"One disgruntled customer said it's easy to hate on Cheesecake Factory because of overpriced menu items, listing, "$19 for 4 mac and cheese balls the size of a meat ball, $12 for a slice of cheese cake, and $30 for 4 cheese pasta with a few bite size pieces of chicken." This is in comparison with other chain restaurants like Applebee's and TGI Fridays, where the average price for appetizers is around $10, and an entrée shouldn't set you back more than $15."
"Overcharging might be in the eye of the beholder, as one Redditor states, "I've lived in small towns, it's seen as a 'fancy' restaurant...to my husband and I, it's bargain grub...in our expensive big city." Cheesecake Factory is often located in nice malls or middle-upper class neighborhoods, so higher prices align with the average income of the surrounding demographic. To that effect, a Redditor stated, "it's pretty normal pricing for a chain restaurant in upper middle class neighborhoods.""
The Cheesecake Factory offers an enormous menu with over 250 made-from-scratch items and massive portion sizes, plus nearly two dozen new dishes added in 2025. Many customers on Reddit complain that menu prices are high relative to perceived quality and portion value. Specific complaints contrast a $19 appetizer, $12 cheesecake slice, and $30 pasta with expectations from chains like Applebee's and TGI Fridays. Critics argue that such an extensive menu makes made-to-order preparation unlikely and tends toward middling execution. Location in upscale malls and neighborhoods helps explain higher prices, aligning with local average incomes.
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