Thanks for the many kind comments on this video - but I must address something which has become a recurring theme on this trip: To all the people screaming at me in the comments along the lines of “how dare you go to Cheesecake Factory when the Fisherman’s Wharf exists and SF is the best food town in America”, I say, calm down. Look, we had arrived in the city that night after a long drive, it was approaching 10pm, we were frankly not sure where it would be safe to travel to, and we were staying right next to Cheesecake Factory - the hotel staff said it would be the best bet for somewhere we could get in without a reservation so late at night. I really don’t get folks who seem offended that I go to one place and not another. The Cheesecake Factory is an institution, whether you like it or not, and the salad was fabulous. So really, what’s the problem? People also lack patience - this was my first video from SF and I have more to post - just because I went to one place doesn’t mean I didn’t later go to better places as well. Rant over 😂
Just ignore those people. The point of traveling is to experience the things that interest you and have fun. You’ll never please everyone or be able to see everything. Hope you enjoyed your trip!!
Honestly, I don't get it either. I've been so excited to see your trip experiences and all the negative Nellies have dampened my spirit occasionally. Like the other person who responded, I'm ignoring them and just enjoying your videos. I don't know where these grouchy people have been hiding, but I kind of wish they'd go back there. Please remember there are those of us out here waiting patiently for each installment and are enjoying them immensely. Thank you so much for making and posting them. I for one am really appreciating them. And also thanks for your Oregon videos. That's where I live and I loved seeing you in familiar places near me.
@@jennifercox5184 thank you Jennifer - I appreciate you. It should be said that the vast majority of people are kind and/or constructive, which is great too. I just don’t think people have the right to be upset because I went to one place and not another. There are so many factors which determine these things. But like I say, we had a fantastic time and met so many great people. And I’m loving all the great comments 😊
Love the hat! BTW, I always chuckle when you say that the subscribe button is free. Such a Scottish thing to say. (The stereotype here is that Scottish people are frugal.)
I think the reason Cheesecake Factory is famous has more to do with the HUGE variety of cheesecakes they have. Many small, "mom and pop", bakeries make better cheesecake. But theirs is good. Oh, and I'm right there with ya about the Thai Chicken salad. It's very tasty. All their salads are humongous. I used to get the Thai Chicken Half salad and it was enough for 2 meals.
Dude, portions in US are really big. You do not have to eat it all. Get a "doggy bag". There is nothing wrong with that. So you will have room for desert and still have some left overs for a late snack.
@@dalemoore8582 it's not that bad it's 1210 calories. So that would be a meal unto itself, if you eat two meals of roughly that size you're covered for all the calories you need for the day (men need at least 2000, women need 1500).
I realize Cheesecake Factory is a chain restaurant, but look, there is always a wait to get in, it’s always noisy and packed which makes me feel cheerful, and I’ve never had a bad meal or dessert there.
Everyone is having problems finding help. San Francisco also has a minimum wage of $15 for waiters. People will not tip as much if they know you are making that wage. Good servers will go elsewhere because in a place like the Cheesecake Factory, you'd be working for very little money. Tips can put you into over $1,500 a week. Working part time. Likely, they were short on servers and they were stretched thin. One thing is for sure, there is nothing healthy about their salads. The few times I've been there on business trips, I order one meal and take the rest back to the hotel. Usually lasts me for 4 meals. I don't eat plain cheesecake there, the different flavored ones are the way to go IMHO. Best I've had was at an Italian place in NYC.
I have never actually had enough room left for Cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory as I'm generally stuffed from bread, appetizers and entrees by that point. Delicious food with literally hundreds of options on the menu with all of them being made from scratch, Cheesecake Factory is easily one of my Family's favorite restaurants.
@@dayeti6794 . Same here. I will either eat part of my food and get the rest to go and have cheesecake. Or if I’m going straight home from eating I will eat all my food and get the cheesecake to go. I’ve only tried a few flat. My favorite is white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. I also love their strawberry shortcake, which 2-3 people could eat from.
I’m not in love with the Cheesecake Factory’s cheesecake. Their food is fabulous (although the portions are outrageously large) but the only cheesecake I would even bother with is the Godiva cheesecake we’ve nicknamed it the go-diva and it’s really chocolatey which makes it worth the trouble/calories.
Yup I only get appetizers because I go there for the cheesecake. Or I get a box and take home at least half of the food! Or yes, get the cheesecake to go! It is a must!!!
I absolutely love cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. Just skip the plain one and go for the other flavors. Love the dark bread, love the food, the decor. Love all about it and am European.
Jeezus Shaun... don't just eat at corporate chain restaurants in SF! (Altho I/O & Cheesecake F are probably 2 of the better chains) Please try some locals: Swan Oyster Depot; Tadich Grill - oldest resto in CA, famous for Hangtown fry & Cioppino; Pier 23 Cafe; Ferry Farmers mkt on Saturday; search: "offthegrid" food truck market; Mexican: La Taqueria orTaqueria Vallarta or Farolito is great or Pancho Villa is great, El Castillito
In the USA you do not have to feel obligated to leave a tip when you have had poor service. A lot of people will only leave 10% if they have had bad service. Some people will leave no tip but I would feel like a big jerk doing that.
I've done a dollar tip at a Texas Roadhouse. I was there with my 3 kids. The waitress brought all the wrong food. It sat and got cold, no response, then said she'd correct it, never did. We rearranged the dishes. Had to go to the bar for refills. The shocking thing about it was, there were only 4 customers at the time. She spent the whole time flirting with male customers. I left a note on the ticket, with a final message to the server "I have left you $1, because at least you showed up for work." We were on a road trip and I noticed about a week later there was a full refund on the meal. Managers have no way to know what their servers are doing. If you don't leave something like a note they will likely see, bad service just keeps on happening.
If my service is bad, I won't tip. I tip according to quality of service, and cap at 25% for the *really* good service. Example: I live near an iHOP, and there is a guy there with 3x the hustle of the rest of the store. The kicker is that *he has only one arm.* That guy usually gets 25%, because he damned well deserves it.
You cannot compare New York cheesecake to almost any other state in the country unless it is listed on the menu as "NY Cheesecake". The New York style is considerably "heavier" with a drier grittier substance. That is not intended as a derogatory description, it is just a different texture than what is referred to as cheesecake everywhere else. Cheesecake throughout the rest of the country is more like a dense pudding and much sweeter. Did that help you understand why they did not "measure up" to Junior's in Brooklyn?
New York cheesecake is the best ever and nobody makes a bagel like NY. My cousin (retired)use to deliver Juniors to other restaurants.😋 Now I want a slice!
I mean, ultimately it’s still cheesecake and I feel it’s still valid to use NY cheesecake as a yard stick to measure up to, even if they might be technically different
@@shaunvlog Not to be argumentative, but they are totally different not only in taste but in ingredient ratios as well. Like comparing apples to oranges. But I also prefer Juniors to Cheesecake Factory. I have only had Juniors from the grocery freezer section and it was the best I have ever had. Love your videos. I am from Mississippi and have been watching you since your delightful time in Nola.
The first time I ever went to a Cheesecake Factory, was inside a mall in Philadelphia on a Saturday night. We knew it was going to be a long wait, and when I heard the hostess tell my b/f, “about 45 minutes”, I thought that didn’t sound too bad. But no, they were talking about when a beeper would be available. The only reason we waited was because we were inside a mall. Totally worth it.
For me, every time I go to the cheesecake factory they're usually pretty slow, but overall the service is good. I'm sorry you had a bad experience. And I don't eat cheesecake, but I think the cheesecake factory is more known for their massive variety of flavors rather than just the traditional one.
I never go during the lunch/dinner rush. I try to go between the two. Or get there right at 11 am. Yes any other time is swamped more so if it’s a large city.
Sorry you had bad service at The Cheesecake Factory. What a lot of people don't realize about Cheesecake Factory (until they've been to one) is that it's not a dessert place. They have a huge menu with many entrees, salads, appetizers, etc. Lots of people go there without ordering cheesecake. It doesn't surprise me that Junior's had better cheesecake. It's a place that specializes in cheesecake in the land of cheesecake. Places I'd like to see you visit in San Francisco (though I suspect you'll have already left there by the time you read this): La Taqueria at 2889 Mission Street (famous for their Mission burritos), Yank SIng (101 Spear Street) or some other dim sum restaurant, Caffe Trieste (601 Vallejo Street) or some other Italian coffee house and pastry shop), Ferry Building Marketplace (1 Ferry Building) with many food vendors.
