Ah, The Cheesecake Factory. Really, what is there to say? The menu is about 20 pages long and includes everything from grilled rib-eye steak to soups and sandwiches. And fried mac and cheese. Omelettes. Pizza. Fish tacos. Chicken any which way you want. Not to mention, of course, cheesecake in every flavor imaginable. Don't like cheesecake? That's OK, get your dessert fix with a caramel apple dumpling or chocolate cake. The food is (pretty much) always good, and you can't beat the ambience for when you're feeling a little sophisticated but not stuffy.

WHAT: The Cheesecake Factory, (210) 798-2222; Curbside To Go Pickup, (210) 340-0464

WHERE: Inside North Star Mall, 7400 San Pedro, No. 120

HOURS: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Curbside service also available.

TASTE SENSATION: The meatloaf ROCKS. It has to be the best thing on the menu. Everything is fresh and plentiful; if you don't need a takeout box, you're pretty hungry. Though the menu is neverending, everything has a distinct flavor. No two dishes taste the same. And, of course, Cheesecake Factory is a sweet tooth's heaven. But if you're trying to watch your waistline, fear not (although only a foolish dieter would eat here): Cheesecake Factory has introduced the Weight Management Salads, which are each under 590 calories each. There's even a low-carb cheesecake. Add to that a full bar as well as specialty drinks with names like Typhoon Punch and Banana Banshee, and you've got yourself a long, lingering lunch or a dinner that can last late into the night. And that's not a bad thing because here's another perk: The waiters are pretty easy on the eyes (the waitresses surely are, too, but this writer wouldn't know). Yes, the service is excellent, too, but which counts more?

TUMS WORTHY: So, you thought there would be nothing negative to say about CF, did you? Well, while we're not very picky, here are a few things to keep in mind: The menu is SO huge, it can be mindboggling. It also can be intimidating for a CF virgin. Make sure you have at least an idea of what you're craving before you sit down, or just perusing the menu will take you a few drinks and a couple of baskets of the fresh bread they bring out. Reservations are a good idea because rare is the time this place isn't packed, no matter what time of day. And be prepared to pay for the high-quality food and drink. It's not the most expensive place you could throw down, but it ain't cheap, either.

THE 210 TAKE: You can go to Cheesecake Factory again and again and still never be halfway through the menu, so it's hard to get bored. This is a great place for birthdays and other celebrations, but it's also casual enough to be a place to take a break from shopping. But many others have this idea, too, so be sure you have enough time and aren't rushing. Savor the CF experience.
 
Julie Ann Vera | 210SA