Cracker Barrel Old Country Store — Restaurant in Lincoln

Stopped in as I was traveling home from a trip to Springfield. In my opinion this was the worst meal from any Cracker Barrel except maybe one I had in Virginia a few years ago. I understand that times are hard as far as pricing, procurement and obtaining and keeping employees, but it is what it is to a paying customer. Took quite a while for anyone to check on me once seated, but that's ok. I think eventually I had three different people come to my table and I really was confused as to who was my waitress. Anyway I noticed that the menu didn't have fried chicken livers on it. In fact the menu offerings seem to be lacking in choices to choose from these days. I asked one of the employees about the livers and she said that they used to offer them, but the company took them off the menu and then they returned them to the menu for awhile but then took them off again. From looking at the menu they've taken lots off. Got booze on it though. I ordered the chicken tenders, hash brown casserole and fried okra with biscuits. Iced tea to drink. Drinks are over $3.00 now! Up up and away. When my meal was brought out the tenders weren't deep fried and I don't believe I ordered them grilled. There were plenty of them, but they didn't appeal to me looking naked on my plate. Also nothing to dip them in. I was able to get the attention of someone about the chicken not being deep fried. To her credit, she did offer to have some fried up, but I didn't want to wait around. I told her I would keep what I had, but to please bring me some ranch dressing to dip them in. My okra along with everything else on my plate was barely lukewarm. I just couldn't eat all of my meal. My appetite went south sorry to say. With regard to the okra. It needs to be fried CRISP like it used to be to be palatable. My second glass of iced tea, once they finally noticed I was out didn't come with any ice and was warm. Had to hale someone down for some ice so my tea would be iced tea. None of this will deter me from dinning at Cracker Barrel, but I may be apprehensive in the future. I normally dine at the one in Morton, Illinois. Knock on wood it's been very good and God willing it will...

After dinner, I decided to head over to the store to shop for myself while my children looked at the toys. I admired a pair of gloves that were really soft so I called my nephew (the other adult with me) over time feel the gloves. I told him how soft they were and that he should feel them. Minutes afterwards I proceeded To look at other items then one of the employees snobbishly came up behind me and said “those gloves are really soft.” Then walked away. It was as if she wanted to let us know she was watching us. I was aware of what she was trying to do so I ignored her and continued shopping. I tried on a pair of house shoes that I loved And found a soft scarf that I wanted as well. Then Cynthia (the employee) came by again with her head up staring at us. Another lady was shopping in front of us and she politely walked over to her and asked “is there anything I can help you with?” The lady declined then Cynthia once again turned and stared at us before going to hide behind the other rack again. This was definitely a red flag seeing that her approach to myself and the other lady was totally different seeing that I am black and the other lady was white-like Cynthia. I proceeded To the cash register and my nephew mentioned to me, how he noticed Cynthia was following and watching us. I replied And said “I noticed the same thing. Although I really like these items, I can not support a business like this.” I put them back and Cynthia followed us to the door and said “Bye! Have a good night.” Sarcastically as we were leaving out.

What Cynthia doesn’t know is-the young black lady that she chose to follow around does not need to steal anything from anyone/store. I work for whatever it is that I desire and it’s a shame that people still walk around racial profiling others....

Had a great experience here. To start off it’s a fun Cracker Barrel with the usual shop and bobbles. As for the food I got the sunrise sampler which was very good and definitely worth the money quantity wise. I especially liked the hash brown casserole that came with it as it was hot, goey and had tons of flavors.

The best part though was our server Caleb. Despite having quite a few tables come in at once, he was very quick, attentive, and proactive in his service along with having a down to earth yet positive attitude(not the fake slap on smiles). As for our meal he did everything he could to get it just right for all of us(me and a few family members) and even gave us some bonus biscuits out the door.

When it came time to tip though we only had just over 20% in cash for the tip(everyone pitched in) and I felt that wasn’t enough for his exceptional service. So I went up to the register and asked if it was possible to get cash back for a tip even if I had to buy something like a soda. The two girls talking there promptly answered “no” and went back to their all important gossip. Feeling that it didn’t seem right that it wasn’t possible we went and asked the manager if there was a way to tip him beyond cash. The manager said that as long as we bought anything in the store(plenty for under a $1) That it was completely possible and was very nice and helpful. He then proceeded to go up to the register and have the girl do exactly what I had asked of her a minute ago, even asking if she knew how to do it with her saying yes. Wow thanks girls. Caleb got his extra tip and I proceeded to drink my newly purchased cream soda.

So in the end all was good with the world and the two girls were able to go back...