I know that Cheesecake Factory! In Macy’s off of Union Square. It’s certainly convenient to the area. The food is consistently good, the portions huge (usually enough for two if not three meals). Almost always cut the cheesecake in half and bring half home.
Their portions used to be even bigger than they are now by a pretty large margin. I always take home a to go box for another day with the leftover portion that I can’t finish. Love their food. You’re right about their cheesecake. Nothing beats Junior’s. I think the particular unit that you were in was understaffed.
@@nancyhaynes4459 Junior's is a restaurant chain only found in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and at Foxwood's Casino in Connecticut. With that being typed, you can find Junior's Cheesecakes anywhere in the country in supermarkets. Go to your local supermarket and look in the baking area. You will most certainly find Junior's New York style Cheesecake in boxes somewhere near the cheesecake section. If there is a Whole Foods near you, it is for sure sold in there because that is where I get my Junior's Cheesecakes in Massachusetts.
I find chain restaurants are never as good as a good, unique, one-off restaurant. Local chains are usually better than regional ones, and regional chains often have an edge over national and international chains. Many of the US chains have really overwhelmed, overworked employees, and the quality is just good enough to keep bringing people back, but nothing too extraordinary, except possibly for one or two stand out dishes. Portions are usually really good, and remember, taking home leftovers is a pretty standard thing here, no shame or embarrassment. Waste not, want not. You paid for it, keep it around for that midnight snack or a quick lunch on the road.
Agreed. Plus I've never actually had a decent meal at cheesecake factory. The last time I went, I got eggs benedict, and the eggs were overdone to the point of being hardboiled. That was the last straw and I vowed to never eat there again. (How can you ruin a dish that every half-awake waffle house line cook can nail?)
Check out Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA for some Gilded Age excess, about halfway down the coast. Stop by Morro Bay, CA to see the volcanic plugs on the coastline as you drive south. Also check out the Dutch village of Solvang, CA just north of Santa Barbara. I hope you are taking a drive around wine country and tasting some good wines as well.
Hearst Castle aka San Simeon is a very beautiful piece of architecture still on one of the Hearst Family ranches. If you go south on the coastal route, in addition to these excellent suggestions might I suggest a short stop at the Madonna Inn. Don't worry, it's easy to find. Use the men's restroom and you'll understand. Very nice but bizarre in a classic California sense, it supposedly partly inspired the Eagles "Hotel California" song in the late 1970's. If possible take a detour to the Carrizo Plain. It will give you an idea of what pre-settlement California looked like and is radically different from your stops in the tall trees north.. Pismo Beach is worth a stop. Try some abalone in local restaurant and some uni (sea urchin). The Pismo Dines are interesting and have been in many movies. The ruins of sets from the great silent spectacles of the nineteen teens from D.E. Griffith and Cecil De Mille are buried in the dunes. Somewhere here in California, especially in a Japanese American area, you should try some sushi and sashimi. The South Bay of LA County would be the place. If you want to see what Hawaiian food is like, since there are many Hawaiians in our area, try eating at King's Hawaiian in Torrance (try spam musubi or loco moco). It's the continental location of a famous Hawaiian restaurant. Torrance has a heavier concentration of Japanese Americans, Japanese immigrants and Japanese expatriates than anywher else in the continental US. One place I very strongly suggest is La Purisma Mission, north of Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley. Still a functioning church in a very rural area it will give you a very good idea of what our original missions looked like in the 1700's. A stop in San Luis Obispo will show the careful eye the Spanish layout of the original town based on the zocalo (what you might call the central plaza). That layout is based on Roman town plans. And try to go to Santa Catalina Island, just off the coast by the Palos Verdes Peninsula imnediately north of San Pedro and Long Beach Harbors. There are wild buffalo on the island's wild interior, which you normally access by bus tour. Once again you get an idea of what this place used to look like, in some places not that long ago. If you go to the top of the Palos Verdes Hill and Peninsula you will get a unique view north, east and south of the LA coastal plain, the vast harbor complex and the huge mountain ranges surrounding the area. This place was still isolated when my great grandparents first came to the area in the 1890's as newly married Euripean immigrants.
If you make it out to Michigan and want to try beloved foods, I’d suggest trying a coney dog at Lafayette Coney Island and Detroit-style pizza at Buddy’s in Detroit; the family style chicken dinner at Zehnder’s in Frankenmuth, and a reuben sandwich at Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor.
Evidently, the Big Bang show was more accurate than I thought. Juniors has wonderful cheesecake. I haven't had it in years, but I can almost taste their chocolate mousse cheesecake.
You should go to Pier 39 and have seafood & clam chowder. Then walk to fisherman's wharf there are lots of shops and it's a nice stroll. There's also Chinatown near where you are staying. There is also Japantown, little Italy. Lombard street (the most crooked street), Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardelli Square. So many places to see and so many things to eat. When you head to LA you have to eat at Porto's.
I have never seen anyone go to Cheesecake Factory and order the plain cheesecake 😂 Next time you go (if you do -- sorry about the poor service!), you need to try one of the more adventurous flavors. My favorite is the 30th Anniversary cheesecake, which is layers of cheesecake and chocolate cake... it's delicious!
I've never eaten dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. Mind you I've only eaten at the one in San Antiono and I went there just for the cheesecake; however, that salad has me thinking I might be missing something.
Mackinac Island in Michigan. They have the world's greatest fudge!! Try it. Then go to Frankenmuth and shop at Bronner's, the world's largest Christmas store. Frankenmuth also has Zehnder's restaurant where there is fabulous fried chicken dinners it's a very nice place.
I feel the need to clear something up regarding the "low pay" of wait staff in the US. Yes, the hourly rate is very low however, over the years attempts have been made to raise the wage and eliminate tipping but this has been met with resistance by wait staff. Why? Because they would have to pay higher taxes and they would make far less money. A waiter or waitress working at a higher end restaurant can make several hundred dollars a night easily. They make far more in tips than their employer could ever pay in the form of an hourly wage. As for The Cheesecake Factory, I've eaten there twice and was rather underwhelmed. Staggeringly large portions of mediocre food though in our case we did have decent service. My advice is to stay away from chains and find the out of the way local places.
Business Insider did a survey and Cheesecake Factory was the highest in "overpriced restaurant chains" in the entire US. It has also been rated as the "most unhealthy chain in America" based on sugar, fat, sodium, calories. Furthermore the cheesecakes are frozen and shipped from either a California or North Carolina "ghost kitchen" so they are not made fresh. Yes, they are freshly defrosted. Most overpriced and most unhealthy and their signature item is frozen shipped from hundreds or thousand of miles away. Harry and David wanted to charge me $103 to have a 7 inch (tiny) CF cheesecake shipped to my door. Who are the idiots who do that?
I've eaten over 40 different types of Cheesecakes from different flavors and states. New York Style Cheese is and will always be the best! Name the flavor of the Cheesecake, I've had it a bunch of times! East Coast Cheesecake is just better than Westcoast Cheesecake, in general! I'm from LA but no comparison! New York, Phili and Boston have exeptional Cheesecakes!
My daughter makes a cheesecake for her pub that is close to Juniors. She kept tweeking her recipie till her grandfather said " best one yet". So it's grandpa approved.
There’s always a wait time for a table that’s the Sign of a decent or great Restaurant. I believe New York Style Cheesecake is thicker and denser. USA,and I’m sure other country’s are having an employee shortage especially in Hospitality Industries. Did you realize or maybe it’s changed,endless refreshment refills?
I've moved from White Plains, NY to rural Vermont, and I do miss the Cheesecake Factory. I went there last with my sister, brother and their spouses to celebrate my retirement and upcoming move to Vermont. I never chose a gut-busting main dish. I chose the Dynamite Shrimp and a couple of cocktails. (Except for the designated driver, we were all schnockered!) We all chose our favorite slices of cheesecake to take home. But I have to admit, the service was slow. That's OK. I nibbled on the great bread they served. At least our server had a friendly attitude. I think any decent restaurant can give you good memories when you're celebrating with your friends or family.
The Cheesecake Factory is just a chain restaurant. I know you want to experience places you don't have in the UK, but Mom and Pop places are usually better. You should ask your concierge, or people on the street. I bet you'll have a wonderful experience there. As far as the service goes, way before the pandemic, the Cheesecake Factory never had good service in my opinion. I haven't been there in over 10 years, and I don't feel I'm missing a thing.
