Why Cracker Barrel is My Favorite Restaurant

To say that Cracker Barrel is my favorite restaurant is an understatement. Those who know me best certainly know that. In fact, on an expense report I once submitted eight meal receipts and 7 of them were for Cracker Barrel! I would hate to admit the number of days I've eaten twice in Cracker Barrel. (I have not eaten there three times in the same day…yet.)

Started in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee they have grown into one of America's favorite restaurant chains. Their early stores included gasoline pumps, but now their focus is only on the store and restaurant business. The delicious food and the unique merchandise are great values. They went public in 1981 and were classified in the top ten stocks in America by Money Magazine. They're still managed at the top by the founder, Dan Evins. No wonder they're so successful and continue impressive growth.

Why do I love this restaurant so much? I was raised on good 'ol country cooking so the menu satisfies my taste for that kind of food. Everyday they serve good homestyle country cooking. From the country fried steak, to biscuits 'n gravy, to homemade chicken 'n dumplins, to the baked apple dumpling dessert. There's variety on the menu: steaks, fish, country ham, and chops. There's a great assortment of vegetables too. A Cracker Barrel favorite is their hashbrown casserole…yummy!

Here are 10 good reasons why I love Cracker Barrel

1. They're Everywhere - There are over 530 locations in 41 states. You can drive along the interstate and see that gold and brown sign directing you to a Cracker Barrel just a little further down the road. If you love the good food at Cracker Barrel then you can probably find one near you. When I travel for business or pleasure I'll probably eat at least one meal in a Cracker Barrel. In fact, on family vacations the first stop on the road is Cracker Barrel, and a stop on the return trip is a…Cracker Barrel. How'd you guess?

2. Quality and Consistency - One nice thing about Cracker Barrel is the consistency. Every location has the same menu and the quality is always the same. What you get at one you get at them all. McDonald's boasts of the same quality consistency. That's what makes a great restaurant chain. I've personally never had a bad meal at a Cracker Barrel. I have some menu favorites and wherever I dine it's the same great taste and the same quality. The consistency is definitely a plus.

3. Breakfast Served All Day - To tell the truth breakfast food is really my favorite food. The nice thing about Cracker Barrel is that their breakfast menu is great, the food is delicious, and…you can get it anytime! I often eat in the evening and order from the breakfast menu. I've sometimes overheard a fellow diner say "Why did she give me a breakfast menu?" Well they obviously don't know what Cracker Barrel is about. It's about a great breakfast…day or night!

4. The Front Porch - Every Cracker Barrel restaurant has a big front porch lined with old fashioned rocking chairs. If there's a wait (and there often is, the norm for good restaurants…right?) just put in your name and have a seat on the front porch. It's great to just sit out there and rock for while, relaxing until they call your name.

5. The Cornbread Muffins - I'll have biscuits when I order breakfast, but any other time it has to be the cornbread muffins. They're exceptional. I'll take a hot muffin and slice it open, then add some good butter and put the top back on. Wait a few seconds and flip it over, allowing the butter to melt through both the top and bottom…now that's good!

6. The Old Country Store - Their name actually is Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. It really is like being in an old fashioned country store. There's a huge variety of wonderful merchandise: clothing, cookware, collectibles, home décor, books, tapes, CDs, stuffed animals, toys, tools. They always have a variety of Coca Cola items for collectors. There'll be seasonal merchandise for every holiday. They usually have a line of collegiate clothing supporting the local and regional colleges and universities. And of course, food and candy, too! If you're looking for some unique items and gifts, then the Cracker Barrel Old County Store is where you'll find them.

7. Price - The menu is very reasonably priced. You can have a great breakfast, lunch, or even dinner for less than $10 per person. For the variety and quality you get the price is excellent.

8. Their People and Service - The friendly folks at Cracker Barrel are wonderful and make the experience very enjoyable. They are conscientious about keeping a clean restaurant and providing excellent and courteous service. The servers will take good care of you. In the rare event you should you experience any disappointment the restaurant manager will make it right for you. They aim to please, and they have always pleased me (and remember I go there a lot!).

9. The Décor - When you go into a Cracker Barrel you'll instantly feel the charm of an old fashioned country store. Throughout the store and dinning room the walls are covered with lots of relics from the past: old portraits, advertising signs, farm hardware, quilts, glassware, and paintings. The stuff on the walls will keep your head turning during the entire visit. The items differ from location to location so there's always something new and interesting to fix you gazes upon. And in the center of the dinning room is a fireplace and during the fall and winter there'll be a real fire burning.

10. The Peg Game - On every table is the famous Peg Game, a triangular wooden board with 14 pegs (golf tees). You can buy them in the store. The object is to jump the pegs and leave as few pegs as possible, with the ultimate leaving only one. I did it one time in Corbin, KY but I was having lunch by myself and my wife still won't believe me. I did have a restaurant manager comment once that I was exceptional…he hadn't ever seen anyone leave five on the board. That's okay 'cause the cornbread 'n butter helped me overcome the embarrassment!

My Favorite Menu Choices at Cracker Barrel

Breakfast - The Cracker Barrel's Country Boy Breakfast. I have country ham, but you could choose pork chops or steak. You get three eggs, fried apples, the famous hashbrown casserole, grits, biscuits 'n gravy. You'll definitely be full when you get done with this one.
Lunch - I'll mention two: Beans 'n Cornbread. You get a bowl of brown beans with chunks of ham and those great cornbread muffins. The country folks also enjoy the onion that accompanies. Add the onion and relish and you've got a great lunch. For a lighter item try the Grilled Chicken Salad. You'll get grilled chicken tenderloins served on fresh greens, along with Colby cheese, boiled egg, tomato, and red onion. Wonderful!
Dinner - My favorite here is the Farm Raised Catfish Platter. I have two fried catfish fillets, but you can get them grilled as well. You'll get to select three country vegetables, and I usually choose a baked potato, fried okra, and cole slaw. And of course the cornbread muffins!

If you're into good 'ol country cooking then the Cracker Barrel Old Fashioned Store is the place for you. You can learn more by checking out their web site at www.CrackerBarrel.com. Stop in at one today and enjoy a relaxing time, friendly staff, great service, and a wonderful meal.