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28 reviews for Calico Cheesecake Company
Review Highlights
"The vanilla bean brulee was by far the best."
(in 4 reviews)
"I've tried the Mango Raspberry, the Tiramisu, and the..."
(in 5 reviews)
"We tried the Almond Roca and Black Razberry cheesecakes."
(in 3 reviews)
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28 reviews in English
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Review from Kellie L.
Updated - 7/16/2010
I MISS YOUR CHEESECAKE JOE!!!
And the Rueben that I never got to try!
:'( sniff sniffListed in: Where I get my sugar on!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/29/2008
Calico just moved around the corner from its orignal location, and for good reason... TO EXPAND! I… Read more »
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Review from Alvin N.
Updated - 4/18/2010 5 photos
Sad to say that Calico Cheesecake Company is Closed! THEY HAD THE BEST CHEESECAKE EVARRR!! =/
Having a bite of their Vanilla Bean Brulee Cheesecake was Heaven...
The Owner was really great at what he did...They didn't invent the Cheesecake, they just perfected it...Listed in: Renton, Yelped by me =D, Simply Desserts =D Yum
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/5/2008
FYI Yelpers!!! Calico Cheesecake Company has just recently moved into their new location, with… Read more »
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Review from Sunnie L.
Seattle, WA
6/6/2007
This is a sweet little dessert shop in downtown Renton, perfect for an after-dinner stop post Whistle Stop Cafe or Armondo's. I've tried the Mango Raspberry, the Tiramisu, and the Oregon Chai (ingenious!) and found them all to be quite good, though $5/slice was a little more than I was expecting. Still, I found it to be fair after tasting the product.
The hours make it difficult for me to visit, but I try to stop in on occasion just to see what new and exciting cheesecakes he's come up with.Listed in: South End
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Review from Lissa M.
Seattle, WA
3/15/2008
Calico's cheesecakes are outstanding. There's a variety of interesting flavors, and some more boring ones if you're into that kind of thing. We chose raspberry/chocolate for our first slice. When we had a hard time deciding among key lime, mango raspberry, or I can't-remember-what-else for the second slice, he offered us the chance to try a new creation, on the house. That one included a lightly almond base with sherry-poached pears and a sherry reduction. It was delicious.
The proprietor is friendly, generous and funny. I'd go back just to talk food with him. The shop is cute and well-decorated, though the covers on the fluorescent lights don't hide their fluorescence quite enough. It's not quite dim and dusky enough for a date with somebody you'd like to seduce. If you want to seduce someone using Calico cheesecakes, take them, and your date, back to your place. -
Review from Amy B.
4/15/2008
Calico is a true gem in the heart of Renton's growing downtown area. The cake itself is delicious - usually there are some normal-ish flavors which are great, but the true hero's are flavors with mulled-wine-poached-pears.
The owner/chef almost shines brighter than what he is selling. He's cute (so that is a plus) and he goes out of his way to make you feel right at home. He's always there with extra water, an offer of coffee/tea, and some warm chatter to make the experience really special.
I should also note, that many Renton restaurant's and caterers are using Calico as their dessert specialists. I think that the storefront is more of an "on the side" thing - but don't let that dissuade you - Calico is a delicious and worthwhile experience! -
Review from m i.
Seattle, WA
10/13/2007
Five stars for the cheesecakes, and three stars for the ambience (that is, if you're looking for a post-dinner dessert spot). I guess I expected a little more, but the shop really is a pick-up spot rather than a dessert cafe. There are some bar stools along the wall and some comfy seating for about 4-5 people. But the store doesn't really have an inviting atmosphere, so we just took our cheesecakes to go.
We tried the Almond Roca and Black Razberry cheesecakes...loved them both, although Almond Roca was a little too sweet for me. I was tempted to get the white chocolate slice, but at $5 a slice, we limited ourselves to one each. For those of you who have the Entertainment book, there's a coupon in there! -
Review from Meaghan B.
Seattle, WA
5/24/2009
First of all, I hope the young lady that was behind the cheesecake counter was new - she had no idea what she was doing! When I asked about "something to drink" (as in, what are the choices) she suggested that I talk to someone in the attached bar. I was looking for coffee or water or soda or milk or SOMETHING - and as a pretty-obviously pregnant woman, the bar's offerings weren't helpful. I could see the coffee and tea service set-up behind the cheesecake bar but apparently you have to know some special way to get her to tell you what it all is!
When we visited, the place was completely empty. The owner and one of the bartenders were in the bar - and happy to help once they realized we were looking for somewhere to sit and needed something other than cheesecake to drink. The owner even stopped by halfway through our slices to ask how the cheesecakes were.
