critics are rarely concerned with the everyday place that most people
spend their time and money in. If you want to know what's good at
Bugaboo Creek, or if you will like Olive Garden, then you generally have
to phone a friend.
On Sunday night Husby and I went on a date, to Cracker Barrel. Our local Cracker Barrel opened last year and despite wanting to, we had yet to go. I have heard nothing about it, save that the store is cool, and so really wanted to go. Since I was in the mood for some home style food, it seemed, from the name of the place, that this was the right place to go.
As the AC was quite chilly we each had a hot drink, I was pleasantly surprised with my English Breakfast Tea as I am quite picky about such things. We did not have a starter, as the meals described seemed to be quite large, and, well, if Fried Mushrooms aren't on the menu I'm hard pressed to pick one. Husby ordered the Reuben Platter, and I, having gone with the intent of having Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes, had Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes. You get three sides and corn bread and a biscuit with your meal. I liked this as often I have to choose cornbread at the expense of another side. As well as regular ole Corn and Mashed Potatoes, I tried the Fried Apples that seemed to be a Cracker Barrel signature. Imagine an Apple Crumble (Crisp), removing the Crumbly (crispy) part, the remaining apple mix that you are left with is what they mean by Fried Apples. Great with Pork Chops but not so great with Meatloaf. It easily adapted and served as a dessert however. The Meatloaf was good but not brimming with flavor, as were the mashed potatoes. My husband enjoyed his Reuben Platter but commented that it was "Meh," which in his language means nothing special but not bad. He had a side of Chicken and Rice soup, and I think would have quite happily taken a bath in the stuff. I'd be interested in trying their Chicken Pie because the soup was excellent. We did not have dessert.
It was much cheaper than I was expecting, a little over twenty bucks for two meals and two hot drinks isn't bad for a family on a budget looking for a date night.
The woman who seated us was very pleasant. The woman who served us was pleasant but also moved along at a brisk clip which I appreciated. She brought the bill while we were still eating which some might not like but I LOVED because when I am done, I am done and I want to be gone. I hate having to wait, or even worse ask for the bill. She thought I was on vacation which was cute. Drinks service was quick and she checked for refills without being disruptive.
The table was clean, the silverware was clean, the ketchup bottle was not sticky. These things should be a given but they are not so I give credit! The bathrooms were great. We were there between 5.30 and 7 on a Sunday and they were spotless. Clean, not damp, no toilet paper sticking to unusual places. They also indicated the there was a baby changing station in the mens room which is a big thumbs up for this chain in my book. When I was pregnant, Toby's diapers made me throw up, so Husby had to change most of them. It became a problem when eating out, since public bathrooms also made me nauseous! I used to hold my breath and inhale through a wipey when I needed to breathe!
The piece de resistance of the Cracker Barrel experience is the store. It was everything I expected from every good quality tourist trap we visited in Florida when I was 11, I love those places. Patriotic clothing, old fashioned candy, wooden toys, vintage toys, decorations, ornaments, cds and dvds of classic shows/music. We found Toby's birthday present there. We spent as much time looking at stuff as we did eating our meal. It was a lot of fun, though I suppose that initial thrill might decrease with subsequent visits.
The Ratings:
Food 2/5
Value 5/5
Service 5/5
Atmosphere 5/5
Other 5/5
The food was not bad and since everything else was fantastic it definitely bears a couple of repeat visits. The menu is varied enough and cheap enough for a second and third chance. They serve breakfast all day so that might be worth a shot next time. Three bland meals though and I might be singing a different song.
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