Cracker Barrel Old Country Store — Restaurant in Decatur

I’ve been here a few times in the past but never wrote anything about my visits. I dined here by myself just a few days ago though, as I was in the middle of a move and all my cookware at home was boxed up. Danielle was my server and I could tell from the start that she was a seasoned professional who enjoys her job, unlike some very unseasoned servers I’ve had in the past at this location. I’m glad she took care of me. I’m writing this review because of her.

I had a beer, a burger with fries, and a side of mac and cheese. I had been craving mac and cheese that week. The meal was just what I needed; tasty and very satisfying!

From start to finish the service was casual but professional. Danielle had a very friendly and pleasant demeanor and kept checking on me to see if I needed anything. It’s great when a server keeps walking by and clearing off your table or asking if you need refills, etc. She also reacted professionally and smiled when she was about to drop the check and I mentioned I was thinking about getting dessert, even after my huge meal.

I ended up having the peach cobbler for dessert. Dessert wasn’t exceptional, but it wasn’t bad either. I guess I was expecting fresh peaches and these seemed like canned ones. It was fine though because I got it a la mode! 🍦 I should not have assumed there would be fresh peaches in the peach cobbler. This is central Illinois, not Georgia or California after all.

The only negative part of my visit happened upon my arrival. A person who appeared to be a manager or supervisor was telling the hostesses at the host stand that they had to do some extra work. I thought it was a bit unprofessional for him to speak so loudly in front of customers about the tasks he was giving them and distracting them from their host duties. The hostesses were distracted a few moments before they noticed me because of this.

He could have greeted me instead and had one of them take care of me, and then given out his instructions later, once there were no more customers approaching the host stand to be seated. I think a manager should be an example to his employees and always put customers first. But it was not a huge deal. Just something to work on going forward.

Also, I don’t want to forget to mention how much I like that you can scan the QR code on your receipt and pay on your phone (even add a tip!) and then simply walk out. I don’t know why there was a line at the cashier counter when you can pay so easily on your phone! Love...

We have eaten at Cracker Barrel many times but last night they seemed to be having a bad night. We were seated immediately and those of us that were there on time got our drinks right away.

When our entire party (8) arrived our order was taken and placed. As our order was close to be completed we were told that they were out of the apple French toast and it would be 15 minuets before it would be ready. the gentleman who had ordered the the French toast said he would wait and then we he was offered and starter if fried pickles while he waited. In about 10 minuets 6 of us received our food. We had not been given any silverware and asked for silverware and waited about 5 minutes for it to be brought to us. We received 2 chicken BLT sandwich plates, were only ordered one, we got 1 chicken tender plate but had ordered 2. the chicken French toast plate did not come with butter, the biscuit basket was delivered but no jam or jelly I was lated told that they only serve jelly at breakfast otherwise you have to ask for it), We asked for jelly but never received it. I had a loaded baked potato but by the time I got my silverware (which was 2 forks no knife) it had cooled down.

The apple French toast arrived but they did not serve him syrup or butter, then the fried pickles arrived which were suppose to be for the gentleman as he waited for his French toast. then finally the chicken tender plate arrived, but no dipping sauce.

My BBQ Ribs were very good, very tender and not too saucy.

They adjusted our bill to reflect the long wait for the chicken tenders and apple French toast. and the extra sandwich. Having worked in food service for over 40 years I realize establishments can off nights. Cracker Barrel handled the situation well. I am writing this review in hopes that they will look at the little things that were missed but would have made our evening a 5 star visit.

I am sure we will be back, but hope those little things will be in placebo make it a...

Me and my husband went to the Cracker Barrel on December 20th in Decatur IL We live across town.. We are what you would call loyal Regulars. We go there EVERY Wednesday for the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken. I mean every Wednesday. (But no longer) we arrived at 5:15 and placed our order. I ordered 2 sides of cabbage with the chicken. The waitress came back after we ordered to tell us they were out of cabbage right after we ordered. Who runs out of cabbage by 5:30?? She asked if I wanted something different. Which I told her no. That I wasn't going to eat. Because the ONLY reason we drove clear across town was to get what I always ordered. The new manager came over and asked if I would like something else and he said he was sorry that they were out of cabbage. And said no. I would just drink my coffee. We are people who seldom complain when my husband's Eggs are not cooked the way he ordered them or when he orders toast and it comes to the table not toasted just warmed. The managers would say we will get you next time. In other words make it right next time. Which next time never comes. When we got the bill My coffee was on our bill. If the manager was SO SORRY, don't you think he would NOT HAVE CHARGED ME FOR MY COFFEE??? We go to the Cracker Barrel at least 3 times a week. Regulars like my husband and I is who keeps you in business. Without us regulars you would go out of business. We no longer go there on Wednesdays and probably won't be going there any longer. Which is sad because we really love the staff there. I have seen people who are somewhat important in the community get free food because of something trivial. But because we aren't important they don't care when there is something wrong with our order. There is a couple of managers there that are really nice but again they don't really care about the regulars. I'm sorry this is long but it really upset us.

A disappointed NO...