First things first, the wait. Equal parts not as bad as you think it’s gonna be and also everything you expect. My daughter and I waited for about 1.5 hours outside of the restaurant all told and the place remained packed the whole time we were there with a good amount of patrons waiting outside. This is Lubbock, Texas and the Factory is new and shiny. Be prepared to wait. Luckily we were just a party of two so once inside we were seated in a much-too-cramped booth almost immediately.
This place is clean and the decor/atmosphere is gorgeous. I expect nothing less from such a chain. The whole ambiance is really upscale and actually kind of romantic if seated in the right spots of the restaurant. Tables were bussed and sprayed down immediately after guests left and floors were kept swept and free of debris. If not for how cramped/small our table was, this section would have got an A+ in my book. Instead they lose a half a star.
Service, however, was exceptional. Our waitress was Molly and she was incredibly attentive, accurate and friendly. She’d brought out the (delicious) bread and when I asked about the butter she apologized saying they were out and that it was likely on the truck currently being unloaded. I told her it was okay but the next time she came to the table to refill drinks she’d brought butter saying “found some!” We were never left wanting for anything and the service was just all-around pleasant. We weren’t visited by a member of the management staff but I don’t always consider that a bad thing.
Something that was a bad thing? The food. This is where they lost that other half a star. The food in and of itself wasn’t bad. My Margarita pizza was quite delicious and even came close in flavor and in texture to the pies of the same name that I’d eaten in Italy. And my daughter nearly inhaled her pasta, which for a kids meal was an incredibly generous portion. It’s just that the food was cold. Maybe “cold” is being a tad facetious but it was room temp which tells me it was waiting in the window for some time before it was brought out to us. Never an excuse for that in my book. The pizza was also, for me, a little to heavy on the sauce. Not a knock against the chefs or the restaurant, just a personal preference of mine and worthy of note if you don’t care for a pizza that’s heavy on sauce.
The star of the show, the cheesecake, was absolutely delicious however and nearly makes up for any discrepancies experienced with the food. This is the CHEESECAKE factory, not the PIZZA factory and on that front it does not disappoint. They are delectable, silky, rich and delicious and really are second to none. Just bear in mind that there’s a reason they don’t put the prices of the cheesecake slices on the cheesecake menu.
All told this was a very pleasant visit and we will be coming back. I’ll be telling friends and family to plan a visit as well because it was worth the wait. They just need to work on their kitchen management and ticket times so that hot food makes it to the customers and they’ll get five stars from me all...
Read moreRating: ★★★★☆
Review:
The Cheesecake Factory is renowned for its extensive menu, indulgent desserts, and upscale dining experience. Here's my review of The Cheesecake Factory:
Culinary Variety: ★★★★★ One of the standout features of The Cheesecake Factory is its incredibly diverse menu. From classic American dishes to international flavors, the restaurant offers a wide array of options to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for pasta, burgers, seafood, or vegetarian fare, you'll find something to suit your taste. Decadent Desserts: ★★★★★ The Cheesecake Factory is famous for its decadent and mouthwatering desserts, particularly its extensive selection of cheesecakes. With flavors ranging from traditional New York-style to innovative creations, the dessert menu alone is worth a visit. Each slice is generously sized and made with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a delightful sweet ending to your meal. Portion Sizes: ★★★★☆ One thing to note about The Cheesecake Factory is its generous portion sizes. The dishes often come in large portions, providing ample food to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. It's worth considering sharing options or opting for half portions if you prefer a lighter meal. Upscale Ambiance: ★★★★☆ The Cheesecake Factory exudes an upscale and elegant ambiance, making it a great choice for special occasions or a sophisticated night out. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, creating a refined atmosphere that adds to the overall dining experience. Efficient Service: ★★★★☆ The service at The Cheesecake Factory is generally efficient and professional. The staff members are attentive and knowledgeable, ready to assist with menu selections and offer recommendations. However, during peak hours, there might be a slight delay in seating and food delivery due to high demand. Popular and Busy: ★★★☆☆ As one of the most popular restaurant chains, The Cheesecake Factory tends to be busy, especially during peak dining hours and weekends. This can result in longer wait times for a table, both for walk-ins and reservations. Planning ahead or visiting during off-peak hours can help avoid lengthy waits. In conclusion, The Cheesecake Factory is a haven for indulgent dining experiences. With its extensive menu, delectable desserts, upscale ambiance, and efficient service, it offers a memorable dining experience for those seeking a touch of luxury and a wide variety of culinary delights.
Note: This review is based on general observations and experiences, and your specific experience at The Cheesecake Factory may vary depending on the location and...
Read moreI decided to go there for my birthday. We haven't been there since they first opened due to them under cooking my son's fried Cod fish, so I thought I'd give them another chance.
I went out with my kids and company and I ordered the Shrimp Scampi and Diane steak. I don't remember reading that the steak was going to look like pieces of soft beef jerky with black pepper. I had just previously asked the waitress about the different steaks and ounces of the steaks for my little girl because they were not on menu. I didn't recall her telling me that the Diane steak would be cut up in little pieces hence the picture, BUT I wasn't totally disappointed because the 3 shrimp of the shrimp scampi was good, and everyone else's food seem be okay.
However, my true disappointment came from what happened next. My son and I both were drinking Strawberry Lemonade and waitress comes and grab our drinks. She didn't ask for one to take out their straw so she could tell them apart. It took a good while for her to bring our drinks back. She finally brings back our drinks and I wondered how she knew who's was who's? Well, she didn't!!! After I'd drank almost all of the lemonade, my son noticed his gum at the bottom of the glass I was drinking out of in which he forgot was in there. I showed the waitress Edith and told her she swapped our glasses, it didn't seem like she cared that she switched them. She offered me another drink, but I was sick to my stomach after that. She didn't offer a discount or anything for her mess up. She didn't know that we were related and even so, why not be a good waitress and make sure you give us back our right drink OR bring us a fresh one. When you pay more than a Benjamin for your food, you expect waaaaayyy better service than what we got. I was so disappointed and disgusted all in one, and it had to happen on my birthday!
It took me years to go back after the under cooked pink fish, I definitely will not be going back again after this incident! Cheesecake Factory you need to stick to just...
Read more