I've eaten at this location several times, and I have had varied experiences. It's hit or miss when it comes to food quality and to service quality as well, but I'm wiping the slate clean to write this review today. When I eat out with my folks, they like the security of chain restaurants--they know what they're getting. It might be heated up in high-powered microwaves, but it's standardized and "safe"--no surprises. This is not my favorite way to dine, but I love my parents and I love sharing a meal with them, so I try to find "variations on the theme" and go beyond the usual places that I file under the category of "We're in a rut and we don't know what else to do! Send help!"
When Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen appeared on the San Antonio scene a few years back, I got excited. Chain restaurant? Check! Safe-looking menu? Check! Suburban decor? Check! Even with all these checks, my parents were still hesitant. "Cajun style? You know I don't like spicy, Mariam!" This was Dad's reaction. Mom's was just the scrunched-up-nose face that she's famous for. Eventually, though, everyone was (reluctantly) on board! The bait that hooked them? Chicken Pot Pie--you can always count on the "over 55" crowd to go bonkers for soupy foods with carby crusts. When they finally tried it, they fell as hard for the pie as Elvis fell for peanut butter and bacon.
On a whim, we decided to grab "some a dat" pot pie action for them and a club sandwich for me. Of course, you can't go to Cheddar's and overcome the bewitching appetizers that every table around you orders. Today, we were sunk the second a huge platter of high-stack onion rings passed by. I couldn't see them, but the flavor fingers that curled up into my nostrils and yanked my brain out rendered me stupid. We ordered our own platter. And while the subtle spice that brings the slight element of heat seemed to be missing from the batter, the rings were still as kick-butt as usual: crispy, fried, shimmering, and delicious. The pot pie was on point today--piping hot with a perfectly golden-browned pastry crust and bubbling veggies with huge chunks of chicken lying right underneath. This was brought out after the rings and after the huge "side salad" served with a warm, flaky, "SHUT YOUR FACE" honey-buttered croissant. Dad opted for the thick, creamy, steaming-hot potato soup. (It comes with bacon and that eclipses any other choice of side when you're Dad.)
I was in the mood to try something new, so I strayed from my usual crispy-fried chicken tenders and chose the Cheddar's Club that was piled high with turkey, ham, bacon, cheese and more cheese and more cheese and then some more cheese. ;) I got through a quarter of it. That's all I could handle. It was that big and that filling. Of course I still had room to nibble on the perfectly executed fries. This is where I have to say, the texture of these fries is so awesome and just BEGGING for seasoning, but there was no seasoning to be had. I highly urge Cheddar's Corporate to reconsider this. Put some o' dat Cajun spice up in there! WE, THE MASSES, ARE CLAMORING FOR IT! And by "masses," I mean me. ME!
Busting at the seams, we went for it and ordered--yes, we really did--the Cheddar's Painkiller Mini Cake--a small coconut bundt "filled with Pusser's Rum-butter sauce and topped with whipped cream, freshly toasted coconut, and a cherry." One bite and I slowly sank into some sort of half-comatose state where I quietly mouthed the words, "Dead. I died. I'm dead. I can't live after this. This is the top. This is it." Oh my gosh, what an experience! And I have so many questions. In a time and place where restaurants--especially chains--are falling over themselves to serve the biggest, most complicated, ridiculous dishes, why did Cheddar's feel the need to go small and almost whisper-like? MIND BLOWN. Butter and coconut and rum--classic, warm, baffling.
If you're like me and trying to find a way to break bread with a different generation, I highly recommend looking for a place outside of the regular chain restaurant rotation. Cheddar's is a happy medium and everyone can enjoy something from the menu. At the end, you can all partake in a community dessert where you meet at the cherry! read more