Aventura's Cheesecake Factory on the Happy Hour Hunt

The Cheesecake Factory
19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura
305-792-9696 / thecheesecakefactory.com

​For most of the everyday folk (myself included), The Cheesecake Factory is the kind of place only enjoyed on special occasions. For me, it was the spot for a graduation dinner, a monumental birthday, or a family gathering. It was not to be visited on just any day. But this past week, I had a gnawing Cheesecake craving and no special occasion to excuse an indulgence. Initially, I called Cheesecake to explore potential lunch specials, only to be pleasantly surprised that they had a happy hour as well. The call went something like this:

What does the food menu include?

"Full portion appetizers for $5. There is also a small plates and snacks menu with price ranges from $3.95-$5.95, give or take."

And the drinks?

"Specialty drinks include cosmos, margaritas, mojitos, Long Islands, and a few others for $5. We also have wells on special and drafts."

And this is at all of your Dade locations?

"Yes, it is, from 4-6 p.m., Monday through Friday at the bar area only."

I visited the Aventura Mall location, feeling like I was onto some secret code. I almost had the urge to scold those shopping for leather pants. "Come inside senseless people, why pay full price when you don't have to?!" I resisted.

 

Once at the bar, the $5 happy hour menu exploration began. Food orders included the fried calamari, Tex Mex egg rolls (spicy chicken, corn, black beans, peppers, onions, and melted cheese), and a sausage and ricotta fresh baked pizzette (fontina, parmesan and Romano cheeses, and garlic crumbs). Drinks included a Long Island Ice Tea and a strawberry mojito. As we waited for everything to be served, I anticipated a catch; maybe an eight ounce drink or a smaller portion of food. Not so. Three people couldn't have finished all the food, and one drink was the size equivalent of two elsewhere. 

 

In the end, there were no tricks, just treats. Split the cost with a few gal pals after a shopping trip or with buddies for a quick meal, and you've got a hell of a deal.

Other participating locations:

Coconut Grove
3015 Grand Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
305-447-9898

 

Dadeland
7497 Dadeland Mall
Miami, FL 33156
305-665-5400