Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen is a casual dining chain with a broad menu and low prices
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen operates as a full-service casual dining restaurant where you order from a server and sit at a table. The chain has locations across the United States, with the highest concentration in the South and Midwest. The menu centers on American comfort food — burgers, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, and pasta — with most entrees priced between $10 and $20. The restaurant makes items to order rather than holding them under heat lamps, which is where the "Scratch Kitchen" name comes from.
The chain is owned by Dine Global Holdings and operates under the Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen brand exclusively. Unlike some casual dining restaurants that operate multiple concepts, Cheddar's runs a single format across all locations. This means the menu, pricing structure, and service model are consistent whether you visit in Texas or Tennessee, though individual restaurants may have slight variations in hours or local specials.
Key Takeaways
- Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen cooks most items to order, so entrees typically take 15 to 25 minutes from order to table.
- The menu includes appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts, with most main dishes ranging from $10 to $20 before tax and tip.
- The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout service, with online ordering available through their website and third-party delivery apps.
- Cheddar's locations vary in hours and may have different operating schedules on holidays, so checking ahead by phone or online is recommended before visiting.
How the menu is organized and what to expect in pricing
The Cheddar's menu divides into sections: appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, entrees (steaks, seafood, pasta, chicken), and desserts. Appetizers typically cost $6 to $12 and include items like fried pickles, loaded nachos, and wings. Sandwiches and burgers range from $9 to $14. Entrees — the larger plated dishes — run $12 to $22 depending on the protein and preparation. Most entrees come with two sides, which you choose from options like fries, mashed potatoes, vegetables, or rice.
Cheddar's does not charge for water, and refills on soft drinks and tea are included in the price. Alcohol is available at locations with a liquor license, though not all Cheddar's locations serve it. Desserts are separate and typically cost $5 to $8. The restaurant does not publish a single national menu online, so prices and exact offerings may vary slightly by location. Calling ahead or checking the restaurant's website for your specific location gives you the most accurate pricing and current menu items.
Dine-in service and what the experience typically looks like
When you arrive for dine-in service, you are seated by a host and given a physical menu. A server takes your order at the table. Because food is cooked to order, entrees usually take 15 to 25 minutes from the time you order to when the plate arrives. Appetizers come faster, typically within 5 to 10 minutes. The server brings drinks and refills without being asked in most locations, and checks back after your food arrives to see if you need anything else.
Cheddar's does not require reservations at most locations, though calling ahead during peak times (Friday and Saturday evenings, Sunday afternoons) can reduce your wait. Wait times vary by location and time of day. During lunch hours on weekdays, you may be seated when ready. On weekend evenings, waits of 30 to 60 minutes are common. The restaurant does not typically hold tables for large groups without advance notice, so if you are planning a party of 8 or more, calling ahead is advisable.
Takeout and delivery options
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen offers takeout at all locations. You can order by phone directly with the restaurant or through their website. Online ordering lets you select your items, pay in advance, and pick up at a designated time. Most takeout orders are ready within 20 to 30 minutes of placement. You pick up at the host stand or a designated takeout area, and the food is packaged in containers designed for transport.
Third-party delivery services including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub operate in many Cheddar's locations, though not all restaurants participate in every platform. Delivery fees, service charges, and markups on menu prices vary by app and location. Ordering directly from Cheddar's website for takeout typically costs less than ordering through a delivery app, since you avoid the app's fees. Delivery times through third-party services usually range from 30 to 60 minutes depending on distance and order volume.
Dietary accommodations and allergen information
Cheddar's menu includes options for common dietary preferences. Vegetarian entrees are available, though the menu is not heavily vegetarian-focused. The restaurant can modify most dishes — for example, substituting vegetables for fried sides or removing certain ingredients. However, because the kitchen is not a dedicated allergen-free facility, cross-contamination is possible if you have severe allergies.
If you have a food allergy or dietary restriction, inform your server before ordering. The restaurant can tell you which items contain specific allergens, but you should not rely on Cheddar's for medical-grade allergen information if you have a severe allergy. Nutritional information and detailed allergen lists are sometimes available on the restaurant's website or by calling the location directly. For severe allergies, calling ahead to speak with a manager is the safest approach.
Payment methods and special offers
Cheddar's accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay at dine-in and takeout. Cash is also accepted. The restaurant does not require a minimum purchase for card payments. Tipping is expected at dine-in service, typically 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill. Takeout tipping is optional and varies by customer preference.
Cheddar's runs periodic promotions and specials that vary by location and season. These may include discounted entrees on certain days, free appetizers with purchase, or limited-time menu items. Signing up for the restaurant's email list or checking their website and social media pages shows current offers. Some locations offer early-bird specials during lunch hours. Birthday specials are sometimes available if you provide your birthday information to the restaurant.
Hours, locations, and how to find your nearest restaurant
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen locations are concentrated in the South and Midwest, with the largest presence in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The chain also operates in other states including Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and several others. You can find locations and hours on the Cheddar's website by entering your zip code. Hours typically run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends, though individual restaurants may vary.
Holiday hours differ from regular hours — many locations close early on Christmas Day or operate on reduced hours on Thanksgiving. Calling the specific restaurant before visiting on a holiday is recommended. Some locations may temporarily close for renovations or other reasons, so checking online or calling before a trip ensures the restaurant is open. The website also shows which services each location offers, such as whether they have a bar, private dining space, or outdoor seating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get food at Cheddar's?
Appetizers typically arrive within 5 to 10 minutes. Entrees usually take 15 to 25 minutes because they are cooked to order. Wait times depend on how busy the restaurant is and the complexity of your order. Takeout orders are usually ready within 20 to 30 minutes of placement.
Can I make a reservation at Cheddar's?
Most Cheddar's locations do not take reservations for small groups. For parties of 8 or more, calling ahead is recommended. During peak times like Friday and Saturday evenings, you may have a wait even without a reservation, so arriving early or calling to check wait times helps.
Does Cheddar's have a kids menu?
Yes, Cheddar's offers a kids menu with smaller portions and lower prices than adult entrees. Kids meals typically include an entree, two sides, and a drink. The menu includes familiar options like chicken tenders, burgers, and pasta. Pricing is usually $5 to $8 per kids meal.
Can I order Cheddar's through delivery apps?
Many Cheddar's locations participate in DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, though not all restaurants use every platform. Delivery fees and menu prices on apps are often higher than ordering directly from the restaurant. Checking the app or calling the restaurant confirms whether delivery is available in your area.
What should I do if I have a food allergy?
Tell your server about your allergy before ordering. The restaurant can identify which items contain specific allergens, but because the kitchen is not allergen-free, cross-contamination is possible. For severe allergies, call ahead to speak with a manager about safe options.