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The Cheese Factory Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Vegetarian Vegetarian [Edit]
521 Wisconsn Dlls Pkwy SWisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(608) 253-6065
- Hours:
Thu-Sun 11 am - 7:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
81 reviews for The Cheese Factory Restaurant
Review Highlights
"I was especially impressed with the beer-cheese soup."
(in 16 reviews)
"There's a soda fountain/espresso bar, and plenty of..."
(in 10 reviews)
"...friendly with a separate vegan menu available upon request..."
(in 3 reviews)
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81 reviews in English
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Review from Ben S.
Madison, WI
1/30/2012
We had always heard good things about the Cheese Factory so we had to check it out on our first visit to the Dells. It did not disappoint.
As a vegetarian, it was great to see page after page of interesting menu items--all vegetarian! There will definitely be more dishes to explore on subsequent visits.
My wife and I were the only vegetarians in our party of six adults and one child. Everybody ordered something different and everybody was happy.
The menu is fairly eclectic but very well executed. The flavors are rich and balanced.
The Wisconsin beer cheese soup was delicious--my wife and I shared a bowl which worked out well. She then had the Hungarian Goulash (an adventurous choice for her) which she really enjoyed. The flavor was robust and the texture of the tofu was amazing. It comes with Pierogi which were a highlight for her. She recommends a side of sour cream.
I had something called "Delhi Delicious"--an Indian inspired chickpea stew served over rice with roasted sweet potatoes and cranberry chutney. I really enjoyed the interplay of complementary flavors.
The service was friendly and prompt and the atmosphere was cute and comfortable.
We will definitely be back (and probably visiting the Dells again sooner now that we know where we'll be eating). -
Review from Michael O.
Milwaukee, WI
11/18/2011
I have been hesitant to write this review for one reason. This had nothing to do with the cute little WI Dells restaurant, the extensive vegetarian menu, the friendly service, or the above average food. The reason I have been hesitant is that I had a hair in my dish. It was not the baked in, super-nasty hair that would make any reasonable person cringe. It was right on the top, and it seemed to be from the hostess who brought out our food. It was an honest mistake, and I did not even point it out, because I did not want to freak out the other people I was eating with. There are not a whole lot of places where this would happen, and I would still go back, but this was one of them. The food we had was great. I was especially impressed with the beer-cheese soup. It seemed to have much more substance than most, and the croutons were spot on. My burrito was also very good, and had a meatless item in it that would fool most carnivores.
My hope with this review is to not scare people away, but to provide an accurate description of our meal. The food was great, and much better than most places in the Dells, meatless or not. -
Review from Tami O.
Milwaukee, WI
11/16/2011
My husband and I enjoyed a visit to Wisconsin Dells this past weekend and stopped to enjoy breakfast with a friend from the area. While neither he nor our friend are vegetarian, I have recently switched and wanted to find a place to enjoy breakfast where I could eat more than just eggs and cheese.
Though they are not open for breakfast (open at 11am) we decided to stop in. What a good decision, the service was friendly and the food was good.
My husband had the black bean burrito which was delicious. It did have a meaty texture (not sure if it was soy based or seitan?) with a really wonderful flavor. The spices were well balanced and not too spicy.
I enjoyed the famous grilled cheese...though I will admit it was a bit much for me. My only suggestion here would be to eliminate the extra layer of bread. There are three pieces of bread and the third just seems gratuitous. Not a lot of cheese but it was grilled to perfection and included some (not so great) tomatoes. I cannot agree that it is good enough to be famous, but I enjoyed it either way. Plus, it was accompanied by fresh salsa and chips. A very refreshing option over having standard French fries.
We shared the beer cheese soup, which was a little different than what I may have expected but okay regardless. It did have carrots and a bit of a sweeter taste so that was an interesting twist compared to how I have had it at other restaurants which are usually spicy.
The menu is a bit pricey but the food was good overall. The hours seem odd for being in the Dells, but I would stop in again on my way through. -
Review from ladybird g.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2012
Great vegetarian fare, wonderful hosts and a nice change to the unhealthy options in Wisconsin Dells. Wish we were in town longer to go for a second meal; it was hard to choose. Great Vienesse cafe (would love to know what beans they're using), raspberry shake, rattlesnake tofu... everything was just great.