Don't expect traditional cheesecake here. I've had some fabulous New York Style cheesecakes and some fabulous Old-World style savory cheesecakes - these are neither of those. The sweet offerings provided here are cheesecake-like desserts. I wouldn't say there is a better term for what these are, but don't expect traditional cheesecake of any variety.
The chocolate hazelnut was tasty - if almost overwhelming. The creme brulee cheesecake was a more traditional texture and weight - with a pretty pleasing flavor and a fabulous crust.
I'd definitely visit again - hopefully I can find out what I can have to drink between now and then.Listed in: Renton-ish Places
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Review from Sandie L.
11/19/2009
Now it makes sense...
I've been trying to taste their grub, but everytime I have rolled on by... no lights on, no one home --- which means no grubbin reviews by me!
Thanks for posting this business is closed. Great location, too bad the hours sucked. -
Review from Brie W.
Renton, WA
9/17/2009
So, being someone that LOVES cheesecake I was dying to try this place when they opened a larger shop on 3rd. I walked into the cafe type store where I was greeted by a very knowlegable staff member. I purchased the plain cheesecake. When it got to my table, it was warm, gooey, and not cheesecake-like.
I shared it with my tablemates who agreed. If you want good cheesecake that never fails, try Cheesecake Factory. Pumpkin Cheesecake in the Oct-Dec months is excellent! -
Review from Rachael K.
Renton, WA
11/8/2009
I WAS a big fan! I went here with Guy N. a few weeks ago ( you can read his review about the food we enjoyed) and we were looking forward to treating a friend for breakfast this morning as a Thank you! for picking us up at the airport on Friday night. Sadly, we drove up to find that the doors had closed permanently! It's really terrible to loose such a great restaurant option in our little downtown area of Renton...AND I was really looking forward to the Tri Tip Dip
Bye bye Tri Tip Dip :( -
Review from Melissa P.
Seattle, WA
4/26/2009
Wow....
One word says it all. I've NEVER had cheesecake quite like this! I stopped in for dessert with my friend on a Friday evening and it was the BEST dessert choice!!! We would absolutely make the trip back to Renton for this. The chocolate hazelnut cheesecake was super moist, fresh, and DELICIOUS! You MUST go here!!! You won't be disappointed! -
Review from Guy N.
King, WA
10/24/2009 1 photo
UPDATE November 8, 2009: Headed here for brunch this Sunday morning only to find a note on their glass (uploaded) saying they've gone out of business.
My girlfriend and I stopped by Café Lure for lunch. I ordered the caesar salad with grilled chicken which they serve with a very tasty homemade caesar salad dressing. She ordered the tri tip dip sandwich which had a killer combo of caramelized onions, gruyère cheese, and au jus sauce. Both dishes were excellent. We topped it all off with a couple of cheesecake selections, pumpkin and vanilla crème brûlée. As already noted in other reviews, their cheesecakes are not the traditional dense, cream cheesy kind you might get at a New York deli, but more like a thick mousse. Nevertheless, they were quite good.
We will definitely be coming back, especially to the Tapestry Saloon which stays open later and apparently makes the full menu available until they close. -
Review from Jeremy M.
4/5/2009
I remember driving by this place one afternoon and decided to give it a try after dinner one evening with my family and let me tell you, it's not that great! Personally I was quite intrigued by the layout of the business, on one end there is the cheesecake shop then in the middle is the cafe, with a saloon at the end! What a great combination! However like I said I just thought their cheesecakes were nothing out of the ordinary.
We ordered the mini sampler and the andes mint cheesecake. The mini sampler consist of lemon meringue, mango raspberry, and some sort of chocolate one. We thought the lemon was too sour, mango was ok, and the chocolate shell was too firm and smoosh cheesecake. Personally I'd feel more content getting a cheesecake at Safeway rather than here. -
Review from nate j.
Updated - 8/23/2009
If you like cheesecake, you'll find this to be YUMMY stuff!
If you don't, well, what can I say. The name of the place sort of told you what to expect.
Try the Almond Roca cheesecake - it is the one everyone at the table will be fighting for a bite of.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/7/2009
This is a three places in one joint. Calico Cheesecakes, Cafe Lure, and Tapestry Saloon.
We had… Read more »
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Review from Nancy B.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
6/13/2009 4 photos
There has been no customer service training for the young lady behind the counter. The 'cheesecake' is more of a mousse, and come in complicated combinations. There are no labels in the case, and asking the young lady anything about the flavors is painful. The banana / rum / coconut was good, but the fudge / Kahlua / espresso had too much espresso in the crust for me (and I like my espresso strong).
