Cracker Barrel is a popular restaurant chain that specializes in homestyle comfort food. It is known for its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and generous portions. Whether you are looking for a hearty meal, a light salad, or a sweet treat, Cracker Barrel has something for you. In this blog post, we will explore the Cracker Barrel lunch menu, which is served from 11 am to 10 pm every day. We will also share some tips and tricks on how to make the most of your Cracker Barrel experience.
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What is Cracker Barrel?
Cracker Barrel is an American restaurant chain that was founded in 1969 by Dan Evins in Lebanon, Tennessee. The name comes from the barrels of crackers that were used as decorations and offered to customers in the original store. The restaurant’s logo features a man sitting on a rocking chair next to a fireplace, which reflects the rustic and nostalgic theme of the chain.
Cracker Barrel serves traditional Southern cuisine, such as fried chicken, biscuits, cornbread, mashed potatoes, gravy, and greens. It also offers regional specialties, such as chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, country-fried steak, and catfish. The menu changes seasonally and features daily specials and limited-time offers. The restaurant also has a retail store that sells various items, such as candy, toys, clothing, home decor, and music.
Cracker Barrel has over 650 locations across 45 states in the US. It is popular among travelers, families, and seniors who enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere and the affordable prices. The restaurant has won several awards and recognitions, such as the Zagat Survey’s Best Breakfast Chain and Best Family Dining Chain.
What is on the Cracker Barrel Lunch Menu?
The Cracker Barrel lunch menu offers a variety of dishes that are sure to satisfy your appetite and taste buds. You can choose from four main categories: entrees, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. You can also add a side dish or a beverage to complete your meal. Here are some of the highlights of each category:
Entrees
The entrees are the main attraction of the Cracker Barrel lunch menu. They are served with your choice of three country vegetables or sides (except for salads) and homemade buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins. You can also add a cup of soup or a side salad for an extra charge. Some of the most popular entrees are:
- Chicken n’ Dumplins: This is one of Cracker Barrel’s signature dishes. It consists of tender chicken pieces and fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich chicken broth. It is comfort food at its best.
- Meatloaf: This is another classic dish that Cracker Barrel does well. It is made with ground beef and fresh vegetables and spices, then baked with a tangy tomato sauce on top. It is hearty and satisfying.
- Country Fried Steak: This is a Southern favorite that features a tender steak coated with seasoned flour and fried to a golden crisp. It is topped with sawmill gravy and served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Fried Chicken Tenderloins: These are crispy and juicy chicken tenders that are hand-breaded and fried to order. You can dip them in your choice of sauce, such as honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch.
- Grilled Pork Chops: These are thick-cut pork chops that are seasoned with garlic and herbs and grilled to perfection. They are tender and flavorful.
Salads
If you are looking for something lighter or healthier, you can opt for one of the salads on the Cracker Barrel lunch menu. They are made with fresh greens and toppings and served with your choice of dressing. You can also add grilled chicken or fried chicken tenders for an extra charge. Some of the salads are:
- House Salad: This is a simple but satisfying salad that consists of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, onions, cheese, croutons, boiled eggs, and bacon bits.
- Chef Salad: This is a more filling salad that features mixed greens, ham, turkey, cheese, boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, croutons, and bacon bits.
- Grilled Chicken Salad: This is a protein-packed salad that includes mixed greens, grilled chicken breast slices, cheese, boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, croutons, and bacon bits.
- Fried Chicken Salad: This is a crunchy and tasty salad that has mixed greens, fried chicken tenderloins, cheese, boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, croutons, and bacon bits.
Sandwiches
If you prefer something handheld and easy to eat, you can go for one of the sandwiches on the Cracker Barrel lunch menu. They are served with your choice of a cup of soup or any country side. You can also add cheese, bacon, or grilled onions for an extra charge. Some of the sandwiches are:
- Chicken BLT: This is a classic sandwich that features a fried chicken breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on sourdough bread. It is crispy and creamy.
- Open-Faced Roast Beef: This is a hearty sandwich that consists of slow-roasted beef slices, gravy, and mashed potatoes on white bread. It is savory and filling.
- Grilled Reuben: This is a deli-style sandwich that has corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on grilled rye bread. It is tangy and cheesy.
- Turkey n’ Cheese: This is a simple but delicious sandwich that has oven-roasted turkey breast, Colby cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on wheat bread. It is light and fresh.
Burgers
If you are in the mood for a juicy burger, you can choose one of the burgers on the Cracker Barrel lunch menu. They are made with 100% beef patties and served with steak fries. You can also add cheese, bacon, or grilled onions for an extra charge. Some of the burgers are:
- Maple Jam n’ Bacon Burger: This is a sweet and savory burger that features a beef patty, maple onion jam, bacon, Colby cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on a bun. It is a unique and tasty combination.
- Barbecue Pork n’ Bacon Burger: This is a smoky and spicy burger that has a beef patty, barbecue pork, bacon, Colby cheese, fried onion straws, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on a bun. It is a meat lover’s dream.
- Mushroom n’ Swiss Burger: This is a classic burger that consists of a beef patty, sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on a bun. It is rich and satisfying.
- Country Burger: This is a simple but satisfying burger that has a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on a bun. It is a staple that you can’t go wrong with.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Most of Your Cracker Barrel Experience
Here are some tips and tricks that you can use to make your Cracker Barrel experience even better:
- Check out the daily specials and limited-time offers on the Cracker Barrel lunch menu. They are usually more affordable and feature seasonal ingredients and dishes.
- Take advantage of the Cracker Barrel rewards program. You can earn points for every purchase and redeem them for free food, gift cards, or merchandise.
- Browse the retail store while you wait for your food or after you finish your meal. You might find some interesting items that you can buy for yourself or as gifts for your loved ones.
- Play the peg game on your table while you enjoy your food. It is a fun and challenging game that tests your logic and skill. You can also ask for a checkerboard if you want to play with someone else.
- Relax on the rocking chairs outside the restaurant before you leave. They are comfortable and soothing and offer a nice view of the surroundings.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel lunch menu is a great option for anyone who loves homestyle comfort food. It offers a variety of dishes that are delicious, filling, and affordable. You can also enjoy the cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and retail store that Cracker Barrel provides. Try out the Cracker Barrel lunch menu today and see why it is one of the most popular restaurant chains in America.