Cheesecake Factory   

Born in Beverly Hills in 1978 of one woman's talent for making cheesecake, Cheesecake Factory restaurants quickly took off nationwide. Now a second-generation family affair, the chain keeps its creative edge without sacrificing quality. Folks line up for 'tons of fun' layered burgers, Hawaiian pizza with pineapple, San Remo pizza with Brie, mahi-mahi soft tacos, avocado egg rolls, and (of course) 35 kinds of cheesecake -- from banana cream to pumpkin to Snickers and more. Light eaters opt for Cobb or Luau salad, and Cheesecake Factory caters to your egg affinity during Sunday bunch, with everything from Benedict and omelets to good old over easy. California-sleek-meets-art-deco design in the stylish and distinctive Cheesecake Factory atmosphere. The clientele includes college kids on dates, couples after the movies, sweet-toothed families, and seniors on a budget. And the entire menu is served till 11:30PM, so this place is always hopping well other restaurants have shut shop for the night. Think upscale chain food, with class and sass, spot-on service and more than 200 menu items innovative enough to keep you coming back. And the portions? Enormous. Dessert may reign here, but Factory meatloaf, Caribbean steak, heavenly mashed potatoes, and pad Thai with chicken or shrimp please everyone.