@@shaunvlog He/she must be getting kickbacks. I hope you go and try the clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at the wharf. It used to be so good. Are you finding SF a bit cold and breezy? Mark Twain said, "The coldest winter I experienced, was summer in San Francisco. You must ride the cable cars. They're lots of fun. I am really enjoying your videos.
@@tatiannazutania7751 I bet he is working for the Illuminati too !!!! Oh, the Crab House closes at 10pm as well as Pier Market and Fog Harbor Fish House. Scoma's closes at 9pm. Do you even understand why 10pm is important in this conversation?
@@david-1775 Did you take an extra nasty pill today, or is this how you respond to all strangers over the internet? It was a joke about the concierge taking a kick back. Even if it wasn't, that's not how you interface with people. I'm certain your mother and father didn't raise you that way.
My husband was a server there over 10 years ago and memorized that ENTIRE MENU. The portions are notoriously ridiculous. The vanilla bean cheesecake is their best IMO but I’m not a good judge of regular NYC style as I don’t like it. So that’s probably fair assessment. Sadly Im not surprised about the service. We have a massive staffing shortage in hospitality due to COVID. 1M died or had to quit work due to early retirement or to take care of family. And then low wages are compounding that issue so it’s hard to find anyone. At this point I expect slow service. Just is what it is but it’s a stark difference from just a couple years ago.
I'd give up on the big chain restaurants and ask locals where are the good places in each town. And, if you get down to Morro Bay, be sure to go to Dorn's restaurant. It's family owned and operated, great view of Morro Rock, great food.
It's my favorite item on their menu, but yes, I need to immediately cut it in half and box up the rest for later. As far as the cheesecake itself, bear in mind you tried it after being really full and eating an overwhelming amount of flavors from your Thai salad entree. As for the service, sorry you had poor service. The ones in Arizona are always great.
I love Cheesecake Factory but have never been to the one in SF. The one here in Portland is wonderful, and the many varieties of cheesecake are fantastic. We don't have access to Junior's, which is in Brooklyn and thousands of miles away, so cannot compare the two. As far as I'm concerned, Cheesecake Factory cheesecake is amazing, as is their food. And the service here in Portland area is always great. However, next time you go to San Francisco, there are so many amazing restaurants! Burmese food at the Burma Super Star, Mexican food at La Tapatia Tortilla factory, Tony's Pizza Napoletana in Little Italy. And the list goes on!
I figured out long ago, the main ingredients being eggs and cheese, like an omelette, so cheesecake for dinner. My own home made is best, but the Cheesecake Factory in Rockville, Maryland was entirely excellent. I also talked people at nearby tables to have cheesecake for dinner. 🤡
I love cheesecake factory.. some comments criticize for not going to a local place.. but as he said it's subjective.. and it's good to experience a place that's iconic in America. Also good to have mixed experiences so when he says it's good in future you know it was good.
I’ve only been to the Cheesecake Factory once and that was a long time ago. It was good but nothing really special. I do remember that I had some kind of chicken served over mashed potatoes sitting on a bed of salad greens. Must have been good since I remember it. Don’t remember if we even had cheesecake though. So many other really good restaurants in San Francisco.
Next time you should try something other than the plain cheesecake. I always go for something more interesting (not all at once, though! lol). Tiramisu, Red Velvet, Oreo, Reese's PB, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Lemon Meringue, Salted Caramel, White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, Snickers, Hershey, Caramel Apple, Lemon Raspberry, Mango Key Lime, Banana Cream, Dulce de Leche, so many flavors to choose from -- that's one of the best things about Cheesecake Factory -- the variety.
Their cheesecakes were delicious when they first opened, especially since there was no competition and cheesecake was not a traditional dessert. Now days they make a decent cheesecake, but nothing to write home about. "Poor Service" - In San Francisco I am not surprised. Was it 'Poor Service' because their tables were full and they could only serve you as fast as the kitchen put out the food or was it actually that the waiter was 'slacking off'? Your first clue was the "30-40 minute wait". It is best to avoid any restaurant during the peek/rush hour meal time = 5-7 pm for dinner, 11am-2pm for lunch and 6am-8am for breakfast, especially on the weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). The exception to that rule is to get there right at the start of the rush hour.
They basically ignored us and then when we asked for things like a straw for our drinks, it seemed to p!$$ them off when they eventually answered us - probably just a bad night, but I grudge having to pay any tip at all under the circumstances. In Europe, there’s no hope in hell we’d pay tips with bad service. But like I said, this was a blip- customer service is generally fantastic all over the states compared to other places
Junior’s has an advantage…their cheesecakes are made on-site by their bakery staff and it’s New York style which is slightly different. That being said, the Cheesecake Factory has flavors that most bakeries don’t, so it depends on individual preference. 😉. Glad you’re visiting San Francisco, it’s beautiful and tune out the screamers, you’ll get to other iconic SF locations soon.
Ive had this comment about 10 times and it’s annoying. we had literally just arrived in the city after a long drive and it was going on 10pm - it was right next to our hotel and the hotel staff said it would be the only thing we could get close by without a reservation. I make no apologies and the food was good, so what’s the problem?
@@shaunvlog True, when tired and late at night, it makes sense to hit whatever’s closest and open. I think I’d still hit the King of Thai Noodle house around the corner before eating at the Cheesecake Factory.
@@shaunvlog What’s annoying, Shaun, is the way you introduced it as a “West Coast classic” and a favorite of locals, when in reality it is just a mediocre restaurant chain that began in Southern California and can’t hold a candle to many other establishments that are more characteristic of or even unique to San Francisco. If you need to make a video about the chain restaurant that was the only thing you thought was available at the moment, then do that instead of trying to pass it off as something special in a city replete with truly special restaurants.
@@markhamstra1083 this is your personal opinion, but based on the number of people in the comments who say they love The Cheesecake Factory and go all the time tells me you are wrong. Just because it aint loved by you doesn't mean it aint loved by many locals. Did i mention we had to wait ages for a seat? The vast majority of people in there had US accents, so again, respectfully, this is your personal opinion only
I love how the automatically generated subtitles made Cheesecake Factory into „she‘s getting fat today“ 😂😂😂 which basically means the same thing anyways. I love love love their peanut butter cheesecake! Best thing I have ever tasted in my entire life.
I was in San Francisco 2 weekends ago for 2 days of art museum visits. I also went to that Cheesecake Factory to get a piece of carrot cake. It was packed. It's a good place to go if you just want a decadent dessert.
That place always has mammoth sizes for meals. Always felt it was odd since the highpoint is dessert. My friends and I go and each get samples of different cheesecake and share. I think there is option to purchase a sampler. Juniors---well, that is a class unto itself.
25 years ago I sold some equipment to Cheesecake Factory that produced an item on the menu. Due to an error in the product specs our system made the item larger than normal. Fearing the worst, the manager went to the CEO to explain the problem and say new equipment may have to be purchased. The manager came back from his meeting with the CEO smiling saying, "The boss says bigger is better". That seems to be the saying at Cheesecake Factory.
There is so much to see and do in San Francisco. I have two seafood recommendations that are not at Fisherman's Wharf: Tadich Grill at 250 California Street (on the cable car line) and Swan Oyster Depot on Polk Street at California. This is no knock of Fisherman's Wharf, but it can get a bit touristy. Tadich Grill is the oldest continually operating restaurant in Calfornia, and THE PLACE to get grilled fish. Swan Oyster Depot is the place to get a Crab Louie. Cheers!
Love it! But that was the unhealthiest salad on the planet, "....1210 calories in a Thai Chicken Salad from The Cheesecake Factory". The cheesecake is good though! But, in San Francisco, there are far better restaurants. Tommy's Joynt is great!
I lived a few blocks from there for many years and never knew there was a Cheesecake Factory. Locals mostly avoid chains, at least they used to. I assume you're gone but anyhow, some food suggestions: Italian: Fior d'Italia in North Beach, because it's the last old school place. Chinese and Vietnamese: head out to Irving and Noriega street in the Sunset, or Clement St. in the inner Richmond. American: John's Grill, home of the Maltese Falcon, near Union Square. Mission Burritos: El Farolito @ 24th & Mission.
