"The MDR Cheesecake Factory earns the top spot for the same reason many people love SoCal in the first place: incredible beach access. The second-oldest Cheesecake Factory ever was obviously built to take advantage of its primo waterfront views, with a sprawling three-level patio taking up most of the restaurant. The backdrop is fit for a Visit California ad: you’ll see yachts anchored in the harbor, people playing sunset volleyball, and on a clear day, mountaintops on the horizon. Plus, you can stroll down to the sand in seconds to walk off that chicken piccata and banana cream cheesecake post-dinner." - brant cox, cathy park, garrett snyder