Would recommend that they add "vegetarian food" on their signage. I think they would get more people coming in. The only way I found out about about it was by searching for "vegetarian" on yelp. Thanks, Yelp, for helping me find the Cheese Factory Restaurant. Next time we're in or near the Dells, we'll be sure to stop by! -
Review from Paige M.
9/19/2011
Cheese Factory Restaurant is the ONLY place in Wisconsin Dells that offers healthy, natural meals.
The food at Cheese Factory is vegan or vegetarian and the restaurant itself is smoke free. Some cuisine options:
- Eggplant Parmesan sandwich
- Quiche
- Veggie Chimichanga
- Malaysian Coconut Noodles
- Eggplant curry
- Spanikopita
- Gourmet salads
- Thai Bananas (breakfast)
- Fresh fruit plate and oatmeal
There are plenty of creative dishes, however since Cheese Factory is the ONLY vegetarian restaurant in The Dells, we found ourselves eating three meals a day here. Unfortunately there isn't enough variety to keep our interest that regularly, plus the food is expensive: $20 per person, per meal. Our wallets were really hurting by the end of vacation, but it was either Cheese Factory or starve.
One odd observance I made while dining here is that all of the employees (even the teenage waitstaff) were from Eastern Europe. There was a language barrier problem while placing orders, sometimes our waitress would just disappear. It just seemed really bizarre that there were all of these young, foreign people working in the middle of Wisconsin.
Price per person: $20.00 -
Review from Stephen B.
Thiensville, WI
8/4/2011
Let's see. We go to the Dells expecting to wait two hours for a crappy meal consisting of nachos, pizza, or any variety of unhealthy fried/processed food. Instead we get on Yelp and find this little nugget. EVERYTHING we at was delish. Tomato basil soup, Mediterranean Platter, Malaysian Coconut Noodles, Delhi Delight and thai noodles. Incredibly well prepared, fresh, and plentiful. The deserts were great as well. So unexpected. All food should be prepared with this care.
If you think you know vegetarian fare and think it's boring or bland, try this place! -
Review from Ryan B.
Ann Arbor, MI
6/27/2011 2 photos
Now, I wanted to do something special with my family because it might have been the last time we would be on vacation with each other. After reading the previous reviews, I thought the Cheese Factory would be the perfect last hurrah.
Boy, was it!
They rolled out the red carpet for us and provided the best service I've ever had. Two waiters waited on us having casual conversations while having incredible food! All 6 of us got different items, and they were all fantastic.
We were so impressed with the menu that we had to order dessert (a first for my family). We ended up ordering a whole page, and enjoyed every bite as we passed the cakes around the table.
The Cheese Factory was definitely the best dining experience my family has ever had, and one of the best restaurants I've ever been too.
If you're looking for somewhere special in the Dells, look no further. -
Review from Melissa B.
Bartlett, IL
8/22/2011
FINALLY!!!! actual VEGETABLES in Wisconsin Dells!
Stopping here before we head home from our yearly Dells trip has become my favorite new tradition and treat. I feel so healthy after I eat here, instead of how I feel after eating all the usual fried and processed crap one usually finds in the Dells or on the road. This was the first time I had vegetables all weekend. My Thai peanut stir fry was outstanding. My chocolate cupcake was the BEST I have ever tasted! Just wish this place wasn't so far from home. -
Review from William B.
Glendale Heights, IL
6/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not a vegetarian, but as far as places in the Dells go to even remotely attempt to eat healthy, this place has the market cornered.
Very diverse flavors on the menu as well; mexican, indian, asian, german.
Closed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. -
Review from Kirby H.
Eau Claire, WI
10/27/2011
Fabulous even meat eaters should love it.
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Review from Jeremy B.
Kenosha, WI
7/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Delicious! A gem in the Dells.
Had a cup of beer cheese soup, mushroom stroganoff, and princess cake.
Everything was really exceptional, especially for Dells cuisine. -
Review from Sydney F.
Chicago, IL
10/19/2011
On our way to spa weekend, my girlfriends and I were delighted to find this gem. Delicious treats for a minimal amount of money & quite the selection! I tried the stroganoff and it was delicious! Also had the apple pie & the glorious chocolate cake...which left something to be desired...but the pie was incred!
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Review from Denise H.
Berwyn, IL
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a MUST if you travel to Wisconsin Dells and you don't want to be stuck with crappy fast-food chain dining.
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Review from jasmin v.
Beer cheese soup was very tastey. A must if you are visiting WI
Big cheese was featured on Rachel Ray. And it's no surprise because this grilled cheese was good. My only wish was bacon on it, but that's the meat lover in me.
