Grand Lux is actually operated by the Cheesecake Factory folks, hence the feeling that you are in a Cheesecake Factory when you walk in.

Decor/Ambiance: A huge place, supertall ceilings, lots of wood. Very similar to the designs of the various Cheesecake Factories, but a bit more upscale. Best places to sit are in the circular room on the corner of Michigan and Ontario, as it’s filled with tons of natural light, or along the windows looking out towards Michigan Avenue. Obviously great for groups, but waits are generally long with all the traffic from Michigan Avenue toursists/shoppers. As noted in prior reviews dress is very casual.

Service: Usually good, and a few times I’ve gotten lucky and had an excellent server.

Basically you can’t go wrong here. Like the Cheesecake Factory, menu is huge, portions are huge, and everything is pretty good. It’s always a dependable place for dessert as well. Good times to go (in terms of wait) are after dinner (obviously) and afternoons after walking up and down Michigan doing power/window shopping.

The Grand Lux Cafe is an interesting restaurant. It’s got that Cheesecake Factory feel, but looks much fancier. But the thing is, it looks fancier than it feels because no one there is the least bit fancy. It’s like being at the Bellagio or Venetian – looks great but everyone’s dressed like a tourist.

This fact doesn’t detract from the food though. The portions are huge and everything tastes great. If you can make it, there’s a Lunch Special that goes until 5pm. Being a very large restaurant, the service is spotty since there are so many customers to serve. I guess waiting for your server gives you more time to admire the fancy decor :)

Read my previous review for this restaurant here

if you’re a fan of cheesecake factory, you’ll most likely enjoy eating at grand lux cafe. the plates are just as huge and impossible to finish, the choices are equally as varied (veggies & carnies), and the decor/ambience is classy, upscale, and clean (but not so fancy-shmancy that you can’t go casual wear). the restaruant is on the 2nd floor overlooking michigan, so if you’re lucky enough to get a window seat, you can people-watch as you munch. overall, a great place to eat – just watch out for the crowds…boy, it can be a looooong wait sometimes.

the grand lux is worth a visit for the vegetables alone. in a fit of healthfulness, i ordered the plate which allowed you to choose four vegetable sides you’d like with rice in a separate bowl. the vegetables were cooked beautifully and nicely seasoned; i couldn’t have asked for better. the menu is huge, but if the cooks pay that level of attention to some wimpy veggies, everything they do is going to be good.

A sister to the Cheesecake factory, so be prepared for BIG portions. The food is amazing. The asian nachos (fried wontons with peanut sauce and chicken) should become the new national snack. The service is great and the decor is elegant yet funky. Try to get a seat that overlooks the magnificent mile.

A friend recommended the restaurant and said it was similar to Cheesecake Factory. The first thing I noticed was everything was big and beautiful. The service was excellent and the food “GREAT”. I highly recommend Grand Lux Café.

I’ve visited the Grand Lux Cafe a few times, and every time I leave, you might as well roll me out of the place. The portions here are HUGE! The food is okay, the prices are on the high side, but I guess that’s to be expected in this area. The cookies for dessert should not be missed. They are served warm, gooey, and extra tasty!!!

They have a wide variety of options. Going with someone else and not sure what you want? Go here? Seriously! They have a Chef on staff. They have a little something from almost every cuisine you can find in the states. On top of that they make desserts to order. Want a Chocolate Lave cake? put in your order for dessert with your meal and they make the dessert while you are eating. Hot and FRESH out of the oven. The manager came over to our table and talked with us about our experience. Wonderful gentleman who really cares what you think! imagine that!

P.S. If you go you have to try the Asian Nachos