Cheesecake Factory going strong at the Fashion Mall

Yes, but: There is an option. It's just one I hadn't really considered before.

Where to go: The Cheesecake Factory, which actually … kind of rules?

• I hadn't been in probably more than a decade and just assumed it, like most of mall culture, had fallen out of favor.
• Boy, was I wrong. On a random weeknight, the place was absolutely packed and had a 45-minute wait.

What to order: It's been the butt of many jokes but the beautiful thing about the Cheesecake Factory's wildly robust menu is that there is something for literally everyone, and lots of options for vegetarians.

• You want Thai lettuce wraps, baked brie and a veggie burger, while gazing upon (for some inexplicable reason) Egyptian-themed decor? You got it. How about an eggroll, some cauliflower wings and a pizza? Done.
• Is that pizza as good as Napolese? No, no it is not.

• Is it better than you'd expect from a chain? I thought so! And there will be leftovers anyway, so you might as well just get a piece of one of the 30+ cheesecake options and lean into the whole experience.

If you go: The Fashion Mall, 8701 Keystone Crossing.

• Open 11am-10pm Monday-Thursday, 11am-11pm Friday and Saturday and 10am-10pm Sunday.