More cheese, please

If there’s one thing Americans love, it’s macaroni and cheese, better known to kids of all ages as simply mac and cheese. The warm decadence of ooey, gooey cheese over pasta makes the worst hangovers, breakups and bad days better. Whether as a side at a BBQ, in a casserole dish at a picnic or appearing solo in a gigantic bowl in front of Netflix, mac and cheese comforts and endlessly pleases.

In honor of National Mac & Cheese Day on July 14, Indulge your cheesiest, dairy-filled desires by digging into some of San Diego’s most interesting and decadent mac and cheese options:

Giardino: To celebrate National Mac and Cheese Day, the restaurant will be taking their normally Monday-night-only cheese wheel special and serving up Lobster Mac & Cheese on Sunday with tableside service in the 50 pound wheel.

8131 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 619.825.7112, giardinosd.com

Viewpoint Brewing Co.: Winner of the Golden Noodle award at the 2018 Mac N’ Cheese Fest, Chef Gunnar presents his Smoked Gouda Macaroni with shaved parmesan and pangrattato. Go whole hog with the meaty version with chorizo sausage and pork belly, or for a vegetarian option, try the seasonal vegetables for a slightly healthier take.

2201 San Dieguito Dr., Del Mar, 858.356.9346, viewpointbrewing.com

Hundred Proof: Take decadence to the max with the Truffle Mac N Cheese with bone marrow, mushrooms, gouda, thyme and the fragrant aromas of truffle.

4130 Park Blvd., University Heights, 619-501-6404, hundredproofsd.com

Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant: If truffle is your thing, try the Truffled Mac & Cheese with white cheddar, jack cheese, creamy béchamel and breadcrumbs.

2202 Fourth Ave., Bankers Hill 619.231.0222, bankershillsd.com

Feast & Fareway: Indulge your pleasure-seeking side with another elevated take on the classic at this newly-opened spot: the Duck Mac & Cheese, made with duck confit, havarti cheese cream, goat cheese and arugula.

2000 Visalia Row, Coronado, 619.996.3322, feastandfarewaycoronado.com

Corner Drafthouse: For beer and meat lovers, try the Bacon Cheddar Mac ‘N Cheese with cavatappi pasta, applewood-smoked bacon and beer cheese sauce, along with add-on options of short rib, chicken or shrimp.

495 Laurel St., Bankers Hill, 619.255.2631, thecornerdrafthouse.com

barleymash: Take your pick of six (yes, SIX) different mac and cheese options, each featuring cavatappi pasta, a three-cheese blend, poblano beer cheese, pepper jack beer cheese and breadcrumbs. The Bleu Shroom satisfies vegetarians with wild and domestic mushrooms, whiskey-caramelized onions, bleu cheese crumbles and a balsamic-Jager drizzle. Or go full on decadent with the Duck, Duck, Goat stars spiced duck confit, crispy duck skin, goat cheese, arugula and balsamic-Jager drizzle.

600 Fifth Ave., downtown, 619.255.7373, barleymash.com

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse: Up the richness factor with the broiled Lobster Macaroni and Cheese with fontina and parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and chocked full of fresh chunks of lobster tail.

901 Bayfront Ct., Ste. 105, Embarcadero, 619.272.5060, delfriscos.com/steakhouse/sandiego

JSix: Speaking of lobster, this East Village locale makes theirs with gruyere and orecchiette cheese, topped with an herbed crust for decadent, cheesy and crispy delight.

616 J St., East Village, 619.531.8744, jsixrestaurant.com

10 Barrel Brewing Co.: While you’re in East Village mac’in out (pun intended), head here for the Short Rib Mac & Cheese with cavatappi pasta, caramelized onions, gruyere cheese and topped with panko, red pepper flakes and herbs.

1501 E St., East Village, 619.578.2311, 10barrel.com/pub/san-diego

Mezé Greek Fusion: Experiment with different cheeses on this version titled Fiery Feta Mac ‘n Cheese including penne pasta, kasseri, cheddar and “fiery” feta cheeses, and pita crumbs.

345 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.550.1600, gaslampmeze.com

Del’s Hideout: While the OG Mac & Cheese keeps it simple with four cheeses and a panko cheddar crust, there is also the Poblano Pork version with pulled pork, or the admittedly odd Flamin’ Chicken option with a hot Cheeto crust. Worthy note: all mac and cheese dishes can be ordered gluten-free.

5351 Adobe Falls Rd., Del Cerro, 619.255.8175, cohnrestaurants.com/delshideout

Harrah’s Resort Southern California: Rob Riggle, the new mayor of Funner, has introduced his aptly titled Riggle’s Go-To Chili Mac & Cheese for indulgence at The Café in the hotel and casino. Blending gemelli pasta, aged cheddar, pecorino and gruyere, along with New Mexico red chili puree and ground beef, it’s a perfect filler to an evening (or weekend) of merriment.

777 S. Resort Dr., Valley Center, 760.751.3100, caesars.com/harrahs-socal

Breakfast Republic: This will either strike you as bizarre or perfectly pleasing: The Breakfast Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese is a morning option with parmesan breadcrumbs, chives and, you guessed it, eggs (three to be exact, any style).

Multiple locations, breakfastrepublic.com

Theatre Box: As unusual goes, this one hits the mark with Fried Macaroni and Cheese Pops, where the classic dish is deep fried and served with marinara basil sauce for movie-time enjoyment.

701 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.814.2225, theatrebox.com