Location: 1 South Park Street, San Francisco, CA

In its traditional form, the beauty of the grilled cheese lies in its simplicity - just two slices of Wonderbread and a couple Kraft singles. Buttered. Grilled. Perfect. But at TAGCK, all sandwiches are made using fresh rustic levain bread from San Francisco’s Pinkie’s Bakery, and they’re accessorized with ingredients like basil-lavender pesto and rosemary butter—ingredients more synonymous of haute California cuisine than your mom’ kitchen.

The constant line spilling out the restaurant’s doors and on to the sidewalk has proven that there is no lack of enthusiasm for the gussied up grilled cheese. And fortunately for fans, loyalty has its rewards. The masterminds behind this pilgrimage spot have cooked up a secret menu for regulars only.

Owner Nate Pollack gave Hidden Menu the passwords for three variations of the Kitchen’s signature sandwich The Mousetrap and prepared us a mystery drink that he refused to give use the code word for.

Here are the passwords that will get you access to three variations of the Kitchen’s flagship dish. The Mousetrap usually comes with three kinds of the cheese (Tillamook sharp cheddar, creamy havarti, and monterey jack) on artisan sourdough.

For the drink, you’re on your own.  But HM likes a good challenge and we’re pretty sure our resourceful readers will figure out what it’s called and how to order it. And when you do, hit us up at tips@hiddenmenu.com.

Tell them you want it “Kiddie Style.”
What it is: Tillamook sharp cheddar grilled between two pieces of bread.
What we think: The closest thing The American has to its namesake’s traditional form. Just add tater tots and tomato soup, and you’ll be transported back to a rainy day in 4th grade.
Inside Info: According to Nate, this is most often ordered by kids (hence the name), or adults who eat like kids (ahem, Danny).

Tell them you want “The Works.”
What it is: A Mousetrap with applewood-smoked bacon, roasted tomato and bread n’butter pickles.
What we think: Sweet Zombie Cheesus! The bacon and sweet pickles work better together than Hall and Oates.
Inside Info: The American’s bread n’ butter pickles are proudly made in house.

Tell them you want a “Purist.”
What it is: A Mousetrap straight up.
What we think: Technically, a grilled cheese purist would probably lean toward the no-frills Kiddie Style.
Inside Info: Using the lingo just lets them know you’re a regular.

The Drink That Must Not Be Named
What it is: Though we don’t know what it’s called, we do know this fizzy concoction contains real fruit, house made syrup, and real sugar.
What we think: Tastes kind of like a mixed berry Crystal Geyser but better. We’re thinking it’s the lack of brain damaging corn syrup typically found in most sodas.
Inside Info: Nate didn’t tell us the drink’s moniker or how to order it. If one of you enterprising grilled cheese aficionados has this intel tell us in the comments or better yet drop us an email.

Written by: Kat Manalac & Danny Dumas
Photos by: Jon Snyder