I came across this shop by accident and didn't realize that that the seating area through the door was a cafe. I would go back to try the cafe food and try ordering the cheesecake from there. -
Review from Amanda W.
Seattle, WA
4/21/2009
I ordered their Orange Creme Brule cheesecake for Easter by email. Couldn't be easier. Best cheesecake I've ever had - hands down.
The front counter clerk could use some training on how to greet and interact with customers though, so they lost a star. Sorry, but that's how it works for me.
$40 for a whole cheesecake is an OK price for the quality. Because their cheesecake was such a hit and everyone enjoyed it so much, I'll order again. Next time I'll wear my thicker skin when I pick up my order so I don't notice that the whole transaction is essentially nonverbal. -
Review from C C.
Seattle, WA
4/17/2009
Calico Cheesecake has moved and is now around the corner on S. 3rd Street and Main in old town Renton. They added Cafe Lure and the Tapestry Saloon. We have tried to eat her three times since they opened in Nov of 08, but they were always closed or had private event or just looked closed.
Finally, we went in to the Tapestry for happy hour. The beers were good and only $3. The food is excellent; we had the clams and the antipasto platter.
I'm not sure what the cheesecakes like now, but I've had it twice before and it's okay. To be fair I should try it again and then decide, but the food is a WOW!
I read they were now open for Breakfast on Sat & Sun - I'll be trying that next!
ISSUE: They need to look open and be open. -
Review from Christine Y.
Renton, WA
Updated - 10/29/2008
So calico has moved their location and is now on the corner of S. 3rd Street and Main in Downtown Renton...same building but you just have to walk around it to the other side! and now they have a restaurant and bar attatched! haven't had the food yet but I am looking forward to it! The cheesecake, as always, is wonderful and melts in your mouth!! seriously way better than any cheesecake factory brand cheesecake!
Listed in: All time favorites!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/6/2007
I've never actually visited this place in person because of the difficult hours but my boyfriend… Read more »
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Review from Max D.
Bellevue, WA
7/16/2006
Located in the heart of downtown Renton, we decided to make it Renton week. Calico opened shop last fall is only opened Thursday - Sunday evenings. Joe Kennedy, owner of Calico, has over 18 flavors of cheesecakes with a handful of seaonsal ones.
When we stopped in, we couldn't decide between Tiramisu, Mango Raspberry, or vanilla bean brulee. We got all 3. The vanilla bean brulee was by far the best. $28 a cake or $5 a slice (I can't remember). The consistency of the cheesecake was very creamy, flavorful, and the slice itself was perfectly crafted. The crust didn't crumble and the cheesecake held up even though it was creamy.
Is it better than Cheesecake Factory? It's different. Whereas Cheesecake Factory is novel and fun, Calico, I think , is more sophisticated. However, the cheese pie (as noted on the menu) from Claim Jumper is by far the best in town. -
Review from Abigail V.
Renton, WA
9/8/2010
BEST CHEESECAKE EVER!!! The people were so nice! I am SO sad they are gone :( Wah
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Review from Dave C.
Renton, WA
7/2/2008
This guy who makes their cheesecake is a true artist. This stuff is so good it should be illegal. Try taking dessert to your next office party and pick up one of their gourmet "flavor or the day" from Calico Cheesecake Co and you will be the hit of the party. Their cakes are always fresh and they even hhaving seating for 4 in their little romantic storefront. (very Rome or Venice-like) BE WARNED -if you ever try their cheesecake you will never be able to eat anything less. Don't miss this one (and I think they are even in the Entertainment book this year)
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Review from Reed M.
Kirkland, WA
9/26/2009
All the low ratings mist be cheesecake snobs. I don't really care if it's traditional cheesecake or not, but this stuff is the best stuff I've ever put in my mouth. The dark chocolate raspberry exploded with flavor and I foun the texture to be perfect. The bonus is you can order a slice from the saloon next door while you sip on a wonderful beer.
P.S. If you go to cheesecake factory over this place you not only lack taste but also soul -
Review from Meredith S.
Bellevue, WA
1/22/2010
So sad that they've gone out of business :( This place was truly lovely.
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Review from Renee S.
Tacoma, WA
7/12/2009
These desserts do taste good, but they are not cheese cakes. They should more accurately be called "creamy desserts" . Cheesecake is thick, firm and dense, not light and fluffy and droopy. I likened it to the filling of a truffle, while my husband felt he was eating a cream cheese based frosting. If they didn't call themselves a Cheesecake Company, they would have received a third star, but I really wanted a firm cheese cake with golden baked edges when I went here and that crave was not satisfied, sadly.
