62
1850 N Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 667-0062
www.fred62.com

For a twist on the classic mac and cheese dish, head to Hollywood's Fred 62 restaurant, a classic 24/7 diner offering staple American classics, as well as veggie and gluten-free options too. What's this different mac and cheese dish? Well, a favorite for customers is the restaurant's mac and cheese balls. Complete with molten, creamy macaroni and cheese, these fried super-gooey perfections are perfectly cheesy. For all intensive purposes they're depp-fried mac and cheese balls. What's even better is you can get them 24 hours a day!

Franklin & Co. Tavern
5923 Franklin Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 463-1552
www.franklinandcotavern.com

A sibling restaurant to The Belmont Cafe, Franklin & Co. Tavern offers a delicious crab mac n' cheese. The gooey mac and cheese dish is perfect with one of their selections of craft beer. Set in a hot cast iron pan, the dish is loaded with macaroni, crab, smoked bacon, tomato, and cheeses ranging from provolone, mozzarella and Swiss.

Pete's Cafe
400 South Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 617-1000
www.petescafe.com

Pete's Cafe has received many nods for its burgers and fries, but the restaurant also deserves credit for its mac and cheese. Executive Chef Michelle Lainez starts with a base of rich, heavy cream and four varieties of cheese--Mozzarella, Vermont sharp white cheddar, Asiago and goat cheese. Many say that the final touch of tarragon is what makes it truly stand out as a winner. Go for a side salad of mixed baby greens to balance the decadence of this dish. A small order of mac and cheese at Pete's is $8, and the large serving is $14.

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
1517 Lincoln Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-8279
www.bcdeli.com

The carb police may show up at Bay Cities and arrest Chef Victorio for his special garlic crouton-covered mac and cheese. The idea of eight cheese varieties, including American, mild cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, Parmesano romano, and ricotta, will make just another anyone's mouth water. This mac and cheese is not on the menu though, so be sure to specifically request Chef Victorio's creation for the real deal. At $7 per pound, you could easily take home a serving for one or a batch for the family.

Monsieur Marcel
6333 West 3rd Street #150
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-7792
www.mrmarcel.com

What better way to eat mac and cheese than with a French flair. Located inside The Original Farmers Market, Monsieur Marcel serves its own version, aptly named Coquillettes Au Fromage, in a hot cast iron skillet with a bubbling Swiss cheese blend and a dusting of green onion. For just $7, the individual-sized portion is more than enough to share with two people, and it is best paired with the restaurant's Salade Niçoise or perhaps a side of brussels sprouts with lardons and raisins.

Chrystal Baker is a freelance food and events contributor for CBS Los Angeles, Basil Magazine and Frugivore Magazine. She is the co-editor of a recipe blog, The Duo Dishes, and manages her own lifestyle and travel blog, Any and Everywhere.
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