Cheddar's

We have come to really enjoy this place.  If you read my other reviews, I'm a big fan of summarizing places up in a single word or phrase.  I think my word for this place would be consistent.  The service here is always very friendly and professional.  Even when busy they are prompt in greeting you, getting you on the wait list and they tend to be very accurate in the wait times that they give.  Nothing bugs me more than places that consistently  and intentionally short claim you wait time to keep you from leaving.

We tend to eat here in groups with at least one or two families, and they do handle large tables very well.  The menu is varied enough that both the kids, teens and adults all find fare that suits them well.  One of the better dishes we've had is a dijon mustard, mushroom chicken dish that is consistently good.  It does run on the sweet side however, so be prepared.  

About the only thing I've ever ordered that I really didn't like was their Monte Christo sandwich.  Generally that is ham, chicken mozzarella cheese all on two pieces of french toast.. (I know... not healthy.. but YUM).  Their version comes out bascially deep fried.  It's like they make the whole thing then drop it into a fryer.  It wasn't horrible, but not a good variation of the traditional.

That being said, the decor is very nice with big fish tanks for the kids too oogle while waiting.  Parking is ample and the prices very resonable.  I say try it!

That Monte Cristo was perfection!  I ate 3/4 of it and was stuffed!  Yes, I'd really haul my cookies back to Cheddar's just for that sandwich.

Other "pros" include the inexpensive menu (most entrees were less than $10), and the endless drink menu.  

Cheddar's is a cross between a greasy diner and a family chain restaurant.  It lacks the "cool" of TGI Friday's, but it lacks the funeral home carpet of most Greek diners.  Lack of identity, check.

In the past, I've had the chicken tender platter, which my dining partner agreed was just as good as Chili's.  The fries aren't anything special, and they were borderline cold.  Our waitress was really weird and she rubbed me the wrong way. I ordered water, and her reply was, "come on girl, water?! It's the weekend!"  I couldn't tell by her tone how she meant it.  She made an equally awkward comment after we declined ordering dessert.  It came off as blatant tip sniffing.  When she dropped the check, I wanted to leave right away, she didn't seem cool with anyone sitting and chatting.

It appears to be popular with locals, and they probably get some business from travelers being right off of I-55.  Cheddar's is on my list for my next Monte Cristo craving.  I'd probably sit at the bar in hopes of avoiding that awkward waitress as well.

Fine for what it was. I was disappointed that they didn't give me breakfast options at
11:30 on a Sunday morning. I should have had a clue by the near empty parking lot. My soup and sandwich combo was fine, nothing special.  Service was petty good. The food is better than Denny's (there was one across the street, can't comment on it since I didn't eat there.) At least you could have breakfast at Denny's.