Tasting My Way Through The Cheesecake Factory’s Bar Menu

A few weeks ago I was seriously needing a little “grown up time” when I received an invitation to try out The Cheesecake Factory’s Bar Menu. My first thought was, I don’t really drink and I really can’t see the excitement in a bar menu. I mean honestly, the first thing I think of is stale pretzels and very salty peanuts, am I right? Well, shows how much I get out these days, lol!

If you’re a Cheesecake Factory newbie like I was then let me catch you up on what and why you’re missing out!

I headed out to my local The Cheesecake Factory located at SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211. First off, the regular menu has so much to choose from. And while the prices for me are reasonable already (portions are definitely the right amount, in fact some are perfect to share!) you can now head over to the bar area for an even better deal!

*Just be sure you do sit at the bar or in the open bar area as the menu is only offered here.*

From 4-6pm during the week, The Cheesecake Factory’s Bar Menu (similar to a Happy Hour) offers a variety of items for $5.95 that are normally $10-$12!

Experience some yummy dishes like Fried Macaroni & Cheese, “Happy Hour” Burger, Foot Long Hot Dog, Avocado Eggrolls, Factory Nachos, Tex Mex Eggrolls and a lot more!

Here is a taste of what I sampled that evening:

AVOCADO EGGROLLS: Sun-Dried Tomato, Red Onion and Cilantro Fried in a Crisp Wrapper. Served with a Tamarind-Cashew Dipping Sauce.

Let me just say that you can’t go wrong with any of the bar menu items but this one is sure to please everyone. I watched some of the other patrons and spoke to the great staff in Charlotte and came to the conclusion that this was definitely a fan favorite! Eat it with or without the dipping sauce but I highly recommend you try the tamarind-cashew dipping sauce because it really brings out an extra special, delicious taste.

ROASTED PEAR AND BLUE CHEESE FLATBREAD: Pecans, Arugula and Caramelized Onions.

I’m already a huge fan of flatbreads but some do “fall flat” sometimes. This isn’t one of those times. In fact, this roasted pear & blue cheese flatbread may just be my favorite one. I love the bits of pecans and the caramelized onions on it wasn’t too much, just enough to enjoy that sweet & savory taste. Though the flatbread is enough to enjoy for 2 people I couldn’t help wanting more!

SWEET CORN TAMALE CAKES: Topped with Sour Cream, Salsa, Avocado and Salsa Verde.

If you’re looking for that perfect dish to top off your order, you HAVE to try the sweet corn tamale cakes! I get a little excited over this dish because it was my favorite. The presentation was just so pretty that I felt bad digging into it but my mouth and tummy felt no remorse. It was filling enough for me and again, still perfect to share. In fact, I had to take half home to hubby because after half I was satisfied.

*I did take it home but it never quite made it to my hubby. I couldn’t bring myself to share this one. Sorry, honey, maybe next time! 🙂

I do not like cheesecake. I grew up in NY where cheesecake is everywhere but I never wanted to try it because it never appealed to me…until I fell in love with the Lemon Meringue Cheesecake. I have to admit that I first thought this was topped with marshmallow and was surprised to taste meringue but it was SO yummy! The cheesecake itself was perfect. If this is what all cheesecake tasted like then I wanted more!

I moved onto the ultimate red velvet cake cheesecake with a little bit of hesitation. I’m not too fond of red velvet cake in general so this one, though tasty (I did eat up most of the frosting!) was not perfection for me. But if you like red velvet cake, you’re sure to love this one.

OREO DREAM EXTREME CHEESECAKE: OREO Cookies baked in their creamy Cheesecake with layers of fudge cake and OREO Cookie mousse. Topped with a milk chocolate icing.

Who can say no to anything Oreo? And as the name states, it is a dream AND extreme! I loved the Lemon Meringue but the Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake tastes so good, you’ll be dreaming of having some again soon. I had to stop myself from eating the entire thing so that I could enjoy some at home. Let’s just say breakfast was different but real good the next morning!

And here’s just a glimpse of some more delicious appetizers that you can nibble on for just $5.95!

This is seriously a great value that you don’t want to miss out on! Get out of the summer heat and grab your BFF, your hubby or treat the family to dinner and explore this delicious menu in some nice air-conditioned atmosphere that everyone will love!

If you want to check out The Cheesecake Factory on social media you can do so here: Twitter @Cheesecake or Instagram @cheesecakefactory or on Facebook.

Hope to see you at The Cheesecake Factory!