If I could give them zero stars, I would. We just went for dinner. Family of four, Friday night 7pm. Wait time was average. Food was ok. Service was terrible. It started when two meals were brought out and then several minutes passed before the other two showed up. One wasn't what was ordered. It was reordered and appeared after we were finished eating (sharing food with the person with the missing dinner). Then they dropped the check off. Only it wasn't ours. And had someone else's credit card in it. After a few minutes of staring at an unfamiliar VISA card - we asked for the manager. Twice. Finally I picked up my cell phone and called the manager. He came over to our table. He was not in the least sorry or apologetic. He asked if it was our card that was sent to the wrong table - when it wasn't - he didn't care. He did not care about the service. He did not care about the security of his customers. He just plain didn't care. No apologies. Nothing. For added fun - when they did give us our bill - the pen didn't even write. If you are looking for a miserable experience and an overpriced mediocre burger - head to cheesecake factory. Otherwise save your money, time and identity by going elsewhere.
(1)
Armando Luis C.
I took my father and my family here before he had to catch a flight. The waiter brought my dad the wrong order. The manager came over and she was so rude I couldn't believe it. The waiter did the right thing and brought him his order while the manager couldn't figure out what to do at all. She made it so much worse.It was so embarrassing. We will never return.
(1)
Brock S.
I love Cheesecake Factory. I only gave it four stars instead of five because the food is too rich. You need to be extremely active to be eating this type of food on a regular basis.
(4)
Joel P.
Same as every other location but on this particular instance our waiter was SLOW. Never a good thing especially when you're ready to pay and leave instead of sitting there in limbo.
(3)
Daniel B.
Cheesecake Factory is one of my favorite restaurants but it's been about two years since I visited this particular location because of quality and service issues. I'm pleased to say the quality of the food has greatly improved. The service is still lacking. I ordered the Thai chicken pasta and snickers cheesecake. The Thai chicken pasta was excellent. The snickers cheesecake was good but I still like Adams peanut butter and chocolate raspberry truffle better. The service started out slow even though it wasn't busy. It took a long time for the server to take my drink order and the bread barely beat the main meal to the table. The service did improve towards the end of the meal. I'll definitely start visiting this location again.
(4)
Nikki B.
Went on a Friday night. Of course the place is packed. Best time to go is 5:30-6. My friend and I went directly to the bar, grabbed a seat. Service was slow and the waiter forgot us a couple of times. i.e. our drinks and food. Definitely, had better...
(2)
Tarek H.
Great food! And of course cheesecake!
(5)
M T.
For a chain restaurant, the selection is ok... but the review here is for the horrible manager that served us tonight. I don't know why she's working at a restaurant... let a lone wears the title as MANAGER... if she has trouble with large orders??? She was fumbling with the plates and had a terrible attitude with us when she couldn't remember who ordered what dish. Even with 3 extra servers helping her, she was completely incompetent and downright rude as we tried to assist her with the orders. Seriously... I couldn't believe how unprofessional and inept she was. I would never come back to this location again... as long as she's managing the place.
(1)
Rich P.
Consistantly great food and service. Huge menu. Of all the large national chains, Cheesecake Factory is at least in my top three!
(5)
Janice Y.
My family and I came back from the Cheesecake Factory tonight and I have to say this dinner experience has been one of the worst service we have ever had at your restaurant. The dinner service started out well...we were seated within 10 mins of arrival and the server provided us with our drinks and bread. However shortly after taking our order, the service went downhill. Our menus were stacked up high on our table and left there for approx 15-20 minutes. Our empty water cups were never refilled (even though the server had the water pitcher in his hand at one point and refilled water for another table). We had asked for more bread while we waited for the main course to arrive. The server acknowledged the request but the bread never came. We had to flag down our server 25 minutes later while we were already half way into our meals and made a second request for some bread. The server nods and came back with a basket of bread 10 minutes later (to which we had just finished our meal). Not once did the server ask how our meal was. We had to flag down the server to order our desserts. The dirty plates were left on our table for a good 15 minutes until our desserts finally arrived. We also had to wait a long time to get and pay for our check. While the server is a nice guy, he seems inexperienced and very preoccupied which made it very difficult for us to enjoy our dinner. Being a family of three, we had expected to be in and out of the restaurant within an hour however we ended up sitting in the restaurant for over 2 and a half hours, mainly waiting for our server. We are extremely disappointed with tonight's dinner service at the Cheesecake Factory and wished we had chosen another restaurant for dinner.
(1)
Oya T.
Almost too much choices but it is good. Like the new outdoor seating.
(4)
Kit F.
The menu is h-u-g-e. It takes me 45mins to order! Instead of a tri-fold typical type menu, its a spiral bound 8 pages, with advertisements....seriously!? The food is good, but who cares lets just get to the cheesecake part of the meal. Putting on my Gordon Ramsey hat for a moment, I would suggest that they get a smaller/simpler food menu with a focused identity and expand the cheesecake menu (if that is even possible!)
(3)
Chad H.
Generally speaking, I can't stand this chain. This weekend on a night out in Sterling my friends chose this place to eat, and I didn't have much choice but to come along because I was pretty hungry. I have to give it to this place that it looks pretty nice, but right off the bat I can't stand the noise level in here. I felt like I was at a rock concert. The lighting... way to dim. I wear glasses for God's sake, and I was still struggling to make my way to the table.... AFTER the 30 or so minute wait to get the table. During this wait I suggested IHOP, which has never failed my late-night 24/7 cravings, but some of the high-class whiney pricks that tagged along with one of my friends wouldn't let that happen. So Cheesecake Factory it is. Once we finally got our menus, I didn't know what the hell I was supposed to order. I love Chicken Salad, so I got the Chicken Salad Sandwich. After 20 or so minutes, our food came out, and by this time I had gone deaf and couldn't hear my own voice so I didn't bother asking for a refill of my water for fear I would just be making inane blabbing noises. The Chicken Salad Sandwich came out with huge portioning. It was actually 2 sandwiches cut in half, stuffed to the max, with some wierd nasty salad on the side made up of tasteless greens from my neighbor's backyard, smothered of course in a sour vinaigrette. The bread was so overly toasted that I nearly choked per my lack of water. The Chicken Salad itself was more like Mayonnaise with bits of chicken and whatever else in it... NUTS. Almonds I think? Or some annoying crunchy nutty thing. I'm not gonna lie, those nuts were pissing me off. Despite my bad experience I still tipped well, which is just general courtesy that I've gotten accustomed to. But honestly this damn chain of restaurants is so over-hyped. I doubt I'll ever willingly go back to any of these places again. I HAVE heard good things about the cheesecake, but I'm afraid it's made of mayonnaise so I'll pass.
(2)
Courtney R.
I echo Nadine's sentiments--the only thing worth wrapping your mouth around at this place is the cheesecake. At least they get that part right. Worst CCF I've been to, usually order the crab won ton but even they were barely passable the last time I ordered them (Baltimore Inner Harbor). My sister said her meal was disgusting too. I ordered the BLT salad, half of which I immediately boxed. It was so nasty, twin, I left the box at the table.
(1)
Tyler I.
Oh dear god. Let me start off with, the portions were gigantic. Now, that being said, in order for me to decipher what I wanted to eat, i had to read an encyclopedia of dishes they can make. I wish Dr. Jones was with me to venture through the fucking brick book that is their MASSIVE MENU. Does it really need 40 plus pages? After taking notes and plotting a hunger graph, I calculated the slope of my ass would result in ordering a Chinese salad. I felt rather full after visually ingesting three years of culinary dishes offered as electives, at your local University. what I'm having trouble saying is that the menu has way, way to many pages. Getting there, I walk upon the host and a server eye fucking the shit out of each other that I was embarrassed. Embarrassed what her mother must think her daughter has become. In public?! Have ye no shame? After karate chopping through them to get her attention we get sat at a lovely booth, right between the kitchen and the server station. Not only do I love to hear other patrons bitch about how their server didn't do something, now I get to hear the servers talk about what type of excrement they put in our food. No, that's not fair, I'm simply kidding but they complain just as much! Our server was sweeet and very quick. The lunch portion match the menu, how did my lovely Ashley A put it? "Fat bastard" size portions. My plate weighed as much as my head. My plate was plentiful with chicken, crunchy things and mandarins? It was great and I would definetly like to try more of their food but I'm done reading while hungry. Decrease the menu and this place would get one more star.
(2)
Wayne S.
I'm not sure why I go back to these places. I've eaten at several now and have never left happy or satisfied with my meal. The servers are always nice and the decor is different. We ordered the Dynamite Shrimp appetizer and it was ok at best. I had the Sheila's Chicken Salad. It was musty and bitter tasting. Our server disappeared for a long time so I ate some and left it. Once he finally showed up he asked how things were and he did remove my salad from the bill. One thing I really hate about this restaurant, and similar restaurants, is the noise level. For those wearing hearing aids the noise is amplified to a very uncomfortable level. It's like restaurants make things as loud as possible to get people to leave in a hurry.
(2)
Pamela E.
Fantastic food- which is sort of the norm for the Cheesecake Factory. Portions are pretty large though, particularly the kids menu items. We ordered a "cup" of soup and it came out in a bowl! (We asked the waiter if that was the cup and he said yes, so we did confirm that we ordered correctly.) Also, we sat outside and after the sun went down it got chilly, so we asked them to turn on a heat lamp- none of them worked; so we had to move inside. Staff was super-friendly, attentive and fast. Overall a great dinner experience.
(4)
Kim K.
This is our pick for a dinner consisting of appetizers & drinks at the bar. There is almost always a wait when we arrive, however, we head to the bar area. It's first come/first serve at the high top bar tables & we can grab one within 5-10 minutes, most nights. The happy hour appetizer menu is good. Also, like the thai lettuce wraps and the cuban sandwich. They carry Newcastle Brown ale, which is always a plus in our book. It's not the place for intimacy but it works when we're at the mall.
(4)
Justin S.
This restaurant epitomises my distaste for humanity. When I moved to the area, I'd meet people, they'd invite me out, and I soon realized that people who turned out to be boring, thoughtless zombies all picked The Cheesecake Factory as their favorite place to eat & meet. The menu items, like the people who love them, are bland, over-salted, dull imitations of much better products found elsewhere. High prices, giant portions, syrupy mixed drinks, and a pseudo-cultural facade round the place off nicely. The cheesecake's pretty good.
(1)
Heath A.
One of the worst Cheese Cake Factory's out there. I'm not a big CCF eater but whenever I've got family visiting or friends from out of town and I need to pick a spot where everyone can find something to eat and eat due to their gargantuan sizes I pick the CCF. Well I had relatives in town again and went to this new outpost in Loudon due to the closeness it was to them. Big mistake. The wait wasn't bad to get the table but I have a feeling how the restaurant is set up that if your table isn't in the center spots closer to the kitchen the service would take just as long if you were basically in outer Mongolia. The service here was awful. Our spacey server sent our salad out to the wrong table and then took over 20 minutes to replace it, asking if we wanted a cup of soup in the meantime. How long does it take for one of these salads to be made? My fish and chips were cold and soggy, not one of their better attempts for when I do get this meal. The Tons of Fun Burger looked like a monster and my cousin loved every bite of it. The Chicken Madeira is always good but don't get caught up eating the two pounds of mashed potatoes that it comes with. The Miso Salmon is another favorite but what gives with the 4 snow peas and the mountain of rice. Still the CCF is a good to have for guests but making a habit of eating here will expand your waistline faster than the growth rate of Loudon county.
(2)
Tasos V.
We like coming here as a family once a month due to the nice atmosphere and great portions. The waiter service is always friendly and we always leave full. Their menu is a little too large though, sometimes it feels like a book but everything is good and needless to say, great cheesecakes!
(5)
glori b.
I have been here a few dozen timesso so depending on who you get the staff seems overwhelmed.The food makes up for it and its always got a crowd. I think the service is touch and go but the food is great.The ambience is beautiful .I love the architecture and lighting here. Everyone I know loves it here.I am often alone or with my baby so I dont get to go here much as I would like as they frown on strollers in the restaraunt at the table. ,.I like the shrimp scampi and the chicken maderia combo.The grilled chicken w cheese and mushrooms is DELICOUS.My party ordered mahi mahi and miso salmon.I love the avocado eggrolls.I like the buffalo appetizer.I like the tamale corncakes.I like the calamari.I like the quesadillasI love the fries..I ordered a bottle of the cheesecake factory wine its only 30 and delicious for such a low pricde,My martini was very strong.The sangria is outstanding.I ordered a combo with steak diane and shrimp scampi once and second time shrimp and chicken and salad .I also have had the tex mex tacos.Great food, service. and sauces.They were out of two things I asked for to order and coffee so manager came by apologized and comped my moms dessert not even asked. The second time I ate here I had same eggrolls,a dirty martini and a burrito dish.The cocktails are divine.The appetizers are tantalizing.The salads are fresh.The service is fancy and prompt .The cheesecake is of course fabulous.This place is always hopping.Its pricier then some casual places but its very classy and medium upscaled /casualish but I think its fair priced and consistent.Never disappinted,I RARELY find coupons or deals here but if you dont have to discount to get people to dine I guess I wouldnt either! I have eaten here before by myself at the bar.I always order the avocado eggrolls they are outstanding really truly original unlike so many chains they have excellent orgininal appetizrs not just wings, spinach dip and fried cheese.I also normally get salad .I normally dont order dessert but taste other people in my party and its speechless delicious.Which is why eating alone sucks.I could just eat eggrolls and drinks and be happy.The cakes and cheesecakes are drool worthy so many varieities.Last time I was here I had white raspberry choc latte to top my meal Outstanding best latte I ever had.Amazing!And if you like dessert try to come here just pick one!Recently I went here April 23 09 and the service was self seat and slow in the bar,confusion on who was waiting , we had to ask for a menu, but the food was OUTSTANDING.The shrimp scampi knocked my socks off as usual its undescribably good. I used the sauce for my fries its really delicious and consisently good.My party ordered pork chops and did not care for them overall I lked my food more.I am adding Cheesecake for lunch to my menu of places I really enjoy as I noticed they have nice lunch entrees.
(5)
G S.
Food was excellent. They have a very big menu which I love. We had a very big family gathering here and our waitress was so friendly and was able to take care of my 15 family members on her own. Needless to say...she got a $200 tip that night.
(5)
Patrick M.
I used to work here, the portions are great but the food is just average americana, and at this particular one, the service is horrible.
(2)
Sarah S.
The portions here are so big we just order appetizers and eat them for our meal. Food tastes good too.
(4)
Katie M.
3 Stars for a recent visit to the bar for a drink and a snack. They had a nice wine list ('spensive for someplace that prides itself in a dessert item), a few beers on tap (22oz was 7 bucks...holy what batman?), and a nice offering of small plates and appetizers (we missed happy hour by 20 minutes, but that wouldn't have helped much, as they only have food specials, no deals on drinks. The bartender was prompt, nice enough to understand that we really weren't into eating a whole meal, and made some recommendations of a few of the smaller plate items. We settled on a pizzetta (a small flatbread-like thing- a little too small for 5 bucks), and it was super tasty. They were also generous with the house offering of bread. We followed up with a piece of "adam's peanut butter cheesecake" to take on the road (which did take forever for the bartender to go and get....should've picked it up myself on the way out). So, a few beers, pizettas, and loafs of bread later, we left carboliciously fat and happy....by the look of the entire menu, I guess that's what's supposed to happen??
(3)
Hannah M.
I met my daughter here for dinner the other night. We had a wonderful table with no wait. The two appetizers we had were great (stuffed mushrooms & fried zuchinni.) We each had an entree which were both very large so we brought them home for lunch the next day. The cheesecake was fabulous! We had no issues with the service. We were well attended to and left very satisfied.
(5)
Rebecca J.
I would give the Cheesecake Factory at Dulles Town Center a five star rating if it weren't for their slow service. I have been to this location three times and have consistently received extremely slow service. They have a delicious frozen drink called a Peach Bellini - good luck getting one though! It takes an act of God to get one in less than 10 or more minutes after ordering it. I've had different waiters each time I have dined here so I really don't understand what the hold up always is! No wonder they have a 30 - 45 minute wait on weeknights, they can't turn any tables! The waiter just sort of disappears for a few minutes at a time... Now on to the food, I have to say that their menu is huge and extensive and so I like to try something new each time I go. Entrees and appetizers I have thoroughly enjoyed include the chicken tenders, chicken piccata, chicken caesar salad, crab wontons, and the house salad with vinaigrette. Last night I tried the new California Salad which is one of their new "weight management" salads. It was huge and came with a low cal mustard vinaigrette. Usually, I do not enjoy low cal salad dressing, but this one was actually really good! The Cheesecake Factory has awesome food and it's a great dining experience, and they have a huge variety of cheesecake for dessert, if you can save room for any, because their portions are HUGE! I have to say, I love cheesecake, but I don't really enjoy their Cheesecake - makes no sense huh? So, I usually skip dessert when I go here. Enjoy!
(4)
Mary L.
Four stars only because the wait is easily 70+ minutes on the weekend. Aside from that, the food is DELICIOUS. I recommend ANYTHING on the menu. Additionally, it's a good idea to share entrees because they usually give you enough food for a small village of Children. In America, that means that it will probably satisfy 2-3 people. The appetizers are also amazing and they could be meals in themselves. I would recommend splitting them between at least 4-5 people. Oh and, if you go here, make sure you round off the marathon of food with a slice of their famous cheesecake. I've tried 5 different kinds and have liked them all. I've never considered myself a fan of cheesecake until I had some here. They have tons of different kinds but my favorite have been the Khalua Coffee, White Chocolate Raspberry, and Godiva Milk Chocolate Cheesecakes. And yes, those combinations ARE humanly possible! :)
(4)
Star H.
Only went twice--once when it first opened and then one time later to see if they'd finally gotten their act together. Nope, they hadn't, so won't be back. Hate the seating arrangements--feel like I'm sitting on top of the other people at the next table. Menu is way TOO extensive to have anything good. Also makes me think they just heat up food--don't do any real cooking. I ordered the things that I normally like and they were just very bland, mediocre...bleh. I don't understand why there is always a line here, cuz the food is bad--except for the cheesecake, of course.
(1)
Iced V.
I didn't expect much but CF disappointed me again. I would've like a meal at Wegman's over this.
(1)
Kate R.
the ice cream was pretty good. the food was awful. the salad was yuck, the burrito was yuck (i went with my sis, she loves this place, but not the sterling location), but the ice cream was decent. but really, ice cream is like pizza, you can't mess that up (unless of course you are ceecee's)
(1)
Jessica W.
Just awful! Don't go for breakfast/brunch. The food was cold, service sucked and the eggs were runny.
(1)
R B.
As noted by many others, the size of the menu is gigantic, as are the portions. Um, but after that, it goes downhill fast. Everything I've tried has been appalling, not in a "Oh my god, this is nasty" way, but in the "this has no finesse, no taste at all" kind of way. For example, I tried their "Shepherds Pie", and the vegetables (carrots, onions, etc) weren't cooked, they were raw, or blanched at best. Think about that for a second - in making a pan sauce, what kind of flavor can be extracted from uncooked vegetables? I had to douse it in salt just so I could tell I wasn't eating (crunchy) library paste - just hamburger in water "sauce" with raw shredded carrots. There was another entree (so unmemorable I can't remember what it was) that was identical, raw vegetables rather than cooked, and no flavor as a result. I tried roasted chicken (was overcooked and dried out before I got out of bed that morning), fish tacos (same, dried-out fish, no taste) - seriously, every entree I've tried just had no flavor. Maybe just bad luck / bad choices on my part, maybe there's goodness to be found on that vast wasteland of a menu. But I've given up trying - I don't feel the need to go on such a fishing expedition when I have to pay for it, and have been disappointed with every previous attempt. The cheesecakes are mostly quite good, and on occasion, I'll just go in, (torn between pity and contempt for all those waiting for tables), and buy a slice of cheesecake to go (they're no bargain, but you only live once; you gotta indulge once in awhile, right?) As noted, they *have* reduced the size of their slices (but not the price.) And I did get Red Velvet cake that was definitely not fresh. Which brings me to a second point, mentioned by another reviewer. Invariably, the servers behind the counter are far too busy flirting with each other, or talking about their plans after work, to actually provide any service. I mean, I get it, I was a teen-ager once, (admittedly, back during the last Ice Age), but you're working, or at least, are theoretically being paid to work, so put the hormones on ice once in awhile - space it out, you know? Try to work 5 minutes, take a 2 minute ogling break, then back to work. And what's particularly irritating is that they all have this attitude that they're runway models, just there to look good, and actually working isn't required. I've got news for you kids, you're high-school students, the job you're working isn't particularly prestigious, and frankly, you're just not that hot. So keep it together, work the register, and just bring us our dam cheesecakes! Table service isn't usually something to complain about -- but when it's consistently unprofessional, it has to be mentioned. And so it is - consistently sub-par and unprofessional. Funny, someone mentioned an issue with the bill - twice I've had problems there, once when I was brought the wrong table's bill, and once when I was charged for an item we hadn't ordered. And, of course, the waitress was miffed with *me* for pointing it out. And I've also had the experience of overhearing servers complaining about patrons, and other servers, and other misbehaviors. I guess the ultimate description of how I feel about this place is this - once I was invited to attend a birthday dinner for a co-worker, with the tab being picked up by my company, I feigned illness, and bought my own dinner. That's right, I passed on a free dinner here to pay for my own somewhere else. If you order anything more than coffee and cheesecake, you're probably making a mistake.
