Cracker Barrel

I was on my way home from setting up my daughter's apartment in Des Moines, Iowa over the weekend. My husband had reserved a room for me at the Hawthorne; Cracker Barrel was just across the parking lot. After checking into the hotel, I drove over to the restaurant. It is within walking distance, but it would be dark by the time I finished the meal and I didn't know the area to determine if I'd be safe walking back alone in the dark. The staff members very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere cozy and I didn't feel awkward dining alone. The food was perfect for a "starving" woman. Not too much. Not too heavy. Perfectly prepared. I chose the catfish, and, although I couldn't eat another bite (like I said the amount was just right) I was wishing I'd ordered a second piece just to continue to enjoy the flavor. I highly recommend the catfish. (I've had cravings for it since then.) Of course, the store portion of Cracker Barrel is the other half of the pleasure of dining there, so I did a little browsing and shopping before heading back to the hotel. The cashier did enough small-talk with me during my purchase that when we said good-bye I felt like I was saying good-bye to a cousin after a family reunion. Cracker Barrel is one of my favorite travel stops, and sitting in the rocking chairs on the "porch" afterwards is a nice way to "let the food settle" before heading to your next destination.

Great place to have breakfast. They have their own syrup which is really good. There are several options in the menu and all of them come with a bunch of food for a good price. Crew is very careful and always around in case you need anything. You can pay using their own website by just scanning the QR code provided along with the check, it’s very simple, quick and practical.

Cracker Barrel is a staple in rural areas. You get a lot of food at a reasonable price. The iced tea is good, especially the brewed peach tea. The sirloin steak is good, but not very thick. The mashed potatoes are good but whipped a little too much. Try the biscuits- they're great! But the best thing of all was our server, Tina. What a wonderful person, let alone server. She was unbelievable. An old sole college gal who takes her job to another level few her age even know how too, or want too. Her attitude will comfort you like no other. We are from out of town installing automation at RIVIAN Motors, so we eat out every day. Trust me, ask for Tina. She's the best!

We wanted to stop for lunch while on the road. It's been a while since we last ate there. I got the Bacon Hashbrown Casserole and Jim got the Southern Fried Chicken. His meal came with the option of two sides so he tried the corn and fried apples. James was our waiter was very attentive. The food was good and good portions. The gift shop was great snd reasonably priced.

Our waitress was super nice and helpful. I think her name was Sabrina. The food portions were large, and it tasted good. I got the eggs Benedict meal and it came with two sides. I substituted pancakes. The pancakes were buttery and crispy. My boyfriend got the country boy plate, and his steak was buttery and not tough. If the store was closer to the center of town, I would visit more often.