Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is a well-known American restaurant chain famous for its Southern-inspired comfort food and rustic atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a traditional country breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a family-style dinner, the menu offers a wide variety of options designed to mimic home-cooked meals. This guide provides a detailed look at the Cracker Barrel menu, including signature dishes, daily specials, and tips for ordering.
One of the most appealing aspects of Cracker Barrel is its consistency and focus on traditional preparation methods. Many items on the menu are made from scratch, such as the biscuits that are rolled and baked throughout the day. Understanding the menu layout can help you make the best choice for your appetite and dietary preferences.
All-Day Breakfast Favorites
A unique feature of the Cracker Barrel menu is that breakfast is served all day, from opening until closing. This is ideal for those who enjoy breakfast foods during lunch or dinner hours. The breakfast menu is centered around high-quality staples like eggs, hickory-smoked bacon, and their famous buttermilk biscuits.
The following are some of the most popular breakfast categories and dishes available:
- The Old Timer’s Breakfast: This is a classic choice featuring two farm-fresh eggs, grits, and your choice of meat, such as smoked sausage or thick-sliced bacon. It also includes fried apples or hashbrown casserole and comes with biscuits and gravy.
- Momma’s Pancake Breakfast: This meal includes three buttermilk pancakes topped with butter and served with 100% pure natural syrup. It is accompanied by two eggs and your choice of breakfast meat.
- Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast: For those with a larger appetite, this dish features two eggs alongside country fried steak or fried Sunday Homestyle Chicken with sawmill gravy.
- Stuffed Cheesecake Pancakes: For a sweeter option, these pancakes are filled with cream cheese filling and topped with seasonal fruit toppings and whipped cream.
Each breakfast entree typically comes with a choice of sides, allowing guests to customize their meal. The hashbrown casserole is a signature side item made with shredded potatoes, cheese, and a blend of seasonings that many guests consider a must-order.
Lunch and Dinner Classics
Starting at 11:00 AM daily, Cracker Barrel begins serving its lunch and dinner menu. These meals are focused on protein-heavy entrees served with multiple sides, often referred to as “Country Veggies.” The portions are generally generous, making them suitable for a filling midday or evening meal.
Signature Entrees
The dinner menu features several items that have remained staples for decades. These dishes are prepared using traditional recipes that emphasize slow-cooking and savory seasonings.
- Chicken n’ Dumplins: This dish features chicken slow-simmered in a rich broth with hand-rolled dumplings. It is one of the most frequently ordered items on the menu.
- Meatloaf: A homestyle slice of meatloaf made with onions, tomatoes, and green peppers. It is typically served with a choice of three country sides and biscuits or corn muffins.
- Country Fried Steak: A USDA Choice steak breaded and deep-fried, then smothered in savory sawmill gravy.
- U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish: Guests can choose between cornmeal-breaded and fried catfish or a spicy grilled version for a lighter alternative.
- Southern Fried Chicken: This features four pieces of bone-in chicken breaded with a special seasoning and fried until crispy.
Most lunch and dinner entrees include a choice of two or three country sides. This flexibility allows diners to balance their meal with vegetables, starches, or fruit.
Daily Specials and Deals
Cracker Barrel offers a “Daily Specials” menu that provides specific dishes at a set price on certain days of the week. These are often smaller portions or specific recipes that are only available on their designated day. This is an excellent way for regular diners to find value and variety.
The typical weekly schedule for lunch specials (starting at 11:00 AM) includes:
- Monday: Chicken n’ Dumplins.
- Tuesday: Meatloaf.
- Wednesday: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken.
- Thursday: Turkey n’ Dressing.
- Friday: Fish Fry (featuring cod fillets).
There are also “Country Dinner Plates” which are slightly smaller than the full entrees but still include two sides and biscuits or corn muffins. These are often preferred by those looking for a lighter meal at a lower price point.
Signature Country Sides
The sides at Cracker Barrel are just as famous as the main courses. There are over 20 different sides to choose from, ranging from traditional vegetables to hearty starches. When ordering an entree, you will usually be asked to select your sides from this extensive list.
Common side options include:
- Hashbrown Casserole: The most popular side, consisting of shredded potatoes and melted cheese.
- Fried Okra: Cut okra breaded in cornmeal and fried until golden.
- Green Beans: Seasoned with pork for a traditional smoky flavor.
- Macaroni n’ Cheese: A creamy, classic preparation loved by children and adults alike.
- Whole Kernel Corn: Simple, sweet corn seasoned with butter.
- Cole Slaw: A cool, crisp side with a creamy dressing.
For those looking for healthier options, the menu also includes steamed broccoli, fresh seasonal fruit, and baked sweet potatoes. It is important to note that many traditional sides are seasoned with meat products, so vegetarians should ask their server for specific preparation details.
Lighter Fare and Dietary Options
While Cracker Barrel is known for heavy comfort food, the menu has evolved to include “Wholesome Fixin’s.” These are dishes designed to be lower in calories and fat without sacrificing traditional flavors. These options are clearly marked on the physical and digital menus.
Examples of lighter fare include the Grilled Sirloin, Lemon Pepper Grilled Rainbow Trout, and the Country Vegetable Plate. The Vegetable Plate allows you to choose four sides as your main meal, which is a popular choice for those avoiding meat or looking for a high-fiber option.
For guests with gluten sensitivities, Cracker Barrel provides a gluten-friendly menu. However, because the kitchens handle a significant amount of flour for biscuits and gravy, cross-contamination is possible. Guests with severe allergies should always notify their server before ordering.
Desserts and Beverages
No visit to Cracker Barrel is complete without exploring the dessert menu. These items are often large enough to share and feature classic Southern ingredients.
The Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake is a signature dessert that uses actual Coca-Cola in the batter to create a moist, rich texture. It is served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Other options include Fruit Cobbler with ice cream and the All-American Apple Pie.
For beverages, Cracker Barrel is famous for its freshly brewed sweet tea. They also offer premium coffee, hot chocolate, and a variety of sodas. In recent years, many locations have added a selection of beer and wine, including mimosas for breakfast and hard cider.
Kids’ Menu and Family Meals
Cracker Barrel is a family-oriented restaurant, and their kids’ menu reflects this. It includes smaller portions of adult favorites like pancakes, mac n’ cheese, and chicken tenders. Most kids’ meals come with a drink and a side.
For those dining at home, Cracker Barrel offers “Family Meal Baskets To-Go.” These are bundled meals that serve approximately five people. They include a main entree, two large sides, and a choice of bread. This is a convenient option for busy families who want a sit-down quality meal without the cooking time.
How to Order and Rewards
You can access the Cracker Barrel menu in several ways. While dining in person is the traditional experience, the restaurant has expanded its digital presence significantly. You can order through the official Cracker Barrel website or their mobile app for pickup or delivery.
The Cracker Barrel Rewards program is a newer addition that allows frequent diners to earn “Pegs” for every dollar spent. These Pegs can be redeemed for free food, retail items in the country store, or other discounts. Signing up for the app is the easiest way to track these rewards and see the most up-to-date menu pricing for your specific location.
Whether you are a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, the Cracker Barrel menu offers a reliable and comforting dining experience. By understanding the various sections and daily specials, you can ensure a satisfying meal that fits your budget and taste.
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