Cracker Barrel’s Mouthwatering Lunch and Dinner Menu

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store started in Lebanon, Tennessee. Dan Evins opened the first one. Now, there are over 660 restaurants across the U.S. serving Southern comfort food.

The menu has hearty dishes like chicken n’ dumplins and meatloaf. You can also try the New York strip steak, pot roast, and hashbrown casserole. There are sandwiches, salads, seafood, and more.

Most places open at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner. Hours can go up to 9–10 p.m. You can order for pickup or delivery at some stores.

Cracker Barrel updated its look and launched the “All the More” campaign. This campaign highlights new and returning items. It makes guests excited to try seasonal specials.

This section gives you a sneak peek at what’s on the menu. It prepares you for the signature dishes, sides, and seasonal specials. You’ll also learn how to order like a pro.

Overview of Cracker Barrel’s Lunch and Dinner Experience

Cracker Barrel combines a country-store with a restaurant, focusing on Southern hospitality and homestyle recipes. Founded in 1969 by Dan Evins, it has grown to over 660 locations across 45 states. This blend of nostalgia and comfort food makes it a favorite for travelers and families.

The dining room is warm and rustic, with wood accents and vintage decor. It sets a relaxed pace for lunch or dinner. Expect familiar comfort dishes and a friendly staff who focus on timely service. Many guests return for both the food and the atmosphere.

Recent updates refreshed store layouts and modernized restaurant interiors. The fall 2025 “All the More” campaign aimed to broaden appeal while keeping traditional recipes intact. Seasonal partnerships with artists like Jordan Davis promote limited-time offerings and inspire changes to the cracker barrel cuisine assortment.

Menu evolution balances new items with fan favorites. This approach preserves the cracker barrel meal variety you count on for family dinners. It also gives you occasional surprises through seasonal rotations and promotional dishes.

Cracker Barrel’s menu and decor create a dependable dining experience. The restaurant offers a mix of classic and seasonal dishes. This approach keeps the menu appealing while introducing new flavors.

cracker barrel lunch and dinner menu

Cracker Barrel offers a variety of classic Southern dishes. You can find hearty entrees, shareable starters, and comforting sides. The menu stays the same but with daily specials and seasonal items. This way, you get to enjoy your favorites and try new things.

Menu categories at a glance

The menu is easy to navigate. It includes Chicken & Turkey, Beef & Pork, Seafood, Sandwiches, Salads & Soups, and more. You can also find starters, sides, family meals, a kids menu, desserts, and drinks.

Availability and serving hours

Lunch and dinner start at 11:00 AM at most Cracker Barrel locations. Nightly hours vary. Weekdays and Sundays close at 9:00 PM, and Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00 PM.

Breakfast ends at 11:00 AM. After that, you can enjoy lunch and dinner options. Look out for weekday combos and daily specials like Chicken n’ Rice, Southern BBQ Ribs, and Pot Roast.

Before you go, check the local store hours and seasonal updates. This ensures you catch your favorite dishes like Southern Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, and Lemon Pepper Trout.

Signature Chicken and Turkey Dishes

Cracker Barrel’s chicken and turkey dishes are at the heart of their lunch and dinner menus. They offer familiar comfort with clear choices. Each meal comes with two or three country sides and a biscuit or corn muffin.

Many items are part of the cracker barrel food selection. They reflect time-tested recipes. You’ll find both lighter, slow-simmered plates and hearty fried choices.

Homestyle Chicken and Chicken n’ Dumplins are top chicken favorites. Homestyle Chicken has two breaded and fried breasts with sides and a biscuit or corn muffin. It costs around $16.99, with calories varying by side.

Chicken n’ Dumplins is slow-simmered and tender. It comes with two or three sides. Lunch pricing is lower, like $11.99 for a smaller portion.

Southern Fried Chicken is a bone-in option with four pieces. It comes with usual sides. A full plate costs near $16.99 and has about 1640 calories.

Turkey mains include Turkey n’ Dressing, a weekly special. It’s priced near $11.99 for lunch and $16.49 for dinner. Barrel-cut Sugar Ham and Country Ham are seasonal, adding salty-sweet and smoky options.

Seasonal items keep the menu fresh. For fall 2025, Herb Roasted Chicken was introduced. It’s an oven-roasted half chicken with lemon herb butter sauce, served with mashed potatoes and a side.

Customization is common. You can swap sides, ask for fewer calories, or choose grilled over fried. These options let you tailor meals to your taste and dietary needs.

• Most chicken entrees come with two or three country sides and bread.
• Combos let you sample multiple cracker barrel recipe offerings in one plate.
• Seasonal dishes expand the cracker barrel food selection and broaden cracker barrel dining choices.