(2)
Melanie B.
The food is delicious, but a bit pricy. I ordered the Sheppards Pie, which was delicious. I also had the stuffed mushrooms. They were good, but very small, not worth the price. I got the Salted Caramel Cheesecake. It wasn't as good as I was hoping for, don't get me wrong, it was good, just not what I thought it was going to be. Overall good experience with Curbside to Go, but again, pricy!
(4)
Steve N.
Cheesecake Factory has it's detractors. Ignore them. The naysayers don't know what they're missing out on. Yes, it's ostentatious with it's circus like decor. Yes, the portions are titanic and the calorie counts for some dishes stratospheric. Yes, the menu (sorry, the THREE menus), are encyclopedic. But here's a dirty little secret it's critics are too proud to admit. THE FOOD IS GOOD. The kitchen at Cheesecake Factory can sometimes be slow. But that's good. It's slow because they're making real food back there. This is not Applebee's, or Olive Garden, where most dishes are produced in a factory (pardon the pun) and reconstituted upon your request. No, the food is made with fresh, quality ingredients. They use fresh vegetables, real butter and real cream, and lots of it. I LOVE BUTTER AND CREAM! And I love Cheesecake Factory. You should too.
(4)
Christine T.
I think they changed the menu again as the hostess alluded to. But honestly the menu is still pretty big I don't ever recall the last dish I had when I was there before. They have stuff to please just about anyone. Tonight I had the southern fried chicken sliders which I love. It comes with lettuce, tomato, and pickles on the side so you can add them to your sandwich if you like. For a Friday service was good the wait staff was attentive.
(4)
Kelsey C.
Kale salad and their well mannered martini with blue cheese olives are the way to go!
(5)
Lauren M.
As usual, I came to the Cheesecake Factory fully intending to only order a piece of cheesecake and a coffee, but somehow got talked into ordering food, which I knew would probably fail my taste buds and my wallet. I'm not sure why I keep coming back here and eating because the food is so overpriced for what winds up sitting on a plate in front of you. It's really quite tragic. As for their cheesecake, it's stellar, you could probably talk me into buying a single piece for $15. I wish the Cheesecake Factory only sold cheesecake and did away with the rest of the menu. Maybe they can keep their appetizers, but their novel of a menu could definitely be downsized quite a bit. I know I've said this before, but this time I really mean it. I'm only ever coming to this restaurant for dessert.
(3)
Julie S.
A bit pricey, so we only go on really special occasions. They offer a free sampler appetizer platter for my toddler, which is fun. The big downside for me, has been the service/wait staff. I've only been once when I had a good waitress. All the other times I had the wrong food brought to my table, been given someone elses check, slow service, two different waiters because one went on break, etc. Not ideal, and certainly detracts from an enjoyable experience.
(4)
Barbara L.
What?! I've been coming here for YEARS and haven't written my review? Can't. Be. Possible. Better late than never I suppose. I always seem to pick this place as my "special me celebration" location several times a year. Each birthday, Valentine's, Mother's Day, etc, the honoree picks where to go and this is usually mine. I save it for special occasions because of the pricing (just a little higher than I'm totally comfortable with) and the fattening choices!! (High calories and carbs). Yes. I know. They have a lighter menu which I've experienced and have not been disappointed with yet but come on...the other foods are too dang yummy to choose healthier all the time. So I save my high calorie favorites for my special occasions. This latest checkin though, I sat at the bar with our friends. I didn't see the tab because hubby always takes care of me but I can only imagine what the bill was. Our bartender was super nice and attentive. I've become accustomed to sitting at the bars these past few years just because the service is more pleasant and much quicker. Not that they're slow here because I've never experienced slow service before. So the question I always pose to myself afterwards "would I be back?" Well, duh. Absolutely.
(5)
Jermoil A.
How dare the cheesecake factory sell soooo many different types of cheesecakes when they should know that I won`t stay away,lol love the diverse menu options, there is something for all and they have a pretty good brunch as well, this location gets really crowded but I have never seen the staff get overwhelmed or loose their cool, Im always greeted nicely when I Come in and the bartenders are very attentive when I sit at the bar
(4)
John H.
This is one of my favorite restaurants, I come here whenever i am in this area. The corn cake tamales are amazing, A must try! The outside patio is beautiful in the summer, The inside is very nice also. The menu has too much stuff for my liking but the food is very good
(5)
Beheshta B.
Took my mommy here for Mother's Day!!! She loved the Chicken Madeira and Shrimp scampi. Even though they were super busy the wait for getting seated and for the food wasn't long at all. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to my friends and family.
(4)
Henry C.
I am at the place writing this review... Ordered a White Chicken Chilli with brown rice, was asked by the server what kind of rice. It came with white rice and the rice was not cook through. The chilli probably raised my blood pressure 10000Hg or more given that I can tolerate high sodium and I stopped eating about 1/3 through. I ordered a mint green tea and they served me with ice tea. I ordered an appetiser and that was eatable so I did not go hungry. Don't meant to be a prick but the food quality just wasn't there. So I think unless someone drag me here like today would stay away.
(2)
Sean P.
I really like the Cheesecake Factory (even if I never really get Cheesecake). It's not perfect, but it's always reliable and there's definitely something for everyone on the menu. Speaking of menus, that's exactly the strength and weakness of the Factory. There literally IS something for everyone, but there are so many menu options, choices, variations and choices that if you're even remotely decisive you may ultimately have an aneurism just trying to figure out what you want. Not only that, but every other page in the menu is an ad. What's with that? I'm looking for food, not perfume. Stop that! Further, I don't want to "accessorize" my meal with Diet Coke. The wording is very irksome to me for some reason, BUT that's a pet peeve/personal issue. How's the food? Great! Love it. The food is solid, and I've never had anything bad there. I think my favorite dish is the chicken and biscuits. It's massively feeling (and very rich) but I love sharing it with my wife. The flat breads are pretty good, too. The pasta carbonara is also a favorite of mine, too. Again, it's a heartstopper and rich as can be, but delicious! There's so many amazing options that trying to pick one is (again) half the problem. And yes, the cheesecake IS good (though I rarely get it). The portion sizes are so large for main courses that, between the bread, apps and main course I barely make it half way through the meal before I start getting full. All in all: It's pretty good. I'd give it four stars, but the overwhelming menu and the constant advertising is really distracting/frustrating for me.
(4)
Andrea A.
I LOVE their brown bread!! Why is it SO ADDICTIVE?!?? Add the butter, and you have something I can NOT resist!!
(5)
Alex P.
Excellent experience. Our server, Lyndsey, did a great job. We ate there on July 4th around 6pm. My wife and I have a 16 month old and usually need to order fast, eat fast and run. Our server did a great job following our schedule and got us in and out in just over an hour. We sat in the booth right by the kitchen which most people probably hate, but that table was perfect for us. Food was delicious, but the attention from Lyndsey made the meal. Thank you!
(5)
Robert C.
The food is pretty good. I went there on Saturday at around 5pm and it was really busy. It might of been because of fathers day weekend, not really sure. The service was good, and the food was very good. I have not been there for quite a while but I would go back again. Good experience.
(3)
Diana M.
I love this place. They have a great happy hour. Five dollar appetizers from 4-7 pm. My favorites are the fire roasted artichokes and the guacamole. The burgers are really good too. Especially for five dollars. Lindsay was a fabulous bartender. We will definitely be back to see her.
(5)
Donald F.
I have been to this Cheesecake Factory numerous times and I have absolutely enjoyed my visits. I mean I have been to this place well over ten times since moving to the NOVA area. What I like most about this place is that they are pretty consistent. There has only been two or three occasions where my wife and I didn't have the normal standards that we are accustomed to during our many visits. However this wasn't as bad as most places because the service and management are willing to do whatever they can to resolve any issue with our respective meals. For instance they would either subtract that meal item from our bill or prepare a fresh order. I have tried many different food items here but a majority of my visits I find myself defaulting to the Famous Factory Meatloaf which is hmmmmm hmmmm good. Also just a heads up for you health conscious folks that the portions are huge so be sure to pay attention to what you're ordering. However on this particular occasion I decided to be a bit more healthy so I ordered from their skinnylicious menu. I ended up ordering the Skinnylicious Grilled Salmon with assorted vegetables and let me just say that I enjoyed every bit of the meal. The Cheesecake Factory is always a choice I can default to if nothing else comes to mind. I mean the service is typically good, the food preparation is pretty consistent, and the meals are fulfilling and tasty. I mean with so many pros why wouldn't someone want to give this place a shot.
(4)
Balquiria V.
The food is good but service isn't so great. We usually order food to pick up (work) during our lunch and 7 or of 10 times they will get our order wrong. Unfortunately a lot of our business partners like this place so we keep coming back but I hate spending money here.
(2)
RMthree M.
This location is a rather popular location. I've been a handful of times and it's been busy and crowded everytime. I wasn't too happy with the last time I was there. I ordered the fish tacos and they were well under seasoned and I could tell that my dish had sit under a heat lamp because the rice and beans along with the tortilla had been completely dried out. The only thing that saved this review and raised it to three stars was the fact that our waitress was AMAZING. She helped with our drink decisions and was attentive...couldn't hold the horrible food against her.
(3)
Amber B.
Always such a long wait. Food is warm but not the hot temperature I'd prefer. Prices are going up but the portion size is getting smaller.
(3)
Joshua D.
I used to think Cheesecake Factory was the bombdiggity, but over the years, it's certainly lost its luster. Yet, despite being a mid-tier chain restaurant that doesn't specialize in anything, CF tries to act like a super-classy hotspot for cuisine. In reality, it's become not much more than a place known for an OK happy hour and oversized portions. Don't get me wrong, there are certain dishes I find really good -- such as CF's orange chicken. But it's not worth dealing with the CF 'experience' for when several actual Chinese places do it better and cheaper. And of course, the main event, the cheesecake, is amazing -- but that's a once-a-year treat no one's waistline dares have regularly. On my most recent visit to the Dulles location, I was instantly annoyed. Despite half the restaurant being open (it was a Tuesday night after happy hour for crying out loud), the hostess quoted a 10-minute wait. is that supposed to make CF seem fancier? Because instead it just makes it annoying and inefficient. At least hide the empty tables from my view. Don't have enough people to staff them? At least let me go ahead and sit down with some bread and a Coke. (Oh, and plan better.) The service was fine. The food was fine. I'd never had pizza from CF (have had just about everything else and wanted to mix it up). The pizza reminded me of a DiGiorno. The crust seemed to indicated a previously frozen dough, and the cheese and sauce had that cafeteria-quality flavor. The toppings varied slightly from what was in the menu description, and the mushrooms and veggies were seriously underrepresented. The meats, however - pepperoni and sausage -- were piled high. I could almost give CF three stars, but it really does fall more often than not these days in the, "Meh. I've experienced better." category.
(2)
Mike B.
Menu selection is good but food doesn't really come out as presented in the menu. The wait service is terrible. I had to ask for a wait person after sitting at a table for more than ten minutes. This was further exacerbated by having to wait even longer for the mediocre food to arrive. Don't understand it as they were not busy at the time. This establishment has achieved the apogee of mediocrity.
(2)
Jennifer M.
Worse Cheesecake Factory I've ever been too. Hostess was great but the service was awful by our server and the food was cold. Only thing that tasted great was the cheesecake.
(1)
Jey J.
I'm torn with this location. wait times are always really long and the service is terrible. I typically only get 3 things off the menu and never have any complains about those dishes. I will say their fried chicken salad is by far my favorite salad. it is to die for.
(3)
Chad C.
Food made me sick, decor is putrid, server had an attitude. The only redeeming quality was the margarita.
(1)
Megan C.
I'm loath to reward a "big chain" like Cheesecake Factory with a full 4 stars, more details on that to come, so let's just settle at 3.5 and call it a draw. Location-wise, this particular copy is great. It's convenient to all things related to Dulles Town Center and Sterling, with tons of easy mall parking, and it's standalone, so you don't have to deal with the throng of people inside the mall itself. We've always experienced friendly, efficient, and accurate service here, which is much more than I can say for the Fair Oaks and Tyson's Corner locations. On our last visit, during one of the many "polar vortex" nights of 2014, when most restaurants were closing doors early, CF remained open, and even though they were short-staffed, our waitress, Amy, was great. For those who have a geographic choice as we do in selecting among the Dulles/Fair Oaks/Tyson's locations, we always choose Dulles, especially on the weekends. They just seem to run a tighter ship here all-around, and waiting times are either non-existent or shorter than other nearby locations. Helpful to know if you run with a "hangry" bunch during weekend meal times. That's "hungry"+"angry", FYI :) Okay, so more detail on my "beef" with Cheesecake Factory as a whole, if you're still reading (since we've gone over the nuts and bolts of this particular location). In 2014, it blows my mind that there is still a chain restaurant that REFUSES to publish their ingredients and nutritional information. That irks the hell out of me, as an 80%-of-the-time very health-conscious eater and having a member of my family with an allergy to a certain ingredient, it's irritating to say the least. We want to enjoy CF, as their food is pretty tasty, prices fair, and menu expansive, but it's almost as though they have "something to hide" in not disclosing their full modus operandi. I realize they offer the (deceptively) "Skinnylicious" menu, but only offer that the items are "under XYZ calories," but what about fat/carbs/sodium/etc.? They would probably attract even more folks such as myself who would seek out a special "healthy" menu if they were to disclose ingredients, portion sizes, and full nutritionals. Okay, rant over. I remember eating at CF for pre-Prom dinner one year in high school, and although my days of carelessly indulging in their cheesecake are over, I do enjoy their breakfast/brunch items and salads, especially the Tuna Tataki Salad.
(4)
Lyna L.
The food here is absolutely delicious, but the portions are a bit insane. Not in bad way though, I suppose because more is better than less, but it thus requires a higher price. You will likely have to pack most of your order if you want to save room for their tasty variety of cheesecakes. The 5 stars are for the food, timing, cleanliness, and ambience. However, I would give 2 stars to the service. Although the service was responsive, my group's waitress was especially rude. For example, one of my friends asked for change ($4), and after the waitress saw the amount and came back, she sassed, "Do you *really* need change?" Even though $4 isn't that much, as a waitress, it was not her place to say that.
(5)
Rachel S.
My husband and I went for dinner. Our table was dirty, sticky and had crumbs on it. We could see crumbs on the table across from us even though it was set waiting for customers. Once I started looking around, I noticed the floor was really dirty and a mess, food was splattered on walls, and our silverware looked dirty. I'd be afraid to see what the kitchen looks like!
(2)
Lyn L.
I've been to 2 Cheesecakes in the last 2 weeks! I love their food. Last night we headed out for a late night dinner. We were near the Dulles Town Center and had a couple of gift cards in hand, so naturally we ventured over to the Cheesecake Factory. I must admit I order the same thing every time I come: Fried Zucchini sticks and the Chinese Chicken Salad, not at the same time, but those are my go-to foods. I thrive on their bread! Give me your dish of individual butters and a basket of your bread! Their bread is consistent at every Cheesecake location EXCEPT last night! I know this bread and last night it was stale, cold, and I'm wondering if it was someone's leftovers. Seriously the bread was that bad. BUT, our salads arrived quickly so we just ignored the bread. Their Chinese Chicken Salad is full of everything (fried won ton skins, mandarin oranges, chicken, almonds/nuts, green onions, and those white stringy crunchy things. There is so much in that salad and unfortunately it doesn't pack well so it's a marathon of eating. Service last night was awesome, and that's the reason for the 4 stars. We typically sit at the bar, because we are usually ravenous and want to chow down. The bartender made a nice Long Island to complement by super huge salad. She was attentive, and made sure we were ok. The hubby didn't want me to mention the bread because he thought it was fine. Hmmmm
(4)
Jessica G.
The Cheesecake Factory has the most impressive gluten free menu I've seen at any restaurant! I've been to this location numerous times and have never had a bad meal. Service is usually pretty great too. They also offer a GF chocolate cheesecake that is to die for. Ridiculously tasty! I definitely recommend this location.
(4)
Julie N.
I usually go to the one in Fair Oaks but my boyfriend lives out close to Dulles and he had a gift card so.. Anyways, we came for brunch and we both ordered the Baja Chicken hash which was actually quite good. I have to say the service was a little not up to par. Usually we receive bread after we get our drinks at Fair Oaks or even after our order is taken but unfortunately we had to ask another waiter way after our order was taken which I hate doing because I feel like I'm annoying a server who isn't even our server. We barely saw our server and we didn't get refills on water at all. One problem did happen which my boyfriend found a curly black hair in his food. We flagged down our server when we did see him and he took it away and brought the manager who comped it off and also offered free dessert which was great! Definitely a solid three stars. The food is good but the service could definitely be improved.
(3)
Rebecca M.
Despite being a chain restaurant, Cheesecake Factory is a good choice for a large group and seems to have something for everyone!! In my two experiences here, this location seems to have very competent management and waitstaff which keep things moving along even when there is a formidable line. My favorite is the Ahi Carpaccio--thinly sliced, buttery sweet tuna drizzled with wasabi aioli, paired with shaved green onion, pickled cucumbers and soy. I try to get a bit of each ingredient on each and every forkful and wait for the flavorful explosion in my mouth. The menu is huge and everyone in your party can usually find something to please them among the offerings! I recommend the Thai chicken wraps---deliciously nutritious with whole, fresh ingredients are huge hits with adults and kids alike!!
(4)
Mark M.
Went for brunch on Mother's day. Could only do reservations between 9a -9:45A.D.(??) I always said their menu was too big--took 20 minutes for my dad to decide what to order (then he couldn't remember what he got). My Elvis-style waffle was incredible--light and crispy with bananas and bacon worg a melting peanut butter sauce.Yummy! Service was a little bumbled, not our waiter's fault, food for next table kept coming to us. And a couple of the steak + cheese's were on really tough bread. But management was on the ball and comped us the two, again thanks to our waiter(tnks,Nick). Overall, food was great. Service was even better. And you can't beat the choices for cheesecake. We'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Jared J.
Cheescake Factory is truly phenomenal. It was clean, and the atmosphere was welcoming. Our server was the best of the best. He had a great personality, was very attentive, and made us feel welcome. The food was incredible! One of the best burgers I've ever tasted! It was like heaven on a bun, no joke. This is, without a doubt, a great establishment! Totally worthy of a five star review.
(5)
Lynn S.
Good place to get carry out. Aside from the tempting case of cheese cakes representing every possible combination of flavors, I noticed a full bar and admired the open feeling from the high ceilings in the restaurant. The decor is so attractive that within minutes guests would never believe they were dining just outside the Dulles shopping mall (near Nordstrom's). My lunch-sized Cobb salad with slices of avocado and fresh turkey was just as I hoped. They put a container of balsamic vinegar dressing on the side, but if you prefer another dressing, just let them know when you order. This is a well run, reliable restaurant and best of all, the food does not disappoint! They also cater.
(4)
Melissa J.
The food here is always excellent. There is so much to choose from including a wide variety of "skinny" options that are great for those who can't possibly eat the ridiculously large portions on the regular menu. The service here could be a lot better. For example, I ate here for lunch today with a group of 5. We were told there would be a twenty minute wait and there was which was fine. The restaurant was by no means packed, so when we were called to be seated we assumed we would be placed at one of the many tables that were open. The hostess led us to a dirty table, realized it wasn't ready, and asked to go back to the waiting area for five more minutes. We then watched this happen to two more groups. Not the end of the world, but kind of annoying. Still, delicious food here.
