Cheesecake Factory

Alpharetta
2075 North Point Circle
Alpharetta, GA 30022
(770) 751-7011

Buckhead
3024 Peachtree Road
NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 816-2555

Cumberland Mall
1609 Cumberland Mall
Atlanta, GA 30339
(770) 319-5515

Perimeter
4400 Ashford-Dunwoody Road Suite 3005
Atlanta, GA 30346
(678) 320-0201

http://www.cheesecakefactory.com

Pros: Excellent desserts, big portions

Cons: Entrees are tasty, but have a diluted sense of authenticity

Cheesecake Factory seems to be almost everywhere you look. They're like the Starbucks of chain restaurants (well, okay, maybe some place like Chili's deserves that title). Unlike Chili's, however, Cheesecake Factory has an enormous selection and is incredibly tasty. The main draw, of course, are the cheesecake desserts. While we were in Phoenix, we had a Heath Bar Crunch cheesecake - one that was incredibly tantalizing, and unfortunately we did not see this cheesecake on or local Cumberland Mall dessert menu. Nevertheless, we were able to delight ourselves with a Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake...absolute heaven!

Cheesecake Factory also offers a wide variety of entrees spanning different cuisines, including Tex-Mex, Thai, Chinese, Cajun, and a host of others. The problem is, however, that although the dishes are indeed tasty, they seem to represent a very diluted sense of the native cuisine. Consequently, Cheesecake Factory may be a good place to get introduced to some different cuisines, but don't expect to satiate an authentic palate.

Regardless, you get a lot for your money. If you plan on having a full-course meal (i.e., appetizers, entree, dessert), you can almost guarantee to have leftovers. Also, this tends to be a fairly popular restaurant for young professionals and families. Be prepared to either call ahead for reservations or to wait a while for seating.

Now if you will excuse me, I have to get back to my cheesecake...