If you want a lighter plate, ask about portion sizes and side swaps. Staff can confirm current specials and any seasonal chicken options on the day you visit.

Beef and Pork Favorites on the Menu

Cracker Barrel offers a wide range of beef and pork dishes. These include New York strip and sirloin steaks, slow-braised pot roast, meatloaf, hamburger steak, and St. Louis–style ribs. These options provide comfort for lunch or dinner.

The steak menu features a New York Strip Steak (10 oz) with a buttery garlic sauce. You can also choose from grilled sirloin options. The Skillet Sirloin Steak Sampler pairs sirloin with shrimp or chicken tenders for extra variety. Each steak comes with two country sides and warm bread.

Pot roast is a weekend special, often labeled as Sunday Pot Roast. The calorie count can vary based on serving size. Guests can ask for smaller portions or swap sides to lower calories.

Prices change by location and season. Beef and pork dishes are common on weekdays. Weekend specials include pot roast and ribs. Party platters are great for big groups or office orders.

1. Ask your server about day-specific items before ordering.
2. Request substitutions to manage calories or allergens.
3. Consider sharing a platter for variety and value.

This variety of beef and pork shows the wide range of Cracker Barrel’s menu. It gives you many options for a satisfying, country-style meal.

Seafood Menu Highlights and Options

Cracker Barrel’s seafood menu offers a mix of comfort and coastal flavors. You can choose from fried or grilled dishes, combos with steak or chicken, and Friday specials. These options help you decide on seafood with classic sides.

Fried fish favorites include U.S. Farm‑Raised Fried Catfish and Fried White Fish. Fried Catfish is a one-piece or two-piece plate with hushpuppies and sides. Fried White Fish is cornmeal-crusted and served with tartar sauce. Country Fried Shrimp is crisp, with hushpuppies and country sides.

Grilled options like Grilled Catfish and Lemon Pepper Grilled Rainbow Trout are lighter. Haddock is grilled or fried seasonally or in select markets. These grilled dishes offer Southern flavor without the heavy calories.

Seafood combos mix surf and turf for variety. The Tips, Tenders n’ Shrimp Platter pairs sirloin tips, chicken tenders, and country-fried shrimp. Skillet sirloin samplers let you add shrimp to steak. Combos are great for sharing or trying different dishes at once.

Friday specials are worth noting. The Friday Country Coastal Sampler and Friday Fish Fry are available on Fridays. They are popular for their value and portion size. These specials are a key part of Cracker Barrel’s seafood offerings, perfect for a dedicated fish day.

When choosing a plate, consider calories, texture, and your seafood preference. Fried dishes offer a crispy coating and traditional Southern taste. Grilled options are lighter and leaner. Combo platters let you try surf and turf together. These choices show how Cracker Barrel’s menu can cater to different tastes and cravings.

• Choose fried for crunch and traditional Southern taste.
• Pick grilled for a lighter meal with bright seasoning.
• Order a combo to try multiple favorites in one sitting.

If you have allergies or dietary needs, ask staff about preparation and side swaps. Most locations will confirm ingredients and can adjust sides. This makes it easier to fit seafood plates into your personal diet while enjoying signature flavors.

Sandwiches, Burgers, and Lighter Dinner Choices

Cracker Barrel offers a variety of handhelds and light plates. You can choose from hearty sandwiches or leaner meals. The menu includes burgers, fried and grilled chicken sandwiches, shrimp sandwiches, and breakfast-style biscuits.

The Barrel Cheeseburger is a classic with Colby cheese, mayo, lettuce, and tomato. It comes with a choice of soup or side. The Homestyle Grilled Chicken BLT has grilled white meat, bacon, and fresh toppings.

The Homestyle Fried Chicken BLT has a crunchy crust and savory dressing. Fried Shrimp Sandwiches and biscuit breakfast sandwiches are also available.

For lighter options, try grilled salads and vegetable-based plates. The Homestyle Grilled Chicken Salad is a lower-calorie choice. The Homestyle Fried Chicken Salad offers a crunchy alternative with higher calories.

Vegetable Soup and the Country Vegetable Plate are great for cutting calories. The country vegetable plate includes four sides plus a biscuit. It pairs well with a cup of vegetable soup or a simple house salad.

Lunch combos like the Weekday Pick 2 offer variety at a lower price. You can choose from a House Salad, Loaded Baked Potato, or Vegetable Soup. These combos are perfect for budget-minded diners.

Below is a quick reference to common sandwich and lighter options. It includes calories and example prices to help you choose.

Use this guide when choosing from the cracker barrel food selection. Ask servers about ingredient details for allergies and current prices. Your cracker barrel dining choices can be hearty or light, based on the sandwich or salad you pick.

