5 Best Places for Ah-Mazing Mac and Cheese

Where we go for comforting, cheesy goodness that’s nothing like grandma used to make.

1: Buffalo Chicken Mac

From: Mac Shack (Brooklyn, NYC)

Why: This is comfort food at its finest, ya’ll. A creamy béchamel, hot and spicy buffalo sauce, marinated roast chicken and macaroni are layered into a pan with handfuls of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese and topped off with breadcrumbs and a little Ranch.

2: Okey Dokey Artichokey

From: Elbows Mac n Cheese (Southern California)

Why: Owner Punita Patel takes spinach-and-artichoke dip to the next level with pasta, mozzarella and Parmesan, garlic, salt, topped with chili flakes and crunchy breadcrumbs.

3: Chili Mac

From: MACS Macaroni and Cheese Shop (Wisconsin Dells, WI)

Why: Husband-and-wife team Jackie and Nick Morse rely on homemade family recipes, lots and lots of Wisconsin cheese and a not-so-secret weapon (corn chips) to make a Chili Mac hearty enough to keep you warm you up on cold Wisconsin nights.

4: Gilroy Mac

From: Homeroom Mac + Cheese (Oakland, CA)

Why: A mixture of creamy gouda, sharp pecorino and just the right amount of garlic butter make the garlicky Gilroy Mac Homeroom’s best seller.

5: Mac ‘Shroom

From: Macbar (Manhattan, NYC)

Why: White-truffle infused “magic” mushrooms (roasted king oyster, shiitake, cremini, portabello mushrooms) mingle with fontina, marscarpone and aged white cheddar cheese to make this 4-star fromage.