(4)
Sakita D.
I've been to this Cheesecake Factory numerous times and each time I've had a pretty decent experience. It can be a bit pricey but they give very generous portions. I always leave with a doggy bag; enough for a full lunch the next day. We never usually order appetizers because we get trashed off of the honey-wheat bread they bring out and by the time the food comes I can only eat like 4 bites, then it's in the doggy bag. This time we ordered the Thai lettuce wraps. They were pretty delicious. It comes with julienned carrots, beans sprouts, grilled chicken (which honestly they could've given us a little more of for 3 people), noodles, and three different sauces: Thai chili, which was sweet but missing the spicy. A green sauce which was sweeter than the thai chili sauce and peanut sauce. The wraps were very good and a light appetizer to start off with. I ended up getting my usual, BBQ salmon. The salmon is always juicy and the amount of sauce they put on it is just right. It comes with a side of corn succotash but I always swap that out with steamed broccoli. Nom! The roasted red potatoes and thin crispy red onion straws just complete the dish. And last but not least I got a slice of chocolate cake that I can't remember the name of, but it was delicious, to go. Overall I rate them a 4.5
(4)
Jessica M.
Food was fine. Service was ok too. I don't understand what the issue is with Cheesecake Factory floors. I always feel like I'm going to slip and fall. Bathrooms were gross. Wet floors, toilets not flushed, etc.
(3)
Nitin S.
Been there lot of times for dinner but last visit was for brunch and it was great. Please try GODIVA CHEESECAKE PLEASE PLEASE
(5)
Vivian D.
This place has a wonderful drink menu ranging from cocktails, mojitos, wines, margaritas, beers, specialty drinks, etc...you name it, they've got it!!! The factory peach bellini (peach puree, peach liquor, simple syrup and ice) is absolutely delicious and I highly recommend it. The bartender even showed me how to make it hehe!!! As for food, we ordered the Vietnamese shrimp summer rolls, tuna tartare and the BBQ salmon. I really enjoy their tuna tartare appetizer. It was absolutely delicious! Ohmygosh, I've had tuna tartare at high end restaurants in D.C. that don't even compare to the one here. I'm serious guys. As for the Vietnamese summer rolls, four words of advice: do not get it. It was unflavorful and gross. The rice paper wrapper was hard and cold...like it had been pre-made and was waiting in the fridge for us to order. We sent it back and received another one with the same issue which makes me think it's how the food is made. For our entree, we got the BBQ salmon that I thought was just okay. My boyfriend though enjoyed it very much. It was served over a corn salsa and a side of mash potatoes. The corn salsa wasn't flavorful, and the mashed potatoes could have been better replaced with some seasonable vegetables instead. Andddddd of course we didn't leave without ordering some cheesecakes to satisfy both of our sweet tooth.
(4)
Rami S.
We go there very often as it is our 10-year old son's favorite restaurant. The service is always good, prompt and friendly. The Menu on the other hand is extensive and often confusing to choose from. The corn fritters and the chicken samosa are delicious. I also liked the Pizza but not being a fan of Cheesecake the wrong person to grade their signature item. Overall, a good experience and a nice bar.
(3)
Nor C.
Went on a Monday night place was empty we got drinks and app in the first 10 mind then we sat for 40 mind until the manager came over to say sorry for the delay after another 10 we left
(1)
Kimberly T.
A standard Cheesecake Factory with quality servers but slow and infrequent attention as is common at other locations. The initial wait was short only 15-20 minutes. The interior is nicely decorated. The volume was not too loud. The quality of food was good and the menu offers so many possible choices that there is something for everyone Better than most chain restaurants
(3)
Grace D.
RUBBER BAND cooked into my husband's enchilada! Seriously, a black or navy colored rubber band cooked into an enchilada that is very light in color. Wondering how poorly the kitchen is run for this to happen. My salad, the barbeque ranch chicken was very watery. There was about 3 tablespoon of water at the bottom. Needless to say, this salad had NO flavor. This is my favorite dish at the Cheesecake Factory and have never had any problems at the Fair Oaks location but the Dulles location is horrible. Not only was the service terrible, they had to expedite my husband's food because of a snafu, perhaps the order was forgotten? Anyway, worst experience ever at a Cheesecake Factory. I will never go back to this location.
(1)
Karen M.
Cheesecake Factory...yep I'm a fan! Lots of salads and California cuisine. I've had a few different types of their salads at various locations and the quality is pretty much the same. Their menu is huge, so almost everyone can find something. Pizza, Salads, Sandwiches, Burgers, Pasta, desserts, chicken and fish dishes...its a good casual place to go when you're hungry especially when you aren't sure what exactly you want. The Sterling location meets the same standards as other Cheesecake Factories. The only complaint I have about Cheesecake Factory is that their tables are soooo close together, its a bit awkward. (they all are like this, this location is nothing different) I had the ahi tuna appetizer and arugula salad for dinner the other night. The tuna tasted a bit too fishy, but otherwise was good. The boyfriend almost always gets the chicken parmesan sandwich, so I'm guessing its a winner! Decent, large menu, you can always find something to eat!
(4)
Christian S.
We normally like CCF but the last couple of times it wasn't great. I just expect CCF to have a bit more sophisticated taste. Just greasy nachos, greasy vegetables, and dry bread doesn't make a great meal.
(2)
Matt H.
Pretty good food. I had the burrito, which was huge, but it was light because there are a lot of vegetables in it and it was pretty good. I also had the Oreo Extreme Dream Cheesecake... OMG! It's a little cheesecake with a lot of mousse. I couldn't eat the whole thing because it's very rich, but it's oh so damn good! Our waitress was pretty good and the restaurant was very clean. The hostess who sat us was cold and seemed irritated for some reason. I didn't exactly enjoy going through the 21 pages of the menu and the waitress seemed irritated when I asked her what sodas they had. Sorry, I didn't make it to that page yet. WTF?!?! Whatever, it's not like we go there often (once every 2 years or so).
(3)
Dino L.
Cheesecake Factory at Dulles town center is my favorite Restaurant . I always choose Cajun jambalaya dish and really it always good choice this dish also big enough to share I love it and customer services is great
(4)
M. L.
My fiance and I went here over the weekend for a late lunch/early dinner. I am extremely disappointed in the quality of service at this location. Our waitress was very unfriendly. I'm not sure if she was having a bad day, but her greeting had no eye contact or smile. She was sick of us before she even took our order. We ordered two alcoholic beverages, which took way too long to come to the table. We also ordered an appetizer that took 20 minutes to get. Our waitress said she "is not sure what is going on with with kitchen today" but she let her manager know that we had to wait too long for a single appetizer. The appetizer was good (chicken potstickers); however, I cannot say the same for my Salmon Salad. The salad was grossly overdressed and the salmon was in one huge chunk slapped on top. Not very appealing. When our entrees came we requested from the food runner that we get some bread (our waitress never brought us any). He said enthusiastically "Sure! No problem!" He was never to be seen again. We would have asked our waitress, but we didn't see her again until after we finished our meal (at which point she filled our empty water glasses with warm water). We noticed that the tables around us were also getting poor service. The table next to us had to order another round of drinks because their first round of mojitos were wrong. The waitress immediately blamed the bartender saying "he is new" and took no personal responsibility for the mess up or the wait time. They finally got their drinks after they closed their tab and finished their meal. We were going to order dessert, but really we just wanted to get out of there. I usually enjoy the Chessecake Factory, but I will not be back at this location. I did not encounter one helpful employee here, and will be sure to not recommend this place to anyone I care about.
(1)
Peach P.
I love the concept and idea of Cheesecake Factory. I love the ambiance. I love the cheescake but the food is always hit or miss. The menu is so big that even if you order the same thing twice it always ends up being a different dish. I think they should scale back the menu and put more focus into fewer dishes. Have 20 or so really great options instead of having 200 mediocre ones.
(3)
Juicy G.
Great food - Poor service I'm very confused by why we had to wait five to ten minutes for a table last night. There were at least twenty open tables, and yet the host was taking names, and handing out pagers. There were two tables ahead of us with no more than three people per group, and yet we were all standing around a half empty restaurant waiting to be seated. Sadly, while Cheesecake Factory has some very spectacular meals, this common downshift of staff motivation to do their jobs really kills pretty much every experience we've had at this place. Staff are slow, often disappear for long periods before coming back around, and on a few occasions have even forgotten to fulfill requests such as drink refills or bringing the bill. We've even been on occasion where we were seated, sat there for fifteen minutes, and then just left because nobody ever came to the table. The food is good - No doubts there. I can honestly only remember one meal in which I didn't particularly care for, but other than that, I've given the menu a fair shot of variations, and every other one has been pretty spot on. I don't recommend using their to go option when ordering. For starters, despite saying "To Go Parking" on the signs, mall dwellers don't seem to want to honor this. Often times the spots are taken up by people either eating in the restaurant or wandering the mall, and Cheesecake Factory doesn't appear to do anything about this. In that regard, why have to go parking? More importantly, their meals just don't transport well. The one and only time I've experienced this is when my girlfriend wanted a burger, so I trekked out here to get one. By the time I got home, the bun was soggy, we found that items were missing, and the food was cold. Mind you, I live no more than five to seven minutes away from the place. Sadly, the whole thing leaves room for fault. Eating here is a pain because of service, yet getting it to go causes the quality of the food to suffer greatly. Needless-to-say my dining at Cheesecake Factory is few and far between. While this means that every meal is memorable, a lot of times it's for the wrong reason. To close on a more positive note, one of our favorite things to do is to go during nicer weather, and enjoy their outside seating with a bottle of wine and a few appetizers. It's a nice alternative to a date night - Especially on nights that have a little chill to the air, but they compensate by turning on the outside heaters above every table.
(2)
Greg M.
Who doesn't love Cheesecake Factory? Apparently some don't reading the reviews. Whenever I come in here I realize this is the cool place for the young teenage set, just like whatever that place was wherever that was back when I was a teen. BTW, that someplace was somewhere a heck of a lot cheaper. In any case, I've come to the conclusion that you can generally count on good food at the Chez' factory, and normally good service. On our most recent outing (out of five or so to this location), we celebrated our 9 y/o's birthday - we did not ask the waiters to do anything, did not ask them for a show, just brought along a couple presents from the family for her to open. She had such a good time and the waiter made her feel special despite his struggling with English. He provided excellent service and provided her a nice treat as well. We really enjoyed this latest trip to the Chez' and will return for sure. Specifics: The Carlton is outstanding when you're in the mood for a filling salad - lots of cheese and fruit to add plenty of taste to your meal. The feta isn't plentiful - do the waiter a favor and ask him to add some extra feta - will be better that way. The oranges are a little disappointing (canned?), but the pear, pecans, and everything else is outstanding. This is my favorite item for sure on their menu. Again - it's a filling, salad-in-name-only sort of thing, so if you're a dude who just feels that need for roughage, this is an option.
(4)
Wai T.
I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars. In one hand it's good enough to have 4 stars but not really worthy of the extra mention due to the overwhelming same-ness with other Cheesecake Factory. Quality, food, decor, price: Same as any other cheesecake factory throughout the country. Same pretty delicious over-portioned food. Same overpriced virgin drinks. Same awesome cheesecakes. Very safe bet if you can't find anything else.
(3)
Michelle B.
Met colleague for a drink. We both ordered mojitos - classic. First time I've tried one and I loved it. We also had the Asian chicken wraps, calamari and edamame. All were very good. Server was excellent and attentive. A bit pricy - $11 for each cocktail.
(4)
Mike R.
Not really a fan of this place. I've had a couple good experiences, a couple bad experiences with the food, and I'm just not sure it's worth the calories, sodium shock, or the wait. So... I had the meatloaf sandwich once -- WAY too salty and too mushy on the texture. The bacon jelly jam stuff was good though. I had the Shrimp BLT once -- which would have been good, but they MURDERED it with way too much dressing. I'm talking KILLED it. I tried the Shrimp BLT again -- without the dressing. Damn, wish I had a little bit of dressing, now it was too dry. I don't like Cheesecake. Crazy, I know! I had the Orange Chicken once -- it was okay, but I'd rather go to a chinese restaurant for it. I had the Kobe burger once -- that one, I actually enjoyed. I have tried several bites of random other things from other people's plates and none of it really impressed me. It's usually too salty or too rich for my blood. I could maybe put all that aside if there wasn't always a huge wait to eat here... Like an hour or more when we've gone... (if it were just me, I would have moved on.... but I guess its really worth the wait to some) so, I guess I'm alone in my struggles with this place. If I go again, its either the Kobe burger or Shrimp BLT (sauce on the side). Damn, I really want that Shrimp BLT to come out right. I think it would be good.
(2)
Don D.
The food is always great -but- some of the wait staff are the reason why I will take my $$$ elsewhere. Another contributor stated that take out is good - I agree, the food is spot on but have had problems with service. Recently went there for lunch, after placing orders, waited over 40 minutes with nothing - our meals were salads. Waitress stood by the POS station, fanning herself with a menu. Men's bathroom was pretty rough - no soap in dispenser - makes you wonder how the staff were washing their hands before handling your food... Spoke with manager, did not seem to care about the situation - we left w/o getting our food. Too many other restaurants in the area to visit.
(2)
Nya A.
I love this place...great for groups, the food is delicious, the price is reasonable and above. I love there strawberry salad. The servings is a lot for me so it's nice to share w/ your kids. Great location. Friendly service.
(4)
Burcu B.
Wait times are always really long and the service is terrible! I have been tried other chains and had no issues with others. But this one is terrible! I would not recommend anyone to go there. Try somewhere else!
(1)
Brooklyn B.
Great food! OMG the appetizers alone will fill you up. Go there starving. It's a bit pricey but so worth it. My only negative is the terrible seating. You are always nearly elbow to elbow with strangers. They need to redesign the seating seriously but if you can look past that then you'll enjoy your meal. The staff is young and pretty nice also.
(4)
Joann B.
I think this chain restaurant has been very good across the board. It boggles my mind how the cooks/chefs there are able to have such an enormous and varied menu and keep the food good. They've got Asian, Italian, American, steaks, salads, sandwiches, etc etc etc. This is definitely not a place for someone on a diet, even if you order from the skinny menu! The appetizer dishes are even sized like regular entrees here, so if you want to leave room for a cheesecake slice or two, beware. Since the menu is so large, I've been trying not to eat the same thing twice, SO, I can only say that I've never been disappointed. I wish I could describe my favorites to you, but really, you just have to go and see for yourself. This place isn't some 'out of this world' restaurant, but it's a definite stand by, especially if you're craving cheese cake. The cheesecakes I've tried: banana cream, red velvet, chocolate mousse, dulce de leche, vanilla bean, pineapple upside down, caramel pecan turtle, carrot cake. That's quite a list! They're all good and of course it all depends on what you're craving but the banana cream cheesecake ranks high up there for me. :) They're creamy and really FULL of flavor. They're so sweet your teeth are likely going to hurt after one bite. I don't think I've ever finished a slice due to the richness. The service is good, I've not had bad service here yet and I've been to quite a few Cheesecake Factories. They don't have call ahead seating or even take reservations, so be prepared to go there for an early (before 7) or late (an hour or two before closing) dinner; if not, you might be in for a long wait.
(4)
Rita M.
For as celebrated of a chain as it is, I am not sure I understand the Cheesecake Factory hype. The dinner menu is extremely monotonous. I went with the chicken alla panna and it was kind of tasteless and dull. I enjoyed the heaping side of mashed potatoes it came with but that should hardly be the high point of a dish. The cheesecakes were extremely tasty, albeit so dwarfed by mountains of whipped cream that I had to scrape off some of the topping to enjoy the actual cake. I wish they would add a fruit element to the vanilla bean cheesecake because it gets super sweet and one-dimensional after a few bites. Two stars off because out waiter looked like he truly hated his existence on Earth and was sweating uncontrollably. I understand that working on a Friday night is no easy feat but a smile goes a long way.
(2)
Mike F.
I stopped by here at 4:30 PM on a Wednesday. Normally I find this place a tad overpriced but if you come before 5PM it's HAPPY HOUR! We had three different appetizers for $5 each and I had a decent Mojito for $5. Started with the potstickers (average, just like Costco's), the factory nachos (decent and huge platter with guacamole and good chips), and the crab wontons (decent, great sauce for dipping). I also chowed down on the chicken and sun dried tomato pasta which is also at a reduced lunch price of $11.50. After the waitress added some parmesan cheese it was delicious. It was not crowded at all and the service was great. Overall we saved at least $30 and that;s what makes this 4 stars. I will be going back for happy hour in the future!
(4)
Sam C.
This is not haute cuisine; rather, think upscale diner with an expansive menu to match! I like it that no matter who's with you, everyone can find something they like. We love their summer rolls and pot stickers, and the their meatloaf hits the spot when you want comfort food!
(4)
Heather G.
I went late last week and wasn't too impressed with the edamame beans. It was missing salt. Even though I didn't go there for edamame, I needed something to coat my stomach while I downed my alcoholic drinks. The beans didn't cut it, so I ordered the fried macaroni and cheese balls. Sounds disgusting, but those things are delicious! The menu at The Cheesecake Factory is the largest, I have ever seen anywhere. Overall, the food is always good. The portions are huge (always enough for two additional meals) and the HH is always on point for my pocket. I just wish the HH had better hours. Back in the days, the cheesecake slices used to be larger. My favorite is the Red Velvet Cheesecake.
I have lived in Sterling my whole life and have tried every restaurant in the area. I have eaten at Cheesecake at the Dulles Mall many times and finally decided to write a review. If you are looking for a wide variety of food (I think they have 260 menu items) and amazing cheesecake then definitely check this place out. The service can be so-so and I wouldn't say they do any 1 dish amazing, out of this world, 5 stars, but everything I have ordered has been decently solid. I'm a simpleton, so I usually get the burgers, pizzas, or pasta dishes; all are pretty good. They have Brunch of Sunday and the breakfast food is very good; Monte Cristo sammy is on point. For cheesecakes, I would recommend the Ultimate Red Velvet or the Tuxedo Cream. It can be a little pricey, but its definitely worth a visit; bring your appetite! Food is 3*, cheesecake is 4*
(3)
T B.
First time at this location. Loved it!!! As usual, you get a plate full of delicious food so loosen your belts, sit back, and enjoy. Ordered the enchaladas and couldn't finish it all, so it went home with me. Wait is a bit long, but worth it.
(4)
Jeanie M.
I simultaneously love and hate the Cheesecake Factory. Their food is always fresh, hot, and good, but their portions are huge and the menu is so extensive that by the time I get to the end I can't remember what I read in the beginning. I find I have to go there with an idea of what I want in mind (burger, pasta, salad, etc) and stick to only those pages. I think their GlamBurgers are second to none. I also really enjoy their selection of small plates because I like to try a little bit of a lot of things. Recently we went and tried out some of the new menu items they have. The Parmesan polenta fries are auh-mazing! Do yourself a favor and get them. You won't be sorry.
(4)
Ashley G.
Being a national chain, I'm not about to write an extensive review on the quality of their food and/or service. There are standards just like at every McDonald's and you like the concept or you don't. Personally, it's one of my favorite restaurants along with CPK. I just want to point out something my waitress did last time I was there---something most servers at any other restaurant always fail to do. I ordered the chicken salad sandwich (so delicious) and asked for it without tomatoes. Our waitress asked me if I wanted the side salad without tomatoes as well. And for that, I am so appreciative. Everywhere else I go (ie: Red Robin), I order whatever without tomatoes and then get a side salad that turns out to be full of chopped up tomatoes that are too plentiful to pick out and taint the lettuce with their gross taste/guts. I always forget to question tomatoes on salad so I'm so happy that someone at Cheesecake can put together that if I don't like it on my sandwich, I probably won't like it on my salad either!! Thank you so much! Even the little things like that deserve the recognition in my book. I was very impressed and you made my dining experience at Cheesecake even better than it normally is...a stand out from the normal (good), expected service at the chain.
(5)
Scott L.