Barrel Bites, Starters, and Family-Style Platters

The menu has a mix of small plates and big family platters. These are perfect for casual dinners or big gatherings. You can start with shareable bites and then move to party trays for easy serving at events. Ordering in advance makes picking up for groups easy and on time.

Small plates offer bold flavors in small portions. Options like Loaded Steak Fries and White Cheddar Cheese Bites bring comfort to any meal. Biscuit Beignets and Loaded Hashbrown Casserole Tots add a fun, Southern twist to starters.

Shareable small plates and starters

Starters are great for sparking conversations and building appetites. Country Fried Pickles are a crisp, tangy treat. The Barrel Bite Duo lets you try two favorites for a limited time.

Party platters and family meals

Platters are perfect for office lunches, family reunions, or casual parties. The Tenders Trio Platter and slider platters come with clear pricing and calorie details. Service time for party orders is about 45 minutes.

Build-your-own bars offer a wide range of choices for groups. The fried and grilled chicken sandwich bars have different calorie counts, allowing hosts to match portions to guest preferences. Maximum quantities per order may apply, so plan ahead for events.

• Tenders Trio Platter — generous portions for sharing
• Build Your Own Fried Homestyle Chicken Sandwich Bar — large event option
• Build Your Own Grilled Homestyle Chicken Sandwich Bar — lighter choice
• Barrel Cheeseburger Slider Platter — handheld option for parties

Choosing starters lets you try more of the cracker barrel barrel bites selection before committing to a main. For events, cracker barrel party platters provide consistent portions and make setup simple. Groups find the cracker barrel meal variety helpful when planning menus that please multiple tastes.

Sides, Signature Hashbrown Casserole, and Southern Staples

Cracker Barrel sides add a homestyle touch to any meal. Small plates like coarse ground grits or fried apples offer a nice contrast. Hearty options such as turnip greens and pinto beans also satisfy.

At the heart of the menu is the cracker barrel hashbrown casserole. It combines shredded potatoes, Colby cheese, and onions for a creamy dish. A loaded version with bacon makes it a meal centerpiece.

Sawmill gravy is a key dressing and sauce. It’s great over biscuits or chicken fried steak. Other condiments like tartar sauce for fish and honey mustard for salads let you customize your meal.

Here’s a quick guide to iconic sides and how they pair with mains. Use this to create a lighter or more indulgent meal.

The cracker barrel southern staples let you create plates that reflect taste and tradition. Swap biscuits for a corn muffin to cut sweetness, or add pinto beans to boost fiber. Seasonal items often remix the hashbrown casserole into new dishes like Bacon & Egg Hashbrown Casserole or Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd’s Pie.

Use sawmill gravy as a finishing touch for a richer bite. Drizzle over biscuits or ladle onto fried items for extra comfort. For seafood, choose tartar sauce. For salads or lighter entrées, a side of honey mustard or ranch provides familiar flavor without overpowering the main.

Pairing tips: match texture to texture. Crispy fried proteins meet hushpuppies and tartar sauce. Grilled or roasted mains pair well with creamy grits and the classic cracker barrel hashbrown casserole. If you want to lighten a plate, choose steamed greens or grilled vegetables in place of a loaded side.

Use the choices above to build a meal that fits appetite and mood. These sides and condiments form the backbone of a Southern plate, giving you control over richness, spice, and portion size.

Seasonal Specials and Limited-Time Menu Items

Cracker Barrel introduces seasonal specials to keep guests coming back. The fall 2025 menu featured savory entrées, warm desserts, and specialty drinks. These items are perfect for cooler nights and family dinners.

The All the More campaign brought back favorites and added new options. Highlights include Uncle Herschel’s Favorite combo, Herb Roasted Chicken, and Slow-Braised Pot Roast. Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd’s Pie and desserts like Butter Pecan French Toast Bake were also introduced. Seasonal drinks like the Brown Sugar Latte and Wild Berry Tea were added too.

Seasonal rolls and limited desserts are a bit pricier than usual menu items. Cracker Barrel’s limited-time menu items highlight regional flavors and pair well with desserts. This makes for a complete meal experience.

Day-of-week rotations can affect what’s available. Some items start at breakfast and last through dinner. Others are only available on specific days. So, it’s wise to plan your visits for your favorite seasonal dishes.

• Expect seasonal beverages to appear with sweet offerings for quick upsells.
• Limited-time menu items can replace core items or sit beside them for variety.
• Specials are curated to drive repeat visits with novelty and comfort flavors.

When seasonal mains arrive, dinner choices change. Heavier autumn mains like pot roast or shepherd’s pie go well with classic sides and warm desserts. Cracker Barrel’s seasonal specials often influence what you choose to eat and when.

