The Cheesecake Factory — Restaurant in Riverside

We decided to visit the Tyler location due to the area we were already in. We typically go to the Rancho Cucamonga location, which we’ve always enjoyed, but unfortunately, this visit was a big letdown. And yes, as expected, parking at the Tyler Mall is still terrible.

We came here on a particularly emotional day—my friend and I had just lost our 10-week-old puppy to parvo, a rescue we adopted from the shelter. It was devastating. We’d spent the last 24 hours searching nonstop for 24/7 vet care and administering home treatments. We hadn’t eaten in over a day and just wanted a quiet moment to toast the puppy we had grown to love, even in such a short time.

When we checked in, we were told there would be a 45-minute wait for a table. Since it was just the two of us, I asked if we could sit at the bar area, and the hostess said yes—any available table in the bar was fine. We quickly found a two-seater booth and sat down.

After waiting for quite a while with no service (long enough that I even stepped outside to move the car and came back), a server finally approached us—only to tell us we had to move because the booth was reserved. There was no sign or indication that the table was reserved, which was frustrating. We had been sitting there patiently, expecting to be helped.

We moved to a different table, and I believe our server was also the bartender, as her attention was clearly more focused on the bar than on the tables in the area. Even when we asked for our bill and a to-go box, she returned to the bar to serve drinks before coming back to us again.

When she did bring the check and the box, I was surprised that we were expected to box the food ourselves. At the Rancho Cucamonga location, the staff typically takes your plate, boxes it up for you, and brings it back neatly bagged. I personally appreciate that extra level of service because I have permanent nerve damage in my wrist, and dealing with messy or spill-prone food can be difficult and uncomfortable.

Overall, while the food and drinks were fine, the hospitality and experience were lacking. It felt unwelcoming, especially on such a...

We had a pretty bad experience here. We called a week in advance to set up a reservation for 14 people on a Saturday at 8:15 p.m., to which they said they would accommodate. We checked in at 8:00 p.m. and it was pretty busy, so understandably we were prepared to wait. However, it soon was 8:20 p.m. and we had not been seated. When we double-checked, they said they were going to have to sit us outside and that it would be another 15 minutes to set up the tables??? I thought the whole point of a reservation was for a restaurant to be prepared…

We were finally seated at around 8:50 p.m. At this point, it is about 50 degrees outside, and the employee says only 1/3 heaters are working. Our server was very nice and patient with us; however, we were barely checked on. Our orders were not taken until about 9:25 PM and our food came out at 9:50 p.m. The food was good and warm, but we were freezing.

By the time we were done eating, it was around 10:30 p.m. (they close at 11), and OBVIOUSLY we were excited about cheesecake! However, it seemed as if the employees were trying to get us to leave since we were not offered desserts. Our server simply said “anything else?” and then seemed surprised when we all started ordering cheesecake.

To make matters worse, there is a gratuity charge automatically added to the bill, so we were forced to leave a tip despite having an AWFUL experience. ALSO, it was a birthday, and they only give a scoop of ice cream that is 10% ice cream and 90% whipped cream… what kind of cheesecake establishment gives complementary ice cream instead of cheesecake for birthdays? We had a good laugh about that; it was either laugh or cry at that point. By the time we paid, it was 10:50 p.m. We spent 3 HOURS at the restaurant. We left sad, tired, and all in agreement that we will not return.

And I know some staff members will read this and say “we don’t care that you’re not coming back; we’re still gonna be booked…” but I’m just glad my review is here for everyone to read and hopefully stay away when trying to plan a PLEASANT birthday event at a restaurant that will be PREPARED with a...

First time ever at a Cheesecake Factory and I'll let the good triumph the bad just this once. First, we had a party of 7 today at 6:30, we got there, sat down, got some bread and water, cool. Bread is amazing by the way. Service is already pretty good at this point, not bad.

It wasn't until after we placed our order that I honestly was really disturbed by two of the female employees. Unfortunately, I did not look to see what they looked like due to the embarrassment I felt and wished I at least glanced.

Anyways, I'm sitting on the furthest end of the table, it's the corner seat, which I love, and keep in mind that my conversation can be heard by the employees since we were sitting next to one of their stations, where they get napkins, forks, put in orders etc.

I'm mid-conversation and say "there's nothing greater than the Bible," as soon as I said this, the two female employees, no taller than 5'5", immediately started laughing and one of them actually had to kneel down to cover herself up due to the laughter. I didn't want to look, but, my peripheral vision captured it all.

Extremely disturbing and dark behavior from such young individuals. Who knows what goes on in their lives to act such a way. Very childish, like I got a flashback of 4th grade. Were they actually laughing at what I said? That's what it seemed like.

I will admit, our waiter, who did like 5 birthdays by the way, ALONE, made up for this. Really, he did and I truly appreciate that. He got me cheesecake, boxed it up, took my leftovers, boxed it up and handed me a nice to go bag. Simply amazing. Didn't have to say one word for me to like him. His actions proved his worthiness. Oh and he took care of my family too, lol.

Edit: Sweet, management responded, easy 5 (4 before) star. I don't know how they do it, but, the leftover chicken from the Fettuccine Alfredo was still unbelievably tender. I told my friend the exact same thing and she agreed. I'm coming back and ordering the same thing again. I...