I hadn't been to a Cheesecake Factory in a long time and I was reminded why. I had the Lettuce Wraps and it was OK, but nothing special. I then had the Firecracker Chicken and it wasn't spicy and all and overly sweet. I just couldn't get very excited about any of the food. The portions are huge and I'm sure there were tons of sugar in my entree, which may appeal to some people, but it's not for me. The service wasn't very good and our waiter seemed to forget about us on a few occasions. There's plenty of other good food choices in the area and I don't think I'll be going back here anytime soon.
(2)
Mandi H.
Tonight was bad from the start. A waitress pushed me out of her way while I was holding my baby just to get to the cheesecake counter while I was waiting to put my name on the list to be seated. The obviously annoyed manager couldn't follow the lines order and put anybody's name on the list that pushed to the front. I will say the only pleasant part of the night was our patient waiter Noah P. He took his time while taking our order. I ordered something that wasn't on the printed menu and my husband had questions about his meal. He never seemed unwilling to help even though the place was slammed and his other table was obviously giving him a hard time about canceling their order after their food was already made. You would think yummy cheesecake would make the night better until we got in line and witnessed the cheesecake server eat the carrot cake crumbs with his gloved hand and then prepare someone else's cheesecake while wearing his saliva coated glove and chomping his gums. We got out of line after that. I've worked in the food industry before and I get it. Things happen but you NEVER put your hands on a customer and you NEVER break food safety/public health laws!
(1)
Paul B.
I know it's a chain. I know that the food is exactly the same at every restaurant, and that should lead me to question if it's really made fresh, or if they're just microwaved bags of food, BUT I can't help it. I like the Cheesecake Factory. I've liked it ever since the first time I went there back in like 1999 or whenever it was. I've liked every single one I've been to, including this one in Sterling. My wife and I go here about once every one or two months, and we always have a good time. The food is good, the service is good, the ambiance is good. I usually get the Jambalaya Chicken Pasta or the Pasta Da Vinci, or the Chicken Marsala. But really, almost everything on the menu is delicious, and it's always more than enough food. The Cheesecake is five-star delicious every time. The Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake and the Raspberry Chocolate Truffle are two of my favorites, but I have yet to have a cheesecake there that wasn't really delicious. The Key Lime is good, but a little overpowering after the first couple of bights. That might be a good one to get for a group if everyone's only trying a little bit.
(4)
David L.
My wife loves this restaurant. We eat here a lot but at the Tyson location. We normally order our favorites - Diana steak for me and Louisiana Chicken pasta for her. I tried something different this time, Hibachi Steak, and it's very good. Their dumplings are very good also for appetizers. We also love the Mojito here. My favorite is the mango one. You really can't go wrong eating here. Their menu is very extensive and there bound to be something that fit your taste. Oh, did I mention the cheesecakes here are really good? :)
(4)
Leachim S.
Fast Friendly Service! This is one of my favorite restaurant chains and the staff at this CCF was excellent. The wait was not long at all and the entire experience was great.
(5)
Jen C.
Had the Cajun Fried Chicken pasta. It was DELICIOUS!!!
(5)
Faith C.
Good food! I ate at the bar and enjoyed glass of Pinot Grigio - Campanile, Crispy Wrappers Filled with Spiced Chicken. Served with Cilantro Dipping Sauce, Boston House Salad, and Chicken sliders. I forgot to take home a piece of cheescake - shame on me and it was my Birthday! I like this restaurant and the type of music they have pumped it.
(5)
Family L.
They have added a tremendous gluten free menu. Cheesecake factory may be a chain, but they are a good chain, at least, and they offer the most GF options of any chain restaurant I have seen. Looks nothing like the Cheesecake Factory on Big Bang Theory. I really wonder how BBT got permission to use the name, when the restaurant shown on the show looks so much worse than the real thing.
(4)
Joe V.
I've never visited Cheesecake Factory without an excellent dinner and good service. It is incredible how they are able to have almost every type of food (American, Asian, Italian, and there may be more!) on their menu. Although I've never ordered off it, I like the edition of the Skinnylicious Menu for anybody on a diet or just does not want to have too much for dinner. I really recommend the Four Cheese Pasta as a dish; it was so amazing and big a portion I was surprised I was able to finish it (in a good way though!). It's basically a bowl of penne with Romano, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses mixed together with a handful of basil leaves. I had to say it was an incredible pasta and probably the best I've had near where I live! Of course, the bread basket they give at each table is amazing too, with both white and brown bread together (I usually have the brown). Hence the name Cheesecake Factory, if you're hungry for one of their exclusive cheesecakes, I recommend the Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake. My family and I have tried a few others, but none of them are like the Oreo Dream Extreme, with layers of fudge cake and Oreo cookie mousse, topped with milk chocolate icing and an Oreo cookie! Not only that, for every slice of Oreo Dream Extreme you have, 25 cents is donated to Feeding America. Imagine enjoying yourself for dessert while helping hungry families in America. However, Cheesecake Factory does tend to fill up quickly, so I recommend that you get your name on the list (they don't take reservations) before it's too long a wait for a table! All in all, I would have to say it is my favorite chain restaurant to eat at!
(5)
Ashley A.
You need to set an appointment to ensure adequate time to examine their menu/next Great American novel. The portions are "Fat Bastard" sized, even the lunch ones. The service brings to mind lyrics to that Katy Perry Hot and Cold song. The hostesses and servers give off that "Blind Date" kind of vibe; spending lots of time flirting and giving each other the 'come hither' look, complete with off-color thought bubbles and inappropriate under-the-breath remarks. Other than that, the food has been mostly decent. Cheesecake is overrated and will blow your entire weeks' worth of calorie allotment. Stuffed Garlic Rolls = glorified mozzarella balls with enough garlic to offend Edward Cullen. They really should watch some Chef Ramsay Kitchen Nightmares episodes about what happens when you have a ridiculously large menu of food ranging from random ethnicities spanning one end of the globe to the other.
(3)
Brian M.
Cheesecake Factory always impresses me with their consistency. If you have been to one, you have seen the best they have to offer. The food there is always good and the staff is very well trained and attentive. Last time I went I just had an appetizer, the lettuce wraps. Very good! the prices are a little up there and the drinks are way up there but every once in a while it is a good place to go for the ambiance. As I said this one in Dulles/Sterling area is the same in consistency as the one I grew up going to in Jersey. Over all good chain though!
(3)
Glenn H.
I used to go there for years when living in Southern California. Always felt like home despite the goofy neo-Roman architecture and overwhelming size. The locations in Newport Beach and Hermosa (I think) had nice ocean views and were a little smaller. Around DC, I was always amazed they could get people to wait 3 hours for a table when they were located only in Chevy Chase. Well, over a decade later, they discovered belatedly Northern Virginia was not the redneck hinterlands and these places are in Arlington, Tysons, Dulles and yes, even Fair Oaks. We always go to the Dulles location at 5-5:30 on Saturday nights, when we can get a booth almost immediately. If all they have are tables, this place goes to one-star real quickly, because at the Dulles location with the 3-4 kid nuclear families who live around here, it's basically McDonalds-style seating. I stick with things that I'm comfortable with here, like the caesar salad (really for 2 people) and the shepherd's pie. Most of their entrees are quantity above quality (their Chinese-style entrees are best taken in small portions, lots of sugary-tasting sauces), and are best shared. Of course, the cheesecake is the best outside NY, certainly the most variety, but if you are expecting Junior's or Lindy's-style cheesecake, not going to happen. Just not enough texture or air. You can always buy Cheesecake Factory cheesecake at Sam's Club. :)
(3)
Julie P.
Wait staff is barely competent and everything takes FOREVER even when they aren't busy. Over two hours to order, eat and get the bill. Not a big deal sometimes but when you have 3 toddlers its frustrating as heck. The food was barely ok but the service situation is what assures that we won't be back.
(1)
Aileen B.
We needed a nightcap after Girls' Night Out (Fri, 5/22) and some birthday shopping for baby sister, so my two sisters and I stopped by for some sweets and a calamari app (what a combo, I know). The 30th Anniversary chocolate cake cheesecake is a dessert not-to-be-missed! It consisted of layers of their original cheesecake, chocolate ganache, and moist chocolate fudge cake. I also detected lovely crunchy chocolate pieces ("chocolate pearls" according to the online menu) embedded in the fudge cake... mmm! We also had the Tiramisu cheesecake- always a delight! I've noticed that TCF has significantly reduced the portions of their cheesecake slices. The difference is quite remarkable as I clearly recall buying single serving portions to go, which used to take up the entire to-go container, which is cleverly shaped in the form of a dessert slice; the homemade whipped cream used to sit atop the dessert. The dollop now has its own side of the container, no thank you very much, since you now get half the original size, yet pay original-slice prices. Boo! Calamari was awesome! My lithmus test of great calamari is when I don't need to add anything else to the appetizer but a squeeze of lemon juice (and sometimes, not even that!). Simple, yet divine. Ordered a to-go slice of Fresh strawberry cheesecake for Mom, which no one touched until three days later, and not by Mom, either (you three know who you are!). Judging by not seeing a single crumb on anyone's plates 60 seconds later, I'd say the cheesecake slice with its two small, glazed strawberries tasted fantastic! I could be wrong... (I should reiterate that the new serving slices are much smaller than they used to be!) TCF: this easily could've been four stars, but thumbs-down for halving your dessert portions yet retaining original prices! You could've at least knocked the serving price down one or two dollars...
(3)
Kara M.
I've been here twice. First time was during the summer. We sat outside. Waitress was super nice. My usual cocktail and louisiana chicken pasta was awesome. The bf got filet also delicious. Last night we visited because I desperately wanted some avocado egg rolls. From now on I will definitely be requesting a booth from the get go, so we don't have to walk to a squeezed in tiny table next to randoms (at which time I say oh actually we'd like a booth thanks...) Sooo when our waiter came he seemed all rushed even though we hadn't been waiting long. He wreaked, obviously having just come back from a smoke break. Fab. I decided to be adventurous and healthy so I ordered a barbecue chicken salad. Every ingredient in this thing looked and tasted like it came from a can. I know the portions are gigantic but that just made it worse... because this salad sucked. The cheesecake slice that I always end up taking home was good though... Anyway from now on I will be less adventurous and may just end up getting take out to save all the hassle. Oh and whatever other yelpers have said about parking in the take out spot seems to be true, because I watched someone walk out of LA fitness last night and over to their car parked in the Take Out spot. Nice. Parking sucks because everything noteworthy in this craptastic mall is crammed into the same area.
(2)
George N.
Ive never been a fan of this place, but this time they got everythign right and I was full, just came along for the ride. got fresh squeezed orange juice and it really was server was polite, friendly and knew the menu and delivered his promises two words...velvet cheesecake! kept it for the next day and it was a delight to enjoy slowly, almost got the pineapple upside down cheesecake, the portions were large. ordered a burger medium done and it and the fries were just right, I was satiated, thats all she wrote or cared to write
(4)
Orefor O.
The atmosphere may be the same, however the food and service has noticeably gone down the hill. The wait staff don't even take time to smile or even take time to make good first impression other than at the end of the meal handing over the check. Certainly don't come over to see if we need anything, it's like I just sit there looking stupid. The food we had last night, one of the dish had long black hair which we pull out of the chicken. My salad was wilted, couple cilantro literally dried up. Can't believe they left that on my dish. Not to mention it was over drenched with dressing. I picked over the salad and had about quarter. The wait staff didn't bother to check on us if the meal was alright, he certainly could of noticed my salad was 3/4 full. Bottom line disappointed with the meal and service. We don't come back like we used to, just not worth the money or the time. They're many restaurant around with friendly service and clean meal.
(2)
Sandi W.
The Cheesecake Factory is always a fav of mine. I had the Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo this time. Yummy, yummy! Very spicy so beware those who can't handle or don't like spicy dishes. My only complaint for this location is that they didn't have black napkins. Their white napkins leave so much lint on you especially when wearing darker clothes.
(4)
Chris D.
I managed to go 32 years of life without eating at one of these bastions of mediocrity... but alas, that streak is over. I'm really just writing this review to thank my boss publicly for treating us (shhh... performance review time is approaching). Thanks boss! You're the bestest!!
(2)
M B.
The Cheesecake Factory is always a safe bet when going out to eat in a larger group. I really love the food, it's always really good and I find that each dish has a bit of a unique spin to it. The menu is massive-- anyone can find something they like. The desserts are phenominal. I'm not much of a cheesecake fan, but I do reccomend Linda's fudge cake. As long as you're sharing it with someone or taking most of it home in a to-go box. The atmosphere is awesome. It's classy yet casual. The service is usually decent, although I did recently have a lousy waitress. Definitely a safe bet. Good place to go with friends, your family, on a date, etc.
(4)
Karen S.
This was my first visit to the Cheesecake Factory and I was impressed. We were greeted and lead to a table right away. Our server was helpful, made suggestions that were good and kept checking in on us. I had the Steak Diane and sauteed spinach. I'm not sure if it was because I was very hungry, but the spinach was some of the best I've tasted. We finished up with a slice of red velvet cake, which was truly divine!
(4)
Justin D.
Decent food at a decent price. I have noticed the prices creeping up the last couple of years. Our kids love to go here for the cheesecake. The menu can be hit or miss depending on what you order. The service at this particular location has never been very good for us. We always wait forever to get our food. I usually get the Spicy cashew Chicken as it's safe and pretty good. I've tried a couple of the the other specials like the Crispy Beef and the Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp and was not impressed at all. The Greek Salad and Fried Calamari are also pretty good if you combine both for your actual meal. Forget about trying to order take out Fri-Sun. I have tried to go in and pick up my food several times only to have to wait 20+ minutes to pick up food that was already ready on the counter. I walked out without my food 2 out of three times.
(3)
Wisam A.
Very bad customer service, I went with my family and friends on Thursday June /6th at 6:15 pm , they didn't let us to sit because we have a baby stroller for my 2 months age baby the weather is was rainy and very windy , the manager is very arrogant and rude .bad policy ,I used to go with my friends at least twice a month ,but we decided no to go this miserable place any more
(1)
Caroline W.
Like I saw in another review - you should absolutely try to share your entree with someone else! The portions are family sized. I've tried a fair amount of things here, most are just pretty good. Nothing is usually amazing, and some things are just downright disappointing. A lot of their salads are bland, or coated in so much cilantro you can hardly tell the difference between them. The appetizers are just okay as well, such as the avocado rolls. It was almost difficult eating four of them, plus I was full afterward. Stars of the menu? BBQ chicken pizza (rivals CPK, the master). It's great at lunch because you get a reasonable sized pizza paired with a half salad. It's only about $13 because its the lunch menu, yet its still enough to feed two people. They also have some good pastas, but you feel like you've shortened your life by a few years after eating any of them. And of course, the desserts are amazing. It goes without saying that the cheesecake is good, but they also have a cinnamon apple dessert that comes with ice cream that is so delicious you don't know what to do with yourself. The size of it varies, but once I ordered it to go and I swear they gave me at least a pound of food. It lasted me a full weekend, just reheated the apples in the microwave and saving the ice cream in the freezer. Downsides of the whole place would be that its always packed and lunch and they don't even do call ahead seating unless you're in a big group, and the bread they serve while you wait is just pitiful. Oh and parking isn't fun since its right at the mall (which also provides zero views), but at least its convenient if you have other things to do.
(3)
Matt N.
Why. do. they. serve. so many different types of food? I don't think I've had anything that would make me want to go back, with exception to the cheesecake. And my damn cholesterol won't allow that very often. I agree with the sentiment of a previous review stating they should grab a handful of things from the menu and try to make them taste less like salt and overbearing sauce, more like something you can identify some flavors from. I also don't get why one portion is big enough to feed three of four girls from the Facts of Life--Natalie can tackle her own plate I'm sure. Even the side salads are massive...why? At the risk of sounding un-american, it's just a grandiose waste of food. I can't imagine how much food is trashed by the end of an average day, whether it's by the restaurant or people who take leftovers to go. The service is hit or miss... I never actually feel like going to Cheesecake Factory, it's usually because someone else decides that's where they're going and I'm tagging along. There is too much good food in the NoVA/DC area to waste time, money and toilet paper on this one... If you just want cheesecake, by all means....otherwise, fuhget it.
(1)
Nadine F.
The food here is disgusting, but I really like the cheesecake! If you're forced to go here for dinner, the only decent thing I've had is the Chicken Madeira, and I would get it again if I have to go. It's roast chicken on mashed potatoes, which is pretty hard to screw up. Lord, even the appetizers suck. How hard is it to make quesadillas? The salad is terrible too. What really bothers me is how extensive their menu is. They have at least 100 different entrees on their menu, and I've only had one thing that didn't suck. I would really just prefer for them to find 5-10 things that they can make decently, and just serve those. I know it's a giant chain, but I still love the cheesecake. The tiramisu cheesecake is my favorite, and I think it ties with the plain cheesecake with strawberries on top. The coffee is pretty good, and even better with the cheesecake.
(3)
Dwayne H.
Giving it two stars because the Buffalo Blasts are freaking awesome. The cheesecake is pretty good too...the rest needs work. If you have any food allergies, I would suggest immediately asking to speak to a manager. Show him your Epi-Pen and make sure he realizes that if you eat something you're allergic to, you might die. Apparently, that's the only way to get them to take a food allergy seriously. Our server actually had attitude when we asked if something contained eggs. God forbid that she would have to walk to the kitchen and ask a simple question. In the time that it took her to roll her eyes and scoff, she could have asked...the manager did accommodate us, got us a new server and made sure that my wife's dishes had no eggs. Still, I just don't understand why people aren't more accommodating or accepting of food allergies. All of that aside, some of the appetizers are good, the cheesecake is pretty good...they have beer and TVs...and some of the 6000 entrees are OK. All in all, hit or miss, if you have allergies, hope that you get a server who cares.
(2)
Kelly K.
I've been to the Cheesecake Factory at several different locations. This by far has been the worst service I've received thus far. The management neglected to make a visit to the table after I found what seemed to be hair (pubic what it seemed to be) in the bread. I completely lost my appetite and although I am not one to make a scene or be dramatic/demanding, the waiter simply looked at the bread and said "eww yeah gross" and took the bread back. He returns and mentions to me that he had told the manager and continued on with business as usual. Needless to say I was "full" and ate very little of my meal, which may have contributed to the loss of appetite. The manager never showed up and their was no other mention or compensation of my experience and a bill that was not worth it. I went ahead and paid the $80 for the meal that was charged in full for 3 and requested to speak with the manager on my way out. He came out and simply made excuses saying that there must have been miscommunication as another manager had left work. I was not looking for a free meal, but really at the very least wanted to be heard!! Long story short, this location lacks service and has very poor management.
(1)
RJ S.
We enjoy The Cheesecake Factory, we've dined there a number of times, and it is consistent. Always good service, great food, love the atmosphere, and have yet to have a bad experience.
(4)
Dee C.
I love love their Santa Fe salad. Good service and tons of healthy options.
(5)
Ruufus M.
I just returned from Sunday dinner at the Dulles, VA restaurant after eating in the bar area. What a disappointment. In spite of all the hype about the Cheesecake Factory menu, I've never had a good meal or good service at this location. The food is mediocre at best and overpriced, certainly for what you get. I ordered a grilled pork chop with a side of asparagus. The chop was dry, tough and flavorless. The asparagus was raw, barely cooked, with no flavor. Even though I only ate a few bites and the plate was hardly touched, the waiter just took the plate away. Never asked if the food was ok. Didn't stop back during the meal to check on the table. He basically took the order and then brought the check. I wasted over $50 and two hours of my life on tasteless food. I won't make the mistake of eating at this restaurant again.
(1)
Kim M.
Really good. We had one of their specials, mahi mahi with artichoke and caper sauce, and their baked chicken. Both excellent. Good sized servings for a very good price, I'm looking forwards to my tasty leftovers for lunch. Will definitely go there again.
(5)
Frank W.
Ambiance - 3 stars Food - 4 stars (portion sizes here are HUGE, consider sharing with someone else) Service - 4 stars
(4)
Enver A.
It was quite OK. For appetizer we got nachos with chicken which i did not quite like. For entree i got tacos with chicken it was great and service was great as well.
(4)
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
Address :21076 Dulles Town Circle
Dulles, VA, 20166
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Gina T.