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Review from LuAnne W.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 2/28/2009
Just an update. I read a negative review from Melissa S. from Renton regarding the to-die-for Ruben at this great spot. A good friend and I dropped by before seeing a movie to see if indeed the quality might have dropped. No Way. My friend had the Ruben.. I'm telling you it's awesome! Quality was outstanding and made my friend moan.. so there you go!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/3/2008
I dropped by recently to see if the rumors that Joe was opening a cafe were true. I was with two… Read more »
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Review from Gia G.
Long Beach, CA
8/19/2009
Pre-impression: I haven't yet eaten or drank any of the offerings from Calico, Tapestry and Cafe Lure but a bit of advice to this multi-task business venture....you have the BEST location on the street - why the hell do you always look closed!!
And this; you are branching into other territories but it appears the cheesecake thing is mostly what you are identified with but at best it gets mixed reviews for that. I just think your plan and the way it's been executed might be so broad that your cheesecake venture hasn't stood alone to do well enough. I mean I go in and see some seating that looks more like a bridal dressing room without much indication that I've walked into a food establishment....and according to others who've been there for your cheesecake, you have an untrained person who doesn't seem to know anything....and oh, where's the coffee, tea and other things that appear to be missing???
Maybe you should just keep that for catering or a tea-room?
So, I strolled into the place from the Calico doorway and found it empty and lifeless, if not a little dark. I expected warmth or vibrance but instead the cheesecake case looked lonely. Bereft of any signs or menu's that would tell me more about the damn cake! The environment is less inviting than it should be....but then Cafe Lure is attached through an adjoining entryway and the place looked a little more friendly and there were a few tables filled w/customers. I glanced at a menu - it looked good and the prices, fair.
There was also a beautiful bar across the room through yet another entryway and is called The Tapestry. It was warm woods and had a nice feel. Nobody was in there as it was around noon on a workday but I thought there should have been.
I'm going to give the Calico Cheesecake Co and Lure Cafe a chance because it appears they have worked hard for Downtown Renton and have given us a rather cool chic place to go but....they'd better get on it because they are missing a rather good opportunity to define EXACTLY what they are and to fill the gaps in whatever it is they do best.
The cheesecake area should have be posited as a bakery/coffee place where you can relax and have dessert and coffee or just something to drink while you read a paper or tap on your laptop. As well as order custom cheesecakes for special occasions.
The outside (in front of and along the side) should have more indicators that the place is alive and well - mini cafe lights would help, even if you put them on the *inside* of your windows and turned them on in the day time. One of the worst things you can do is fancy up a place on the inside but if it looks dull and lifeless from the outside you LURE NOBODY!! Potted geraniums in stands placed around the perimeter would be eye catching. Leaving the Calico entrance door open would be an idea and putting a bell (jingle) when closed in the cooler months would add warmth and charm. If you don't want the Calico thing to bring down the rest of the place, you'll have to do things a little more creatively. But hey, I'm just a Renton resident that is dying for some cool places to hang out and patronize, what do I know?
Cafe Lure - inside looks fine but the entire establishment need more people out front so that when you walk into either of their entries... there are bright faces not looking harried over being the only one working there.
The Tapestry - wow its gorgeous but so what? If you can't get the Calico Cheesecake thing right, then why should we believe the Tapestry will do any better.
One last thing, going from the corner entrance (cheesecake area) to the Cafe Lure there is a weird "stepdown" and I almost tripped even though it says watch your step. Well I was looking straight ahead towards the nice bar area and I "jolted" my lower back on that little wedge! Bad design.
Now, since there have been positives on Cafe Lure's food, I will get myself a table and try out a few things on their menu. I'll also try out the Tapestry saloon next door. I'm hoping that the food knocks my socks off so I can give it another star. :-) -
Review from Mindy S.
Renton, WA
12/14/2009
Not surprised at all that they closed. See ya!
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Review from Emma B.
Union City, CA
3/26/2008
Cheesecakes in downtown Renton? Yay! Another reason to move back home. Calico Cheesecake is a tiny, charmingly modern, after-dinner spot... for dessert. But for my first visit, I had a sampling of their cheesecakes to go. All were delicious, although the key west lime cheesecake stole my heart. I was all but ready to return and order a whole cake for myself. When I walked through the door, the owners were busy putting the finishing touches on a couple of cakes that just came out of the oven. They were very nice and welcoming. I asked the "guy" owner about their savory cheesecakes. He said that they are very expensive to make, so they don't make it regularly. So, if you want to try their roasted pepper and basil montrachet cake, make sure you order well ahead of time (although he said he only need 48 hours advance notice). Price-wise, they're comparable to Cheesecake Factory although, I have to say, CF's slices are a lot bigger.
