College is a transitional period. Students have exited childhood, but haven’t completely entered adulthood. If this experience were a sandwich, it would be the “Tomato and Pesto Gourmet Grilled Cheese” served at Seven Saints.

Seven Saints, 32 E. Chester St., opened its doors nearly six years ago. Since then, customers have enjoyed meals in the dimly lit, homey and rustic restaurant every day during business hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

This bar and grill serves everything from sliders to spirits — two things for which the restaurant is well known — in addition to the revered Gourmet Grilled Cheese.

While one might not associate grilled cheese with a bar and grill, Joe Bonilla, assistant manager at Seven Saints, said the “Tomato and Pesto Gourmet Grilled Cheese” is among the restaurant’s most popular sandwiches.

This dish consists of melted Swiss and cheddar cheese, roasted vine-ripened tomatoes and basil pesto held together by two pieces of lightly buttered grilled sourdough bread. In addition, the sandwich comes with a side of the customer’s choice, including sweet potato fries, onion rings and broccoli salad.

Bonilla said that while grilled cheese is usually reminiscent of childhood, Seven Saints’ unique spin on the classic sandwich makes customers appreciate the cuisine as more than just a childhood favorite.

Anna Lowe, senior in LAS and waitress at Seven Saints, recommends the sandwich to customers of any age, especially college students.

“It’s not a normal grilled cheese,” Lowe said. “It’s like a grown-up grilled cheese.”

Lowe added that those who dislike tomatoes should not necessarily rule out this sandwich.

“A lot of people get it without the tomato because the pesto and cheese (are) really good,” Lowe said.

So whether you are feeling nostalgic or mature, Seven Saints’ “Tomato and Pesto Gourmet Grilled Cheese” might be a satisfying take on an American favorite.

Bailey can be reached at [email protected].