If I could give them zero stars, I would. We just went for dinner. Family of four, Friday night 7pm. Wait time was average. Food was ok. Service was terrible. It started when two meals were brought out and then several minutes passed before the other two showed up. One wasn't what was ordered. It was reordered and appeared after we were finished eating (sharing food with the person with the missing dinner). Then they dropped the check off. Only it wasn't ours. And had someone else's credit card in it. After a few minutes of staring at an unfamiliar VISA card - we asked for the manager. Twice. Finally I picked up my cell phone and called the manager. He came over to our table. He was not in the least sorry or apologetic. He asked if it was our card that was sent to the wrong table - when it wasn't - he didn't care. He did not care about the service. He did not care about the security of his customers. He just plain didn't care. No apologies. Nothing. For added fun - when they did give us our bill - the pen didn't even write. If you are looking for a miserable experience and an overpriced mediocre burger - head to cheesecake factory. Otherwise save your money, time and identity by going elsewhere.
(1)Armando Luis C.
I took my father and my family here before he had to catch a flight. The waiter brought my dad the wrong order. The manager came over and she was so rude I couldn't believe it. The waiter did the right thing and brought him his order while the manager couldn't figure out what to do at all. She made it so much worse.It was so embarrassing. We will never return.
(1)Brock S.
I love Cheesecake Factory. I only gave it four stars instead of five because the food is too rich. You need to be extremely active to be eating this type of food on a regular basis.
(4)Joel P.
Same as every other location but on this particular instance our waiter was SLOW. Never a good thing especially when you're ready to pay and leave instead of sitting there in limbo.
(3)Daniel B.
Cheesecake Factory is one of my favorite restaurants but it's been about two years since I visited this particular location because of quality and service issues. I'm pleased to say the quality of the food has greatly improved. The service is still lacking. I ordered the Thai chicken pasta and snickers cheesecake. The Thai chicken pasta was excellent. The snickers cheesecake was good but I still like Adams peanut butter and chocolate raspberry truffle better. The service started out slow even though it wasn't busy. It took a long time for the server to take my drink order and the bread barely beat the main meal to the table. The service did improve towards the end of the meal. I'll definitely start visiting this location again.
(4)Nikki B.
Went on a Friday night. Of course the place is packed. Best time to go is 5:30-6. My friend and I went directly to the bar, grabbed a seat. Service was slow and the waiter forgot us a couple of times. i.e. our drinks and food. Definitely, had better...
(2)Tarek H.
Great food! And of course cheesecake!
(5)M T.
For a chain restaurant, the selection is ok... but the review here is for the horrible manager that served us tonight. I don't know why she's working at a restaurant... let a lone wears the title as MANAGER... if she has trouble with large orders??? She was fumbling with the plates and had a terrible attitude with us when she couldn't remember who ordered what dish. Even with 3 extra servers helping her, she was completely incompetent and downright rude as we tried to assist her with the orders. Seriously... I couldn't believe how unprofessional and inept she was. I would never come back to this location again... as long as she's managing the place.
(1)Rich P.
Consistantly great food and service. Huge menu. Of all the large national chains, Cheesecake Factory is at least in my top three!
(5)Janice Y.
My family and I came back from the Cheesecake Factory tonight and I have to say this dinner experience has been one of the worst service we have ever had at your restaurant. The dinner service started out well...we were seated within 10 mins of arrival and the server provided us with our drinks and bread. However shortly after taking our order, the service went downhill. Our menus were stacked up high on our table and left there for approx 15-20 minutes. Our empty water cups were never refilled (even though the server had the water pitcher in his hand at one point and refilled water for another table). We had asked for more bread while we waited for the main course to arrive. The server acknowledged the request but the bread never came. We had to flag down our server 25 minutes later while we were already half way into our meals and made a second request for some bread. The server nods and came back with a basket of bread 10 minutes later (to which we had just finished our meal). Not once did the server ask how our meal was. We had to flag down the server to order our desserts. The dirty plates were left on our table for a good 15 minutes until our desserts finally arrived. We also had to wait a long time to get and pay for our check. While the server is a nice guy, he seems inexperienced and very preoccupied which made it very difficult for us to enjoy our dinner. Being a family of three, we had expected to be in and out of the restaurant within an hour however we ended up sitting in the restaurant for over 2 and a half hours, mainly waiting for our server. We are extremely disappointed with tonight's dinner service at the Cheesecake Factory and wished we had chosen another restaurant for dinner.
(1)Oya T.
Almost too much choices but it is good. Like the new outdoor seating.
(4)Kit F.
The menu is h-u-g-e. It takes me 45mins to order! Instead of a tri-fold typical type menu, its a spiral bound 8 pages, with advertisements....seriously!? The food is good, but who cares lets just get to the cheesecake part of the meal. Putting on my Gordon Ramsey hat for a moment, I would suggest that they get a smaller/simpler food menu with a focused identity and expand the cheesecake menu (if that is even possible!)
(3)Chad H.
Generally speaking, I can't stand this chain. This weekend on a night out in Sterling my friends chose this place to eat, and I didn't have much choice but to come along because I was pretty hungry. I have to give it to this place that it looks pretty nice, but right off the bat I can't stand the noise level in here. I felt like I was at a rock concert. The lighting... way to dim. I wear glasses for God's sake, and I was still struggling to make my way to the table.... AFTER the 30 or so minute wait to get the table. During this wait I suggested IHOP, which has never failed my late-night 24/7 cravings, but some of the high-class whiney pricks that tagged along with one of my friends wouldn't let that happen. So Cheesecake Factory it is. Once we finally got our menus, I didn't know what the hell I was supposed to order. I love Chicken Salad, so I got the Chicken Salad Sandwich. After 20 or so minutes, our food came out, and by this time I had gone deaf and couldn't hear my own voice so I didn't bother asking for a refill of my water for fear I would just be making inane blabbing noises. The Chicken Salad Sandwich came out with huge portioning. It was actually 2 sandwiches cut in half, stuffed to the max, with some wierd nasty salad on the side made up of tasteless greens from my neighbor's backyard, smothered of course in a sour vinaigrette. The bread was so overly toasted that I nearly choked per my lack of water. The Chicken Salad itself was more like Mayonnaise with bits of chicken and whatever else in it... NUTS. Almonds I think? Or some annoying crunchy nutty thing. I'm not gonna lie, those nuts were pissing me off. Despite my bad experience I still tipped well, which is just general courtesy that I've gotten accustomed to. But honestly this damn chain of restaurants is so over-hyped. I doubt I'll ever willingly go back to any of these places again. I HAVE heard good things about the cheesecake, but I'm afraid it's made of mayonnaise so I'll pass.
(2)Courtney R.
I echo Nadine's sentiments--the only thing worth wrapping your mouth around at this place is the cheesecake. At least they get that part right. Worst CCF I've been to, usually order the crab won ton but even they were barely passable the last time I ordered them (Baltimore Inner Harbor). My sister said her meal was disgusting too. I ordered the BLT salad, half of which I immediately boxed. It was so nasty, twin, I left the box at the table.
(1)Tyler I.
Oh dear god. Let me start off with, the portions were gigantic. Now, that being said, in order for me to decipher what I wanted to eat, i had to read an encyclopedia of dishes they can make. I wish Dr. Jones was with me to venture through the fucking brick book that is their MASSIVE MENU. Does it really need 40 plus pages? After taking notes and plotting a hunger graph, I calculated the slope of my ass would result in ordering a Chinese salad. I felt rather full after visually ingesting three years of culinary dishes offered as electives, at your local University. what I'm having trouble saying is that the menu has way, way to many pages. Getting there, I walk upon the host and a server eye fucking the shit out of each other that I was embarrassed. Embarrassed what her mother must think her daughter has become. In public?! Have ye no shame? After karate chopping through them to get her attention we get sat at a lovely booth, right between the kitchen and the server station. Not only do I love to hear other patrons bitch about how their server didn't do something, now I get to hear the servers talk about what type of excrement they put in our food. No, that's not fair, I'm simply kidding but they complain just as much! Our server was sweeet and very quick. The lunch portion match the menu, how did my lovely Ashley A put it? "Fat bastard" size portions. My plate weighed as much as my head. My plate was plentiful with chicken, crunchy things and mandarins? It was great and I would definetly like to try more of their food but I'm done reading while hungry. Decrease the menu and this place would get one more star.
(2)Wayne S.
I'm not sure why I go back to these places. I've eaten at several now and have never left happy or satisfied with my meal. The servers are always nice and the decor is different. We ordered the Dynamite Shrimp appetizer and it was ok at best. I had the Sheila's Chicken Salad. It was musty and bitter tasting. Our server disappeared for a long time so I ate some and left it. Once he finally showed up he asked how things were and he did remove my salad from the bill. One thing I really hate about this restaurant, and similar restaurants, is the noise level. For those wearing hearing aids the noise is amplified to a very uncomfortable level. It's like restaurants make things as loud as possible to get people to leave in a hurry.
(2)Pamela E.
Fantastic food- which is sort of the norm for the Cheesecake Factory. Portions are pretty large though, particularly the kids menu items. We ordered a "cup" of soup and it came out in a bowl! (We asked the waiter if that was the cup and he said yes, so we did confirm that we ordered correctly.) Also, we sat outside and after the sun went down it got chilly, so we asked them to turn on a heat lamp- none of them worked; so we had to move inside. Staff was super-friendly, attentive and fast. Overall a great dinner experience.
(4)Kim K.
This is our pick for a dinner consisting of appetizers & drinks at the bar. There is almost always a wait when we arrive, however, we head to the bar area. It's first come/first serve at the high top bar tables & we can grab one within 5-10 minutes, most nights. The happy hour appetizer menu is good. Also, like the thai lettuce wraps and the cuban sandwich. They carry Newcastle Brown ale, which is always a plus in our book. It's not the place for intimacy but it works when we're at the mall.
(4)Justin S.
This restaurant epitomises my distaste for humanity. When I moved to the area, I'd meet people, they'd invite me out, and I soon realized that people who turned out to be boring, thoughtless zombies all picked The Cheesecake Factory as their favorite place to eat & meet. The menu items, like the people who love them, are bland, over-salted, dull imitations of much better products found elsewhere. High prices, giant portions, syrupy mixed drinks, and a pseudo-cultural facade round the place off nicely. The cheesecake's pretty good.
(1)Heath A.
One of the worst Cheese Cake Factory's out there. I'm not a big CCF eater but whenever I've got family visiting or friends from out of town and I need to pick a spot where everyone can find something to eat and eat due to their gargantuan sizes I pick the CCF. Well I had relatives in town again and went to this new outpost in Loudon due to the closeness it was to them. Big mistake. The wait wasn't bad to get the table but I have a feeling how the restaurant is set up that if your table isn't in the center spots closer to the kitchen the service would take just as long if you were basically in outer Mongolia. The service here was awful. Our spacey server sent our salad out to the wrong table and then took over 20 minutes to replace it, asking if we wanted a cup of soup in the meantime. How long does it take for one of these salads to be made? My fish and chips were cold and soggy, not one of their better attempts for when I do get this meal. The Tons of Fun Burger looked like a monster and my cousin loved every bite of it. The Chicken Madeira is always good but don't get caught up eating the two pounds of mashed potatoes that it comes with. The Miso Salmon is another favorite but what gives with the 4 snow peas and the mountain of rice. Still the CCF is a good to have for guests but making a habit of eating here will expand your waistline faster than the growth rate of Loudon county.
(2)Tasos V.
We like coming here as a family once a month due to the nice atmosphere and great portions. The waiter service is always friendly and we always leave full. Their menu is a little too large though, sometimes it feels like a book but everything is good and needless to say, great cheesecakes!
(5)glori b.
I have been here a few dozen timesso so depending on who you get the staff seems overwhelmed.The food makes up for it and its always got a crowd. I think the service is touch and go but the food is great.The ambience is beautiful .I love the architecture and lighting here. Everyone I know loves it here.I am often alone or with my baby so I dont get to go here much as I would like as they frown on strollers in the restaraunt at the table. ,.I like the shrimp scampi and the chicken maderia combo.The grilled chicken w cheese and mushrooms is DELICOUS.My party ordered mahi mahi and miso salmon.I love the avocado eggrolls.I like the buffalo appetizer.I like the tamale corncakes.I like the calamari.I like the quesadillasI love the fries..I ordered a bottle of the cheesecake factory wine its only 30 and delicious for such a low pricde,My martini was very strong.The sangria is outstanding.I ordered a combo with steak diane and shrimp scampi once and second time shrimp and chicken and salad .I also have had the tex mex tacos.Great food, service. and sauces.They were out of two things I asked for to order and coffee so manager came by apologized and comped my moms dessert not even asked. The second time I ate here I had same eggrolls,a dirty martini and a burrito dish.The cocktails are divine.The appetizers are tantalizing.The salads are fresh.The service is fancy and prompt .The cheesecake is of course fabulous.This place is always hopping.Its pricier then some casual places but its very classy and medium upscaled /casualish but I think its fair priced and consistent.Never disappinted,I RARELY find coupons or deals here but if you dont have to discount to get people to dine I guess I wouldnt either! I have eaten here before by myself at the bar.I always order the avocado eggrolls they are outstanding really truly original unlike so many chains they have excellent orgininal appetizrs not just wings, spinach dip and fried cheese.I also normally get salad .I normally dont order dessert but taste other people in my party and its speechless delicious.Which is why eating alone sucks.I could just eat eggrolls and drinks and be happy.The cakes and cheesecakes are drool worthy so many varieities.Last time I was here I had white raspberry choc latte to top my meal Outstanding best latte I ever had.Amazing!And if you like dessert try to come here just pick one!Recently I went here April 23 09 and the service was self seat and slow in the bar,confusion on who was waiting , we had to ask for a menu, but the food was OUTSTANDING.The shrimp scampi knocked my socks off as usual its undescribably good. I used the sauce for my fries its really delicious and consisently good.My party ordered pork chops and did not care for them overall I lked my food more.I am adding Cheesecake for lunch to my menu of places I really enjoy as I noticed they have nice lunch entrees.
(5)G S.
Food was excellent. They have a very big menu which I love. We had a very big family gathering here and our waitress was so friendly and was able to take care of my 15 family members on her own. Needless to say...she got a $200 tip that night.
(5)Patrick M.
I used to work here, the portions are great but the food is just average americana, and at this particular one, the service is horrible.
(2)Sarah S.
The portions here are so big we just order appetizers and eat them for our meal. Food tastes good too.
(4)Katie M.
3 Stars for a recent visit to the bar for a drink and a snack. They had a nice wine list ('spensive for someplace that prides itself in a dessert item), a few beers on tap (22oz was 7 bucks...holy what batman?), and a nice offering of small plates and appetizers (we missed happy hour by 20 minutes, but that wouldn't have helped much, as they only have food specials, no deals on drinks. The bartender was prompt, nice enough to understand that we really weren't into eating a whole meal, and made some recommendations of a few of the smaller plate items. We settled on a pizzetta (a small flatbread-like thing- a little too small for 5 bucks), and it was super tasty. They were also generous with the house offering of bread. We followed up with a piece of "adam's peanut butter cheesecake" to take on the road (which did take forever for the bartender to go and get....should've picked it up myself on the way out). So, a few beers, pizettas, and loafs of bread later, we left carboliciously fat and happy....by the look of the entire menu, I guess that's what's supposed to happen??
(3)Hannah M.
I met my daughter here for dinner the other night. We had a wonderful table with no wait. The two appetizers we had were great (stuffed mushrooms & fried zuchinni.) We each had an entree which were both very large so we brought them home for lunch the next day. The cheesecake was fabulous! We had no issues with the service. We were well attended to and left very satisfied.
(5)Rebecca J.
I would give the Cheesecake Factory at Dulles Town Center a five star rating if it weren't for their slow service. I have been to this location three times and have consistently received extremely slow service. They have a delicious frozen drink called a Peach Bellini - good luck getting one though! It takes an act of God to get one in less than 10 or more minutes after ordering it. I've had different waiters each time I have dined here so I really don't understand what the hold up always is! No wonder they have a 30 - 45 minute wait on weeknights, they can't turn any tables! The waiter just sort of disappears for a few minutes at a time... Now on to the food, I have to say that their menu is huge and extensive and so I like to try something new each time I go. Entrees and appetizers I have thoroughly enjoyed include the chicken tenders, chicken piccata, chicken caesar salad, crab wontons, and the house salad with vinaigrette. Last night I tried the new California Salad which is one of their new "weight management" salads. It was huge and came with a low cal mustard vinaigrette. Usually, I do not enjoy low cal salad dressing, but this one was actually really good! The Cheesecake Factory has awesome food and it's a great dining experience, and they have a huge variety of cheesecake for dessert, if you can save room for any, because their portions are HUGE! I have to say, I love cheesecake, but I don't really enjoy their Cheesecake - makes no sense huh? So, I usually skip dessert when I go here. Enjoy!
(4)Mary L.
Four stars only because the wait is easily 70+ minutes on the weekend. Aside from that, the food is DELICIOUS. I recommend ANYTHING on the menu. Additionally, it's a good idea to share entrees because they usually give you enough food for a small village of Children. In America, that means that it will probably satisfy 2-3 people. The appetizers are also amazing and they could be meals in themselves. I would recommend splitting them between at least 4-5 people. Oh and, if you go here, make sure you round off the marathon of food with a slice of their famous cheesecake. I've tried 5 different kinds and have liked them all. I've never considered myself a fan of cheesecake until I had some here. They have tons of different kinds but my favorite have been the Khalua Coffee, White Chocolate Raspberry, and Godiva Milk Chocolate Cheesecakes. And yes, those combinations ARE humanly possible! :)
(4)Star H.
Only went twice--once when it first opened and then one time later to see if they'd finally gotten their act together. Nope, they hadn't, so won't be back. Hate the seating arrangements--feel like I'm sitting on top of the other people at the next table. Menu is way TOO extensive to have anything good. Also makes me think they just heat up food--don't do any real cooking. I ordered the things that I normally like and they were just very bland, mediocre...bleh. I don't understand why there is always a line here, cuz the food is bad--except for the cheesecake, of course.
(1)Iced V.
I didn't expect much but CF disappointed me again. I would've like a meal at Wegman's over this.
(1)Kate R.
the ice cream was pretty good. the food was awful. the salad was yuck, the burrito was yuck (i went with my sis, she loves this place, but not the sterling location), but the ice cream was decent. but really, ice cream is like pizza, you can't mess that up (unless of course you are ceecee's)
(1)Jessica W.
Just awful! Don't go for breakfast/brunch. The food was cold, service sucked and the eggs were runny.
(1)R B.
As noted by many others, the size of the menu is gigantic, as are the portions. Um, but after that, it goes downhill fast. Everything I've tried has been appalling, not in a "Oh my god, this is nasty" way, but in the "this has no finesse, no taste at all" kind of way. For example, I tried their "Shepherds Pie", and the vegetables (carrots, onions, etc) weren't cooked, they were raw, or blanched at best. Think about that for a second - in making a pan sauce, what kind of flavor can be extracted from uncooked vegetables? I had to douse it in salt just so I could tell I wasn't eating (crunchy) library paste - just hamburger in water "sauce" with raw shredded carrots. There was another entree (so unmemorable I can't remember what it was) that was identical, raw vegetables rather than cooked, and no flavor as a result. I tried roasted chicken (was overcooked and dried out before I got out of bed that morning), fish tacos (same, dried-out fish, no taste) - seriously, every entree I've tried just had no flavor. Maybe just bad luck / bad choices on my part, maybe there's goodness to be found on that vast wasteland of a menu. But I've given up trying - I don't feel the need to go on such a fishing expedition when I have to pay for it, and have been disappointed with every previous attempt. The cheesecakes are mostly quite good, and on occasion, I'll just go in, (torn between pity and contempt for all those waiting for tables), and buy a slice of cheesecake to go (they're no bargain, but you only live once; you gotta indulge once in awhile, right?) As noted, they *have* reduced the size of their slices (but not the price.) And I did get Red Velvet cake that was definitely not fresh. Which brings me to a second point, mentioned by another reviewer. Invariably, the servers behind the counter are far too busy flirting with each other, or talking about their plans after work, to actually provide any service. I mean, I get it, I was a teen-ager once, (admittedly, back during the last Ice Age), but you're working, or at least, are theoretically being paid to work, so put the hormones on ice once in awhile - space it out, you know? Try to work 5 minutes, take a 2 minute ogling break, then back to work. And what's particularly irritating is that they all have this attitude that they're runway models, just there to look good, and actually working isn't required. I've got news for you kids, you're high-school students, the job you're working isn't particularly prestigious, and frankly, you're just not that hot. So keep it together, work the register, and just bring us our dam cheesecakes! Table service isn't usually something to complain about -- but when it's consistently unprofessional, it has to be mentioned. And so it is - consistently sub-par and unprofessional. Funny, someone mentioned an issue with the bill - twice I've had problems there, once when I was brought the wrong table's bill, and once when I was charged for an item we hadn't ordered. And, of course, the waitress was miffed with *me* for pointing it out. And I've also had the experience of overhearing servers complaining about patrons, and other servers, and other misbehaviors. I guess the ultimate description of how I feel about this place is this - once I was invited to attend a birthday dinner for a co-worker, with the tab being picked up by my company, I feigned illness, and bought my own dinner. That's right, I passed on a free dinner here to pay for my own somewhere else. If you order anything more than coffee and cheesecake, you're probably making a mistake.
