In 1989, I bought a very nice wall clock that I still have, when I visited the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Why do they call it Cracker Barrel? Do they sell cheese? Clocks?
I never thought to look for a clock. I usually never think more than pancakes and eggs when I stop there.
Big fan of their breakfast. The ham is great. Even bigger fan of the chicken and dumplins, fried apples, and hash brown casserole. The vegetables are fresh and great too. That is my usual order with a big bottle of root beer. They have peg games on the table as well as checker boards to pass the time while they get your food. After filling up, I usually sit in the rocking chairs outside for atleast five minutes letting my food settle. Whenever I travel, I check where the closest one is. It will not be everyone's sort of place but I love Cracker Barrel.
Went there today. I got the Fried chicken BLT sandwich and it was delicious. The fried Okra wasn't the best (you get to pick 1 side for the BLT sandwich, some meals come with a choice of 3 sides which are things like green beans, grits, apples, mac & cheese etc...), I've definitely had much better fried okra in Tennessee. However it isn't something you see on most menus in Oregon so I was fine with the fact that it wasn't the best. I dip it in ranch like I would fries. The store is full of random stuff similar to the Cracker Barrels I've been to, however it has been so long ago since I've been to one that I can't really compare whether or not the shop is similar to the ones in the South... It seemed fairly comparable, with a touch of Oregon (Selling duck gear instead of Volunteers gear, etc...) Oh yeah two words "sweet tea". As someone who defaults to Iced Tea 90% of the time I eat at a restaurant I have to say that there is something magical about having the tea pre-sweetened. I think they use simple syrup, so it is much better than trying to mix a packet or two at the table... I used to use the pink and blue stuff but quit using them after 3 family members who loved to use artificial sweeteners died of cancer.
It was a 30 minute wait at 5pm for us today. The lady said that at one point yesterday it was an hour and a half wait. Which means that the rocking chairs are all likely to be occupied when you are leaving the restaurant. I look forward to going back when the hype has died down. I was glad to see the peg game was on every table(Just $3.99 to buy your own!), and they also have the over-sized checkers boards outside.
I've been to Cracker Barrel while visiting family in Jacksonville, FL. I had the catfish, salad, and clam chowder dinner. It was ok. Personally, I prefer my grandmother's cooking as she's from the deep south. She raised us on grits and eggs, southern fried chicken, sweet tea, and pretty everything bad for your body.
I took my mother there today for lunch. It's surprisingly good food. I was expecting Down Home "Hicky" type place with Bro Country in the lobby. Nope. It's just a big country kitchenette/eatery with an attached gift shop. They are just trying to stuff as much food in you as possible before you get out the door. Try the trout or chicken dumplings and make sure to get a side of hash brown casserole, it's divine. About an hour wait without a reservation.
You guys should try mcdonalds. Down south it's like gormet. Like taco bell was in demolition man. Last mcdonalds i went to had an in wall fish tank.