Wow, I gotta try the other cheesecake you like better. I’ve never had better cheesecake than at The Cheesecake Factory. If you are still in San Francisco (or CA), I recommend trying Boudin’s for their sour dough bowl clam chowder, a popular favorite. My dad just had to get that every time we were in SF.
The better cheesecake he was talking about is Junior’s. Their original location is in Brooklyn, but they also sell their cheesecakes through Costco and Whole Foods.
Homemade Cheesecake (from scratch) will always be better than a chain restaurant. My mother makes a better cheesecake on her worst day than the Cheesecake Factory makes on its best. Just to clarify, I'm talking about chain restaurants. The local place on your corner that makes them from scratch might be able to beat my mom's.
Check your bill/receipt carefully. Many places hide automatic "service charges" in the bill, and then people don't see it/realize it's there and they tip on top of that.
I’m a native NYer living in SF for 30 years…nothing is better than Juniors Cheesecake. The service has always been bad at Cheesecake Factory (and Burger Bar) they’re always swamped. The best place for desserts in SF hands down has to be Tartine.
If you’re ever on the East Coast I highly suggest getting a pork roll egg and cheese sandwich. It’s a New Jersey staple but you can get it in New York and Philly. It’s one of the best breakfast sandwiches out there.
I'm sure you're aware of the popular large burritos so many places nowadays, well the place that is credited with starting it all is in San Francisco, literally right on the corner of 17th and Valencia St I believe if you should care to try it, if you take a cab be sure to ask the cabbie...agree with you on the cheesecake In SF you must try the clam chowder down on the wharf...great place at Pier 39, you'll know the establishment but the VW van built into the outside wall
When you get to Texas the Salt Lick in Austin. The best chicken fried steak used to be at The MuzzleLoader in Billings Montana. Chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken are big I’m Texas.
When I visited my brother in Virginia, he took me to the Cheesecake Factory. I don't recall what I ordered, only that it was too salty, I couldn't eat it. Your Thai salad looks delicious. If I ever go to the Mainland, maybe I can try that.
To everybody telling Shaun where he should have gone, AFTER THE VIDEO WAS MADE. You should have made your suggestions BEFORE HE WENT TO SAN FRANCISCO !! Nothing wrong with telling him where to go next time or what to get NEXT time but don't be an preachy, judgemental ass in the comments.
Cheesecake Factory is a good place to go if you're hungry. I like their Shepherd's Pie but even the lunch portion is a lot of food. If I want cheesecake there, I literally just come for dessert and not a meal. Glad you enjoyed it.
I've lived in America all my life and have never eaten at the Cheesecake Factory. You beat me to it! I would never order the basic cheesecake. There are so many excellent flavors. But that is just me. I agree that you should have tried one or two of the restaurants on Fisherman's Wharf. That is San Francisco. You could go to the Cheesecake Factory in many other cities. Hope you get a chance to try local cuisines and not mainly franchise restaurants during your trip in USA. That is what I try to do whenever I visit countries in Europe. I try to stay clear of tourist eateries. On the other hand, I understand that you would want to experience places (which are usually franchises) that you hear about when you are back at home. Whichever way you go, bon appetite!
If you walk into a Cheescake Factory, you will notice all the people going out with doggy bags. That is because most of the meals there are gigantic and people take what they couldn't eat, home. To be fair, Cheescake Factory isn't famous for having the best cheescake. It is where you go if you want a huge choice of different kinds of cheescakes to choose from, or a good dinner. Their cheescake is perfectly fine. It just isn't what I would call the best I have ever eaten. Also, I would add that if you are in NY, you are probably eating NY style cheescake which is extremely dense. I thought you ate it with blueberry on top too, so not apples to apples. I am a fan of NY Cheescake which isn't like the standard cheescake at the Factory.
I found that many restaurants in the US serve more than I eat. But restaurants will also box up the excess for you to take home, so I almost always get two meals from one visit to the restaurant.
My opinion is that the restaurant was very popular and more posh than some others in the country, which would explain the service. They will make enough $ so they don't worry. My local Cheesecake Factory in Cincinnati and one in Pennsylvania had brilliant service.
Hey bro, so very sorry to hear you had terrible service while out at dinner! That reflects poorly on our great city! I hope it did not taint your opinion of the hospitality industry in San Francisco! For the rest of your time in San Francisco, I can suggest some great Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, French, Italian, or seafood places to eat in San Francisco if you want to reach out and ask me. There are hundreds of local restaurants to choose from! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in San Francisco! Love your videos, keep up the good work! FYI- I visited Scotland once years ago when I was in college and spent a summer in Europe. I had a blast! The people were great. P.S. Sorry to hear that the foodie snobs got on you about going to CheeseCake Factory, like you said, you just got here and it was late and the restaurant was right by your hotel! Dude, don't listen to the haters! I am not a foodie snob, I just love San Francisco and hope you enjoy the different cultures here that make this city great!!!
If you're still visiting SF, you need to try a supper burrito from El Farolito. Ideally, the one on Mission near Bart/24th Street, but they did just open one up in North Beach.
I'm not surprised about the service. California doesn't have the friendliest people and I'd imagine San Francisco is probably one of their rudest cities
Suggestions for restaurant chains: BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse (huge cookies for dessert), Lupe Tortillas (TexMex), and Whataburger (fast food). All of these can be found in Houston, Texas. Also, you have to try our Bluebell brand ice cream. There's a ton on non-chain places, but I'm trying to follow your directions. 😄
I am not about to argue with you Shaun. Cheesecake Factory and the local grocery store bakery are the only cheesecakes I have had. So I can not compare to Juniors. The food at the factory has always been wonderful when I have been there, including the cheesecakes. I live in rural Washington state, our options are limited unless we go to Seattle, which I avoid. When I visited my daughter in Western NY we didn't eat anywhere that had cheesecakes or NY pizza, I have missed out on both.
Thanks for the many kind comments on this video - but I must address something which has become a recurring theme on this trip: To all the people screaming at me in the comments along the lines of “how dare you go to Cheesecake Factory when the Fisherman’s Wharf exists and SF is the best food town in America”, I say, calm down.
Look, we had arrived in the city that night after a long drive, it was approaching 10pm, we were frankly not sure where it would be safe to travel to, and we were staying right next to Cheesecake Factory - the hotel staff said it would be the best bet for somewhere we could get in without a reservation so late at night.
I really don’t get folks who seem offended that I go to one place and not another. The Cheesecake Factory is an institution, whether you like it or not, and the salad was fabulous. So really, what’s the problem?
People also lack patience - this was my first video from SF and I have more to post - just because I went to one place doesn’t mean I didn’t later go to better places as well.
Rant over 😂
Just ignore those people. The point of traveling is to experience the things that interest you and have fun. You’ll never please everyone or be able to see everything. Hope you enjoyed your trip!!
@@lacyLor oh we absolutely loved it - best trip of our lives for sure 😊
Honestly, I don't get it either. I've been so excited to see your trip experiences and all the negative Nellies have dampened my spirit occasionally. Like the other person who responded, I'm ignoring them and just enjoying your videos. I don't know where these grouchy people have been hiding, but I kind of wish they'd go back there. Please remember there are those of us out here waiting patiently for each installment and are enjoying them immensely. Thank you so much for making and posting them. I for one am really appreciating them. And also thanks for your Oregon videos. That's where I live and I loved seeing you in familiar places near me.
@@jennifercox5184 thank you Jennifer - I appreciate you. It should be said that the vast majority of people are kind and/or constructive, which is great too. I just don’t think people have the right to be upset because I went to one place and not another. There are so many factors which determine these things. But like I say, we had a fantastic time and met so many great people. And I’m loving all the great comments 😊
Ignore the snobby Californians
Has anyone noticed the new branding on my channel homepage? Hope y'all like it 😀
Remember... don't stuff yourself get a takeaway box to go. I do so I don't waste food plus having something later is good too.
Love the hat! BTW, I always chuckle when you say that the subscribe button is free. Such a Scottish thing to say. (The stereotype here is that Scottish people are frugal.)
Looks awesome Shaun!
yes. Like it very much
Just looked at it, it's very cool!
I think the reason Cheesecake Factory is famous has more to do with the HUGE variety of cheesecakes they have. Many small, "mom and pop", bakeries make better cheesecake. But theirs is good. Oh, and I'm right there with ya about the Thai Chicken salad. It's very tasty. All their salads are humongous. I used to get the Thai Chicken Half salad and it was enough for 2 meals.