(2)Melanie B.
The food is delicious, but a bit pricy. I ordered the Sheppards Pie, which was delicious. I also had the stuffed mushrooms. They were good, but very small, not worth the price. I got the Salted Caramel Cheesecake. It wasn't as good as I was hoping for, don't get me wrong, it was good, just not what I thought it was going to be. Overall good experience with Curbside to Go, but again, pricy!
(4)Steve N.
Cheesecake Factory has it's detractors. Ignore them. The naysayers don't know what they're missing out on. Yes, it's ostentatious with it's circus like decor. Yes, the portions are titanic and the calorie counts for some dishes stratospheric. Yes, the menu (sorry, the THREE menus), are encyclopedic. But here's a dirty little secret it's critics are too proud to admit. THE FOOD IS GOOD. The kitchen at Cheesecake Factory can sometimes be slow. But that's good. It's slow because they're making real food back there. This is not Applebee's, or Olive Garden, where most dishes are produced in a factory (pardon the pun) and reconstituted upon your request. No, the food is made with fresh, quality ingredients. They use fresh vegetables, real butter and real cream, and lots of it. I LOVE BUTTER AND CREAM! And I love Cheesecake Factory. You should too.
(4)Christine T.
I think they changed the menu again as the hostess alluded to. But honestly the menu is still pretty big I don't ever recall the last dish I had when I was there before. They have stuff to please just about anyone. Tonight I had the southern fried chicken sliders which I love. It comes with lettuce, tomato, and pickles on the side so you can add them to your sandwich if you like. For a Friday service was good the wait staff was attentive.
(4)Kelsey C.
Kale salad and their well mannered martini with blue cheese olives are the way to go!
(5)Lauren M.
As usual, I came to the Cheesecake Factory fully intending to only order a piece of cheesecake and a coffee, but somehow got talked into ordering food, which I knew would probably fail my taste buds and my wallet. I'm not sure why I keep coming back here and eating because the food is so overpriced for what winds up sitting on a plate in front of you. It's really quite tragic. As for their cheesecake, it's stellar, you could probably talk me into buying a single piece for $15. I wish the Cheesecake Factory only sold cheesecake and did away with the rest of the menu. Maybe they can keep their appetizers, but their novel of a menu could definitely be downsized quite a bit. I know I've said this before, but this time I really mean it. I'm only ever coming to this restaurant for dessert.
(3)Julie S.
A bit pricey, so we only go on really special occasions. They offer a free sampler appetizer platter for my toddler, which is fun. The big downside for me, has been the service/wait staff. I've only been once when I had a good waitress. All the other times I had the wrong food brought to my table, been given someone elses check, slow service, two different waiters because one went on break, etc. Not ideal, and certainly detracts from an enjoyable experience.
(4)Barbara L.
What?! I've been coming here for YEARS and haven't written my review? Can't. Be. Possible. Better late than never I suppose. I always seem to pick this place as my "special me celebration" location several times a year. Each birthday, Valentine's, Mother's Day, etc, the honoree picks where to go and this is usually mine. I save it for special occasions because of the pricing (just a little higher than I'm totally comfortable with) and the fattening choices!! (High calories and carbs). Yes. I know. They have a lighter menu which I've experienced and have not been disappointed with yet but come on...the other foods are too dang yummy to choose healthier all the time. So I save my high calorie favorites for my special occasions. This latest checkin though, I sat at the bar with our friends. I didn't see the tab because hubby always takes care of me but I can only imagine what the bill was. Our bartender was super nice and attentive. I've become accustomed to sitting at the bars these past few years just because the service is more pleasant and much quicker. Not that they're slow here because I've never experienced slow service before. So the question I always pose to myself afterwards "would I be back?" Well, duh. Absolutely.
(5)Jermoil A.
How dare the cheesecake factory sell soooo many different types of cheesecakes when they should know that I won`t stay away,lol love the diverse menu options, there is something for all and they have a pretty good brunch as well, this location gets really crowded but I have never seen the staff get overwhelmed or loose their cool, Im always greeted nicely when I Come in and the bartenders are very attentive when I sit at the bar
(4)John H.
This is one of my favorite restaurants, I come here whenever i am in this area. The corn cake tamales are amazing, A must try! The outside patio is beautiful in the summer, The inside is very nice also. The menu has too much stuff for my liking but the food is very good
(5)Beheshta B.
Took my mommy here for Mother's Day!!! She loved the Chicken Madeira and Shrimp scampi. Even though they were super busy the wait for getting seated and for the food wasn't long at all. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to my friends and family.
(4)Henry C.
I am at the place writing this review... Ordered a White Chicken Chilli with brown rice, was asked by the server what kind of rice. It came with white rice and the rice was not cook through. The chilli probably raised my blood pressure 10000Hg or more given that I can tolerate high sodium and I stopped eating about 1/3 through. I ordered a mint green tea and they served me with ice tea. I ordered an appetiser and that was eatable so I did not go hungry. Don't meant to be a prick but the food quality just wasn't there. So I think unless someone drag me here like today would stay away.
(2)Sean P.
I really like the Cheesecake Factory (even if I never really get Cheesecake). It's not perfect, but it's always reliable and there's definitely something for everyone on the menu. Speaking of menus, that's exactly the strength and weakness of the Factory. There literally IS something for everyone, but there are so many menu options, choices, variations and choices that if you're even remotely decisive you may ultimately have an aneurism just trying to figure out what you want. Not only that, but every other page in the menu is an ad. What's with that? I'm looking for food, not perfume. Stop that! Further, I don't want to "accessorize" my meal with Diet Coke. The wording is very irksome to me for some reason, BUT that's a pet peeve/personal issue. How's the food? Great! Love it. The food is solid, and I've never had anything bad there. I think my favorite dish is the chicken and biscuits. It's massively feeling (and very rich) but I love sharing it with my wife. The flat breads are pretty good, too. The pasta carbonara is also a favorite of mine, too. Again, it's a heartstopper and rich as can be, but delicious! There's so many amazing options that trying to pick one is (again) half the problem. And yes, the cheesecake IS good (though I rarely get it). The portion sizes are so large for main courses that, between the bread, apps and main course I barely make it half way through the meal before I start getting full. All in all: It's pretty good. I'd give it four stars, but the overwhelming menu and the constant advertising is really distracting/frustrating for me.
(4)Andrea A.
I LOVE their brown bread!! Why is it SO ADDICTIVE?!?? Add the butter, and you have something I can NOT resist!!
(5)Alex P.
Excellent experience. Our server, Lyndsey, did a great job. We ate there on July 4th around 6pm. My wife and I have a 16 month old and usually need to order fast, eat fast and run. Our server did a great job following our schedule and got us in and out in just over an hour. We sat in the booth right by the kitchen which most people probably hate, but that table was perfect for us. Food was delicious, but the attention from Lyndsey made the meal. Thank you!
(5)Robert C.
The food is pretty good. I went there on Saturday at around 5pm and it was really busy. It might of been because of fathers day weekend, not really sure. The service was good, and the food was very good. I have not been there for quite a while but I would go back again. Good experience.
(3)Diana M.
I love this place. They have a great happy hour. Five dollar appetizers from 4-7 pm. My favorites are the fire roasted artichokes and the guacamole. The burgers are really good too. Especially for five dollars. Lindsay was a fabulous bartender. We will definitely be back to see her.
(5)Donald F.
I have been to this Cheesecake Factory numerous times and I have absolutely enjoyed my visits. I mean I have been to this place well over ten times since moving to the NOVA area. What I like most about this place is that they are pretty consistent. There has only been two or three occasions where my wife and I didn't have the normal standards that we are accustomed to during our many visits. However this wasn't as bad as most places because the service and management are willing to do whatever they can to resolve any issue with our respective meals. For instance they would either subtract that meal item from our bill or prepare a fresh order. I have tried many different food items here but a majority of my visits I find myself defaulting to the Famous Factory Meatloaf which is hmmmmm hmmmm good. Also just a heads up for you health conscious folks that the portions are huge so be sure to pay attention to what you're ordering. However on this particular occasion I decided to be a bit more healthy so I ordered from their skinnylicious menu. I ended up ordering the Skinnylicious Grilled Salmon with assorted vegetables and let me just say that I enjoyed every bit of the meal. The Cheesecake Factory is always a choice I can default to if nothing else comes to mind. I mean the service is typically good, the food preparation is pretty consistent, and the meals are fulfilling and tasty. I mean with so many pros why wouldn't someone want to give this place a shot.
(4)Balquiria V.
The food is good but service isn't so great. We usually order food to pick up (work) during our lunch and 7 or of 10 times they will get our order wrong. Unfortunately a lot of our business partners like this place so we keep coming back but I hate spending money here.
(2)RMthree M.
This location is a rather popular location. I've been a handful of times and it's been busy and crowded everytime. I wasn't too happy with the last time I was there. I ordered the fish tacos and they were well under seasoned and I could tell that my dish had sit under a heat lamp because the rice and beans along with the tortilla had been completely dried out. The only thing that saved this review and raised it to three stars was the fact that our waitress was AMAZING. She helped with our drink decisions and was attentive...couldn't hold the horrible food against her.
(3)Amber B.
Always such a long wait. Food is warm but not the hot temperature I'd prefer. Prices are going up but the portion size is getting smaller.
(3)Joshua D.
I used to think Cheesecake Factory was the bombdiggity, but over the years, it's certainly lost its luster. Yet, despite being a mid-tier chain restaurant that doesn't specialize in anything, CF tries to act like a super-classy hotspot for cuisine. In reality, it's become not much more than a place known for an OK happy hour and oversized portions. Don't get me wrong, there are certain dishes I find really good -- such as CF's orange chicken. But it's not worth dealing with the CF 'experience' for when several actual Chinese places do it better and cheaper. And of course, the main event, the cheesecake, is amazing -- but that's a once-a-year treat no one's waistline dares have regularly. On my most recent visit to the Dulles location, I was instantly annoyed. Despite half the restaurant being open (it was a Tuesday night after happy hour for crying out loud), the hostess quoted a 10-minute wait. is that supposed to make CF seem fancier? Because instead it just makes it annoying and inefficient. At least hide the empty tables from my view. Don't have enough people to staff them? At least let me go ahead and sit down with some bread and a Coke. (Oh, and plan better.) The service was fine. The food was fine. I'd never had pizza from CF (have had just about everything else and wanted to mix it up). The pizza reminded me of a DiGiorno. The crust seemed to indicated a previously frozen dough, and the cheese and sauce had that cafeteria-quality flavor. The toppings varied slightly from what was in the menu description, and the mushrooms and veggies were seriously underrepresented. The meats, however - pepperoni and sausage -- were piled high. I could almost give CF three stars, but it really does fall more often than not these days in the, "Meh. I've experienced better." category.
(2)Mike B.
Menu selection is good but food doesn't really come out as presented in the menu. The wait service is terrible. I had to ask for a wait person after sitting at a table for more than ten minutes. This was further exacerbated by having to wait even longer for the mediocre food to arrive. Don't understand it as they were not busy at the time. This establishment has achieved the apogee of mediocrity.
(2)Jennifer M.
Worse Cheesecake Factory I've ever been too. Hostess was great but the service was awful by our server and the food was cold. Only thing that tasted great was the cheesecake.
(1)Jey J.
I'm torn with this location. wait times are always really long and the service is terrible. I typically only get 3 things off the menu and never have any complains about those dishes. I will say their fried chicken salad is by far my favorite salad. it is to die for.
(3)Chad C.
Food made me sick, decor is putrid, server had an attitude. The only redeeming quality was the margarita.
(1)Megan C.
I'm loath to reward a "big chain" like Cheesecake Factory with a full 4 stars, more details on that to come, so let's just settle at 3.5 and call it a draw. Location-wise, this particular copy is great. It's convenient to all things related to Dulles Town Center and Sterling, with tons of easy mall parking, and it's standalone, so you don't have to deal with the throng of people inside the mall itself. We've always experienced friendly, efficient, and accurate service here, which is much more than I can say for the Fair Oaks and Tyson's Corner locations. On our last visit, during one of the many "polar vortex" nights of 2014, when most restaurants were closing doors early, CF remained open, and even though they were short-staffed, our waitress, Amy, was great. For those who have a geographic choice as we do in selecting among the Dulles/Fair Oaks/Tyson's locations, we always choose Dulles, especially on the weekends. They just seem to run a tighter ship here all-around, and waiting times are either non-existent or shorter than other nearby locations. Helpful to know if you run with a "hangry" bunch during weekend meal times. That's "hungry"+"angry", FYI :) Okay, so more detail on my "beef" with Cheesecake Factory as a whole, if you're still reading (since we've gone over the nuts and bolts of this particular location). In 2014, it blows my mind that there is still a chain restaurant that REFUSES to publish their ingredients and nutritional information. That irks the hell out of me, as an 80%-of-the-time very health-conscious eater and having a member of my family with an allergy to a certain ingredient, it's irritating to say the least. We want to enjoy CF, as their food is pretty tasty, prices fair, and menu expansive, but it's almost as though they have "something to hide" in not disclosing their full modus operandi. I realize they offer the (deceptively) "Skinnylicious" menu, but only offer that the items are "under XYZ calories," but what about fat/carbs/sodium/etc.? They would probably attract even more folks such as myself who would seek out a special "healthy" menu if they were to disclose ingredients, portion sizes, and full nutritionals. Okay, rant over. I remember eating at CF for pre-Prom dinner one year in high school, and although my days of carelessly indulging in their cheesecake are over, I do enjoy their breakfast/brunch items and salads, especially the Tuna Tataki Salad.
(4)Lyna L.
The food here is absolutely delicious, but the portions are a bit insane. Not in bad way though, I suppose because more is better than less, but it thus requires a higher price. You will likely have to pack most of your order if you want to save room for their tasty variety of cheesecakes. The 5 stars are for the food, timing, cleanliness, and ambience. However, I would give 2 stars to the service. Although the service was responsive, my group's waitress was especially rude. For example, one of my friends asked for change ($4), and after the waitress saw the amount and came back, she sassed, "Do you *really* need change?" Even though $4 isn't that much, as a waitress, it was not her place to say that.
(5)Rachel S.
My husband and I went for dinner. Our table was dirty, sticky and had crumbs on it. We could see crumbs on the table across from us even though it was set waiting for customers. Once I started looking around, I noticed the floor was really dirty and a mess, food was splattered on walls, and our silverware looked dirty. I'd be afraid to see what the kitchen looks like!
(2)Lyn L.
I've been to 2 Cheesecakes in the last 2 weeks! I love their food. Last night we headed out for a late night dinner. We were near the Dulles Town Center and had a couple of gift cards in hand, so naturally we ventured over to the Cheesecake Factory. I must admit I order the same thing every time I come: Fried Zucchini sticks and the Chinese Chicken Salad, not at the same time, but those are my go-to foods. I thrive on their bread! Give me your dish of individual butters and a basket of your bread! Their bread is consistent at every Cheesecake location EXCEPT last night! I know this bread and last night it was stale, cold, and I'm wondering if it was someone's leftovers. Seriously the bread was that bad. BUT, our salads arrived quickly so we just ignored the bread. Their Chinese Chicken Salad is full of everything (fried won ton skins, mandarin oranges, chicken, almonds/nuts, green onions, and those white stringy crunchy things. There is so much in that salad and unfortunately it doesn't pack well so it's a marathon of eating. Service last night was awesome, and that's the reason for the 4 stars. We typically sit at the bar, because we are usually ravenous and want to chow down. The bartender made a nice Long Island to complement by super huge salad. She was attentive, and made sure we were ok. The hubby didn't want me to mention the bread because he thought it was fine. Hmmmm
(4)Jessica G.
The Cheesecake Factory has the most impressive gluten free menu I've seen at any restaurant! I've been to this location numerous times and have never had a bad meal. Service is usually pretty great too. They also offer a GF chocolate cheesecake that is to die for. Ridiculously tasty! I definitely recommend this location.
(4)Julie N.
I usually go to the one in Fair Oaks but my boyfriend lives out close to Dulles and he had a gift card so.. Anyways, we came for brunch and we both ordered the Baja Chicken hash which was actually quite good. I have to say the service was a little not up to par. Usually we receive bread after we get our drinks at Fair Oaks or even after our order is taken but unfortunately we had to ask another waiter way after our order was taken which I hate doing because I feel like I'm annoying a server who isn't even our server. We barely saw our server and we didn't get refills on water at all. One problem did happen which my boyfriend found a curly black hair in his food. We flagged down our server when we did see him and he took it away and brought the manager who comped it off and also offered free dessert which was great! Definitely a solid three stars. The food is good but the service could definitely be improved.
(3)Rebecca M.
Despite being a chain restaurant, Cheesecake Factory is a good choice for a large group and seems to have something for everyone!! In my two experiences here, this location seems to have very competent management and waitstaff which keep things moving along even when there is a formidable line. My favorite is the Ahi Carpaccio--thinly sliced, buttery sweet tuna drizzled with wasabi aioli, paired with shaved green onion, pickled cucumbers and soy. I try to get a bit of each ingredient on each and every forkful and wait for the flavorful explosion in my mouth. The menu is huge and everyone in your party can usually find something to please them among the offerings! I recommend the Thai chicken wraps---deliciously nutritious with whole, fresh ingredients are huge hits with adults and kids alike!!
(4)Mark M.
Went for brunch on Mother's day. Could only do reservations between 9a -9:45A.D.(??) I always said their menu was too big--took 20 minutes for my dad to decide what to order (then he couldn't remember what he got). My Elvis-style waffle was incredible--light and crispy with bananas and bacon worg a melting peanut butter sauce.Yummy! Service was a little bumbled, not our waiter's fault, food for next table kept coming to us. And a couple of the steak + cheese's were on really tough bread. But management was on the ball and comped us the two, again thanks to our waiter(tnks,Nick). Overall, food was great. Service was even better. And you can't beat the choices for cheesecake. We'll definitely be going back.
(4)Jared J.
Cheescake Factory is truly phenomenal. It was clean, and the atmosphere was welcoming. Our server was the best of the best. He had a great personality, was very attentive, and made us feel welcome. The food was incredible! One of the best burgers I've ever tasted! It was like heaven on a bun, no joke. This is, without a doubt, a great establishment! Totally worthy of a five star review.
(5)Lynn S.
Good place to get carry out. Aside from the tempting case of cheese cakes representing every possible combination of flavors, I noticed a full bar and admired the open feeling from the high ceilings in the restaurant. The decor is so attractive that within minutes guests would never believe they were dining just outside the Dulles shopping mall (near Nordstrom's). My lunch-sized Cobb salad with slices of avocado and fresh turkey was just as I hoped. They put a container of balsamic vinegar dressing on the side, but if you prefer another dressing, just let them know when you order. This is a well run, reliable restaurant and best of all, the food does not disappoint! They also cater.
(4)Melissa J.
The food here is always excellent. There is so much to choose from including a wide variety of "skinny" options that are great for those who can't possibly eat the ridiculously large portions on the regular menu. The service here could be a lot better. For example, I ate here for lunch today with a group of 5. We were told there would be a twenty minute wait and there was which was fine. The restaurant was by no means packed, so when we were called to be seated we assumed we would be placed at one of the many tables that were open. The hostess led us to a dirty table, realized it wasn't ready, and asked to go back to the waiting area for five more minutes. We then watched this happen to two more groups. Not the end of the world, but kind of annoying. Still, delicious food here.
(4)Sakita D.
