The special with swiss is the way to go to my mind. They have been doing it forever. The owner said though that they've been selling way more with cheddar since the mind of a chef show was there. But swiss, for sure the swiss. Also go with the full sour pickles as well. Don't even mess with the half sour, because who wants a half strength picked?
Lots of childhood memories come back with the special. Not because I've been here before but I remember by dad making grilled balcony and cheese sandwiches. So on that level this place might rock your world if it tricks some childhood issues.
But how do you rate an Institution with such a long history that awakens nostalgia? Really , you probably can't and be honest. Part of you will want to rate high just because of the history and the fact that it is a very damn fine sandwich. And there is probably some small part of you whispering to try and not rate it high due to some food snobbery or other issues or just being contrary. For me, this place is something everyone should try once no matter what. For some of you it will be 5 star and bring back childhood memories and for others you might not understand. That is fine, but like I said everyone should go at least once. But why 4 stars and not 5? For me 5 has to be transcendent or reproducibly great. I've only been once. When I go back, I'll bump them up to 5 stars. Not like this one review is going to make or break them. But go before the neighbor hood changes or the next generation gets crazy ideas.