Cracker Barrel Old Country Store — Restaurant in Fayetteville

Food was good, and our waitress was a kind, charismatic old lady who had a pep in her step and did everything she could to accommodate us as fast as she could. No complaints about any of that.

This review is about what came after - one of the cashiers here is very bad at her job and very dismissive and rude to her customers. My run-in with her soured my experience a bit. So here's the rundown.

I had made a take-home order for my family before coming down, and there was plenty of time for them to prepare it (it had been about an hour since I sat down to eat). I checked with a cashier before eating to let them know I had also put in a mobile order beforehand, and they confirmed with me it would be ready by the time I left. No problems there.

So I get to the cash register after I'm done eating. There are three cashiers; I go to the open person in the middle, a younger lady with dreadlocks. I hadn't seen her before. I explained I had an order to pick up and gave my member ID QR code, and she didn't seem to understand - she just pulled up the phone number entry on the number pad. So I enter my phone number. I wait a bit to scan my credit card. Then I wait a bit more. Then I ask her if I had to do anything else - she says "oh" and tells me she 'forgot to press enter' to bring up the card swipe prompt on the terminal. Okay.

Next, I ask again about my mobile order. I explain I checked in earlier about it and that the previous lady I talked to said it would be ready by about now. She gives me this look, like she doesn't understand what I just said. Mumbles something unintelligible, rolls her eyes and tells me "as you can see, we're busy." and then she trails off and just kind of ignores me. She starts counting money and pacing to the left and right. And I'm just standing there confused. I try to ask further about my order asking if she could at least check on it, and she just walks to the side and ignores me.

Eventually I just move to the older cashier to the left, as there is no longer a line in front of her. She greets me kindly, turns around, grabs a bag on the shelf directly behind her, hands it to me. It's my mobile order. Within 3 feet of that other girl, who's still stomping around counting money for some reason. I give my thanks, and I was off. Within 10 seconds. The difference in service was like night and day.

What the hell?

Cashier in the middle either needs more training or a change in employment status. One of the more baffling interactions I've had at a Cracker Barrel, and that's...

We just left from having ate dinner here at 8pm. Our waitress was Keyonna. The place was not busy, actually pretty empty. We were seated and given menus where we waited for at the least 10 mins before our waitress finally came to the our table. She did not introduce herself and came off as bothered that we were there. We ordered our drinks and food at the same time. We just wanted a fried chicken leg for our picky 6 year old but waitress informed us we had to order the whole entire southern fried chicken plate with a breast, thigh, wing and leg to get the leg. We asked if she could ask for all legs but that didn't happen. We had to repeat our drink order to her bc it was as if she didn't hear my husband and I or something. Then she still brought the wrong drink out when she did finally bring us our drinks. After she served our food she did not check on us at all. We had to ask for refill after our cups sat empty and she still seemed to have forgotten my refill as I had to ask her again for one. She did not seem happy to be serving us until we asked for to go trays and we're getting ready to leave. Then she seemed more than happy to oblige and accommodate our needs on our way out. Her poor service made the overall experience a poor one.

The fried country steak was good but the sides were not good when we received them. They tasted as if they had been microwaved bc the fried ocra was soft and mushy, the mash taters had that look and consistency when you over microwave them around the edges. The Mac n cheese instead of being cheesy was broken down and greasy like it had been microwaved as well. The gravy was good. My older son had ate at the very same cracker barrel earlier in the day with his father and said the food was much better as well as the service. He said they had a great waitress and Mac n cheese was alot more cheesy...less greasy. I have ate at cracker barrel many times and this was honestly the worst experience! It felt like we paid $80 for microwaved leftovers! It's sad bc it has the potential to be great, I know that from experience.

We fully believe in leaving tips as I was a waitress for a few years! The better the service the better the tip. We however did not leave her one and we've never done that, ever! Sorry but not sorry! We've had bad experiences before but this one...

Cracker Barrel: A Cozy Blend of Homestyle Cooking and Rustic Charm

Cracker Barrel offers a unique combination of homestyle cooking and nostalgic charm, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for diners of all ages. The restaurant's old-fashioned country store décor sets the stage for a cozy and memorable dining experience. The friendly staff makes you feel at home from the moment you walk in.

Ambiance and Service One of Cracker Barrel’s standout features is its ambiance. The wooden rocking chairs on the front porch, antique decorations, and cozy fireplace create a welcoming environment reminiscent of a classic country home. The staff, mainly our waitress Ana, was attentive and courteous, going the extra mile to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Service is generally prompt, even during peak hours, and the servers are knowledgeable about the menu and offer helpful recommendations.

Menu and Food Quality Cracker Barrel's extensive menu offers a variety of classic Southern dishes, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Breakfast is served all day, featuring hearty and satisfying favorites like the Old Timer’s Breakfast and the Pancake/French Toast Breakfast. The Country Fried Steak stands out for lunch and dinner, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to comforting, homestyle flavors.

The food quality is consistently high, with generous portions and well-balanced flavors. The homemade biscuits and cornbread served with every meal add a delightful touch, enhancing the down-home dining experience. Seasonal specials and daily lunch features provide great value, allowing diners to explore a variety of dishes without overspending.

Value for Money Cracker Barrel offers excellent value for money. The portions are substantial, and the prices are reasonable, making it an ideal choice for families and large groups. The attached Country Store adds to the experience, offering a selection of unique gifts, nostalgic candies, and souvenirs.

Final Thoughts Overall, Cracker Barrel consistently delivers a satisfying dining experience with its delicious food, friendly service, and charming atmosphere. Whether a regular or a first-time guest, you’ll leave with a full stomach and nostalgia for classic American...