Cheddar’s Casual Café, a Texas-based group of restaurants, has repeatedly garnered No. 1 ratings from Zagat, Consumer Reports and Nation’s Restaurant News for food quality, customer experience, value and atmosphere.
In each restaurant, dozens of culinary team members prepare Cheddar’s dishes by hand. The menu offers a range of selections including steaks seasoned with a special blend of herbs, ribs slow-smoked for hours in-house, hand-cut seafood, crisp salads, generous pastas, classic burgers, chicken and more.
True to their Texas roots, the designer-quality interior and exterior features real copper awnings, Austin chalk stone from a Texas quarry, solid cherry and walnut butcher-block table tops. Although new, the restaurant was impeccably clean and warm, from the interiors to the friendly staff, the atmosphere was notable and impressive.
Our food was hot, the margaritas were abundant and the servers were helpful and attentive. Cheddar’s is definitely a nice option if you’re in the area. Here’s what we tasted and sipped throughout the evening.
- Honey Butter Croissants – Oh my. I’d go back just for these treats. Hot from the oven and melt in your hand, these croissants are Instagram worthy.
- Santa Fe Spinach Dip – Blended with sour cream, spices, four cheeses, topped with mozzarella cheese and served with unlimited chips and salsa. We were painfully hungry after a long day, so this appetizer was a nice compliment to our margaritas as started our meal.
- Skinny Margarita – Sauza Gold with Cheddar’s Skinny Agave Sour. Served in a massive glass and boasting a mere 109 calories, this marg is a good bet for your meal. Oh and did I mention it’s only $3.99?
- Sweet Heat Chicken & Shrimp – Chicken breast with grilled shrimp, glazed with sweet chili sauce and served over ginger rice with a salad tossed in tomato herb vinaigrette. I really wanted to order something “bad” but thought I’d give their “Lighter Side” menu a whirl! For a dish under 575, I was impressed by the portion size and flavor. The chicken was tender and I could slice it with a fork, paired with rice and a salad, you’ll forget you ordered a calorie controlled dish.
Cheddar’s is always packed so head out early if you want to avoid the crowds! As my Dad would say, this place definitely passes the “parking lot test,” parking lots and crowds don’t lie when it comes to restaurant popularity. So, what do you think of Cheddar’s? Tell us in the comments below!
