Afternoons on Downtown Roseville’s Vernon Street just got tastier, thanks to the debut of Cheese Louise, a café specializing in grilled cheese sandwiches. Nestled on a corner of the narrow business stretch, it’s a convenient pit-stop for lunch after a day of browsing surrounding shops. Gaping front windows welcome any and all passersby, and the employees follow suit, greeting me on my last visit like I was an old friend. A friendly exterior design and staff is matched with an equally entertaining seating assortment: a red and a white couch, high chairs paralleling the walls and looking out windows, and an elevated red-carpeted section with café tables. After eyeing the brief menu, I decided on the Herbal French, which boasted unique additions of salami and subtly sweet pear slices, a pleasant bonus to the already-splendid sandwich. Next to the register is a tempting pastry selection with apple fritters, blueberry scones, croissants, coffee pound cake and more, but be ready to take one for the road, as the main dish—a $10 meal, including seasoned fries and a fountain drink—left me delightfully stuffed. Consistency—and grilled cheeses—are satisfying, and Cheese Louise offers both, so it’s safe to say that I’ll be back. Cheese Louise, 400 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-772-2433.

— Samuel Mailey // photo by Dante Fontana