Additional Coverage:
- 10 Cracker Barrel Dishes to Avoid Ordering Based on Reviews (financebuzz.com)
Cracker Barrel: What to Skip and Savor on Your Next Visit
Let’s be real: cooking three squares a day just isn’t realistic for most of us. Even ancient civilizations knew the power of sharing the food prep! And while dining out used to be a special occasion, these days, it’s often about that sweet, sweet comfort food and, let’s be honest, avoiding dish duty.
Cracker Barrel consistently ranks as one of America’s beloved dining spots, serving up that home-style goodness we crave. But even the best of the best can have a few duds. We’re diving into the Cracker Barrel menu to highlight some dishes you might want to bypass, whether it’s for quality, price, or just a case of “it used to be better.”
(Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.)
Dishes That Might Not Make the Cut:
1. Friday Fish Fry ($15.99)
Cracker Barrel might be famous for its country cooking, but its seafood often misses the mark. The Friday Fish Fry has been called out for being soft and mushy – not exactly the crisp, flaky fish we dream of. If you’re hankering for fish and chips, you might be better off casting your net elsewhere.
2. Lemon Pepper Grilled Rainbow Trout ($14.99)
Think of Cracker Barrel serving fish like playing jazz at a rock concert – it just doesn’t quite fit the vibe. This grilled rainbow trout has been ranked as the least popular dish in customer surveys. It seems a general rule of thumb for Cracker Barrel might be to steer clear of the seafood section.
3. Hashbrown Casserole ($3.09)
This one’s a heartbreaker for many long-time fans. While not inherently “bad,” customers lament that the hashbrown casserole isn’t what it used to be. The word on the street (and from former employees) is that a switch from frozen to dehydrated potatoes has taken a toll on its once-legendary taste.
4. Biscuit Beignets ($5.49)
Sometimes a new twist on a classic just doesn’t land. Using biscuit dough as a beignet base has left many dessert lovers unimpressed, with polls ranking it as the least favored sweet treat on the menu. Perhaps some classics are best left untouched.
5. Country Ham ($6.49)
This dish often comes down to expectations. Country ham is a specific type of cured ham, known for being heavily salted and often dry-cured.
While some appreciate its distinct flavor, many customers find the salt level overwhelming. A clearer menu description of the curing process could help set expectations.
6. Carrots ($3.09)
When food critics single out a side dish, you know something’s up. Cracker Barrel’s carrots have been dubbed the “worst side dish,” largely due to their use of baby carrots – a snack item, not a hearty side. One reviewer even quipped that only babies, who “haven’t lived long enough to know what good food is yet,” could truly enjoy them.
7. Southern Fried Chicken ($14.49)
While undeniably popular and a staple of Southern cuisine, the Southern Fried Chicken at Cracker Barrel comes with a hefty nutritional price tag. When paired with its standard sides (mashed potatoes and gravy, beans n’ greens, and cornbread), this weekend-only dish clocks in at a whopping 2,710 calories, making it the least healthy option on the entire menu. Delicious, yes, but maybe not an everyday meal.
8. Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd’s Pie ($16.49)
This newer menu addition has sparked quite a debate. Combining fried potatoes over a bed of mashed potatoes, some critics argue it’s an unnecessary carb overload. You’ll likely either love this controversial dish or hate it.
9. Louisiana Shrimp Skillet ($15.49)
Another seafood item that seems to fall short. Reviewers have described this dish as “instantly disappointing,” with shrimp “swimming in a sea of sauce” that was more soupy than skillet-like, leaving an unpleasant greasy residue.
10. Shrimp n’ Grits Skillet (Price: N/A – Limited Edition)
Let’s hope this limited-edition item makes a graceful exit by 2026. This seafood dish also garnered underwhelming reviews, with the shrimp often described as rubbery and surprisingly bland for a dish known for its vibrant flavors.
The Bottom Line:
Cracker Barrel certainly delivers on its promise of homestyle country comfort cuisine, often at a price comparable to fast food drive-thrus, typically ranging from $15 to $20. It can be especially economical for single diners looking to combat high grocery costs, as cooking family-sized comfort food for one often means leftovers for days or wasted ingredients. While there are plenty of delicious options to choose from, knowing which dishes might disappoint can help you make the most of your next Cracker Barrel experience!
Read More About This Story:
- 10 Cracker Barrel Dishes to Avoid Ordering Based on Reviews (financebuzz.com)