My boyfriend got the Chimichangas. It was pretty good. My boyfriend did like the tofu in it.
I think I'll visit it every time in Wisconsin Dells. -
Review from j j.
Philadelphia, PA
9/22/2011
It is SO nice to find a place in a tourist mecca that focuses on quality food. Not everyone wants greasy meat and potatoes, even when on vacation. The cheese factory is vegetarian, which might turn some meat-lovers away. But for anyone who enjoys some vegetables and flavorful food, this is a good choice. There are also vegan and gluten free options available.
"Serious scrumptious" is how the coconut thai noodles are described on the menu and that is an accurate description. Desserts are a highlight. The cake slices are humungous and really, really good. The soda fountain with barstools (vanilla cokes anyone?) and whimsically decorated cupcakes make it a fun place to take kids for a treat.
The staff are incredibly friendly and the premises are comfortable and inviting. This is a place I could eat almost every day. -
Review from Ryan W.
Red Wing, MN
12/1/2011
Fabulous. Heaven for vegetarians, as you can choose between western and eastern dishes. The service some of the best I've ever experienced, far better than places with prices more than twice what you see at this place. Really reasonable. Now in my top 5 favorite restaurants, and makes me wish I lived closer to the Dells.
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Review from Kyle H.
Updated - 8/2/2010 3 photos
Visited the Cheese Factory again on our annual Dells trip, this time for dinner. After pleading and prying with my sister to try their interesting vegetarian dinner fare, the food did not let us down, but the horrible service was a bit of a dissapointment.
Even a staunch meat eater can find something they'll probably enjoy here. My sister loved her mushroom stroganoff. I loved the fresh take on a Malaysian Coconut Curry, full of vegetables, slightly spicy without being too heavy. My son loved the spinach ravioli with artichoke and mascarpone. Served on a gorgonzola cream sauce with dried cranberries and walnuts, the floor manager said this was his favorite dish! Even our picky eater loved the freshly grated parmesan on her butter noodles.
Dessert was really the star of the night. The NY Cheesecake, the raspberry princess cake, and the Cloud 9 mousse was incredible. White mousse with a piece of chocolate cake in the middle, topped with a white chocolate "9" served on top of a raspberry drizzle that looked like an exploding sun. This was a work of art! (That we devoured.)
Now, back to the service. After being seated we sat for ten minutes without even a greeting from our server, and it wasn't particularly busy yet. The manager had to tell our server she was assigned to our table, and it seemed every step of our meal was delayed by her inattention. Oddly enough, I heard a nearby table who had a change of server mid-meal and wasn't even told.
Even though the management is incredibly nice, I think they need to step it up and be more mindful of having staff provide good service along with their incredible food.Listed in: Wisconsin Dells
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/14/2009
Going to Wisconsin Dells? Stop here. En route to or from Madison, Minneapolis or Chicago and on… Read more »
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Review from Amanda C.
Chicago, IL
8/31/2010
Only giving four stars because they offer NO meat choices (sadly, little Manders does not have the self control to go veg... shhh). Aside from that, this place was RAW AS HELLLLLLL!!!
Lets start off with the fact that this place is like a quaint little cottage centered in the middle of the Dells. Extremely inviting, even to a rough-around-the-edges lady such as myself. Upon entering I was stoked! The place is ADORABLE! The tables all had a cute little centerpiece and clean linens. The tables are fairly spread out, so I am not elbow-to-elbow with a douchebag tourist that keeps asking where the burgers are on the menu. There is an upstairs area which I wish I got to sit in! God knows I hate being around others... rarrr.
Anyway, the staff is UNREAL friendly. I want some of whatever they are on, because damn those bitches are happy.
I couldn't decide what I wanted because everything sounded so awesome, but I made my choice...
HUMMMMMMMMMUSSSSSSS! CAN YOU SAY HUMMUS!? CAN YOU SAY RAW ONIONS DIPPED IN HUMMUS!? CAN YOU SAY MY BREATH PROBABLY SMELLING LIKE ROTTEN TURD AND ME NOT CARING!?
Yeah, if you're not an idiot, you can... so say it to the server at the Cheese Factory & order it, okay? -
Review from Megan S.
Ann Arbor, MI
2/7/2011
Where do I begin?? The Cheese Factory (NOT to be confused with the Cheesecake Factory) is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. I make a point to stop by every time I drive from southeastern Wisconsin to the Twin Cities, and I try something different every time I go. It's an especially difficult place to describe, but I love it so much I had to try...
