The Cheesecake Factory on Geary Street, San Francisco: A Culinary Landmark
Lots has changed about San Francisco since I last visited over 15 years ago but not the Cheesecake factory in the vibrant heart of the City on Union Square, The Cheesecake Factory on Geary Street stands as a beacon for dessert lovers and food enthusiasts. It is situated in the Macy's building on the 8th floor where you take the lift from the street that reminded me of going up to the VIP room in the iconic House of Blues on Sunset strip or in the Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas. This branch of the iconic American chain not only offers a comprehensive menu of international dishes but also showcases an impressive array of over 40 cheesecake flavors, each more tantalizing than the last.
I used to go a lot when I lived in LA, they had locations in Redondo Beach, CA, Marina Del Rey, CA and Beverly Hills, CA, the first to open in the chain as far back as 1978 and the famous spinach and cheese dip starter and Chinese chicken salad were always dishes I returned for.
History and Founders
The Cheesecake Factory has a rich history that dates back to the 1940s when Evelyn Overton, an inspired baker from Detroit, decided to open a small cheesecake shop. However, it wasn’t until 1978 that her son, David Overton, opened the first Cheesecake Factory restaurant. This establishment was created with the intention of providing a diverse menu complemented by an extensive list of cheesecake flavors, crafted from Evelyn’s original recipes. The restaurant was an instant success, leading to the opening of numerous other locations across the United States, including the popular site on Geary Street in San Francisco.
When you reach the 8th floor you are greeted by hosts and hostesses, who it has to said on my visit could have been friendlier but that didn't put me off. I went for dinner and enjoyed spectacular vistas of Union Square by night and the restaurant was busy, played great music and our server was lively and fun, even getting the whole roof terrace to join him in a rendition of Happy Birthday for a 22 year old guest from Puerto Rico. Be careful not to over order, the portions are massive although to go boxes are available if you find yourself unable to finish.
A Symphony of Flavours
The Cheesecake Factory is renowned for its staggering variety of cheesecake flavors. With more than 40 types on offer, each visit can be a new sensory experience. Some of the most beloved flavors include:
1. Original Cheesecake - The one that started it all, creamy and smooth on a graham cracker crust.
2. Fresh Strawberry - Topped with glazed fresh strawberries, a summertime favorite.
3. Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cheesecake - A delight for chocolate lovers, enriched with hazelnut.
4. Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake - A harmonious blend of two classic desserts.
5. Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheesecake - Tart and refreshing with raspberry and lemon.
6. White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle® - A decadent white chocolate cheesecake swirled with raspberry, a personal favourite unchanged recipe in over 20 years.
7. Pumpkin Cheesecake - Seasonally available, this is a fall favorite combining pumpkin and traditional spice flavors.
8. Salted Caramel cheesecake - this was the one I went for on this particular visit.
Each slice of cheesecake is a masterpiece, representing decades of refined recipes and a passion for desserts.
By the time we'd finished splitting the Chinese chicken salad and the veggie burger, which notably tasted identical to the dishes I remembered, even the sweet brown bread and sourdough basket I'd have recognised in a blind fold taste test, we were too full to even contemplate cheesecake at $12 a slice. We returned the next day at lunch time, to a quieter more chilled day time vibe, this time for the spinach cheese dip starter, and another starter sized salad and still had to bring the cheesecake portions to go, too full to enjoy dessert at the table.
It's a lot of food especially for Europeans, and quite expensive, main courses, around $22, starters to share around $20 and if you are looking for something a little lighter they have added a new healthier menu "skinnylicious" with smaller portions and more light salad options, if the staggering calorie count, is too much.
A Culinary Journey Beyond Dessert
While The Cheesecake Factory is famous for its namesake dessert, the restaurant’s menu is extensive, definitely something for everyone, features over 250 items ranging from appetizers to entree salads, specialty dishes, except not much on offer for anyone plant based. We swapped out the chicken for avocado but forget it when you are looking at most things on the menu if you are strict and never cheat, this place is not for you. The Geary Street location, like its counterparts, offers a cosmopolitan international crowd an atmosphere where patrons can enjoy everything from Thai lettuce wraps, Glamburgers®, tacos, and steaks, the very best Expresso Martini I have ever tried, it's my drink so I've had them mixed all over the world and delicious 0% alcohol Stella Artois that tasted exactly like the original.
FYI I am also a bit of a French Fry connessoir and these French fries were up there, very light, very salty and very moorish.
Whether you’re a San Francisco local or just visiting, a trip to The Cheesecake Factory on Geary Street promises not just a meal but a fun experience—a chance to indulge in a rich tapestry of flavors that resonate with the diverse culinary landscape of San Francisco and great panoramic views over bustling Union Square.