Many Americans have a special fondness for Cracker Barrel. For decades, it has been one of the most popular chain restaurants in the United States. Since its humble beginnings in 1969, it has grown to over 600 locations across 44 states.
Cracker Barrel has always stayed true to its traditional food and atmosphere, which is undoubtedly a key part of its appeal. For over fifty years, the appearance of its stores has remained virtually unchanged. Rocking chairs still line the entrance, and the iconic pegboard game remains a staple inside. This consistency was once a major strength of the brand. Customers came for that familiar sense of comfort. It became a reliable dining destination for many.
However, times have changed, and some people feel that Cracker Barrel isn’t what it used to be. At the time, rumors about the company closing were unfounded. But people began to wonder if it was facing financial difficulties. Some customers pointed to issues with the food, and service may also have been lacking. This means that the dining experience there is no longer as enjoyable, and many items on the menu do not live up to their names. Let’s take a look at some dishes that customers recommend avoiding.
1. **Country Fried Steak**: This is a breaded steak, typically cut into cubes. It is topped with their signature white sawmill sauce, which is what gives it its name. The dish is served with two to three side dishes, including corn fritters or biscuits. It certainly sounds like a classic country dish worth trying.
However, this dish often leaves diners disappointed. People say it is one of the most disappointing items on the menu, and this strong feedback indicates that there is indeed a problem here.
A Tripadvisor reviewer described a terrible experience. He said the steak was tough and old, possibly having been left out for too long. This description is highly off-putting to any diner and indicates that there is a serious issue with this dish.
2. **Carrots**: This is a frequent complaint in Cracker Barrel’s side dishes. Ordering carrots as a side dish may not be a pleasant experience, and people now consider them one of the worst side dishes on the menu. This is a pretty harsh review, with the main issue being that they primarily use baby carrots.
Some believe that baby carrots are only suitable for raw consumption and should not be cooked. However, when ordered here, you receive cooked baby carrots. The texture after cooking is poor, lacking the crispness expected of good carrots. Instead, they have a wet, soft, and unpleasant texture.
Beyond the texture issues, these carrots have almost no flavor. Seasoning baby carrots should be straightforward, yet for some reason, this simple dish is poorly executed. As a result, diners often skip this dish and opt for better vegetable options instead.
3. **Friday Fish Fry**: This dish sounds appealing if you enjoy fried foods. It is the Friday special, so it seems like a good choice. However, some customers suggest skipping this dish.
One concern is that they use “mystery fish,” which is reportedly not cod or other fish suitable for frying. The type of fish is a concern for diners. However, the bigger issue lies in its taste and texture. Even if it’s not the “mystery fish” variety, it often tastes poor.
Customers have complained that the dish is always mushy. This typically indicates that the seafood isn’t fresh. For fish, it’s usually preferred to use the freshest ingredients. A mushy texture may suggest a lack of freshness. The taste has also been described as having an off flavor. Therefore, it’s recommended that customers opt for non-fish dishes when ordering.
4. **Lemon Pepper Rainbow Trout**: If you’re looking for a healthier option, this seems like a good choice. It’s completely different from the other breaded dishes on the menu, which may appeal to diners seeking something different.
However, this dish has actually received a lot of criticism. A survey revealed that it might be one of the worst dishes on the menu. Over 37% of respondents ranked it as their least favorite dish.
Perhaps grilled fish isn’t what customers expect here, as the restaurant specializes in home-style dishes. But the fact that so many people say it’s their least favorite dish is puzzling. This suggests the issue goes beyond personal taste preferences. Given the significant negative feedback, ordering this dish carries some risk. Even if it sounds appealing, you should think twice. If you’re looking to avoid meat or heavy flavors, consider trying other seafood options on the menu.
5. **Dumplins (side)**: Dumplings are a classic dish beloved by people in the southern United States. Their unique chewy texture leaves a lasting impression. Cracker Barrel offers dumplings as a side dish option.
Unfortunately, this side dish may not leave a lasting impression, especially if you’re expecting a classic flavor. The dumplings themselves are decent and may have the chewy texture people seek. However, the sauce is where it truly falls short. It is described as overly thick and lacking the liquid component this dish requires.
Additionally, this side dish does not include chicken. The sauce lacks the aromatic flavor of chicken, which is typically present in Southern-style dumpling meals. The absence of flavor and the poor sauce make this dish taste unremarkable. If you really want to try Cracker Barrel’s dumplings, it is recommended to order the full meal. The chicken dumpling main course may be better executed.
6. **Meatloaf**: Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf sounds like a favorite for many people. This restaurant typically excels at home-style cooking, so this dish feels like something they should do perfectly. However, even with high expectations, this meatloaf was disappointing.
Its poor reviews are common in surveys. Over 20% of respondents listed it as one of the worst foods. With so many people avoiding it, the issue is clearly significant. This suggests there is a genuine problem, not just a matter of individual taste preferences. It appears there are widespread flaws in the cooking process itself.
Some customers complained that it tasted different from before, suggesting a decline in quality over time. Others mentioned the absence of sauce on top. For meat that tends to dry out, sauce is essential. Quality may vary by region, meaning you take on some risk.
7. **Roast Beef**: In addition to meatloaf, Cracker Barrel offers other beef options. Grilled beef is a good choice for a filling meal. However, like the meatloaf, this dish may also be disappointing. Whether you enjoy the grilled beef may depend on the location you visit.
Customer reviews of the roast beef are mixed, with many being negative. Some diners complain about the high fat content. While moderate fat can enhance the flavor of meat, excessive fat means less edible meat, which can lead to dissatisfaction with the quality.
Others have completely different negative feedback, with some diners reporting that the grilled beef is very dry and tough. To be honest, this is worse than excessive fat. Due to varying negative reviews across different locations, ordering this dish carries some risk. If you’re lucky, you might get a decent portion.
Why does Cracker Barrel feel different? The reasons are complex. They include issues with food quality as well as the company’s operational difficulties. This beloved American institution is facing serious challenges. Is it a matter of strategic adjustments, cost cutting, or slow pace of change? These issues have gradually accumulated, forming a troubling “reason.” For many, the nostalgic country store of yesteryear is no longer so glamorous.
Related posts:
11 Cracker Barrel Items That Shoppers Say Are “the Best”
The Four Best Boozy Drink Combinations To Order At Cracker Barrel
Why Cracker Barrel’s Country Fried Steak Is A Letdown In Customers’ Eyes
