The Cheesecake Factory -It Just Should Be Better
Written: Aug 28 '09
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Pros: tasty. reasonable prices - two meals for the price of one.
Cons: oversized portions. nothing special or spectacular, not even the cheesecake
The Bottom Line: I end up here rather than choosing to go here. It's where we go when we can't agree on what we want.
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| naphtalia's Full Review: Cheesecake Factory |
The Cheesecake Factory....just the name is enough to make me smile. The concept of a place dedicated to the manufacture of one of the most sublime desserts the world knows works the imagination in the happiest directions. The Cheesecake Factory, one would hope, would be located next to Willy Wonka's Candy Factory, and down the road from the Jack Daniel's distillery.
Alas, The Cheesecake Factory is merely a chain restaurant. I've been to them in New York, in Ohio and in California. After the first visit to the Cheesecake Factory, we have never gone back at my request. I don't dislike it; I just am not thrilled by the experience.
As you walk into any Cheesecake Factory, there will be a glass-fronted deli/bakery type display case with gorgeous looking cheesecakes and other confections. Alongside this display will be a counter with various restaurant swag on display such as t-shirts.
Inside the local Cheesecake Factory, the ceilings are impossibly high. The dining area is relatively dimly lit. There is enough light at the table for me to read my menu, but I have friends who have to whip out their flashlights for that purpose. The booths are comfortable for parties of four. Larger parties are shown to tables.
We had dinner reservations for 6 p.m. and then entire party must be present before they will sit. We were all there by 5:50 and were given one of those pagers that buzz when they're ready for you. This was nice as the waiting area inside was much too crowded. We toddled outside to wait. The place was packed on the Friday night we had gone. We were called in about 6:15.
After being seated by The Official Meeter, Greeter and Seater, we met our waitress who proceded to give us menus and recite the day's specials. The Cheesecake Factory's menu is expansive and goes on for pages. It includes appetizers, appetizer salads, pizzas, pastas, fish and seafood dishes, meats, dinner salads, sandwiches, ice creams, other desserts and ...of course... cheesecake.
Personally, I find the portions at the Cheesecake Factory too large on most items. I understand the allure of big portions being value for money. If possible, I recommend splitting entrees here. Personally, I find my best value is in eating appetizers. My favorite last time was a roasted beat and blue cheese dish. Truly outstanding. The Chinese chicken salad was a huge favorite at the table but incredibly oversized. Others at our table enjoyed the grilled chicken in balsamic vinaigrette with peppers and onions. In fact, everyone enjoyed their food, but the portions were just way too big. Between the four folks at our table, we had 5 to-go packages.
Between four of us at the table, we split a piece of apple cheesecake. Had we had nothing else to eat, this monstrous sized slab of cheesecake could still have been split two or three ways. As it was, we had cheesecake leftover, too.
I've had cheesecake here several times and several flavors. Aside from the size, it is not particularly noteworthy. It is good cheesecake, which is better than great other things. Other places, however, make better cheesecake.
The food here is all tasty. The service is good - not exceptional, but what one would expect. I can easily get out of this place for about $20-25 per adult - a bit less with kids....even less if common sense prevails and we share.
I have always found the Cheesecake Factory to be pleasant. The food is okay, but nothing I would rave about. The service is okay, but nothing to rave about. The ambience is okay. There's enough on the menu that everyone should be able to find something they can eat. The restaurant is consistent from location to location.
For me, going out is more about the people than the food. I don't dislike the Cheesecake Factory. I just can't get excited about it. I feel about it the way I feel about Denny's. I don't go there....I end up there. When we have too many people who can't agree on what to eat, we go here. Everybody ends up happy; no one ends up disappointed nor elated. Still, I wish I could find a better word than inoffensive for the place.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations stick to appetizers for a reasonably sized meal
Best Suited For: Kids and Families
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Epinions.com ID:
naphtalia
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 in Restaurants & Gourmet |
 - Top 100 |
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Location: Somewhere in Southern California for Now
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About Me:
Just cause you got the monkey off your back doesn't mean the_circus has left town.
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