The Cheesecake Factory
11647 San Vicente Blvd.
Brentwood, CA
310-826-7111

Big, big, bigger define the portions here. Enormous plates of piping hot nouveau American food are served up to the crowds -- which, paradoxically (the atmosphere is anything but romantic), seem to include a disproportionate number of first-date couples. Caesar salads big enough for the whole table, fried calamari to feed an army, you'll leave this restaurant with enough left over for tomorrow's lunch and dinner. The wait can be horrendous at any of the branches, and the time it takes to get your food, once you finally order, is equally as long. But the restaurant is still popular with large parties and does try to be accommodating. Oh yes, the cheesecake is also larger than life and comes in a wide array of flavors. Entrée prices: $7-$22. -- Jade Chang

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.