Additional Coverage:
- 10 Cracker Barrel Dishes to Avoid Ordering Based on Reviews (financebuzz.com)
Cracker Barrel: What to Skip and What to Savor on Your Next Visit
Let’s face it, whipping up three square meals a day isn’t always in the cards for every household. Even in ancient times, folks shared the load when it came to food prep.
The idea that eating out should be a rare treat often boils down to stretching that restaurant budget. But for most of us, it’s about craving comfort food and the blissful convenience of skipping dish duty.
Cracker Barrel remains a beloved American institution, serving up that homestyle goodness we all hanker for. Yet, even the best spots have their misses, whether due to quality, price, or a bit of both. We’ve dug into some of the dishes you might want to steer clear of on your next trip to the country store.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability can change and may vary by location.
1. Friday Fish Fry – $15.99
Cracker Barrel’s seafood offerings seem to be swimming against the tide. The Friday Fish Fry has been dubbed one of the chain’s least appealing items, often described as soft and mushy. If you’re yearning for a classic fish and chips experience, you might be better off casting your net at a dedicated seafood spot.
2. Lemon Pepper Grilled Rainbow Trout – $14.99
It seems Cracker Barrel and fish just don’t mix. The Lemon Pepper Grilled Rainbow Trout has been singled out as the least popular dish in various surveys. It’s probably a safe bet to avoid most seafood options when you’re at this country-style eatery.
3. Hashbrown Casserole – $3.09
This one’s a heartbreaker for many long-time fans. While not necessarily “bad,” the hashbrown casserole has seen better days. Customers and even employees suggest a switch from frozen to dehydrated potatoes has diminished its once-legendary flavor.
4. Biscuit Beignets – $5.49
Attempting a new twist on a classic can be a gamble, and using biscuit dough for beignets might be one that didn’t pay off. This dessert has consistently ranked as the least favored sweet treat on the menu.
5. Country Ham – $6.49
The country ham often sparks debate, not because it’s poorly prepared, but because its intense saltiness can catch diners by surprise. This cured ham is traditionally very salty, and a clearer menu description might help manage expectations.
6. Carrots – $3.09
According to several food critics, Cracker Barrel’s carrots fall flat as a side dish. The use of baby carrots, typically reserved for snacking, and a lack of exciting preparation leave much to be desired.
7. Southern Fried Chicken – $14.49
While a popular menu item, especially with the South’s culinary influence on country cooking, the Southern Fried Chicken packs a hefty punch. When paired with standard sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, beans, and cornbread, this weekend-only dish clocks in at a staggering 2,710 calories, making it the least healthy option on the menu.
8. Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd’s Pie – $16.49
This newer addition has certainly stirred up controversy. Critics are split, with some questioning the logic of serving fried potatoes over mashed potatoes in a shepherd’s pie. It seems to be a love-it-or-hate-it kind of dish.
9. Louisiana Shrimp Skillet – $15.49
Reviews for the Louisiana Shrimp Skillet have been less than stellar. One food reviewer described it as “instantly disappointing,” noting the shrimp arrived “swimming in a sea of sauce” that was more soupy than skillet-like, leaving a greasy film on the palate.
10. Shrimp n’ Grits Skillet – Price: N/A
This limited-edition item, hopefully, won’t be making a comeback. Another seafood offering, the Shrimp n’ Grits Skillet, received underwhelming reviews, with diners often finding the shrimp rubbery and the dish surprisingly bland for something known for its vibrant flavors.
The Bottom Line
Cracker Barrel offers up some fantastic homestyle country comfort food that often rivals the cost of a fast-food drive-through, usually falling in the $15 to $20 range. But as with any menu, not every dish is a winner. For single diners looking to stretch their budget and avoid cooking family-sized meals, Cracker Barrel can be an especially economical choice, offering hearty portions without the commitment of eating the same leftovers for days.
Read More About This Story:
- 10 Cracker Barrel Dishes to Avoid Ordering Based on Reviews (financebuzz.com)