First, some background: the Cheese Factory is staffed by "teachers" (I'm not sure what that position actually entails) of A Course in Miracles, which is some sort of spiritual/metaphysical "thought system" (according to the ACIM website). I'm not sure what their group (religion?) is all about, but the people running this restaurant are the most bubbling, effusively happy men and women on the planet. Don't be surprised if your waiter spontaneously breaks out into song as he carries you your dinner, or if there's dancing behind the counter. Moral of the story: most delightful service ever.
Now, the food. The menu is entirely vegetarian (it's part of the ACIM thing) and offers everything from chimichangas to Thai bananas, along with more traditional American fare. All of it is delicious, no exceptions, but I'm especially fond of the beer cheese soup.
I promise you will not be disappointed if you visit the Cheese Factory while vacationing in the Dells or make a pit-stop on your next road trip. This place is amazing! -
Review from mindy g.
Chicago, IL
8/21/2011
Went here with kids and hubby. I was so happy to find a veggie place in the Dells. Everything was great. I had a fake bacon sandwich with cheese, almonds, pineapple, and saurkraut. Kids had hummus and grilled cheese. Hubby had a wrap. The server was so nice and even gave my kids pinwheels to play with. It was great to find a healthy place to eat!
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Review from Don P.
Racine, WI
8/2/2011
Best place to eat in the Dell's area. Something for everyone including your vegetarian. We went there every night for 5 days. Wonderful service. Comfortable surroundings. Really great people. Oh and the food for a vegan is outstanding.
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Review from Stacey L.
Madison, WI
8/3/2010
The Cheese Factory has vegetarian and vegan food so good you won't even give a passing thought to meat. I've eaten here about five times, give or take, and it's always amazing.
This go-round my favorite was the Eggplant Parmesan sandwich, featuring the best ciabatta bread I've ever had. Also on my radar were the Macho Nachos (simple but tasty as all get-out) and the Thai Bananas (good for an app, meal, or dessert - sweet and savory at once).
One can't talk about The Cheese Factory without giving a shout to the amazing desserts. I tried my friend's banana cream pie on Friday and am still thinking about it today, four days later. I only live about an hour away, so I think I need to work The Cheese Factory into my life on a more-than-yearly basis. -
Review from Jonathan H.
Chicago, IL
5/18/2010
Holy Crap, please if you are like me take an immodium BEFORE you get there.
It helps and also shows you they are using REAL Wisconsin cheese in there products. I do not like vegetarian food mostly. I like vegetables, but most vegetarian food I find bland.
That was not the case at the CFR. I had one of those giant grilled cheese sandwiches and a soup. And after a day of sun and water antics, it was nice to just sit down and eat quietly. Easy parking and a nice staff as well. -
Review from Roy C.
Bolingbrook, IL
7/26/2011
Vegetarian restaurants should not be this good! If every restaurant put this much love into every dish, I would be 300 lbs. As an avid bacon lover, I want to hate the cheese factory, but their dedication to interesting flavors makes me forget about pigs. Every person visiting the Wis Dells should pay a visit to the cheese factory, if only for the ridiculous desserts. Stop being a hillbilly, order a veggie burrito and tell them D-Ca sent you!
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Review from Vince A.
8/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm a carnivore. I'll admit. I eat animals. This past weekend while in the Dells, we decided to give this place a try and well, it was alright in my book. As a meat lover who does not like fake meats, my choices were limited on the menu. I went with a portobello mushroom sandwich on a ciabatta. This was paired with roasted red peppers and covered with a pesto mayo. The sandwich itself was very good and was paired with a salad with a honey mustard vinagrette. The vinagrette was the star -- Excellent dressing. Also had a 'Big Cheese' at the table which was a flavorful rendition of the grilled cheese sandwich.
They home-make their desserts. Had a 'Cloud 9' which was a white chocolate mouse surrounding chocolate cake with a freah raspberry sauce surrounding it. cake - dry, mousse - weak, sauce - excellent.
All in all, definitely worth the stop but likley wouldn't return on my next visit to the dells. -
Review from Erika B.
Berwyn, IL
8/18/2011
Great food, kid friendly, reasonable prices, staff was very polite, service was fast.
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Review from Gary S.
Rockaway Park, NY
9/27/2010
If you want to eat healthy home cooked food, this is the place.
