Cracker Barrel Old Country Store — Restaurant in Alcoa

Important disclaimer: Cracker barrel loaded hash brown casserole tots are pretty good but i would wait for the cheese to melt because they just sprinkle some refrigerated shredded cheese on it so you better hope those tots are hot so the cheese can melt My typical cracker barrel order: Classic sampler (chicken fried chicken, meatloaf, and chicken and dumplings) with fried okra, and macaroni and cheese with water. (don’t forget the big basket of biscuits) My rating on the meal: the chicken was pretty good, albeit it wasnt very juicy. The meatloaf was my least favorite on the plate, but mainly because im not a big fan of meatloaf. Nonetheless it was edible. The chicken and dumplings were pretty good. Even amount of dumplings and chicken, and it was nice and hot (creamy too). SIdes were pretty good too (okra was actually decent). The biscuits are definitely dry, but they do provide butter. The water was, well, water. Not much to say there. Overall (out of 100), i give this meal an 87. My thoughts on the grandma breakfast platter: Okay, so this is really my first ever time where i had a genuine issue with a cracker barrel menu item. Just a few days ago i went to cracker barrel and ordered the grandma platter. Now, the overall idea of the platter is relatively simple: pancakes, sausage, bacon or ham, eggs, and 2 sides (went with hash brown casserole two times over). Now, I've had the old timer breakfast sampler, but it wasn't nearly as big as my appetite was that morning. FIrst issue, it took nearly an hour for my food to come out. Never have I waited so long for my food at the barrel, and it wasn't even crowded! Nonetheless, I waited (albeit I was tempted to walk to the nearby McDonalds and order a ham and cheese hash brown sandwich). When the food actually came out, I was astonished: A live, flopping trout moved upon my pancakes and maple syrup carefully crafted in a small glass bottle (warm, might I add). I was very disappointed, as I did NOT order a live trout as part of my complete breakfast. It continued flopping until I launched it into the nearby fireplace. I ate my pancakes despite the fish juices, and it actually complimented the sweetness of the syrup and rather neutral flavor of the cakes. Moving to the sausage, it was alright. Certainly not something special, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. Moving to the eggs, I noticed they must've run out, and substituted them for live baby chickens. Fluffy, yet crunchy, I moved onto the ham (I chose country ham, what a mistake). Get this; a slice of ham covered with an indian ocean salt rock. Towering over my table, I hadn't even noticed it until this point. OH wow wow wow. It filled me up, though I did complain about the saltiness and almost rock-like consistency of the dish. So far the dish is under my average rating (i cant believe that). Moving towards the hashbrown casserole, I finally see a dish i've been thinkin about all mornin. I take my fork and I stab the glob of hashbrowns, sour cream, cheese, and toenail clippings. I moved through the experience like I was in heaven, floating in pure liquid gold. I chugged down my water, pushing that goodness into my stomach. I yell out a tribal chant, i can't help myself. It’s too delicious to deny. I eat the...

I used to be a regular at Cracker Barrel, but stopped going because of the menu changes, slow service, smaller portions and price increases over the last 2 years. After the logo controversy, we decided to give Cracker Barrel another try today. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment.

We were seated to a dirty table that was never wiped off. We were handed a new menu that had coffee stains all over it. We ordered the food and the wait was fairly long, even though there weren’t that many people. There were 3 of us and they brought a basket with only 2 small biscuits. The waitress didn’t return to fill our glasses or coffee the entire time. I ordered the Country Boy Breakfast with Sirloin Tips. This used to include a Sirloin Steak, 3 Eggs and Apples, Hashbrowns and Grits. Now, it’s ham or Sirloin tips and 2 sides, no grits and costs more. A meal that used to cost $20 out the door leaving a $5 tip, now costs, $5 more.

The food arrived lukewarm and didn’t look that great presentation wise. It was ok. It wasn’t like it used to be. The hash-brown casserole was tasteless and the sirloin tips were over-cooked with no seasoning.

Regardless of logo changes or not, Cracker Barrel isn’t a value anymore and quite frankly, the food isn’t that great. I don’t ask for a lot, but I think I should have a clean table, a clean menu, and hot food that tastes good. And it wouldn’t hurt if the waitress refilled the drinks once.

It’s a shame, but I don’t see Cracker Barrel making it. I know that I won’t be back. Cracker Barrel had millions of dollars in free advertising from all this controversy. People will probably try it again just to see how it’s changed. People may give it ONE shot out of curiosity, but they won’t come back for overpriced, mediocre,...

To preface this review, my Family & I traveled around the Country in an RV & have eaten & stayed overnight in countless Crackerbarrel parking lots! We would enjoy breakfast & dinner at times at CB. Most were Great experiences! We were in Maryville last Fri., May 23 & had lunch. My Husband ordered meatloaf w/green beans & potatoes, I ordered kids grilled chick. w/green beans & mashed potatoes. My Daughter ordered the same as I. Our plates came out & it looked like they slung my food on the plate! The mashed potatoes were barely on the plate, all over the edge, the meatloaf looked as though it had already been eaten & scraped off of someone elses plate! Disgusting! I took pics as well. I attempted to eat the potatoes, but they were ice cold & I could literally pick them up like a block. The green beans tasted as though they had just been poured out of a can! No seasoning whatsoever! Cracker barrel's green beans are usually loaded w/flavor! The meatloaf literally tasted like dog food, even though we've not tasted dog food but can only imagine. It was inedible to say the least. The server brought out more potatoes but those were dry & gross as well. We were very disheartened at this experience b/c for us this has always been a nostalgic staple in our lives & travels! We now live in Tn. & thought since the first CB was built & started in Lebanon, Tn. these would be the Best CB's around the Country. This, unfortunately is NOT the case! The best one we have found which is always consistent w/quality of food, servers, & cleanliness is the Sevierville location! We will not be returning to the...