Now I understand why the wait is so long! My husband loves the Cheesecake Factory. So even though I dislike it, I end up there every few months. I have two major pet peeves, which may actually be positive things for other people. (perhaps reflects more of personal neurosis, that is, than problems with the restaurant)
The menu is huge! As in 20 + pages. I feel like they make so many things, that nothing in particular stands out as being that 'good' and after a while it all starts seeming really similar. I'd rather go to a place that offers a few options that I can consider rather than a gazillion mediocre versions.
The portions are huge! Again, dislike this immensley. I don't that much, but when I go out, I love variety. I like to be able to eat an appatizer, some salad, try someone else's entree. It's what makes going out to eat fun for me. The portions there are so tremendous, that I cannot usually eat half of one appatizer.
For example, artichoke 'appatizer'. It's two entire artichokes! Salad entree. light? No! It's about a quart of salad. And usually covered with cheese, crunchy things, and fried bits. The burgers are the type that would require a python like dislocateable jaw to actually take a bit of. I know we can do leftovers, and it is reasonabely priced. But I don't like leftovers, and I get this wasteful, guilty feeling when I end up returning half my plate.
So, I'm glad it's out there for those of you who like it! But I try to stay away.