I had the beer cheese soup and a very good mushroom pasta dish.
Staff is very helpful and the setting was very comfortable. -
Review from Derrick R.
South Bend, IN
7/22/2011
A must stop. Great food, even better service. Had the Hungarian goulash blew me away.
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Review from Daniel B.
Chicago, IL
8/12/2009
At first I thought this was the same commercial piece of crap restaurant and I was going to go pee on the door, but I was in for a surprise. This is a quality vegetarian restaurant that even a meat eating person like myself can enjoy.
I went with the tried and true Huevos Rancheros I didn't think I would like vegetarian chorizo sausage, but I was wrong...way wrong. It comes, as close to tasting like meat as you can without killing a cow. I like to consider myself somewhat of a Huevos Rancheros expert and this one is in my top 3. Spicy, flavorful, loads of beans and served with a cheesy quesadilla, which is something new, and makes this dish a stand out!
The decor is that of a soda parlor and I felt like I traveled back in time when I walked through the door. The place is really bright and happy. I suggest you not go here hung over; you might die from light exposure. Service is borderline Stepford wifeish is how I would put it, just a little creepy. (Maybe it was just our server) It's a great environment for a sun filled breakfast and I would love to give lunch and dinner a try.Listed in: Wisconsin Dells
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Review from Nick C.
Rochester, MN
7/21/2011
Great atmosphere. Wait staff catered to customers as if they were serving at a 5 star restaurant. Very tasty food! Would go again in a heartbeat.
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Review from Matt N.
Morris, MN
7/18/2011
Vegan fare with a side of creepy. If you like vegan food- it might be great, I don't know. My veggie burger was bland, and the worst part? There was hardly any cheese on it! In fact, their cheese-based offerings were limited to a single sandwich and Beer Cheese soup. In case you aren't aware- the name of the restaurant is because of the building, not their menu offerings.
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Review from Brett C.
Okemos, MI
7/22/2008
I can't believe this place exists! I always associate the Wisconsin Dells, or really Wisconsin in general as a meat, cheese and grease kind of town. Anywhere I've been, whether it be, Milwaukee, Madison, Lake Geneva, or Wis Dells, are mostly heavy on all things carnivorous and artery clogging.
The Cheese factory on the other hand, defies convention not only by being all vegetarian, and partially vegan, but by providing an organically grown menu as well.
The looks of the place reminds me of an old country Inn, or bed and breakfast. Everything is decorated with dark woods, almost has an old lady feel to it, but in a good way. Also the staff there are mostly pushing 50 or 60, so that may have something to do with it too. But I digress...
The food here is outstanding, and extremely high quality, fresh, creative, and filling. After discovering this place, I did not want to go anywhere else. For breakfast one day I had the Vegan Sunrise Skillet, and for lunch on a different day I had the Vegan Chimichanga. Both left me feeling stuffed, satisfied, and licking my plate (the true test of a good meal). The service was attentive and friendly, really, if you're struggling to find a vegetarian or vegan place in the dells, this is your safe haven. Lots to choose from, all vegetarian, vegan friendly, healthy, friendly food. Worth every bite. I just wish they were open later. If it wasn't for yelp, I never would have found it though, the name is deceiving. -
Review from Kedar D.
1/3/2009
The Cheese Factory, despite its name, is super vegan-friendly with a separate vegan menu available upon request, full of all sorts of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and main course options. Gluten-free items are also labeled.
I started off with a "Rattlesnake tofu" ($6.95) which was quite tasty---it was char-grilled tofu with a hint of lemon, served along with a decent BBQ sauce and also a small side of black beans.
For my main dish I had the chimichanga ($10.95), which was big and filling. The outer flour shell was lightly fried and covered in a delicious orange-colored sauce (some kind of tomato mixture?); inside, the chimichanga was filled with rice, onions, bell peppers and tofu. I think it could have used more tofu, and instead of white rice, I wish they'd used brown, but this was otherwise a solid choice. The salad that came with it seemed like a mish-mash of random leafy greens and could have been presented better, though. I think I would have preferred fresh pico de gallo or maybe a side of chips with this dish instead of the salad.
The only vegan dessert they have (aside from some sorbet smoothies/shakes) was a maple walnut cookie ($2.50), which was excellent: soft and chewy with the wonderful, subtle flavor of maple. I hope they'll add a vegan cheesecake at some point in the future.
