Cheesecake Factory: B

Food: 6/10 Presentation: 4/5 Decor: 4/5 Service: 4/5
Total: 18/25: B

After eating at the Cheesecake Factory several times I come to one main conclusion about people. Give them average food but with huge portions at a fair price, and they'll think the place is amazing.

The decor in the new Cherry Hill, NJ location is very nice. Very open and spacious. All the locations I've been in are good. One common theme I've noticed is that they are all very noisy.

The service was prompt and attentive including a large party of 20 we had once. Everything arrived quickly and glasses were continuously refilled. Minor note, refills on sodas are not free. But you do get a giant cup.

The menu is enormous. It has just about anything you would want from sandwiches to pizza to full meals. It covers American food and touches of other ethnic foods. So, anyone can find something to eat.

The quality is completely average. Nothing special or stands out. What does stand out is that the portions are huge. Most meals are enough for two. And the prices are very reasonable. Finally, the cheesecake is pretty excellent. Who else has dozens of varieties of cheesecake?

Given they don't take reservations (except for big parties) and there seems to always be an hour or more wait, why go? I've asked myself that for years. Honestly, there is no reason to wait for this food that is completely comparable to Fridays or Houlihans. I think people have convinced themselves that the Cheesecake Factory is a real restaurant and not another Applebees. Maybe someday people will get it and the wait will go down to something reasonable. So, if you can get in with a minimal wait, then go for it. Otherwise, head somewhere else.