Cheesecake Factory — Review by Daym Drops
Trumbull, United States — American casual dining
The reviewer drives an hour to Cheesecake Factory at Trumbull Mall to try the viral sold-out Cajun salmon, which he finds absolutely delicious with perfectly seared salmon and buttery sides. However, he criticizes the restaurant's rising prices, shrinking portions, and overpriced beverages, warning that they are pricing out customers similar to what happened to Five Guys.
What was great: The Cajun salmon was perfectly seared with incredible flavor, buttery mashed potatoes with garlic, and the overall dish tasted worth the high price. The chocolate brownie cheesecake was also rich, creamy, and smooth.
What could improve: The Cajun sauce was too watery instead of a proper spread, prices are too high and increasing while portion sizes shrink, drinks are overpriced at $5.50 for what tastes like Kool-Aid, and nuts in the brownie cheesecake were unnecessary.
The Dishes
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Cajun salmon, which the reviewer describes as perfectly seared with divine flavor. The salmon arrives with thick mashed potatoes infused with garlic and butter, along with buttery corn niblets. The reviewer is initially disappointed by the Cajun sauce, noting it appears too watery and milky rather than a proper spread, but this doesn't diminish his love for the salmon itself. He calls it some of the best salmon he's ever had, praising how tender and flavorful every bite is.
The reviewer also orders the Chocolate Chunk Brownie cheesecake, another previously sold-out item that has recently returned to stock. He describes it as rich, creamy, smooth and bold, though he expresses frustration about the walnuts and pecans mixed throughout, as he prefers his desserts without nuts. Despite this minor complaint, he acknowledges it's a nice sweet treat.
The Experience
The reviewer had to pre-order online to ensure the restaurant had the Cajun salmon when he arrived, as his local Cheesecake Factory didn't have it in stock. He drove an hour to reach the Trumbull Mall location specifically for this dish. The experience highlights the extreme demand for this item, with the reviewer noting that even popular food influencer Keith Lee couldn't obtain it at various locations.
Value and Pricing
The reviewer is candid about the cost, noting that while the lunch version is listed at $22, tax brings it to approximately $29, matching the dinner price. Adding two cheesecakes at $29.47 and drinks at $11, his total meal cost reaches approximately $71. He criticizes Cheesecake Factory heavily for their rising prices while portion sizes decrease. He specifically calls out the $5.50 strawberry lemonade as overpriced, comparing it unfavorably to inexpensive drinks you'd get at a soul food restaurant, calling it essentially expensive Kool-Aid.
Notable Moments
I see why you sold out. I see why nobody can get you. My salmon has been seared up to the gods and the flavor on that salmon is divine.
Cheesecake Factory, I love love love your new Cajun salmon. It's everything that the people need, everything that the people are going to love.
Keep messing around Cheesecake Factory. You gonna be doing a whole lot of BOGOS. You're gonna be calling up your brother Five Guys like, Yo, how y'all dealing with this?
The Verdict
Despite his enthusiasm for the Cajun salmon itself, the reviewer gives Cheesecake Factory a mixed review overall. While he enthusiastically recommends trying the Cajun salmon and suggests getting the lunch version to save money, he warns the restaurant about their escalating prices and shrinking portions. He compares their trajectory to Five Guys, which resorted to BOGO deals after losing customers due to high prices. This restaurant is best for those seeking an impressive salmon dish, but diners should be prepared for premium pricing and should avoid ordering anything beyond the featured Cajun salmon.