The service here was impeccable. Everyone was super-friendly, eager, and happy. I felt good to eat there and felt welcomed by genuinely caring people who like what they do and care about the food they make.
The decor is great, too. It's like an old-time soda fountain shop and servers wear bowties.
The Cheese Factory is an asset to Wisconsin Dells. It's also a great stopping point for people traveling between Minneapolis and Madison/Milwaukee/Chicago, as it's right off of I-94 (and as I discovered, it's exactly 3.5 hours from Chicago and 3.5 hours from Minneapolis, so it's the perfect middle-point in that long drive).Listed in: Minneapolis to Chicago (and…
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Review from Yoko Y.
9/6/2009
Ever see the movie "Pleasantville"? This place is so that. "White Christmas" is playing in the middle of summer, the staff wears dresses and bow ties, and the women's bathroom has tampons and pads perfectly stuffed in a dainty little basket. It's awesome!
The place has a main room with a 50's counter, tables, and booths. They also have a beautiful sunroom to dine in. You'll have to walk by a rotating display case of sinfully delicious looking desserts just to get to that room. It's so hard not to stop and stare at the desserts and resist the urge to order everything in it.
Anyway, the food is freaking fantastic here! The chimichanga was bible sized and filled with a delicious romesco sauce. Next time, more tofu please! The beer cheese soup was good. The rattlesnake tofu was simple and delicious. And the black beans! If my own black beans could just miraculously come out like theirs. Yum.
As for desserts, the coconut cream puff pastry can turn you into a food addict. It's that good. The maple cookie was soft and chewy. The flan was delicious though a bit over cooked on the bottom.
You can find many of their dishes in their recipe book. The ones that were fantastic (black beans and chimichanga) have looooong ingredients list. No wonder they taste so good.
Bottom line, you must eat here if you're in the Dells! -
Review from Cristene M.
Chicago, IL
10/27/2009
Surprise!! Middle-of-Nowhere WI Vegan Goodness!!!
WOW! I couldn't believe there was a fully Vegetarian restaurant in the middle of nowhere in Wisconsin - they even have a huge separate Vegan menu! Had this place not been suggested to me by a fellow Vegan I may have not stopped here on my way home - the name Cheese Factory, as a Vegan, sounded opposite of my diet; wow was I wrong!!!
My bf and I stopped here for lunch yesterday and found this to be a neat little restaurant, cozy, decorated well with Wisconsin feel, and had very friendly employees. Someone mentioned cult/religious stuff...nothing was in your face or anything, there may have been a book or two by the cookbook display at the register, but who really cares - I'd sell whatever I want at a restaurant I owned.
Too bad I wasn't starving because I just got the Romesco Potatoes (holy goodness!!!) and my bf (a non-Vegan) got The Big Cheese - you should have seen the look on his face when eating this, we may have to go out of our way to eat here again!
This place is definitely a find and I recommend anyone passing through to stop here; it's conveniently located just off of the interstate! -
Review from Louis C.
Chicago, IL
7/3/2009
Super customer service, wait staff professional and informed, soda fountain with the superior service you had with your grandparents at the local soda fountain (if you're as old as I) seemed like everyone working there could be the owner with all of the excellent customer service and attention, patience with kids and parents having a difficult time deciding, very clean, kind, top-notch food.
Can't say enough about this place. Refreshingly polite staff, reasonable prices for high quality fresh food that delivers dine in or take out. Difficult to get a quinoa salad that is this good anywhere, let alone in the Dells. Very impressed with all dishes.
East meets west chickpeas, grilled cheese for kids, milk shake, quinoa salad, french fries, dinner slad, raspberry vinaigrette, spanakopita, pita tepanade, 2 cupcakes (they put in 2 birthday candles as a surprise in our takeout bag because we were vacationing on the kids' birthdays).
Must note that cupcakes were delicious to kids and Dad (and according to this Mom who is a Baker) and looked cool to the kids, as they were decorated carefully with lollipops, gummi worms, smiley rings and other treats.
Hmmm...time to get back there. -
Review from Emily C.
Naperville, IL
2/23/2007
Two seconds from my favorite The Wilderness Hotel - it would get 5 stars if they were open year round at decent times.
We went for lunch the first day - great onion, pepper red sauce meal with fresh steamed veg.
Dinner was a delicious Indian Faire with lentils, a vegan burrito and a few deserts - I didn't care for the rhubarba pie but vegans can't be choosers - or something like that.