Dude, portions in US are really big. You do not have to eat it all. Get a "doggy bag". There is nothing wrong with that. So you will have room for desert and still have some left overs for a late snack.
Left over salads are usually not very good!!
Usually it's a second meal and maybe a snack.
@@dalemoore8582 it's not that bad it's 1210 calories. So that would be a meal unto itself, if you eat two meals of roughly that size you're covered for all the calories you need for the day (men need at least 2000, women need 1500).
I realize Cheesecake Factory is a chain restaurant, but look, there is always a wait to get in, it’s always noisy and packed which makes me feel cheerful, and I’ve never had a bad meal or dessert there.
Everyone is having problems finding help. San Francisco also has a minimum wage of $15 for waiters. People will not tip as much if they know you are making that wage. Good servers will go elsewhere because in a place like the Cheesecake Factory, you'd be working for very little money. Tips can put you into over $1,500 a week. Working part time. Likely, they were short on servers and they were stretched thin. One thing is for sure, there is nothing healthy about their salads. The few times I've been there on business trips, I order one meal and take the rest back to the hotel. Usually lasts me for 4 meals. I don't eat plain cheesecake there, the different flavored ones are the way to go IMHO. Best I've had was at an Italian place in NYC.
Very good to know.
I have never actually had enough room left for Cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory as I'm generally stuffed from bread, appetizers and entrees by that point. Delicious food with literally hundreds of options on the menu with all of them being made from scratch, Cheesecake Factory is easily one of my Family's favorite restaurants.
Wow! I always leave room for Cheesecake. It’s too good to miss out on.
@@dayeti6794 . Same here. I will either eat part of my food and get the rest to go and have cheesecake. Or if I’m going straight home from eating I will eat all my food and get the cheesecake to go. I’ve only tried a few flat. My favorite is white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. I also love their strawberry shortcake, which 2-3 people could eat from.
You need to train harder.
I’m not in love with the Cheesecake Factory’s cheesecake. Their food is fabulous (although the portions are outrageously large) but the only cheesecake I would even bother with is the Godiva cheesecake we’ve nicknamed it the go-diva and it’s really chocolatey which makes it worth the trouble/calories.
Yup I only get appetizers because I go there for the cheesecake. Or I get a box and take home at least half of the food! Or yes, get the cheesecake to go! It is a must!!!
I absolutely love cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. Just skip the plain one and go for the other flavors. Love the dark bread, love the food, the decor. Love all about it and am European.
Jeezus Shaun... don't just eat at corporate chain restaurants in SF! (Altho I/O & Cheesecake F are probably 2 of the better chains) Please try some locals: Swan Oyster Depot; Tadich Grill - oldest resto in CA, famous for Hangtown fry & Cioppino; Pier 23 Cafe; Ferry Farmers mkt on Saturday; search: "offthegrid" food truck market; Mexican: La Taqueria orTaqueria Vallarta or Farolito is great or Pancho Villa is great, El Castillito
In the USA you do not have to feel obligated to leave a tip when you have had poor service. A lot of people will only leave 10% if they have had bad service. Some people will leave no tip but I would feel like a big jerk doing that.
I've done a dollar tip at a Texas Roadhouse. I was there with my 3 kids. The waitress brought all the wrong food. It sat and got cold, no response, then said she'd correct it, never did. We rearranged the dishes. Had to go to the bar for refills. The shocking thing about it was, there were only 4 customers at the time. She spent the whole time flirting with male customers. I left a note on the ticket, with a final message to the server "I have left you $1, because at least you showed up for work." We were on a road trip and I noticed about a week later there was a full refund on the meal. Managers have no way to know what their servers are doing. If you don't leave something like a note they will likely see, bad service just keeps on happening.
If my service is bad, I won't tip. I tip according to quality of service, and cap at 25% for the *really* good service.
Example: I live near an iHOP, and there is a guy there with 3x the hustle of the rest of the store. The kicker is that *he has only one arm.* That guy usually gets 25%, because he damned well deserves it.
You cannot compare New York cheesecake to almost any other state in the country unless it is listed on the menu as "NY Cheesecake". The New York style is considerably "heavier" with a drier grittier substance. That is not intended as a derogatory description, it is just a different texture than what is referred to as cheesecake everywhere else. Cheesecake throughout the rest of the country is more like a dense pudding and much sweeter. Did that help you understand why they did not "measure up" to Junior's in Brooklyn?
New York cheesecake is the best ever and nobody makes a bagel like NY. My cousin (retired)use to deliver Juniors to other restaurants.😋 Now I want a slice!
I mean, ultimately it’s still cheesecake and I feel it’s still valid to use NY cheesecake as a yard stick to measure up to, even if they might be technically different
@@shaunvlog Not to be argumentative, but they are totally different not only in taste but in ingredient ratios as well. Like comparing apples to oranges. But I also prefer Juniors to Cheesecake Factory. I have only had Juniors from the grocery freezer section and it was the best I have ever had. Love your videos. I am from Mississippi and have been watching you since your delightful time in Nola.
Um. No. Cheesecake made without flour and with Philadelphia cream cheese is the best. I've made it for years and people love it.
@@sassycatz4470 100%
Texas Roadhouse…that’s one of my favs!
The first time I ever went to a Cheesecake Factory, was inside a mall in Philadelphia on a Saturday night. We knew it was going to be a long wait, and when I heard the hostess tell my b/f, “about 45 minutes”, I thought that didn’t sound too bad. But no, they were talking about when a beeper would be available. The only reason we waited was because we were inside a mall. Totally worth it.
For me, every time I go to the cheesecake factory they're usually pretty slow, but overall the service is good. I'm sorry you had a bad experience. And I don't eat cheesecake, but I think the cheesecake factory is more known for their massive variety of flavors rather than just the traditional one.
Was ok when I went to the one in Latham,NY, but ditto on the slow and long wait times.
I never go during the lunch/dinner rush. I try to go between the two. Or get there right at 11 am. Yes any other time is swamped more so if it’s a large city.
Sorry you had bad service at The Cheesecake Factory.
What a lot of people don't realize about Cheesecake Factory (until they've been to one) is that it's not a dessert place. They have a huge menu with many entrees, salads, appetizers, etc. Lots of people go there without ordering cheesecake.
It doesn't surprise me that Junior's had better cheesecake. It's a place that specializes in cheesecake in the land of cheesecake.
Places I'd like to see you visit in San Francisco (though I suspect you'll have already left there by the time you read this): La Taqueria at 2889 Mission Street (famous for their Mission burritos), Yank SIng (101 Spear Street) or some other dim sum restaurant, Caffe Trieste (601 Vallejo Street) or some other Italian coffee house and pastry shop), Ferry Building Marketplace (1 Ferry Building) with many food vendors.
I didn't know there was bad cheesecake. What a tour you are having. Thanks Shaun.
It wasn’t bad to be fair - actually pretty good. Just not amazing
Cheesecake Factory is a chain restaurant at this point, I'm sure the original was much better.
Great video by the way!
I know that Cheesecake Factory! In Macy’s off of Union Square. It’s certainly convenient to the area. The food is consistently good, the portions huge (usually enough for two if not three meals). Almost always cut the cheesecake in half and bring half home.
Shaun there are tons of other delicious Cheesecake flavors!! You played it too safe! banana cream or chocolate are awesome!!
Their portions used to be even bigger than they are now by a pretty large margin. I always take home a to go box for another day with the leftover portion that I can’t finish. Love their food. You’re right about their cheesecake. Nothing beats Junior’s.
I think the particular unit that you were in was understaffed.
Where do you find a Junior’s? I’ve never heard of this place.
@@nancyhaynes4459 Junior's is a restaurant chain only found in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and at Foxwood's Casino in Connecticut. With that being typed, you can find Junior's Cheesecakes anywhere in the country in supermarkets. Go to your local supermarket and look in the baking area. You will most certainly find Junior's New York style Cheesecake in boxes somewhere near the cheesecake section. If there is a Whole Foods near you, it is for sure sold in there because that is where I get my Junior's Cheesecakes in Massachusetts.
@@jasonmistretta4295 thank you for the information. We do have a Whole Foods in our area. Thank you for taking the time to let me know.
