I've only been for breakfast twice, and only ordered, Chicken Fried steak and, bisquits and gravy. It was average tasting, service was mediocre. I abhor corporate themed, chain restaurants and Cracker Barrel I found no different. It's a unique theme out here and it attracts the 'back in my day''everything isn't like it used to be' crowd. I prefer to give my eating-out business to a local operator.

Ate there recently and southern fried chicken was special of the day. I ordered it and it was very mediocre. Dry and small pieces that had little meat under the breading. Breakfast is much better.

I had takeout from there a couple of months ago after seeing an ad for their Southern Fried Chicken dinner.

The chicken was pretty good and I would have it again.

I prefer a corporate themed known restaurant when we are traveling. Cracker Barrel and Bob Evans fit the bill for us. When we are going from point A to Point B, we don't have time to search out and ask the locals what's good. Also on the plus side, Cracker Barrel has parking that can accommodate us.

Once we get where we are going, we ask around and try the local places. Really at the price point, most local places we've tried are on par with Cracker Barrel especially for breakfast. A $7, 3 egg, bacon, hash browns, and toast breakfast is what it is.

The one I used to frequent was managed by a gentleman called Mack.

They ran him off to have a less than competent manager. It has spiralled downhill ever since.

If I am local ..... I go local. If I find myself in an area I am unfamiliar Cracker Barrel fits the bill. There is a good chance the menu/taste is almost identical. Think McDonald's. Not the best but you know that going in.

quote:

It's a unique theme out here and it attracts the 'back in my day''everything isn't like it used to be' crowd. I prefer to give my eating-out business to a local operator.

^^^^^^^
Yeah. There was another one called PoFolks. No thanks. Its as bad as Family Style meals where they bring 15 pounds of mashed potatoes with lots of butter and salt with 50 chicken wings to get you started. I would prefer to forget how it was "back in the day." Their food would make a cardiologist stroke out.

Wife and I enjoy eating there, she likes the fried chicken, I like the country fried steak, Fridays fish fry and during the winter months I will have the meat loaf. All nothing special but at least they are consistent. As far as their breakfast it doesn't do nothing for me. I always CC never open.

I wouldn't go there to eat by myself, but my granddaughter loves it. That's likely because I always buy her a little something from the store.

Their breakfasts (served all day) are some of the best deals going, if you like traditional American-style breakfasts.

I do the Smokehouse breakfast every time. Scrambled eggs, sausage, and endless biscuits and gravy for under $10; what’s not to like?

The Cracker Barrel near us is excellent. The trout meal is very good. Portions are generous.

Food quality is good. Country ham! not many other restaurants serve maple syrup with pancakes / waffles.

Service varies from fair to mediocre.

Coffee is weak brown water.

"Country store" is tourist gimmick.

We go a few times 3 or 4 times a year.

Breakfast anytime!
For breakfast I like to tare up a biscuit and a couple sausage patties and pour gravy all over it... but their sausage patties... uuggg rubbery and chock full of fake smoke. Why they don't do better amazes me.

I used to like their blackened cajun catfish on rice, but last time not so much.

They all stay very busy around here.

No beer

quote:

Originally posted by Bob at the Beach:
No beer

That’s a positive. No drunk rednecks.

I’m not a picky eater and will eat almost anywhere except Cracker Barrel since they charge for it. The dinner meals taste as if they were in a freezer for two years before they heated it up in a microwave. For over a decade I’ve eaten meals on navy ships, so I know have low standards but their food is terribly bland.

Love me some CB. I always order breakfast - doesn’t matter if 7am or 7pm.

When I visit mother in Louisiana, I'll take her to the Cracker Barrel close to her house...she enjoys it. Otherwise, that place doesn't see my shadow when I'm home; too many other good/better places in Houston. The Black Eyed Pea was THE place for country cooking, but unfortunately they closed all their locations in the Houston area. The CF steak and peach cobbler was to absolutely die for!!

quote:

Originally posted by lyman:
When I can stick a spoon in it [sausage gravy] upright, and it not fall over the entire time we are eating, I know if it ain't worth eating (it sets up like jello quickly)

I would bet you dime to donuts that it's canned.

Haven't eaten there in months and months. I do like TGIF, but mainly for their strawberry lemonade. Back when we went regularly, the wife liked some items. I try not to pay attention to what she's ordering. I did like their double hamburger, but its variable, and sometimes awful.

I don't like to wait. Either to park or to get seated. They fail on both regards. I'd even rather pay more than to be ignored at high prices. I kind of know what to expect price wise, and its going to cost me over $25.

The local one has terrible parking. Just inadequate. To eat there its got to be off hours.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
Mrs. Mike does not like chicken and dumplings, going to Crackhead barrel is the only chance I get to eat like a southerner should...

My mom doesn’t make the flat dumplings, rather spoons the dough into the pot and they fluff up from there...it’s delicious.

Chicken and dumplings with a side of dumplings. BTDT.