Metrowest Boston Dining Guide

http://cheesecakefactory.com/locations.htm

(508) 653-0011

A Cheesecake Factory always seems to have a line and a wait. Why? Because there is definitely something for everyone on the menu. It has to be the largest menu of any chain restaurant in the country (or at least one of them). If you can’t find something on the Cheesecake Factory menu that you’d like to at least try, then you might as well just not eat. For a chain, the food is above average. Lettuce wraps are fresh, spicy and you are given a healthy-sized portion. Salads are large and so are sandwiches. The portabello sandwich is a great veggie option and for dinner, give a try to some of their specialties like Hungarian goulash. You won’t leave hungry. Burgers are huge and served with ample portions of a bit salty but light french fries. Sunday brunch is also served until 2pm with a good variety of egg choices and waffles. Portions are large at the Cheesecake Factory. And don’t forget dessert. The chocolate cake is huge - bigger than a brick and you’ll have about a dozen different choices of cheesecake varieties to choose from.

Do expect lots of kids and lots of families. This location (like many others) has a large bar so it is a good spot to meet up with friends for a drink. Their wine list is long and the drink menu as well so you’re sure to find something to please.

The only problem with the MetroWest Cheesecake Factory location is just that, it’s location. It is smack-dab in the middle of the front parking lot off of Rt. 9 in Natick. It is a stand-alone building so you cannot access it from the mall and the parking around the restaurant itself is minimal. So, in the winter, you wind up parking in the Natick Collection parking garage, walking over to Lord & Taylor, walking out the door, into the cold (and sometimes snow and freezing rain) through the parking lot and into the Cheesecake Factory. It makes absolutely no sense why they wouldn’t attach this restaurant to the mall itself for the convenience of its patrons. There is a valet service if you want to fork over $7 or you can endlessly drive around the small, crowded lot in front and hope for the best.

If you’re in the mood for the cuisine but not the dining, you can always do take out. There are plenty of “10 minute” parking spaces out front for pick-up.

Outdoor dining is available during the summer.