I've been to this Cheesecake Factory numerous times and each time I've had a pretty decent experience. It can be a bit pricey but they give very generous portions. I always leave with a doggy bag; enough for a full lunch the next day. We never usually order appetizers because we get trashed off of the honey-wheat bread they bring out and by the time the food comes I can only eat like 4 bites, then it's in the doggy bag. This time we ordered the Thai lettuce wraps. They were pretty delicious. It comes with julienned carrots, beans sprouts, grilled chicken (which honestly they could've given us a little more of for 3 people), noodles, and three different sauces: Thai chili, which was sweet but missing the spicy. A green sauce which was sweeter than the thai chili sauce and peanut sauce. The wraps were very good and a light appetizer to start off with. I ended up getting my usual, BBQ salmon. The salmon is always juicy and the amount of sauce they put on it is just right. It comes with a side of corn succotash but I always swap that out with steamed broccoli. Nom! The roasted red potatoes and thin crispy red onion straws just complete the dish. And last but not least I got a slice of chocolate cake that I can't remember the name of, but it was delicious, to go. Overall I rate them a 4.5
(4)Jessica M.
Food was fine. Service was ok too. I don't understand what the issue is with Cheesecake Factory floors. I always feel like I'm going to slip and fall. Bathrooms were gross. Wet floors, toilets not flushed, etc.
(3)Nitin S.
Been there lot of times for dinner but last visit was for brunch and it was great. Please try GODIVA CHEESECAKE PLEASE PLEASE
(5)Vivian D.
This place has a wonderful drink menu ranging from cocktails, mojitos, wines, margaritas, beers, specialty drinks, etc...you name it, they've got it!!! The factory peach bellini (peach puree, peach liquor, simple syrup and ice) is absolutely delicious and I highly recommend it. The bartender even showed me how to make it hehe!!! As for food, we ordered the Vietnamese shrimp summer rolls, tuna tartare and the BBQ salmon. I really enjoy their tuna tartare appetizer. It was absolutely delicious! Ohmygosh, I've had tuna tartare at high end restaurants in D.C. that don't even compare to the one here. I'm serious guys. As for the Vietnamese summer rolls, four words of advice: do not get it. It was unflavorful and gross. The rice paper wrapper was hard and cold...like it had been pre-made and was waiting in the fridge for us to order. We sent it back and received another one with the same issue which makes me think it's how the food is made. For our entree, we got the BBQ salmon that I thought was just okay. My boyfriend though enjoyed it very much. It was served over a corn salsa and a side of mash potatoes. The corn salsa wasn't flavorful, and the mashed potatoes could have been better replaced with some seasonable vegetables instead. Andddddd of course we didn't leave without ordering some cheesecakes to satisfy both of our sweet tooth.
(4)Rami S.
We go there very often as it is our 10-year old son's favorite restaurant. The service is always good, prompt and friendly. The Menu on the other hand is extensive and often confusing to choose from. The corn fritters and the chicken samosa are delicious. I also liked the Pizza but not being a fan of Cheesecake the wrong person to grade their signature item. Overall, a good experience and a nice bar.
(3)Nor C.
Went on a Monday night place was empty we got drinks and app in the first 10 mind then we sat for 40 mind until the manager came over to say sorry for the delay after another 10 we left
(1)Kimberly T.
A standard Cheesecake Factory with quality servers but slow and infrequent attention as is common at other locations. The initial wait was short only 15-20 minutes. The interior is nicely decorated. The volume was not too loud. The quality of food was good and the menu offers so many possible choices that there is something for everyone Better than most chain restaurants
(3)Grace D.
RUBBER BAND cooked into my husband's enchilada! Seriously, a black or navy colored rubber band cooked into an enchilada that is very light in color. Wondering how poorly the kitchen is run for this to happen. My salad, the barbeque ranch chicken was very watery. There was about 3 tablespoon of water at the bottom. Needless to say, this salad had NO flavor. This is my favorite dish at the Cheesecake Factory and have never had any problems at the Fair Oaks location but the Dulles location is horrible. Not only was the service terrible, they had to expedite my husband's food because of a snafu, perhaps the order was forgotten? Anyway, worst experience ever at a Cheesecake Factory. I will never go back to this location.
(1)Karen M.
Cheesecake Factory...yep I'm a fan! Lots of salads and California cuisine. I've had a few different types of their salads at various locations and the quality is pretty much the same. Their menu is huge, so almost everyone can find something. Pizza, Salads, Sandwiches, Burgers, Pasta, desserts, chicken and fish dishes...its a good casual place to go when you're hungry especially when you aren't sure what exactly you want. The Sterling location meets the same standards as other Cheesecake Factories. The only complaint I have about Cheesecake Factory is that their tables are soooo close together, its a bit awkward. (they all are like this, this location is nothing different) I had the ahi tuna appetizer and arugula salad for dinner the other night. The tuna tasted a bit too fishy, but otherwise was good. The boyfriend almost always gets the chicken parmesan sandwich, so I'm guessing its a winner! Decent, large menu, you can always find something to eat!
(4)Christian S.
We normally like CCF but the last couple of times it wasn't great. I just expect CCF to have a bit more sophisticated taste. Just greasy nachos, greasy vegetables, and dry bread doesn't make a great meal.
(2)Matt H.
Pretty good food. I had the burrito, which was huge, but it was light because there are a lot of vegetables in it and it was pretty good. I also had the Oreo Extreme Dream Cheesecake... OMG! It's a little cheesecake with a lot of mousse. I couldn't eat the whole thing because it's very rich, but it's oh so damn good! Our waitress was pretty good and the restaurant was very clean. The hostess who sat us was cold and seemed irritated for some reason. I didn't exactly enjoy going through the 21 pages of the menu and the waitress seemed irritated when I asked her what sodas they had. Sorry, I didn't make it to that page yet. WTF?!?! Whatever, it's not like we go there often (once every 2 years or so).
(3)Dino L.
Cheesecake Factory at Dulles town center is my favorite Restaurant . I always choose Cajun jambalaya dish and really it always good choice this dish also big enough to share I love it and customer services is great
(4)M. L.
My fiance and I went here over the weekend for a late lunch/early dinner. I am extremely disappointed in the quality of service at this location. Our waitress was very unfriendly. I'm not sure if she was having a bad day, but her greeting had no eye contact or smile. She was sick of us before she even took our order. We ordered two alcoholic beverages, which took way too long to come to the table. We also ordered an appetizer that took 20 minutes to get. Our waitress said she "is not sure what is going on with with kitchen today" but she let her manager know that we had to wait too long for a single appetizer. The appetizer was good (chicken potstickers); however, I cannot say the same for my Salmon Salad. The salad was grossly overdressed and the salmon was in one huge chunk slapped on top. Not very appealing. When our entrees came we requested from the food runner that we get some bread (our waitress never brought us any). He said enthusiastically "Sure! No problem!" He was never to be seen again. We would have asked our waitress, but we didn't see her again until after we finished our meal (at which point she filled our empty water glasses with warm water). We noticed that the tables around us were also getting poor service. The table next to us had to order another round of drinks because their first round of mojitos were wrong. The waitress immediately blamed the bartender saying "he is new" and took no personal responsibility for the mess up or the wait time. They finally got their drinks after they closed their tab and finished their meal. We were going to order dessert, but really we just wanted to get out of there. I usually enjoy the Chessecake Factory, but I will not be back at this location. I did not encounter one helpful employee here, and will be sure to not recommend this place to anyone I care about.
(1)Peach P.
I love the concept and idea of Cheesecake Factory. I love the ambiance. I love the cheescake but the food is always hit or miss. The menu is so big that even if you order the same thing twice it always ends up being a different dish. I think they should scale back the menu and put more focus into fewer dishes. Have 20 or so really great options instead of having 200 mediocre ones.
(3)Juicy G.
Great food - Poor service I'm very confused by why we had to wait five to ten minutes for a table last night. There were at least twenty open tables, and yet the host was taking names, and handing out pagers. There were two tables ahead of us with no more than three people per group, and yet we were all standing around a half empty restaurant waiting to be seated. Sadly, while Cheesecake Factory has some very spectacular meals, this common downshift of staff motivation to do their jobs really kills pretty much every experience we've had at this place. Staff are slow, often disappear for long periods before coming back around, and on a few occasions have even forgotten to fulfill requests such as drink refills or bringing the bill. We've even been on occasion where we were seated, sat there for fifteen minutes, and then just left because nobody ever came to the table. The food is good - No doubts there. I can honestly only remember one meal in which I didn't particularly care for, but other than that, I've given the menu a fair shot of variations, and every other one has been pretty spot on. I don't recommend using their to go option when ordering. For starters, despite saying "To Go Parking" on the signs, mall dwellers don't seem to want to honor this. Often times the spots are taken up by people either eating in the restaurant or wandering the mall, and Cheesecake Factory doesn't appear to do anything about this. In that regard, why have to go parking? More importantly, their meals just don't transport well. The one and only time I've experienced this is when my girlfriend wanted a burger, so I trekked out here to get one. By the time I got home, the bun was soggy, we found that items were missing, and the food was cold. Mind you, I live no more than five to seven minutes away from the place. Sadly, the whole thing leaves room for fault. Eating here is a pain because of service, yet getting it to go causes the quality of the food to suffer greatly. Needless-to-say my dining at Cheesecake Factory is few and far between. While this means that every meal is memorable, a lot of times it's for the wrong reason. To close on a more positive note, one of our favorite things to do is to go during nicer weather, and enjoy their outside seating with a bottle of wine and a few appetizers. It's a nice alternative to a date night - Especially on nights that have a little chill to the air, but they compensate by turning on the outside heaters above every table.
(2)Greg M.
Who doesn't love Cheesecake Factory? Apparently some don't reading the reviews. Whenever I come in here I realize this is the cool place for the young teenage set, just like whatever that place was wherever that was back when I was a teen. BTW, that someplace was somewhere a heck of a lot cheaper. In any case, I've come to the conclusion that you can generally count on good food at the Chez' factory, and normally good service. On our most recent outing (out of five or so to this location), we celebrated our 9 y/o's birthday - we did not ask the waiters to do anything, did not ask them for a show, just brought along a couple presents from the family for her to open. She had such a good time and the waiter made her feel special despite his struggling with English. He provided excellent service and provided her a nice treat as well. We really enjoyed this latest trip to the Chez' and will return for sure. Specifics: The Carlton is outstanding when you're in the mood for a filling salad - lots of cheese and fruit to add plenty of taste to your meal. The feta isn't plentiful - do the waiter a favor and ask him to add some extra feta - will be better that way. The oranges are a little disappointing (canned?), but the pear, pecans, and everything else is outstanding. This is my favorite item for sure on their menu. Again - it's a filling, salad-in-name-only sort of thing, so if you're a dude who just feels that need for roughage, this is an option.
(4)Wai T.
I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars. In one hand it's good enough to have 4 stars but not really worthy of the extra mention due to the overwhelming same-ness with other Cheesecake Factory. Quality, food, decor, price: Same as any other cheesecake factory throughout the country. Same pretty delicious over-portioned food. Same overpriced virgin drinks. Same awesome cheesecakes. Very safe bet if you can't find anything else.
(3)Michelle B.
Met colleague for a drink. We both ordered mojitos - classic. First time I've tried one and I loved it. We also had the Asian chicken wraps, calamari and edamame. All were very good. Server was excellent and attentive. A bit pricy - $11 for each cocktail.
(4)Mike R.
Not really a fan of this place. I've had a couple good experiences, a couple bad experiences with the food, and I'm just not sure it's worth the calories, sodium shock, or the wait. So... I had the meatloaf sandwich once -- WAY too salty and too mushy on the texture. The bacon jelly jam stuff was good though. I had the Shrimp BLT once -- which would have been good, but they MURDERED it with way too much dressing. I'm talking KILLED it. I tried the Shrimp BLT again -- without the dressing. Damn, wish I had a little bit of dressing, now it was too dry. I don't like Cheesecake. Crazy, I know! I had the Orange Chicken once -- it was okay, but I'd rather go to a chinese restaurant for it. I had the Kobe burger once -- that one, I actually enjoyed. I have tried several bites of random other things from other people's plates and none of it really impressed me. It's usually too salty or too rich for my blood. I could maybe put all that aside if there wasn't always a huge wait to eat here... Like an hour or more when we've gone... (if it were just me, I would have moved on.... but I guess its really worth the wait to some) so, I guess I'm alone in my struggles with this place. If I go again, its either the Kobe burger or Shrimp BLT (sauce on the side). Damn, I really want that Shrimp BLT to come out right. I think it would be good.
(2)Don D.
The food is always great -but- some of the wait staff are the reason why I will take my $$$ elsewhere. Another contributor stated that take out is good - I agree, the food is spot on but have had problems with service. Recently went there for lunch, after placing orders, waited over 40 minutes with nothing - our meals were salads. Waitress stood by the POS station, fanning herself with a menu. Men's bathroom was pretty rough - no soap in dispenser - makes you wonder how the staff were washing their hands before handling your food... Spoke with manager, did not seem to care about the situation - we left w/o getting our food. Too many other restaurants in the area to visit.
(2)Nya A.
I love this place...great for groups, the food is delicious, the price is reasonable and above. I love there strawberry salad. The servings is a lot for me so it's nice to share w/ your kids. Great location. Friendly service.
(4)Burcu B.
Wait times are always really long and the service is terrible! I have been tried other chains and had no issues with others. But this one is terrible! I would not recommend anyone to go there. Try somewhere else!
(1)Brooklyn B.
Great food! OMG the appetizers alone will fill you up. Go there starving. It's a bit pricey but so worth it. My only negative is the terrible seating. You are always nearly elbow to elbow with strangers. They need to redesign the seating seriously but if you can look past that then you'll enjoy your meal. The staff is young and pretty nice also.
(4)Joann B.
I think this chain restaurant has been very good across the board. It boggles my mind how the cooks/chefs there are able to have such an enormous and varied menu and keep the food good. They've got Asian, Italian, American, steaks, salads, sandwiches, etc etc etc. This is definitely not a place for someone on a diet, even if you order from the skinny menu! The appetizer dishes are even sized like regular entrees here, so if you want to leave room for a cheesecake slice or two, beware. Since the menu is so large, I've been trying not to eat the same thing twice, SO, I can only say that I've never been disappointed. I wish I could describe my favorites to you, but really, you just have to go and see for yourself. This place isn't some 'out of this world' restaurant, but it's a definite stand by, especially if you're craving cheese cake. The cheesecakes I've tried: banana cream, red velvet, chocolate mousse, dulce de leche, vanilla bean, pineapple upside down, caramel pecan turtle, carrot cake. That's quite a list! They're all good and of course it all depends on what you're craving but the banana cream cheesecake ranks high up there for me. :) They're creamy and really FULL of flavor. They're so sweet your teeth are likely going to hurt after one bite. I don't think I've ever finished a slice due to the richness. The service is good, I've not had bad service here yet and I've been to quite a few Cheesecake Factories. They don't have call ahead seating or even take reservations, so be prepared to go there for an early (before 7) or late (an hour or two before closing) dinner; if not, you might be in for a long wait.
(4)Rita M.
For as celebrated of a chain as it is, I am not sure I understand the Cheesecake Factory hype. The dinner menu is extremely monotonous. I went with the chicken alla panna and it was kind of tasteless and dull. I enjoyed the heaping side of mashed potatoes it came with but that should hardly be the high point of a dish. The cheesecakes were extremely tasty, albeit so dwarfed by mountains of whipped cream that I had to scrape off some of the topping to enjoy the actual cake. I wish they would add a fruit element to the vanilla bean cheesecake because it gets super sweet and one-dimensional after a few bites. Two stars off because out waiter looked like he truly hated his existence on Earth and was sweating uncontrollably. I understand that working on a Friday night is no easy feat but a smile goes a long way.
(2)Mike F.
I stopped by here at 4:30 PM on a Wednesday. Normally I find this place a tad overpriced but if you come before 5PM it's HAPPY HOUR! We had three different appetizers for $5 each and I had a decent Mojito for $5. Started with the potstickers (average, just like Costco's), the factory nachos (decent and huge platter with guacamole and good chips), and the crab wontons (decent, great sauce for dipping). I also chowed down on the chicken and sun dried tomato pasta which is also at a reduced lunch price of $11.50. After the waitress added some parmesan cheese it was delicious. It was not crowded at all and the service was great. Overall we saved at least $30 and that;s what makes this 4 stars. I will be going back for happy hour in the future!
(4)Sam C.
This is not haute cuisine; rather, think upscale diner with an expansive menu to match! I like it that no matter who's with you, everyone can find something they like. We love their summer rolls and pot stickers, and the their meatloaf hits the spot when you want comfort food!
(4)Heather G.
I went late last week and wasn't too impressed with the edamame beans. It was missing salt. Even though I didn't go there for edamame, I needed something to coat my stomach while I downed my alcoholic drinks. The beans didn't cut it, so I ordered the fried macaroni and cheese balls. Sounds disgusting, but those things are delicious! The menu at The Cheesecake Factory is the largest, I have ever seen anywhere. Overall, the food is always good. The portions are huge (always enough for two additional meals) and the HH is always on point for my pocket. I just wish the HH had better hours. Back in the days, the cheesecake slices used to be larger. My favorite is the Red Velvet Cheesecake.
(4)Henry R.
We came here 30 minute before they close on a Friday night. Been here several times and the foods ranged from good to below average. Service was okay; our server disappeared from times to times and had to ask him to refill our waters. The calamari appetizer was pretty tasty and was never disappointed with it. Our favorite entrée has always been the chicken marsala pasta. Their cheesecakes were pretty yummy as well. However, our entrees this time was very unappetizing. My girlfriend got the wasabi crusted ahi tuna and I got the hibachi steak. My girlfriend said her ahi tuna was very mushy and wasn't fresh. My hibachi steak (which I have had numerous times and was delicious) was missing the sauce, it was just the steak itself and I had to ask for the sauce separately later. Maybe we caught them on an off day and near closing times. We really liked their mojito though.
(2)Taylor K.
I have lived in Sterling my whole life and have tried every restaurant in the area. I have eaten at Cheesecake at the Dulles Mall many times and finally decided to write a review. If you are looking for a wide variety of food (I think they have 260 menu items) and amazing cheesecake then definitely check this place out. The service can be so-so and I wouldn't say they do any 1 dish amazing, out of this world, 5 stars, but everything I have ordered has been decently solid. I'm a simpleton, so I usually get the burgers, pizzas, or pasta dishes; all are pretty good. They have Brunch of Sunday and the breakfast food is very good; Monte Cristo sammy is on point. For cheesecakes, I would recommend the Ultimate Red Velvet or the Tuxedo Cream. It can be a little pricey, but its definitely worth a visit; bring your appetite! Food is 3*, cheesecake is 4*
(3)T B.
First time at this location. Loved it!!! As usual, you get a plate full of delicious food so loosen your belts, sit back, and enjoy. Ordered the enchaladas and couldn't finish it all, so it went home with me. Wait is a bit long, but worth it.
(4)Jeanie M.
I simultaneously love and hate the Cheesecake Factory. Their food is always fresh, hot, and good, but their portions are huge and the menu is so extensive that by the time I get to the end I can't remember what I read in the beginning. I find I have to go there with an idea of what I want in mind (burger, pasta, salad, etc) and stick to only those pages. I think their GlamBurgers are second to none. I also really enjoy their selection of small plates because I like to try a little bit of a lot of things. Recently we went and tried out some of the new menu items they have. The Parmesan polenta fries are auh-mazing! Do yourself a favor and get them. You won't be sorry.
(4)Ashley G.
Being a national chain, I'm not about to write an extensive review on the quality of their food and/or service. There are standards just like at every McDonald's and you like the concept or you don't. Personally, it's one of my favorite restaurants along with CPK. I just want to point out something my waitress did last time I was there---something most servers at any other restaurant always fail to do. I ordered the chicken salad sandwich (so delicious) and asked for it without tomatoes. Our waitress asked me if I wanted the side salad without tomatoes as well. And for that, I am so appreciative. Everywhere else I go (ie: Red Robin), I order whatever without tomatoes and then get a side salad that turns out to be full of chopped up tomatoes that are too plentiful to pick out and taint the lettuce with their gross taste/guts. I always forget to question tomatoes on salad so I'm so happy that someone at Cheesecake can put together that if I don't like it on my sandwich, I probably won't like it on my salad either!! Thank you so much! Even the little things like that deserve the recognition in my book. I was very impressed and you made my dining experience at Cheesecake even better than it normally is...a stand out from the normal (good), expected service at the chain.
