Cracker Barrel is a go-to for hearty, home-style meals and a touch of Southern charm—but not every dish hits the mark. While many customers rave about their favorites, others have left disappointed, fork in hand. Although the quality of dishes can vary depending on the location, we combed through countless reviews to find the menu items that consistently let people down. Whether it’s soggy textures, bland flavors, or just a lack of that expected Cracker Barrel comfort, these are the 10 menu picks that seem to get the most negative feedback. Consider this your heads-up before you order.
1. Carrots
Of all the side dishes at Cracker Barrel, the carrots might be the most divisive. Intended to be tender and subtly sweet, they often arrive overcooked, mushy, and flavorless. Customers expecting a buttery, well-seasoned vegetable have instead compared them to baby food.
Some diners noted the carrots were sitting in a pool of water with no seasoning, making them soggy rather than savory. Whether it’s a preparation issue or an inconsistency across locations, this side dish routinely receives low marks. For something more satisfying, try the green beans or coleslaw instead.
2. Biscuit Beignets
Cracker Barrel’s take on beignets comes in the form of biscuit dough fried and dusted with powdered sugar—but for many, it misses the mark. Reviews point out that these beignets are too dense and greasy, lacking the pillowy lightness that defines the New Orleans classic. The butter pecan sauce served on the side is rich, but it can’t always mask the heavy, sometimes undercooked dough. While visually tempting, the flavor doesn’t match the presentation. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, you may want to skip these and opt for a more traditional dessert.
3. Meatloaf
Once a Cracker Barrel staple, the meatloaf has fallen from grace according to numerous reviews. Patrons describe it as dry and crumbly with barely-there glaze and minimal flavor. Some mention it tastes like it’s been sitting too long under a heat lamp, rather than freshly prepared.
Expectations for meatloaf typically include juicy meat, a savory tomato topping, and a nostalgic sense of home—but this version often disappoints. The texture can be off-putting, and several diners found themselves wishing they had chosen another entrée entirely. It’s a far cry from the comfort food classic it aims to be.
4. Chicken n’ Dumplings
At first glance, this dish seems like a comforting Southern staple—but looks can be deceiving. Cracker Barrel’s Chicken n’ Dumplings are often panned for their lack of flavor and thick, paste-like consistency. The dumplings are sometimes chewy or unevenly cooked, and the sauce has been compared to glue by more than a few diners. Even the shredded chicken inside doesn’t provide the savory kick it should. Instead of being warm and homey, the overall experience tends to feel bland and overly heavy. If you’re craving true Southern comfort, there are stronger options elsewhere on the menu.
5. Shrimp N’ Grits Skillet
Cracker Barrel’s Shrimp n’ Grits Skillet, introduced as a limited-time offering, has garnered mixed reviews from diners. While the combination of shrimp, Andouille sausage, and vegetables in a Creole sauce over creamy grits sounds promising, some guests have found the dish lacking in seasoning, resulting in a bland flavor profile.
Additionally, the grits’ texture has been described as inconsistent, sometimes arriving lumpy or runny. The accompanying grilled Parmesan sourdough bread, though intended to complement the meal, hasn’t always met expectations. For those seeking a robust Southern dish, this skillet may not deliver the anticipated depth of flavor.
6. French Toast
Breakfast lovers beware—Cracker Barrel’s French Toast has drawn a wave of critical reviews. While it used to be a standout, recent changes to the recipe have resulted in soggy, flavorless slices that barely resemble the comforting classic. Guests often comment on the absence of cinnamon or vanilla, with bread that feels limp rather than fluffy. Syrup can’t quite rescue the lack of flavor, and many guests compare it unfavorably to fast-food breakfast options. If you’re seeking a sweet, golden-brown start to your day, this dish might leave you disappointed instead of satisfied.
7. Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread Muffins are expected to be moist and flavorful, yet at Cracker Barrel, they often miss the mark. Diners describe them as dry and crumbly, a far cry from Southern tradition.
Without the expected moistness, these muffins fail to deliver the comforting bite patrons crave. The flavor, too, leaves something to be desired, lacking the richness of a well-made cornbread.
For those seeking a taste of the South, this is not it. A shift in recipe or technique might be just what these muffins need to capture the essence of true Southern baking.
8. Chicken Pot Pie
What should be a cozy, satisfying meal is often anything but. Cracker Barrel’s Chicken Pot Pie gets frequent criticism for being overly salty and overwhelmingly heavy. While it looks like a hearty option on paper, reviewers say it feels more processed than homemade. The filling can be soupy or bland, depending on the day, and the pastry crust isn’t always flaky—it’s sometimes gummy or overcooked. Health-conscious diners have also noted the sky-high sodium content. If you’re seeking warmth and flavor, this pot pie may not deliver the comfort you’re hoping for.
9. Peach Cobbler
Desserts should be the grand finale of a meal, but Cracker Barrel’s Peach Cobbler has left many guests underwhelmed. Several reviewers cite a greasy crust with a strange aftertaste—one even described it as tasting like “rancid oil.”
The peach filling can be overly sweet or surprisingly bland, and the texture is often too soupy or gummy. Rather than a warm, buttery slice of Southern comfort, the dessert sometimes feels like a store-bought version gone wrong. If you’re ending your meal on a high note, this cobbler might not be the best bet.
10. Country Fried Steak
One of the most criticized items on the menu, Cracker Barrel’s Country Fried Steak has earned harsh words from loyal diners. A particularly scathing review described the gravy as “gelatinous, quivering muck,” with the meat full of gristle and a texture like “bland, breaded ground beef.” While it may look appetizing on the plate, the taste and texture often don’t live up to expectations. The overly thick batter, chewy consistency, and lack of seasoning make it a letdown. When so many reviews echo the same complaints, it’s a strong signal to steer clear of this particular dish.
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