Cracker Barrel Old Country Store — Restaurant in Missoula

Ok, time to revise this review. What a difference a year makes? This is a family favorite however service is lacking. It used to be welcoming but its hard to feel you are a valued customer when the staff treats you as an annoyance. I have worked service industry, consulted for the service industry and for many years worked in the consulting area helping businesses treat customers valued and provide what they need. 1. I walked up to the hospitality stand to put our name in for a table, she has just taken the name of another guest then looked at me and said ‘please wait’. She seated a pair, then another, then a 4 top and another pair, I’d been there so long my friend came to check on me and witnessed her seat 2 more tables. Maybe it was our astonished look but she said, I will be right with you and seated ANOTHER TABLE. Ok what ever, we waited food was good, server was visibly busy but did all he could. Food was cold my scrambled eggs were cold and hard, but at this point we were over an hour invested so I ate them. When checking out, the system was slow but that is not the cashiers fault BUT she was fairly abrupt and not even a smile. Service industry is performative, you are either genuine or act genuine, I know a tricky but its the job. My duty is to act likable, I don’t have to BE likable, just act the part so i smile, say please and thank you. Keep a pleasant tone and not speak too loud or too soft, again I know my part to play but the cashier was more interested in chatting to the other ‘gals’ than helping me. The system seemed slow so I waited, she almost scowled at me and I pointed to the customer POS waiting for the device to indicate time to pay! She snapped ‘I know its slow’ continued her talking to the other cashier who was trying to help another customer and I wished SHE had called me up rather than someone who obviously didn’t want to be there. When i finished paying, not a word to me but rather talking to the cashier like I was the little sibling tagging along at the mall. So sorry to disturb your convo to pay my 100$ bill! I stood there awkwardly waiting for some acknowledgement at least 45 seconds) and got none so i leaned it and with my most pleasant voice asked for the receipt. She whipped her head and said ‘ya, its printing’ and I was taken aback. Did I unknowingly kick her kitten? What in the world did I do besides go out to dinner? Yeah, not even at my kids worst teenage moments did I ever get treated like this, we value all people unless they give us reason not to. Again, service industry is a performance, you dont have to like me, but you have to pretend, that is the job. My job is to be likable, but its hard when you are immediately judged unworthy because you decided to interrupt their conversation to pay a bill and TIP! In the end I did tip, but not the normal 20% I pride myself on doing. As I said I have worked food service, customer service, heck all services , medical, technical etc. it may be YOUR job but it was my evening out that you ruined. At this point, I would not go back, I literally felt like the staff were resentful they HAD to work. Well we all work for the money and I will spend...

We like this place a lot. It's basic flavor comfort food, but it is always consistent. Plus, if you love southern food, where else are you gonna find this in Montana? 😉

Chicken, biscuits, gravy, ham steak, pork chops, collard greens, hush puppies (deep fried corn bread balls), etc, and the potato casserole is yummy with cheese and onions.👍👍👍

I think they do a great job on their grilled catfish which is what I got again last night. We also tried the haddock for a change last night. It had good flavor. They used to have trout encrusted with pecans that I would have given four stars by itself for. It was amazing, but they don't serve it anymore.

Some in our group ordered breakfast items. I love that you can order breakfast all day long. Their breakfast never disappoints, either. It's very good.

My friend says he only ever orders chicken and dumplings, so he got that again last night. 😁 I'm like try something different, but I guess he really loves those things. 👍

What else......oh yeah, their gift shop is super fun. A gift for anyone you have in mind. Sometimes I go to the restaurant just to order a sweet tea and shop for the kids and friends who have something special coming up. 🙂

I need to add.....my son's flight from Denver got delayed tonight. He said he was starving could I pick him up some fast food when I come to pick him up. Nothing was open past 8. Not even Taco Bell ( guess they need to change their slogan from "open late to you're out of luck Chuck") But the heavens opened up, and there was our good ole' Cracker Barrel opened til 10 on a Wednesday night! Nice piping hot chicken two sides, a tea and even chocolate cake. He's gonna be happy, and I'm gonna add an extra star to my review. Props to the workers who work and don't want this country falling apart. Kudos to those who care and are proud and pull a paycheck for themselves and their families. I will always continue to tip big...

it offers a taste of Southern hospitality and classic American comfort food. While it might not be the most unique dining experience, it provides a familiar atmosphere and potentially generous portions,

Pros:

Homestyle Cooking: Cracker Barrel's menu features classic comfort food dishes like fried chicken, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes. It's a great option for those seeking familiar and hearty meals.

Large Portions: Reviews often mention the generous portion sizes at Cracker Barrel. This can be a plus for those with hearty appetites or looking to share a plate.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The restaurant features a casual and welcoming atmosphere, making it a good choice for families with children. Highchairs and booster seats are likely available, and the menu offers options that appeal to kids.

The Country Store: Cracker Barrel's signature country store offers a unique shopping experience. Browse souvenirs, home goods, and nostalgic knick-knacks before or after your meal.

Cons (to Consider):

Chain Restaurant Experience: Cracker Barrel is a national chain, so the experience might lack the uniqueness of local restaurants.

Inconsistent Quality: Some reviews mention inconsistency in food quality and service across different Cracker Barrel locations.

Limited Vegetarian Options: While the menu offers a variety of dishes, vegetarian options might be somewhat limited.

Who Might Enjoy It:

Families with children seeking a casual dining experience with familiar fare. Travelers looking for a taste of Southern comfort food on the road. Those who appreciate large portions and a relaxed atmosphere.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere:

Adventurous eaters seeking unique or local cuisine. Vegetarians or vegans with limited options on the menu. Diners who prioritize exceptional and consistent quality in food...