(5)Scott L.
I hadn't been to a Cheesecake Factory in a long time and I was reminded why. I had the Lettuce Wraps and it was OK, but nothing special. I then had the Firecracker Chicken and it wasn't spicy and all and overly sweet. I just couldn't get very excited about any of the food. The portions are huge and I'm sure there were tons of sugar in my entree, which may appeal to some people, but it's not for me. The service wasn't very good and our waiter seemed to forget about us on a few occasions. There's plenty of other good food choices in the area and I don't think I'll be going back here anytime soon.
(2)Mandi H.
Tonight was bad from the start. A waitress pushed me out of her way while I was holding my baby just to get to the cheesecake counter while I was waiting to put my name on the list to be seated. The obviously annoyed manager couldn't follow the lines order and put anybody's name on the list that pushed to the front. I will say the only pleasant part of the night was our patient waiter Noah P. He took his time while taking our order. I ordered something that wasn't on the printed menu and my husband had questions about his meal. He never seemed unwilling to help even though the place was slammed and his other table was obviously giving him a hard time about canceling their order after their food was already made. You would think yummy cheesecake would make the night better until we got in line and witnessed the cheesecake server eat the carrot cake crumbs with his gloved hand and then prepare someone else's cheesecake while wearing his saliva coated glove and chomping his gums. We got out of line after that. I've worked in the food industry before and I get it. Things happen but you NEVER put your hands on a customer and you NEVER break food safety/public health laws!
(1)Paul B.
I know it's a chain. I know that the food is exactly the same at every restaurant, and that should lead me to question if it's really made fresh, or if they're just microwaved bags of food, BUT I can't help it. I like the Cheesecake Factory. I've liked it ever since the first time I went there back in like 1999 or whenever it was. I've liked every single one I've been to, including this one in Sterling. My wife and I go here about once every one or two months, and we always have a good time. The food is good, the service is good, the ambiance is good. I usually get the Jambalaya Chicken Pasta or the Pasta Da Vinci, or the Chicken Marsala. But really, almost everything on the menu is delicious, and it's always more than enough food. The Cheesecake is five-star delicious every time. The Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake and the Raspberry Chocolate Truffle are two of my favorites, but I have yet to have a cheesecake there that wasn't really delicious. The Key Lime is good, but a little overpowering after the first couple of bights. That might be a good one to get for a group if everyone's only trying a little bit.
(4)David L.
My wife loves this restaurant. We eat here a lot but at the Tyson location. We normally order our favorites - Diana steak for me and Louisiana Chicken pasta for her. I tried something different this time, Hibachi Steak, and it's very good. Their dumplings are very good also for appetizers. We also love the Mojito here. My favorite is the mango one. You really can't go wrong eating here. Their menu is very extensive and there bound to be something that fit your taste. Oh, did I mention the cheesecakes here are really good? :)
(4)Leachim S.
Fast Friendly Service! This is one of my favorite restaurant chains and the staff at this CCF was excellent. The wait was not long at all and the entire experience was great.
(5)Jen C.
Had the Cajun Fried Chicken pasta. It was DELICIOUS!!!
(5)Faith C.
Good food! I ate at the bar and enjoyed glass of Pinot Grigio - Campanile, Crispy Wrappers Filled with Spiced Chicken. Served with Cilantro Dipping Sauce, Boston House Salad, and Chicken sliders. I forgot to take home a piece of cheescake - shame on me and it was my Birthday! I like this restaurant and the type of music they have pumped it.
(5)Family L.
They have added a tremendous gluten free menu. Cheesecake factory may be a chain, but they are a good chain, at least, and they offer the most GF options of any chain restaurant I have seen. Looks nothing like the Cheesecake Factory on Big Bang Theory. I really wonder how BBT got permission to use the name, when the restaurant shown on the show looks so much worse than the real thing.
(4)Joe V.
I've never visited Cheesecake Factory without an excellent dinner and good service. It is incredible how they are able to have almost every type of food (American, Asian, Italian, and there may be more!) on their menu. Although I've never ordered off it, I like the edition of the Skinnylicious Menu for anybody on a diet or just does not want to have too much for dinner. I really recommend the Four Cheese Pasta as a dish; it was so amazing and big a portion I was surprised I was able to finish it (in a good way though!). It's basically a bowl of penne with Romano, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses mixed together with a handful of basil leaves. I had to say it was an incredible pasta and probably the best I've had near where I live! Of course, the bread basket they give at each table is amazing too, with both white and brown bread together (I usually have the brown). Hence the name Cheesecake Factory, if you're hungry for one of their exclusive cheesecakes, I recommend the Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake. My family and I have tried a few others, but none of them are like the Oreo Dream Extreme, with layers of fudge cake and Oreo cookie mousse, topped with milk chocolate icing and an Oreo cookie! Not only that, for every slice of Oreo Dream Extreme you have, 25 cents is donated to Feeding America. Imagine enjoying yourself for dessert while helping hungry families in America. However, Cheesecake Factory does tend to fill up quickly, so I recommend that you get your name on the list (they don't take reservations) before it's too long a wait for a table! All in all, I would have to say it is my favorite chain restaurant to eat at!
(5)Ashley A.
You need to set an appointment to ensure adequate time to examine their menu/next Great American novel. The portions are "Fat Bastard" sized, even the lunch ones. The service brings to mind lyrics to that Katy Perry Hot and Cold song. The hostesses and servers give off that "Blind Date" kind of vibe; spending lots of time flirting and giving each other the 'come hither' look, complete with off-color thought bubbles and inappropriate under-the-breath remarks. Other than that, the food has been mostly decent. Cheesecake is overrated and will blow your entire weeks' worth of calorie allotment. Stuffed Garlic Rolls = glorified mozzarella balls with enough garlic to offend Edward Cullen. They really should watch some Chef Ramsay Kitchen Nightmares episodes about what happens when you have a ridiculously large menu of food ranging from random ethnicities spanning one end of the globe to the other.
(3)Brian M.
Cheesecake Factory always impresses me with their consistency. If you have been to one, you have seen the best they have to offer. The food there is always good and the staff is very well trained and attentive. Last time I went I just had an appetizer, the lettuce wraps. Very good! the prices are a little up there and the drinks are way up there but every once in a while it is a good place to go for the ambiance. As I said this one in Dulles/Sterling area is the same in consistency as the one I grew up going to in Jersey. Over all good chain though!
(3)Glenn H.
I used to go there for years when living in Southern California. Always felt like home despite the goofy neo-Roman architecture and overwhelming size. The locations in Newport Beach and Hermosa (I think) had nice ocean views and were a little smaller. Around DC, I was always amazed they could get people to wait 3 hours for a table when they were located only in Chevy Chase. Well, over a decade later, they discovered belatedly Northern Virginia was not the redneck hinterlands and these places are in Arlington, Tysons, Dulles and yes, even Fair Oaks. We always go to the Dulles location at 5-5:30 on Saturday nights, when we can get a booth almost immediately. If all they have are tables, this place goes to one-star real quickly, because at the Dulles location with the 3-4 kid nuclear families who live around here, it's basically McDonalds-style seating. I stick with things that I'm comfortable with here, like the caesar salad (really for 2 people) and the shepherd's pie. Most of their entrees are quantity above quality (their Chinese-style entrees are best taken in small portions, lots of sugary-tasting sauces), and are best shared. Of course, the cheesecake is the best outside NY, certainly the most variety, but if you are expecting Junior's or Lindy's-style cheesecake, not going to happen. Just not enough texture or air. You can always buy Cheesecake Factory cheesecake at Sam's Club. :)
(3)Julie P.
Wait staff is barely competent and everything takes FOREVER even when they aren't busy. Over two hours to order, eat and get the bill. Not a big deal sometimes but when you have 3 toddlers its frustrating as heck. The food was barely ok but the service situation is what assures that we won't be back.
(1)Aileen B.
We needed a nightcap after Girls' Night Out (Fri, 5/22) and some birthday shopping for baby sister, so my two sisters and I stopped by for some sweets and a calamari app (what a combo, I know). The 30th Anniversary chocolate cake cheesecake is a dessert not-to-be-missed! It consisted of layers of their original cheesecake, chocolate ganache, and moist chocolate fudge cake. I also detected lovely crunchy chocolate pieces ("chocolate pearls" according to the online menu) embedded in the fudge cake... mmm! We also had the Tiramisu cheesecake- always a delight! I've noticed that TCF has significantly reduced the portions of their cheesecake slices. The difference is quite remarkable as I clearly recall buying single serving portions to go, which used to take up the entire to-go container, which is cleverly shaped in the form of a dessert slice; the homemade whipped cream used to sit atop the dessert. The dollop now has its own side of the container, no thank you very much, since you now get half the original size, yet pay original-slice prices. Boo! Calamari was awesome! My lithmus test of great calamari is when I don't need to add anything else to the appetizer but a squeeze of lemon juice (and sometimes, not even that!). Simple, yet divine. Ordered a to-go slice of Fresh strawberry cheesecake for Mom, which no one touched until three days later, and not by Mom, either (you three know who you are!). Judging by not seeing a single crumb on anyone's plates 60 seconds later, I'd say the cheesecake slice with its two small, glazed strawberries tasted fantastic! I could be wrong... (I should reiterate that the new serving slices are much smaller than they used to be!) TCF: this easily could've been four stars, but thumbs-down for halving your dessert portions yet retaining original prices! You could've at least knocked the serving price down one or two dollars...
(3)Kara M.
I've been here twice. First time was during the summer. We sat outside. Waitress was super nice. My usual cocktail and louisiana chicken pasta was awesome. The bf got filet also delicious. Last night we visited because I desperately wanted some avocado egg rolls. From now on I will definitely be requesting a booth from the get go, so we don't have to walk to a squeezed in tiny table next to randoms (at which time I say oh actually we'd like a booth thanks...) Sooo when our waiter came he seemed all rushed even though we hadn't been waiting long. He wreaked, obviously having just come back from a smoke break. Fab. I decided to be adventurous and healthy so I ordered a barbecue chicken salad. Every ingredient in this thing looked and tasted like it came from a can. I know the portions are gigantic but that just made it worse... because this salad sucked. The cheesecake slice that I always end up taking home was good though... Anyway from now on I will be less adventurous and may just end up getting take out to save all the hassle. Oh and whatever other yelpers have said about parking in the take out spot seems to be true, because I watched someone walk out of LA fitness last night and over to their car parked in the Take Out spot. Nice. Parking sucks because everything noteworthy in this craptastic mall is crammed into the same area.
(2)George N.
Ive never been a fan of this place, but this time they got everythign right and I was full, just came along for the ride. got fresh squeezed orange juice and it really was server was polite, friendly and knew the menu and delivered his promises two words...velvet cheesecake! kept it for the next day and it was a delight to enjoy slowly, almost got the pineapple upside down cheesecake, the portions were large. ordered a burger medium done and it and the fries were just right, I was satiated, thats all she wrote or cared to write
(4)Orefor O.
The atmosphere may be the same, however the food and service has noticeably gone down the hill. The wait staff don't even take time to smile or even take time to make good first impression other than at the end of the meal handing over the check. Certainly don't come over to see if we need anything, it's like I just sit there looking stupid. The food we had last night, one of the dish had long black hair which we pull out of the chicken. My salad was wilted, couple cilantro literally dried up. Can't believe they left that on my dish. Not to mention it was over drenched with dressing. I picked over the salad and had about quarter. The wait staff didn't bother to check on us if the meal was alright, he certainly could of noticed my salad was 3/4 full. Bottom line disappointed with the meal and service. We don't come back like we used to, just not worth the money or the time. They're many restaurant around with friendly service and clean meal.
(2)Sandi W.
The Cheesecake Factory is always a fav of mine. I had the Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo this time. Yummy, yummy! Very spicy so beware those who can't handle or don't like spicy dishes. My only complaint for this location is that they didn't have black napkins. Their white napkins leave so much lint on you especially when wearing darker clothes.
(4)Chris D.
I managed to go 32 years of life without eating at one of these bastions of mediocrity... but alas, that streak is over. I'm really just writing this review to thank my boss publicly for treating us (shhh... performance review time is approaching). Thanks boss! You're the bestest!!
(2)M B.
The Cheesecake Factory is always a safe bet when going out to eat in a larger group. I really love the food, it's always really good and I find that each dish has a bit of a unique spin to it. The menu is massive-- anyone can find something they like. The desserts are phenominal. I'm not much of a cheesecake fan, but I do reccomend Linda's fudge cake. As long as you're sharing it with someone or taking most of it home in a to-go box. The atmosphere is awesome. It's classy yet casual. The service is usually decent, although I did recently have a lousy waitress. Definitely a safe bet. Good place to go with friends, your family, on a date, etc.
(4)Karen S.
This was my first visit to the Cheesecake Factory and I was impressed. We were greeted and lead to a table right away. Our server was helpful, made suggestions that were good and kept checking in on us. I had the Steak Diane and sauteed spinach. I'm not sure if it was because I was very hungry, but the spinach was some of the best I've tasted. We finished up with a slice of red velvet cake, which was truly divine!
(4)Justin D.
Decent food at a decent price. I have noticed the prices creeping up the last couple of years. Our kids love to go here for the cheesecake. The menu can be hit or miss depending on what you order. The service at this particular location has never been very good for us. We always wait forever to get our food. I usually get the Spicy cashew Chicken as it's safe and pretty good. I've tried a couple of the the other specials like the Crispy Beef and the Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp and was not impressed at all. The Greek Salad and Fried Calamari are also pretty good if you combine both for your actual meal. Forget about trying to order take out Fri-Sun. I have tried to go in and pick up my food several times only to have to wait 20+ minutes to pick up food that was already ready on the counter. I walked out without my food 2 out of three times.
(3)Wisam A.
Very bad customer service, I went with my family and friends on Thursday June /6th at 6:15 pm , they didn't let us to sit because we have a baby stroller for my 2 months age baby the weather is was rainy and very windy , the manager is very arrogant and rude .bad policy ,I used to go with my friends at least twice a month ,but we decided no to go this miserable place any more
(1)Caroline W.
Like I saw in another review - you should absolutely try to share your entree with someone else! The portions are family sized. I've tried a fair amount of things here, most are just pretty good. Nothing is usually amazing, and some things are just downright disappointing. A lot of their salads are bland, or coated in so much cilantro you can hardly tell the difference between them. The appetizers are just okay as well, such as the avocado rolls. It was almost difficult eating four of them, plus I was full afterward. Stars of the menu? BBQ chicken pizza (rivals CPK, the master). It's great at lunch because you get a reasonable sized pizza paired with a half salad. It's only about $13 because its the lunch menu, yet its still enough to feed two people. They also have some good pastas, but you feel like you've shortened your life by a few years after eating any of them. And of course, the desserts are amazing. It goes without saying that the cheesecake is good, but they also have a cinnamon apple dessert that comes with ice cream that is so delicious you don't know what to do with yourself. The size of it varies, but once I ordered it to go and I swear they gave me at least a pound of food. It lasted me a full weekend, just reheated the apples in the microwave and saving the ice cream in the freezer. Downsides of the whole place would be that its always packed and lunch and they don't even do call ahead seating unless you're in a big group, and the bread they serve while you wait is just pitiful. Oh and parking isn't fun since its right at the mall (which also provides zero views), but at least its convenient if you have other things to do.
(3)Matt N.
Why. do. they. serve. so many different types of food? I don't think I've had anything that would make me want to go back, with exception to the cheesecake. And my damn cholesterol won't allow that very often. I agree with the sentiment of a previous review stating they should grab a handful of things from the menu and try to make them taste less like salt and overbearing sauce, more like something you can identify some flavors from. I also don't get why one portion is big enough to feed three of four girls from the Facts of Life--Natalie can tackle her own plate I'm sure. Even the side salads are massive...why? At the risk of sounding un-american, it's just a grandiose waste of food. I can't imagine how much food is trashed by the end of an average day, whether it's by the restaurant or people who take leftovers to go. The service is hit or miss... I never actually feel like going to Cheesecake Factory, it's usually because someone else decides that's where they're going and I'm tagging along. There is too much good food in the NoVA/DC area to waste time, money and toilet paper on this one... If you just want cheesecake, by all means....otherwise, fuhget it.
(1)Nadine F.
The food here is disgusting, but I really like the cheesecake! If you're forced to go here for dinner, the only decent thing I've had is the Chicken Madeira, and I would get it again if I have to go. It's roast chicken on mashed potatoes, which is pretty hard to screw up. Lord, even the appetizers suck. How hard is it to make quesadillas? The salad is terrible too. What really bothers me is how extensive their menu is. They have at least 100 different entrees on their menu, and I've only had one thing that didn't suck. I would really just prefer for them to find 5-10 things that they can make decently, and just serve those. I know it's a giant chain, but I still love the cheesecake. The tiramisu cheesecake is my favorite, and I think it ties with the plain cheesecake with strawberries on top. The coffee is pretty good, and even better with the cheesecake.
(3)Dwayne H.
Giving it two stars because the Buffalo Blasts are freaking awesome. The cheesecake is pretty good too...the rest needs work. If you have any food allergies, I would suggest immediately asking to speak to a manager. Show him your Epi-Pen and make sure he realizes that if you eat something you're allergic to, you might die. Apparently, that's the only way to get them to take a food allergy seriously. Our server actually had attitude when we asked if something contained eggs. God forbid that she would have to walk to the kitchen and ask a simple question. In the time that it took her to roll her eyes and scoff, she could have asked...the manager did accommodate us, got us a new server and made sure that my wife's dishes had no eggs. Still, I just don't understand why people aren't more accommodating or accepting of food allergies. All of that aside, some of the appetizers are good, the cheesecake is pretty good...they have beer and TVs...and some of the 6000 entrees are OK. All in all, hit or miss, if you have allergies, hope that you get a server who cares.
(2)Kelly K.
I've been to the Cheesecake Factory at several different locations. This by far has been the worst service I've received thus far. The management neglected to make a visit to the table after I found what seemed to be hair (pubic what it seemed to be) in the bread. I completely lost my appetite and although I am not one to make a scene or be dramatic/demanding, the waiter simply looked at the bread and said "eww yeah gross" and took the bread back. He returns and mentions to me that he had told the manager and continued on with business as usual. Needless to say I was "full" and ate very little of my meal, which may have contributed to the loss of appetite. The manager never showed up and their was no other mention or compensation of my experience and a bill that was not worth it. I went ahead and paid the $80 for the meal that was charged in full for 3 and requested to speak with the manager on my way out. He came out and simply made excuses saying that there must have been miscommunication as another manager had left work. I was not looking for a free meal, but really at the very least wanted to be heard!! Long story short, this location lacks service and has very poor management.
(1)RJ S.
We enjoy The Cheesecake Factory, we've dined there a number of times, and it is consistent. Always good service, great food, love the atmosphere, and have yet to have a bad experience.
(4)Dee C.
I love love their Santa Fe salad. Good service and tons of healthy options.
(5)Ruufus M.
I just returned from Sunday dinner at the Dulles, VA restaurant after eating in the bar area. What a disappointment. In spite of all the hype about the Cheesecake Factory menu, I've never had a good meal or good service at this location. The food is mediocre at best and overpriced, certainly for what you get. I ordered a grilled pork chop with a side of asparagus. The chop was dry, tough and flavorless. The asparagus was raw, barely cooked, with no flavor. Even though I only ate a few bites and the plate was hardly touched, the waiter just took the plate away. Never asked if the food was ok. Didn't stop back during the meal to check on the table. He basically took the order and then brought the check. I wasted over $50 and two hours of my life on tasteless food. I won't make the mistake of eating at this restaurant again.
(1)Kim M.
Really good. We had one of their specials, mahi mahi with artichoke and caper sauce, and their baked chicken. Both excellent. Good sized servings for a very good price, I'm looking forwards to my tasty leftovers for lunch. Will definitely go there again.
(5)Frank W.
Ambiance - 3 stars Food - 4 stars (portion sizes here are HUGE, consider sharing with someone else) Service - 4 stars
(4)Enver A.
It was quite OK. For appetizer we got nachos with chicken which i did not quite like. For entree i got tacos with chicken it was great and service was great as well.
(4)