Everyone dresses ala 1950, they all have Australian accents I believe, and a great soda bar. At dinner people were lining up while they were trying to close to just get a scoop of ice cream - can't speak to that personally but the kiddos were in tears at the possibility of not getting their favorite ice cream in the whole word.
Prices were fair, drinks were delicious - non-alcoholic, and the food - hey - it's WI --home of beer and cheese soup and cheese curds - my food failed to moo at me or try to raise my cholesterol - that's a plus in my book.Listed in: Places that don't suck
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Review from Michelle C.
Kouts, IN
8/22/2009
I have been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad Yelper. That alone should tell you how amazing The Cheese Factory Restaurant is for me to run back to my hotel immediately after finishing my delightful meal to tell you about how gloriously wonderful it was.
Despite the fact that I am no longer a vegetarian, I eat vegetarian 97.5% of the time or something like that. The rest of the time tends to be when I'm out in a restaurant and the idea of chocking down another uninspired veggie burger or salad makes me want to slit my wrists.
Imagine my delight when I logged into Yelp to look for restaurants in Wisconsin Dells and found out that there was a restaurant that served ONLY vegetarian cuisine. For a gal that's been back in the Midwest for a few months after a fabulous stay in California, the idea of a restaurant filled with vegetarian gems all but moved my to tears.
For my dinner, I got the Hungarian Goulash. (Our rendition of an Eastern European classic includes scrumptious morsels of vegetables and tofu slowly simmered in a sour-cream paprika sauce. Served with pierogi (potato dumplings) and Bavarian sauerkraut.) It was possibly the most amazing thing I have ever eaten. The rye flavor was very strong but I love rye so this was an added bonus to me. The sauce was delightful and the overall meal was scrumptious.
I'm not sure about the other entrees (YET...but I will be eating every meal for the next two days there) but the serving for the Goulash was easily enough to make two meals out of. Unfortunately, I don't have a microwave in my room so my leftovers had to go to waste. This truly saddens me since the food was amazing.
Maybe I'll update after I eat there tomorrow but if i don't it's because everything was fabulous and I just can't imagine how you'll live your life without consuming a meal there. -
Review from Eric C.
Chicago, IL
8/23/2009
I just got back from a trip to the Dells and was told I had to go check this place out. After yelping it, I agreed it was worth a shot. Background on me - I'm a carnivore who has no problem eating vegetarian.
First stop - Friday night dinner. I got the rattlesnake tofu (really wasn't as great as the other reviews make it out to be) along with the Thai stir-fry. The Thai stir-fry was very "meh", it was ok, but nothing I'd want to really order again. One friend got the Spanakopita and loved it, and those who got "The Big Cheese" all agreed it was good, but not as good as it was made out to be for Rachel Ray's Top 5. I also got the Root Beer float and expected some crazy root beer-ness, but instead, got a can of Barq's. Boo.
This led to me being somewhat disappointed in Yelp's powers (or I just put the The Cheese Factory up on a a pedestal of Yelp goodness).
Sunday lunch: holy crap. I had read Daniel B's review of the Huevos Rancheros, and he is right. This dish was hands down freaking amazing. My mind could not handle the ridiculous flavor packed into this dish. Quesadillas under beans, some chili mix with the vegetarian chorizo, sour cream to smooth it out, delicious. To clarify one thing, basted eggs are pretty much over easy (our waitress didn't know off hand). I also tried the Almond pastry, it was just OK.
Sour note: waitress on Sunday just could not understand what I was saying, I had to repeat and point out the dishes on the menu a few times, kind of annoying. Otherwise, everyone else there was super nice and I would definitely stop by here again for lunch next time I'm in the Dells. -
Review from David P.
2/23/2008 1 photo
A vegetarian restaurant for non-vegetarian. Amazing array of global flavors from Thai to Middle Eastern to Mexican to Indian in contrast to to the typical burgers and pizza you find elsewhere in the Dells.
Reserved the place for a family reunion with some intrepidation. How could everyone possibly be pleased with various tastes and dietary restrictions. But actually everyone ended up going away pleased with a (vegetarian) Reuben sand which for grandpa, lasagna for grandma, pizza for the kids, Mid-East combo for my wife and a distinctive brown rice/avocado/nori bowl for me.
Impressive selection of deserts and fountain treats to boot. It would have been nice if they had wines and beers -- it would have been a good compliment to all the great flavors served.
