Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

We had a very poor dining experience at the Saraland Alabama location on 05/04

First off we sat down at around 8:30 PM. The restaurant was not busy at all and there were less than 5 tables that were occupied at that time. As soon as our server came to us we placed our order. 15 min after we placed our order our server came and told a member of our dining party that they were out of the Southern Fried Chicken. IMO the kitchen more than likely did not want to fool with making the chicken. Most times when the kitchen is out of an item the wait staff is aware of that prior to that item being ordered – but I digress.

After waiting almost 40 min SOME of our food finally arrived (remember the dining room was not busy at all) Personally I ordered Chicken and Dumplings with a double side of okra. As my server handed me my entrée she asked what my sides were. I had to remind her that it was double okra. About 5 min later she came back tell me that they were cooking the okra. By the time the okra came to me (10 min after my entrée arrived) I was finished with my meal.

Another member of my party had pancakes with her meal. When the pancakes were brought she asked for a knife (the only thing we were handed when we sat down were forks) – after waiting for 5 min , and her pancakes getting cold, I had to walk to the back to ask again for a knife.

Two members of my party ordered grits – each of them said the grits looked off and tasted funny. Both became ill soon after eating just a few bites of the grits each.

In summary - For the length of time it took to receive this food - to the inaccurate fulfillment of this food – to the poor customer service we experienced - and for the other items listed above, our dining experience was less than satisfactory. Personally I probably eat at a Cracker Barrel restaurant on average twice a month, and I have never had an overall experience this poor. Unfortunately it will be quite a while before I go back to another Cracker Barrel.