Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

In a recent episode of Everybody Loves Raymond I watched Ray Romano stare disdainfully at a sorry looking meatloaf which his wife, Debra, had lovingly cooked for dinner. He let out a deep sigh, indicative of the problems he’d face whether he’d eat it or not and grudgingly began his meal. That episode came rushing back as I glanced through the menu of Cracker Barrel and my eyes fell on an item there – Meatloaf Dinner. Although Ray’s expression had painted a not-so-appetizing picture of the meatloaf, I went ahead and ordered it.

A couple of friends (brother-sister duo J1 & J2) and I had decided to try out dinner at Cracker Barrel (Nr Neshaminy Mall, Philadelphia) that evening. J1 had been there once before for a quick bite during her lunch break and had found the place worth a second, more detailed, look.

Cracker Barrel is a chain of restaurants that serves traditional Southern comfort food across the United States. I must emphasize on the comfort food part – hearty meals in sizeable portions cooked just as they would be at homes in the countryside. Roast Beef, Grilled Sirloin Steak, Farm-raised Catfish Platter, Smoked Country Sausage, Hickory Smoked Pork Barbecue and Sugar Cured Ham with sides of Turnip Greens, Breaded Fried Okra, Fried Apples, Cole Slaw, Mashed potatoes form just a portion of the extensive menu. Wholesome, home style breakfast is served all day long – that’s a feature I appreciate. Sometimes you just feel like eating a luscious blueberry pancake in the middle of the day. With generous portions of Eggs cooked with Grits, Homemade buttermilk biscuits, Hash brown Casserole, Thick Sliced Bacon, Turkey Sausage Patties, Maple Pancakes, Sourdough Bread French Toast, etc, served all day long, there’s now a place to run to when the cravings take hold of you.

After taking our time with the menu (understandably so, considering the spread) we were ready to place our order, which was taken by Joy, a friendly waitress. J1, not one for too much experimenting, chose Chicken and Rice – Chicken Tenderloin simmered in mushroom gravy served atop a bed of seasoned rice. J2 went for Chicken Fried Chicken – chicken breast fillet fried to a golden brown and topped with Sawmill gravy. I stuck to my Meatloaf Dinner – a thick cut of their special recipe Meatloaf made with tomato onions and green peppers. With sides comprising of Mashed Potatoes, Country Green Beans, Sweet Whole Baby Carrots, Steak fries and corn muffins this meal was all set to be a winner. We opted for freshly brewed Iced Teas to drink rather than the regular soda.

I must make a special mention about the ambiance. Cracker Barrel, since its launch in 1969, has styled every restaurant to resemble the warm and friendly interiors of old country stores replete with old advertising signs, farm equipment, early kitchen appliances, old photos and more. Every Cracker Barrel restaurant has an attached retail store which stocks mainly nostalgic merchandise, collectibles, classic candies, and a lot of holiday-themed merchandise. To make the whole experience as authentic as possible there are rows of rocking chairs placed on the outer porch of the store for guests to enjoy before or after a meal.

Our meal was delectable and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. J2 just would not stop talking about how his choice of the Fried Chicken was the best decision he’d taken in months!!! As for my Meatloaf, it was cooked to perfection and was full of flavour . Debra could definitely take a few tips, for Ray’s sake.

While we finished of our dinner with dessert (Apple Pie and a Frozen Mug Sundae) I looked around me. The restaurant was packed with happy diners – young couples, old couples, large and small families, and their cheerful chatter signified one thing – the fare at Cracker Barrel had made their day. It had certainly made mine.

Restaurant Class: Economy
Website: www.crackerbarrel.com
Store Hours: Sunday To Thursday: 6am to 10pm. Friday & Saturday: 6am to 11pm