I find chain restaurants are never as good as a good, unique, one-off restaurant. Local chains are usually better than regional ones, and regional chains often have an edge over national and international chains. Many of the US chains have really overwhelmed, overworked employees, and the quality is just good enough to keep bringing people back, but nothing too extraordinary, except possibly for one or two stand out dishes. Portions are usually really good, and remember, taking home leftovers is a pretty standard thing here, no shame or embarrassment. Waste not, want not. You paid for it, keep it around for that midnight snack or a quick lunch on the road.
Agreed. Plus I've never actually had a decent meal at cheesecake factory. The last time I went, I got eggs benedict, and the eggs were overdone to the point of being hardboiled. That was the last straw and I vowed to never eat there again. (How can you ruin a dish that every half-awake waffle house line cook can nail?)
Check out Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA for some Gilded Age excess, about halfway down the coast. Stop by Morro Bay, CA to see the volcanic plugs on the coastline as you drive south. Also check out the Dutch village of Solvang, CA just north of Santa Barbara. I hope you are taking a drive around wine country and tasting some good wines as well.
Hearst Castle aka San Simeon is a very beautiful piece of architecture still on one of the Hearst Family ranches. If you go south on the coastal route, in addition to these excellent suggestions might I suggest a short stop at the Madonna Inn. Don't worry, it's easy to find. Use the men's restroom and you'll understand. Very nice but bizarre in a classic California sense, it supposedly partly inspired the Eagles "Hotel California" song in the late 1970's. If possible take a detour to the Carrizo Plain. It will give you an idea of what pre-settlement California looked like and is radically different from your stops in the tall trees north.. Pismo Beach is worth a stop. Try some abalone in local restaurant and some uni (sea urchin). The Pismo Dines are interesting and have been in many movies. The ruins of sets from the great silent spectacles of the nineteen teens from D.E. Griffith and Cecil De Mille are buried in the dunes.
Somewhere here in California, especially in a Japanese American area, you should try some sushi and sashimi. The South Bay of LA County would be the place. If you want to see what Hawaiian food is like, since there are many Hawaiians in our area, try eating at King's Hawaiian in Torrance (try spam musubi or loco moco). It's the continental location of a famous Hawaiian restaurant. Torrance has a heavier concentration of Japanese Americans, Japanese immigrants and Japanese expatriates than anywher else in the continental US.
One place I very strongly suggest is La Purisma Mission, north of Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley. Still a functioning church in a very rural area it will give you a very good idea of what our original missions looked like in the 1700's. A stop in San Luis Obispo will show the careful eye the Spanish layout of the original town based on the zocalo (what you might call the central plaza). That layout is based on Roman town plans. And try to go to Santa Catalina Island, just off the coast by the Palos Verdes Peninsula imnediately north of San Pedro and Long Beach Harbors. There are wild buffalo on the island's wild interior, which you normally access by bus tour. Once again you get an idea of what this place used to look like, in some places not that long ago. If you go to the top of the Palos Verdes Hill and Peninsula you will get a unique view north, east and south of the LA coastal plain, the vast harbor complex and the huge mountain ranges surrounding the area. This place was still isolated when my great grandparents first came to the area in the 1890's as newly married Euripean immigrants.
If you make it out to Michigan and want to try beloved foods, I’d suggest trying a coney dog at Lafayette Coney Island and Detroit-style pizza at Buddy’s in Detroit; the family style chicken dinner at Zehnder’s in Frankenmuth, and a reuben sandwich at Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor.
*YES* Detroit Style Chili (with🐮 Beef heart❣️), Detroit Style Pizza ( 🟧) , Gyros 🥙, Spinach Pie
Evidently, the Big Bang show was more accurate than I thought.
Juniors has wonderful cheesecake. I haven't had it in years, but I can almost taste their chocolate mousse cheesecake.
Chains make ok stuff. It's the mom & pop places were you find the best food.
You should go to Pier 39 and have seafood & clam chowder. Then walk to fisherman's wharf there are lots of shops and it's a nice stroll. There's also Chinatown near where you are staying. There is also Japantown, little Italy. Lombard street (the most crooked street), Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardelli Square. So many places to see and so many things to eat.
When you head to LA you have to eat at Porto's.
I have never seen anyone go to Cheesecake Factory and order the plain cheesecake 😂 Next time you go (if you do -- sorry about the poor service!), you need to try one of the more adventurous flavors. My favorite is the 30th Anniversary cheesecake, which is layers of cheesecake and chocolate cake... it's delicious!
I've never eaten dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. Mind you I've only eaten at the one in San Antiono and I went there just for the cheesecake; however, that salad has me thinking I might be missing something.
Next time to come to Oregon check out the tillamook cheese factory. Get some of the best cheese ever and some real good cheesecake.
True that.
Mackinac Island in Michigan. They have the world's greatest fudge!! Try it. Then go to Frankenmuth and shop at Bronner's, the world's largest Christmas store. Frankenmuth also has Zehnder's restaurant where there is fabulous fried chicken dinners it's a very nice place.
I feel the need to clear something up regarding the "low pay" of wait staff in the US. Yes, the hourly rate is very low however, over the years attempts have been made to raise the wage and eliminate tipping but this has been met with resistance by wait staff. Why? Because they would have to pay higher taxes and they would make far less money. A waiter or waitress working at a higher end restaurant can make several hundred dollars a night easily. They make far more in tips than their employer could ever pay in the form of an hourly wage. As for The Cheesecake Factory, I've eaten there twice and was rather underwhelmed. Staggeringly large portions of mediocre food though in our case we did have decent service. My advice is to stay away from chains and find the out of the way local places.
Business Insider did a survey and Cheesecake Factory was the highest in "overpriced restaurant chains" in the entire US. It has also been rated as the "most unhealthy chain in America" based on sugar, fat, sodium, calories. Furthermore the cheesecakes are frozen and shipped from either a California or North Carolina "ghost kitchen" so they are not made fresh. Yes, they are freshly defrosted. Most overpriced and most unhealthy and their signature item is frozen shipped from hundreds or thousand of miles away. Harry and David wanted to charge me $103 to have a 7 inch (tiny) CF cheesecake shipped to my door. Who are the idiots who do that?
My one experience at Cheesecake Factory here in New Mexico was the same: great salad, ok cheesecake, terrible service. We never went again.
Sam's Anchor Cafe in Tiburon! Anything Mexican in the Mission. Scoma's in Sausalito. Balboa Cafe, Perry's and Union Street. Swan's Oyster Depot.
I've eaten over 40 different types of Cheesecakes from different flavors and states. New York Style Cheese is and will always be the best! Name the flavor of the Cheesecake, I've had it a bunch of times! East Coast Cheesecake is just better than Westcoast Cheesecake, in general! I'm from LA but no comparison! New York, Phili and Boston have exeptional Cheesecakes!
Having been to Junior's and Cheesecake factory, I agree with you. There's no contest.
My daughter makes a cheesecake for her pub that is close to Juniors. She kept tweeking her recipie till her grandfather said " best one yet". So it's grandpa approved.
There’s always a wait time for a table that’s the Sign of a decent or great Restaurant. I believe New York Style Cheesecake is thicker and denser. USA,and I’m sure other country’s are having an employee shortage especially in Hospitality Industries.
Did you realize or maybe it’s changed,endless refreshment refills?
I've moved from White Plains, NY to rural Vermont, and I do miss the Cheesecake Factory. I went there last with my sister, brother and their spouses to celebrate my retirement and upcoming move to Vermont. I never chose a gut-busting main dish. I chose the Dynamite Shrimp and a couple of cocktails. (Except for the designated driver, we were all schnockered!) We all chose our favorite slices of cheesecake to take home. But I have to admit, the service was slow. That's OK. I nibbled on the great bread they served. At least our server had a friendly attitude. I think any decent restaurant can give you good memories when you're celebrating with your friends or family.
The nice thing about most restaurants is that you can take home whatever you cannot finish and have a second or even third meal from it.
So much great Italian, Chinese, Japanese, seafood (and other choices) and you chose Cheesecake Factory. 😆
The Cheesecake Factory is just a chain restaurant. I know you want to experience places you don't have in the UK, but Mom and Pop places are usually better. You should ask your concierge, or people on the street. I bet you'll have a wonderful experience there. As far as the service goes, way before the pandemic, the Cheesecake Factory never had good service in my opinion. I haven't been there in over 10 years, and I don't feel I'm missing a thing.
