Craving something cheesy? Something warm? Something melty? Well, look no further than 255 Main Street — New Paltz’s newest dining addition. The new eatery replaces the vacant building the Smash Shack left upon shutting its doors. The small structure has been home to numerous New Paltz landmarks over the years, also located conveniently next to K & E Discount Beverages. But devoted customers were wondering: what’s next for the shack?
Now at the location is “Melted,” a counter-service restaurant specializing in grilled cheeses and other delectable dishes such as wings, salads and mac-n-cheese. They also offer a kids’ menu and an extensive array of desserts. They advertise sweet treats like chocolate peanut butter pie and blueberry cobbler white chocolate cheesecake.
However, more complex than their desserts are their “melts.” These sandwiches are the ultimate grilled cheeses, sporting meats, vegetables and toppings galore. There are basic versions of the sandwich, like the ham and cheese and “Classic Melts,” but there are also the more complex ones, such as the “Philly Melt,” with sliced steak alongside peppers and onions, and the “Good Morning Melt,” a breakfast style grilled cheese with eggs, ham or sausage. The humorously named “Fa-Get About It Melt” is an Italian specialty packed with basil pesto and fire-roasted peppers to accompany slices of mozzarella cheese. All the melts can be served on three kinds of bread: rustic white, whole wheat and gluten-free.
Throughout its history, the location’s occupant has changed constantly. The building’s most recently shut restaurant Smash Shack, left customers feeling disheartened amidst their closing. Previously reported by The Oracle, the Smash Shack was the most recent purchase by the owners of Mexican Kitchen, offering quick-service burgers and fries. After the fire that devastated Mexican Kitchen, the Smash Shack took on a downsized menu from the original restaurant, and offered Mexican cuisine right alongside its American fare. The Smash Shack also acted as a ghost kitchen for Mr. Beast Burger.
But now, a new chapter begins for the restaurant, as Melted has already grabbed foodies’ attention. In April, the restaurant won the title of “Best Grilled Cheese in Ulster County” from Ulster Eateries Unfiltered — on National Grilled Cheese Day nonetheless. Currently, the restaurant holds a 3.8 out of four-star rating on Yelp, and numerous other rave reviews on other evaluation sites.
Melted is not the first grilled-cheese-focused restaurant to hit New Paltz. The former restaurant, Amazin’ Melts, used to provide customers with over-the-top cheesy sandwiches. Amazin’ Melts was a fan favorite, the establishment even winning “The Best Grilled Cheese” in the Hudson Valley in 2019. Since their closing in December of the same year, there was room on Main Street for a new grilled cheese connoisseur.
Get your grilled cheeses while they’re hot. Melted is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. The restaurant also delivers via Doordash. For more information, including their extensive menu, visit their Facebook page @meltednp.