Highway 69
Lindale TX
Hours: 6am – 10pm (11pm on Fri and Sat)
I love the Cracker Barrel. It is always a good choice for a nice meal – if you are looking for traditional home cooked style ‘comfort food’ that is! If it is salads or gourmet you want then … maybe not!
The special thing about the Cracker barrel is the ‘Southern’ feel. The atmosphere also takes you a little back in time. With entrees like meatloaf, roast beef and good old Texan fried chicken or friend steak and side dishes of corn and hashbrown casserole you’ll know what I mean.
When you arrive at the Cracker Barrel you might need to put your name on the seating list if it is a busy time of day. Avoid Sunday lunchtimes and any time on a weekend during First Monday Trade days in Canton if you hate waiting for a meal.
Once you have your party on the seating list, you have a while to shop in the ‘Country store’ There is something for everyone – old fashioned candy and fun toys for the kids, clothing, candles and seasonal home decor items. I love the card selection and the Christmas ornaments whilst the novelty items like the talking parrot and laughing dog appeal to my kids. If my husband is around, he usually sits outside on their wonderful rocking chairs – he hates shopping!
The restaurant is spacious and decorated with lots of southern ‘antiques’ which makes a fun backdrop for your meal. There is sometimes a fire burning in one corner but don’t be deceived, it is always cold in the Cracker Barrel.
When you are seated your server – who is usually a lady with big hair or an over-polite waiter – brings you drinks. They continuously circulate with refills so beware if you are there with friends. I once had 5 cups of coffee without realising it! The menu is straightforward but you can make substitutions or even make up your own meal from the side order part. The possibilities are endless!
I am always impressed that they cater well for children. They have kids menus with crayons and activities and also have solitaire on each table which is a distraction from hunger. I like the high chairs, boosters and the special cradle the have for car seats.
The service is good at the Cracker Barrel. They are always happy to bring more buttermilk biscuits – which by the way, are heavenly, and apple butter too. It is customary to leave a tip for the server at the table and then pay for the meal in the shop area along with any purchases you wish to make.
I particularly like breakfast at the Cracker Barrel. It is a real treat. Don’t be tempted to try any unfamiliar Southern food though – I thought I’d be adventurous and try grits and another time I ordered dumplins. Don’t eat them unless you’ve been raised on them I recommend! The bacon and eggs are great though, cooked fresh and to your order.
One final thing to note is that the CB is famous for pies and you can even order a whole one to take home. Actually they will also cater your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast too.
The Cracker Barrel is a family favorite and can always be depended on for quality food and good service. Lots of calories too but who cares about that once in a while?!