Cracker Barrel Old Country Store — Restaurant in South Carolina

We went to Cracker Barrel 2 nights in a row. Last night we spent 3 1/2 hours there. The wait was supposed to be 30-45 minutes. After an hour we checked in and they said they'd call us soon. After 1 hour and 45 minutes we went inside and we were told that they skipped our name. Very unapologetically. Our server was AWESOME!!! Very kind, attentive and kept us up to date on our food.The food took about an hour and 20 minutes. The food was GREAT!!! For 2 Adults and 1 child we paid $78. They definitely need help in the kitchen. Tonight we went again and it was supposed to be a 20 minute wait. After an hour we checked and they said that whoever was at the podium didn't write it down!!! The manager for this evening kinda had an attitude and started to question us about it. 2 nights in a row we waited a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes just waiting and waiting. We were seated. Our server was so kind. She was doing everything that she could to help her customers even the ones that were really rude and difficult to her. The dining room was in disarray. They were out of small plates so we used napkins to eat our biscuits. They were out of pot roast, strawberry syrup, latte machine was broken, any jelly besides black berry, maple sugar candy (in the store) and a few other things. After an hour or so our food arrived. My husband's cheesecake pancakes were wonderful! My grandson's roast beef (not pot roast) was good except there was quite a bit of fat. My burger was super dry and not really warm. We were waiting for biscuits but the kitchen was taking forever to get them and we were tired. I left for the hotel while my husband paid the bill. He didn't have anything else with him for the server. I went out to find an ATM and took a tip to our server. I didn't want her to think her service was bad. Please don't be angry and rude to wait staff or people working in the store. It's not their fault if it takes almost 3 hours of waiting for a table in 2 days or if the kitchen is so far behind. The manager on duty, the hostess and the kitchen staff were...

I was in the mood for a late breakfast and decided to try the local Crackel Barrel. Was a little indecisive after reading the destructive reviews on Google but I figured their reviews 1 overruled IHOP's horrible 3.5 stars.

STORE: The store was clean and had the aroma of Fall in the air. Items were fully stocked and price reasonably.

HOSTESS: We were greeted immediately with a smile and even made small talk with the hostess. She gathered our menus and seated us right away. Repeated checkins on the table were greatly appreciated.

WAITRESS: Our waitress Lauren arrived within seconds of being seated, despite the crowd. When reading my review, keep in mind there were approximately 20 tables of patrons seated before us. She was very cordial and prompt. Suggested menu options and filled the table with all applicable items (napkins, silverware, water and straws). She checked on us to give us an update on the order and served us our plates about 2mins later. Drinks were refilled without request and extra napkins were brought out with our food.

TIMELINESS: Surprisingly, our ordered was ready in under 20mins. Served as ordered, hot with a phenomenal presentation.

FOOD:

1. presentation (see photos) 2)Taste/temperature. DELICIOUS!!! Everything tastes better than expected. I ordered the mama's breakfast and the pancakes were golden brown, egg whites with Colby cheese were nice and fluffy, the bacon was served crispy and the beignets with a side of Pecan dip was spectacular. Ultimately, everyone at the table throughly enjoyed their food. We left the restaurant full and happy.

PRICE: Reasonably priced at $56.37 for three breakfast platters, two extra sides, three drinks and a dessert.

CLEANLINESS: Restaurant was very clean and presentable.

OVERRAL EXPERIENCE: It was a delightfully experience. Atmosphere, welcoming staff, prompt service and fantastic food at a great price made for an experience worth posting about.

RECOMMENDATION: I would highly recommend...

I love Southern home cooking! It tastes even better if you're not the one cooking it.

Cracker Barrel restaurants stay packed with people for a reason. However, this one had some issues. After a 30 minute wait for a table for one, I was seated and waited another 30 minutes for a server. I flagged one down and was told, "Oh no Ma'am, I am not your server, I'm off the clock. I will go ask someone who in your server." Yet, that server continued to service the table behind me for around 20 more minutes.

I ordered the country fried steak w/green beans and steak fries. When my server brought the food she informed me they were out of biscuits and cornbread. I asked for how long? She said, "Oh he is just now beginning to make any." I took one bite of the country fried steak and it was horrible. She asked did I want to talk to the manager, I said, "Yes, please."

The manager came to my table where I explained all that, nicely. I wasn't angry, but if I was the manager I would definitely want to know. She said, "We have been having problems with our deep fryers and it is scorching the food. Is there something else I can bring you? This will be on the house." I ordered the grilled chicken with same green beans and steak fries, they weren't horrible. This time I was served two biscuits after asking twice more.

I will give it to the manager, not only was she professional, kind, she was honest. She said, "Everyday around 2:00 pm, we have this same problem with running out of biscuits and cornbread."

I explained everything nicely, even joking with her. I was in no way trying to get a free meal, but she needed to know all the issues under her management.

Plate number two of grilled chicken tasted good. I got the same veggies. I was in there for lunch and got out two hours later.

I will give them another chance. Everyone...