The concierge actually told us to go there - it was going on 10pm and we’d just arrived so we never really had many options
@@shaunvlog He/she must be getting kickbacks. I hope you go and try the clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at the wharf. It used to be so good. Are you finding SF a bit cold and breezy? Mark Twain said, "The coldest winter I experienced, was summer in San Francisco. You must ride the cable cars. They're lots of fun. I am really enjoying your videos.
@@tatiannazutania7751 I bet he is working for the Illuminati too !!!! Oh, the Crab House closes at 10pm as well as Pier Market and Fog Harbor Fish House. Scoma's closes at 9pm. Do you even understand why 10pm is important in this conversation?
@@david-1775 Did you take an extra nasty pill today, or is this how you respond to all strangers over the internet? It was a joke about the concierge taking a kick back. Even if it wasn't, that's not how you interface with people. I'm certain your mother and father didn't raise you that way.
I have never seen so many wonderful restaurant recommendations!
Sad to hear it wasn’t pleasant. But since watching your presentation i’ve decided to go to my local Cheesecake and get a Thai salad for lunch. Cheers.
My husband was a server there over 10 years ago and memorized that ENTIRE MENU. The portions are notoriously ridiculous.
The vanilla bean cheesecake is their best IMO but I’m not a good judge of regular NYC style as I don’t like it. So that’s probably fair assessment.
Sadly Im not surprised about the service. We have a massive staffing shortage in hospitality due to COVID. 1M died or had to quit work due to early retirement or to take care of family. And then low wages are compounding that issue so it’s hard to find anyone. At this point I expect slow service. Just is what it is but it’s a stark difference from just a couple years ago.
I'd give up on the big chain restaurants and ask locals where are the good places in each town. And, if you get down to Morro Bay, be sure to go to Dorn's restaurant. It's family owned and operated, great view of Morro Rock, great food.
It's my favorite item on their menu, but yes, I need to immediately cut it in half and box up the rest for later. As far as the cheesecake itself, bear in mind you tried it after being really full and eating an overwhelming amount of flavors from your Thai salad entree. As for the service, sorry you had poor service. The ones in Arizona are always great.
I love Cheesecake Factory but have never been to the one in SF. The one here in Portland is wonderful, and the many varieties of cheesecake are fantastic. We don't have access to Junior's, which is in Brooklyn and thousands of miles away, so cannot compare the two. As far as I'm concerned, Cheesecake Factory cheesecake is amazing, as is their food. And the service here in Portland area is always great. However, next time you go to San Francisco, there are so many amazing restaurants! Burmese food at the Burma Super Star, Mexican food at La Tapatia Tortilla factory, Tony's Pizza Napoletana in Little Italy. And the list goes on!
I figured out long ago, the main ingredients being eggs and cheese, like an omelette, so cheesecake for dinner. My own home made is best, but the Cheesecake Factory in Rockville, Maryland was entirely excellent. I also talked people at nearby tables to have cheesecake for dinner. 🤡
I love cheesecake factory.. some comments criticize for not going to a local place.. but as he said it's subjective.. and it's good to experience a place that's iconic in America. Also good to have mixed experiences so when he says it's good in future you know it was good.
I’ve only been to the Cheesecake Factory once and that was a long time ago. It was good but nothing really special. I do remember that I had some kind of chicken served over mashed potatoes sitting on a bed of salad greens. Must have been good since I remember it. Don’t remember if we even had cheesecake though. So many other really good restaurants in San Francisco.
definitely agree on Cheesecake Factory, the actual food is super delicious, the cheesecake itself ironically unexciting haha
Next time you should try something other than the plain cheesecake. I always go for something more interesting (not all at once, though! lol). Tiramisu, Red Velvet, Oreo, Reese's PB, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Lemon Meringue, Salted Caramel, White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, Snickers, Hershey, Caramel Apple, Lemon Raspberry, Mango Key Lime, Banana Cream, Dulce de Leche, so many flavors to choose from -- that's one of the best things about Cheesecake Factory -- the variety.
Their cheesecakes were delicious when they first opened, especially since there was no competition and cheesecake was not a traditional dessert. Now days they make a decent cheesecake, but nothing to write home about. "Poor Service" - In San Francisco I am not surprised. Was it 'Poor Service' because their tables were full and they could only serve you as fast as the kitchen put out the food or was it actually that the waiter was 'slacking off'? Your first clue was the "30-40 minute wait". It is best to avoid any restaurant during the peek/rush hour meal time = 5-7 pm for dinner, 11am-2pm for lunch and 6am-8am for breakfast, especially on the weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). The exception to that rule is to get there right at the start of the rush hour.
They basically ignored us and then when we asked for things like a straw for our drinks, it seemed to p!$$ them off when they eventually answered us - probably just a bad night, but I grudge having to pay any tip at all under the circumstances. In Europe, there’s no hope in hell we’d pay tips with bad service. But like I said, this was a blip- customer service is generally fantastic all over the states compared to other places
Junior’s has an advantage…their cheesecakes are made on-site by their bakery staff and it’s New York style which is slightly different. That being said, the Cheesecake Factory has flavors that most bakeries don’t, so it depends on individual preference. 😉. Glad you’re visiting San Francisco, it’s beautiful and tune out the screamers, you’ll get to other iconic SF locations soon.
in a city renowned for it's food, from burritos to french cuisine; you chose the Cheesecake Factory. As a San Franciscan, you're killing me!
Ive had this comment about 10 times and it’s annoying. we had literally just arrived in the city after a long drive and it was going on 10pm - it was right next to our hotel and the hotel staff said it would be the only thing we could get close by without a reservation. I make no apologies and the food was good, so what’s the problem?
@@shaunvlog True, when tired and late at night, it makes sense to hit whatever’s closest and open.
I think I’d still hit the King of Thai Noodle house around the corner before eating at the Cheesecake Factory.
@@shaunvlog have you ever thought about having a show -like Anthony Bourdain or other guys? You just travel around and try things?
@@shaunvlog What’s annoying, Shaun, is the way you introduced it as a “West Coast classic” and a favorite of locals, when in reality it is just a mediocre restaurant chain that began in Southern California and can’t hold a candle to many other establishments that are more characteristic of or even unique to San Francisco. If you need to make a video about the chain restaurant that was the only thing you thought was available at the moment, then do that instead of trying to pass it off as something special in a city replete with truly special restaurants.
@@markhamstra1083 this is your personal opinion, but based on the number of people in the comments who say they love The Cheesecake Factory and go all the time tells me you are wrong. Just because it aint loved by you doesn't mean it aint loved by many locals. Did i mention we had to wait ages for a seat? The vast majority of people in there had US accents, so again, respectfully, this is your personal opinion only
I love how the automatically generated subtitles made Cheesecake Factory into „she‘s getting fat today“ 😂😂😂 which basically means the same thing anyways. I love love love their peanut butter cheesecake! Best thing I have ever tasted in my entire life.
I was in San Francisco 2 weekends ago for 2 days of art museum visits. I also went to that Cheesecake Factory to get a piece of carrot cake. It was packed. It's a good place to go if you just want a decadent dessert.
That place always has mammoth sizes for meals. Always felt it was odd since the highpoint is dessert. My friends and I go and each get samples of different cheesecake and share. I think there is option to purchase a sampler. Juniors---well, that is a class unto itself.
When it's late and you're just tired and hungry, box restaurant comfort food has you covered. Walk in, eat, then roll out full and sleepy.
Haha will never forget when I ordered a small coffee there. It came out the size of a beer pitcher.
25 years ago I sold some equipment to Cheesecake Factory that produced an item on the menu. Due to an error in the product specs our system made the item larger than normal. Fearing the worst, the manager went to the CEO to explain the problem and say new equipment may have to be purchased. The manager came back from his meeting with the CEO smiling saying, "The boss says bigger is better". That seems to be the saying at Cheesecake Factory.
That salad looks SOOO good!
Ooh, the cheesecake looks really yummy, too! I'm sorry you didn't get better service. 😥
There is so much to see and do in San Francisco. I have two seafood recommendations that are not at Fisherman's Wharf: Tadich Grill at 250 California Street (on the cable car line) and Swan Oyster Depot on Polk Street at California. This is no knock of Fisherman's Wharf, but it can get a bit touristy. Tadich Grill is the oldest continually operating restaurant in Calfornia, and THE PLACE to get grilled fish. Swan Oyster Depot is the place to get a Crab Louie. Cheers!
