If there's a restaurant that can satisfy anyone's food wants, The Cheesecake Factory is the place to be. Whether you want fish or beef, something healthy, or not-so-healthy, they've got you covered. Flipping through the novella (what they call their menu), it can be overwhelming to pick just one thing. With well over 200 options to choose from, it's a challenging feat.
With all those options, your first time can be overwhelming. Although these aren't your typical menu choices, that doesn't mean they're not some of the most popular and tasty items TCF has to offer.
1. Shepherd's Pie
A dish so rare, a picture of Cheesecake's exact version is nearly impossible to come across. The British staple is made with vegetables and ground beef, and topped with a heaping portion of creamy mashed potatoes — but what makes Cheesecake's so unique is the untraditional Parmesan crust.
2. Chicken and Biscuits
TCF could not forget about any Southerners' favorite comfort dish. Mashed potatoes are piled high with gravy, chicken, and fresh vegetables. Placed beside the heaping pile of potatoes are two large, airy biscuits just like grandma used to make. Stacking up at a whopping 2,260 calories (just a few calories over your recommended caloric intake for the day, NBD), you'll be sure to get a hearty meal out of it.
3. Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp
Cheesecake Factory brings its customers this spicy Caribbean dish with sauteed shrimp, rice, beans, a marinated pineapple salsa, and two fried plantains. The salsa perfectly pairs with the other heavier components, as it adds a light touch. No matter where you eat it, the array of food on this plate will transport you to pink sand beaches and clear ocean water.
4. Macaroni and Cheese Burger
Cheesecake Factory proves too much cheese is never an option. This over-the-top burger is topped with a fried mac n' cheese patty and ooey-gooey cheese sauce. If you like their fried macaroni n' cheese appetizer, this meal is fit for you. The massive sandwich is sure worth the few extra napkins you will need.
5. Avocado Eggrolls
A favorite Chinese takeout dish is taken to the next level when it's filled with a creamy avocado and sun-dried tomato filling. The crunchy wanton wrapper and the soft avocado pair together for a flavor and texture explosion. What takes the eggrolls to the next level is the innovative and unique dipping sauce it's paired with — a combination of cashews and tamarind which not only bring out the flavors of the filling, but add an extra layer of dimension.
6. Roasted Pear and Blue Cheese Flatbread
One of their three available flatbreads, the strong flavors of the dish are sure to stand out. Topped with caramelized onions, pecans, and blue cheese, it's the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Not to mention, the flatbread is on the SkinnyLicious menu.
7. Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo
Gumbo is definitely not an average meal you'll find in most restaurants, especially anywhere else besides New Orleans. However, the combination of sausage, shrimp, and chicken (all of my favorite meats) work well together, especially when they're drowned in a smokey and spicy sauce, and finished with a splash of rich heavy cream.
8. Flying Gorilla
In honor of Harambe (I presume), TCF has a spiked milkshake that any animal would be happy to be named after. Chocolate ice cream is blended into a thick shake with bananas, more chocolate, and banana liquor. A huge glass of this will help you to grieve the loss of any Cincinatti Zoo treasure #RIPHarambe, or just make you be thankful the combination of bananas and chocolate exist.9. Avocado Toast
TCF added possibly one of the trendiest foods to their menu this year. Artisinal bread is perfected charred and topped with mounds of creamy avocado. They take it to the next level by layering it with tomato, watercress, radish, and onion. The final drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice bring out both its freshness and richness.
10. Cheesecake
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If you're getting cheesecake, you might as well just go all out and order a slice of the 1,500-calorie Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake (because we all know it's the best). But sweetened with loads of artificial sweeteners, it might be safer just to eat the Original.
Whatever you order, The Cheesecake Factory aims to please. With their high standards and consistency in the kitchen, you'll be sure to love your meal.