Keep an eye on local menus for slight price and availability differences. The Cracker Barrel fall 2025 menu showed how rotating selections create moments of excitement and familiarity for regular guests.

Desserts, Drinks, and Beverages to Complete the Meal

Cracker Barrel offers a mix of hearty dishes and sweet treats that feel like a cozy visit. Desserts and drinks can make or break a meal. Knowing the signature items helps you choose what to enjoy alone or share with others.

The Southern Apple Cobbler comes in two sizes, priced from $6.59 to $8.57. It has about 400–620 calories. You can also get fruit cobblers, classic pies, and double-scoop ice cream to go with your cobbler or pie.

The Cinnamon Roll Skillet was introduced in fall 2025. It has five mini cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing. Another favorite is the Butter Pecan Sticky Buns, served warm with a praline pecan topping.

Seasonal dessert highlights

Fall 2025 brought the Butter Pecan French Toast Bake and more Butter Pecan Sticky Buns. Seasonal desserts change with holidays and colder months. Expect flavors with nuts, warm spices, and baked comfort.

Drinks for every appetite

Cracker Barrel has a wide range of drinks, from iced tea to espresso-based lattes. You can find Wild Berry Tea and Granny Smith Apple Tea, along with Old-Fashioned Lemonade. These drinks offer a refreshing contrast to richer dishes.

Seasonal espresso drinks like the Brown Sugar Latte and French Toast Latte add dessert-like warmth. Stewart’s bottled sodas and crafted sodas offer a nostalgic fizz. Hot coffee and hot chocolate are always available.

Shareable drinks and group pours

Cracker Barrel offers half-gallon drink jugs for groups. These are perfect for family meals or gatherings. Half-gallons include iced tea and lemonade, great for parties and long tables.

How these fit into menu planning

Cracker Barrel desserts complement savory dishes, perfect for small treats or shareable desserts. Seasonal sweets often match with limited-time entrees, creating cohesive meal themes.

Cracker Barrel beverages include group-friendly options and specialty lattes that mirror dessert flavors. Both sweets and drinks are part of the menu, allowing you to mix and match based on your appetite and occasion.

1. Ask servers about current seasonal desserts and espresso specials.
2. Consider half-gallon jugs for groups to reduce refill time.
3. Order cobbler with a scoop of ice cream for a classic contrast of warm and cold.

Frequently asked questions cover portion sizes, shareable jugs, calorie ranges, and seasonal timing. Answers help you choose the right desserts and drinks to complete your meal.

Menu Prices, Nutrition Notes, and Ordering Tips

Knowing what to expect on price and nutrition helps you order with confidence. This guide highlights typical ranges, calorie awareness, and practical tips. It makes meals satisfying and sensible.

Most entrees cost between $12 and $24. Sampler platters and steak combos are around $19–$24. Party platters range from $35 to $104, depending on size and items.

Calorie counts vary a lot. Fried and comfort-style dishes can have 800–1,600 calories. Grilled or smoked options are often under 400 calories for a main course.

Typical price ranges and value items

Many lunch and dinner entrées cost between $12 and $24. Pick 2 combos at weekday lunch offer great value. Party platters require pre-order and can save cost per person for events.

Calorie awareness and customization

Choose grilled over fried to cut calories. Swap a starchy side for a vegetable or salad for a lower total. Ask for fewer biscuits or share desserts to reduce portions.

• Ask which entrées are seasonal before ordering; prices can shift by location.
• Request plain preparation when avoiding sauces or butter to lower calories and allergens.
• For catering, allow about 45 minutes for service and confirm maximum order limits.

Nutrition varies by location and promotions. For exact nutrition notes and up-to-date menu prices, consult the local restaurant or Cracker Barrel’s official channels before you order. Use these tips to balance taste, budget, and dietary needs.

Conclusion

Cracker Barrel’s menu offers a mix of comfort food and new dishes. You can find classics like chicken n’ dumplins and meatloaf. They also have seafood, steaks, and Barrel Bites.

Don’t forget the sides like hashbrown casserole and sawmill gravy. They add a special touch to your meal. Seasonal specials, like those in fall 2025, bring fresh flavors to the menu.

For a good deal, try weekday lunch combos or sampler plates. They offer great value without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for something new, check out fall and winter specials like herb-roasted chicken.

Want to eat lighter? Choose grilled dishes and vegetable sides. For groups, consider ordering party platters. This way, everyone gets a little bit of everything.

Cracker Barrel keeps its menu fresh with new branding and seasonal campaigns. But, your favorite dishes are always there. To see the latest menu, visit the official Cracker Barrel website. Or call your local store for hours, prices, and allergen information.