Love it! But that was the unhealthiest salad on the planet, "....1210 calories in a Thai Chicken Salad from The Cheesecake Factory". The cheesecake is good though! But, in San Francisco, there are far better restaurants. Tommy's Joynt is great!
Cheesecake Factory. My families favorite place for all special occasions. True Americana! Have never had bad service @CF here in Central FL.
One hamburger joint in California we enjoy is 5 Guys. It's a bit on the pricy side but very good.
We love 5 Guys too but we have them here to (even a few miles from home) so not such a novelty :)
I lived a few blocks from there for many years and never knew there was a Cheesecake Factory. Locals mostly avoid chains, at least they used to.
I assume you're gone but anyhow, some food suggestions:
Italian: Fior d'Italia in North Beach, because it's the last old school place. Chinese and Vietnamese: head out to Irving and Noriega street in the Sunset, or Clement St. in the inner Richmond. American: John's Grill, home of the Maltese Falcon, near Union Square. Mission Burritos: El Farolito @ 24th & Mission.
Oh, my town. The Cheesecake Factory in SF was the first one I ever ate at. So miss living in the Bay Area.
some restaurants don't really do "side salads", and most salads highlighted in menu is like a main course for people who don't want a meat dish.
Wow, I gotta try the other cheesecake you like better. I’ve never had better cheesecake than at The Cheesecake Factory.
If you are still in San Francisco (or CA), I recommend trying Boudin’s for their sour dough bowl clam chowder, a popular favorite. My dad just had to get that every time we were in SF.
The better cheesecake he was talking about is Junior’s. Their original location is in Brooklyn, but they also sell their cheesecakes through Costco and Whole Foods.
Homemade Cheesecake (from scratch) will always be better than a chain restaurant. My mother makes a better cheesecake on her worst day than the Cheesecake Factory makes on its best. Just to clarify, I'm talking about chain restaurants. The local place on your corner that makes them from scratch might be able to beat my mom's.
I always thought the Cheesecake Factory was just a fictional establishment on TBBT. I didn't realise it was real.
Cheesecake Factory is a definite fav!😋💕 Yum!
Check your bill/receipt carefully. Many places hide automatic "service charges" in the bill, and then people don't see it/realize it's there and they tip on top of that.
I didn’t know The Cheesecake Factory was still around. The last one in my city closed years ago.
I’m a native NYer living in SF for 30 years…nothing is better than Juniors Cheesecake. The service has always been bad at Cheesecake Factory (and Burger Bar) they’re always swamped. The best place for desserts in SF hands down has to be Tartine.
If you’re ever on the East Coast I highly suggest getting a pork roll egg and cheese sandwich. It’s a New Jersey staple but you can get it in New York and Philly. It’s one of the best breakfast sandwiches out there.
Pork Roll ❤
The only good cheesecake is New York cheesecake. Nothing compares. Cheesecake Factory is for people who don’t know cheesecake.
I'm sure you're aware of the popular large burritos so many places nowadays, well the place that is credited with starting it all is in San Francisco, literally right on the corner of 17th and Valencia St I believe if you should care to try it, if you take a cab be sure to ask the cabbie...agree with you on the cheesecake
In SF you must try the clam chowder down on the wharf...great place at Pier 39, you'll know the establishment but the VW van built into the outside wall
I can't believe you didn't mention for your UK viewers that The Cheesecake Factory has a 256 page menu.
That's because that number is only how many items they serve. The menu itself is only about 23 pages. I say "only"...🙄
Always way too much food 🤣 Loving your videos ❤️💙💜🧡💛💚
When you get to Texas the Salt Lick in Austin. The best chicken fried steak used to be at The MuzzleLoader in Billings Montana. Chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken are big I’m Texas.
When I visited my brother in Virginia, he took me to the Cheesecake Factory. I don't recall what I ordered, only that it was too salty, I couldn't eat it. Your Thai salad looks delicious. If I ever go to the Mainland, maybe I can try that.
To everybody telling Shaun where he should have gone, AFTER THE VIDEO WAS MADE. You should have made your suggestions BEFORE HE WENT TO SAN FRANCISCO !! Nothing wrong with telling him where to go next time or what to get NEXT time but don't be an preachy, judgemental ass in the comments.
Cheesecake Factory is a good place to go if you're hungry. I like their Shepherd's Pie but even the lunch portion is a lot of food. If I want cheesecake there, I literally just come for dessert and not a meal. Glad you enjoyed it.
I've lived in America all my life and have never eaten at the Cheesecake Factory. You beat me to it! I would never order the basic cheesecake. There are so many excellent flavors. But that is just me.
I agree that you should have tried one or two of the restaurants on Fisherman's Wharf. That is San Francisco. You could go to the Cheesecake Factory in many other cities. Hope you get a chance to try local cuisines and not mainly franchise restaurants during your trip in USA. That is what I try to do whenever I visit countries in Europe. I try to stay clear of tourist eateries. On the other hand, I understand that you would want to experience places (which are usually franchises) that you hear about when you are back at home.
Whichever way you go, bon appetite!
Well said. No matter where I travel, if at all possible it won't be at a chain fast food joint or restaurant.i
I didn’t know that Cheesecake Factory was a west-coast thing. I first went to one in Boston.
If you walk into a Cheescake Factory, you will notice all the people going out with doggy bags. That is because most of the meals there are gigantic and people take what they couldn't eat, home.
To be fair, Cheescake Factory isn't famous for having the best cheescake. It is where you go if you want a huge choice of different kinds of cheescakes to choose from, or a good dinner. Their cheescake is perfectly fine. It just isn't what I would call the best I have ever eaten.
Also, I would add that if you are in NY, you are probably eating NY style cheescake which is extremely dense. I thought you ate it with blueberry on top too, so not apples to apples. I am a fan of NY Cheescake which isn't like the standard cheescake at the Factory.
4 kilos of salad 🥗! most British phrase I’ve ever heard
I found that many restaurants in the US serve more than I eat. But restaurants will also box up the excess for you to take home, so I almost always get two meals from one visit to the restaurant.
A Scottish man I can understand every word he speaks. I did not know they existed. I could hardly understand my grandparents when I was young.
My opinion is that the restaurant was very popular and more posh than some others in the country, which would explain the service. They will make enough $ so they don't worry. My local Cheesecake Factory in Cincinnati and one in Pennsylvania had brilliant service.
Hey bro, so very sorry to hear you had terrible service while out at dinner! That reflects poorly on our great city! I hope it did not taint your opinion of the hospitality industry in San Francisco! For the rest of your time in San Francisco, I can suggest some great Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, French, Italian, or seafood places to eat in San Francisco if you want to reach out and ask me. There are hundreds of local restaurants to choose from! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in San Francisco! Love your videos, keep up the good work! FYI- I visited Scotland once years ago when I was in college and spent a summer in Europe. I had a blast! The people were great.
P.S. Sorry to hear that the foodie snobs got on you about going to CheeseCake Factory, like you said, you just got here and it was late and the restaurant was right by your hotel! Dude, don't listen to the haters! I am not a foodie snob, I just love San Francisco and hope you enjoy the different cultures here that make this city great!!!
If you're still visiting SF, you need to try a supper burrito from El Farolito. Ideally, the one on Mission near Bart/24th Street, but they did just open one up in North Beach.
I'm not surprised about the service. California doesn't have the friendliest people and I'd imagine San Francisco is probably one of their rudest cities
I love cheesecake, but I have never been to Cheesecake Factory. I think the nearest one to my home is a two hour drive.
Suggestions for restaurant chains: BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse (huge cookies for dessert), Lupe Tortillas (TexMex), and Whataburger (fast food). All of these can be found in Houston, Texas. Also, you have to try our Bluebell brand ice cream. There's a ton on non-chain places, but I'm trying to follow your directions. 😄
I am not about to argue with you Shaun. Cheesecake Factory and the local grocery store bakery are the only cheesecakes I have had. So I can not compare to Juniors. The food at the factory has always been wonderful when I have been there, including the cheesecakes. I live in rural Washington state, our options are limited unless we go to Seattle, which I avoid. When I visited my daughter in Western NY we didn't eat anywhere that had cheesecakes or NY pizza, I have missed out on both.
I worked for the Cheesecake Factory for about 5 years. I would regularly sell a single customer up to 4000+ calories in a single meal.
The Ti lettuce wraps are my favorite