This chain, which focuses on major U.S. cities, is known for its odd ambiance and kick-balls cheesecake. Garish, some might even say ugly, but it does convey the more relaxed atmosphere the otherwise busy and humming restaurant strives for. The menu of the Cheesecake Factory first appears to be a small book. Upon closer examination you realize that the number of pages of food is around 15. The remainder are advertisements from various well-known companies. After the often rather painful process of deciding what on those 15 pages you are going to eat, the waiter brings you your food. It is the size that could stuff two of you, most likely. Yeah, the entrees are around $10-$15 usually, but you get a couple of meals. And you must, you must, save room for the cheesecake. The final page of the menu is dedicated to the cheesecake list. The servings are again generous, and they are nummy.

Place is popular enough that long waits are commonplace. They give you a pager, and you are welcome to wander around a bit, have a drink at their bar, take a walk around Old Orchard, whatever. It vibrates when a table is available.