>>RELATED: First Cheddar's in Dayton Opens
Cheddar's opened this week at the Cornerstone of Centerville, and we nabbed a leisurely lunch on their second day of operation so you know what to expect from this much-anticipated eatery.
The Atmosphere
The interior was much more spacious and curated than anticipated for a casual eating establishement. Stone floors, oversized booths, separate dining rooms with arched pass-throughs made the interior feel incredibly spacious and slightly decadent. The giant sweeping fans in the central area are only upstaged by the giant aquarium separating the bar from the rest of the restaurant. Art of iconic locations around Dayton taken by local photographers adorn the walls, creating a familiar ambiance in the newly constructed building.
The Food
We ordered the raspberry-infused lemonade, Santa Fe Spinach Dip, Country Style Fried Chicken (lunch portion), Grilled Tilapia with Mango Salsa and the Monster Cookie Sundae. Each dish came out quickly and were packed full of flavor.
The spinach dip's cheese ratio was definitely on the gracious side. The tilapia was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of zing thanks to the mango salsa, and included not only a shrimp topping on a bed of rice, but a choice of two more comfort-food sides (we went with the green beans and the mashed potatoes, but there are about ten things to choose from).
Dessert, despite taking about 20 minutes to make it to the table (for good reason: each cookie is made to order and served in a skillet), was definitely enough for two to share, if not more. The portions were all generous without being overwhelming.
The rest of the menu hosts a great variety of sandwiches, burgers, chicken and fish as well as copious sides and a great kids' menu full of little people standards. The bar also appeared to have quite the extensive selection, but we'd have to come back after work to give that a good try.
All in all, we can see why Cheddar's is such a popular restaurant, and is sure to be a happening spot for the foreseeable future.
Want to go?
WHAT: Cheddar's Casual Cafe
WHERE: Wilmington Pike at Feedwire Road in Centerville
HOURS: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday
INFO: (937) 439-4944 | cheddars.com | Facebook
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