Cracker Barrel Old Country Store — Restaurant in Springfield

UPDATE.

Even though I have now spent TWO HOURS trying to write and edit this review, I am still find weird errors and things out of place so forgive those...please.

This review is taking a toll on me as I have started it 8-10 the times now and the first three…no, make that SEVEN times, they simply disappeared before I could make it past the second paragraph.

I have been trying unsuccessfully to write this review and for whatever reason, I keep losing parts of it as I edit and even the ENTIRE WRITE UP!!!!!

To set the stage, it’s freaking cold outside. Add to that, the heater blower went out in my Jeep AND the battery went dead as I tried to drive here – maybe it was as omen…

I am trying to recreate the first several paragraphs for the fourth time after I had been done editing only to discover not only had they disappeared but so had the entire history of ALL the edits I had performed over the last 90 FREAKING MINUTES!!!

So I am seated and my nice waitress takes my order for the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd's Pie and a glass of water with several lemon slices. What could wrong…

Plenty.

First off, the corn bread muffins. They weren't even warm, AND, were over baked and dry. My waitress was nice enough to bring me fresh ones and more butter, followed by what I was informed was the Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd's Pie that I had been craving since I saw it’s picture and read it’s description a few days ago.

Well what I got did NOT resemble it’s picture from the website or menu. It was as if the top layer of hashbrowns (yuuuumm) had been placed on a bed of lumps.

Now I love the Shepards Pie at Darcy and what was underneath that burial cloth of hashbrowns was NOT as described, nor anticipated. As I inspected the lumps I found a lot of dry, tough pot roast meat. A generous portion BUT it was not good.

Now I’m looking for the vegetables, AND the mashed potatoes. Where are they?

I found maybe two or three carrot chunks, NOT slices, NO PEAS, or any other vegetables. None. Nada.

And how about that primary layer of the all important mashed potatoes? NEVER found it. There was maybe two or three teaspoons of potatoes and more pieces of hashbrowns and that was it. The meat was so dry and tough I asked for and received a dish of brown gravy which helped but for someone who had NOT eaten today, for me to give up and not finish says reams about how this meal came to my table.

The waitress offered for me to talk to the cook or manager BUT I declined, as I wanted to have my talk with the manager in private.

And like I said, I couldn’t finish this dish. The last picture is of the leftovers. That includes (now) the brown gravy AND a portion of one of the two chunks of carrots I found.

And, I did just talk with the manager. It was a good but difficult conversation for me personally. I waited till I was done eating so I he and I could sit together at a private table where I described my experience and desire for them to learn from my immediate and honest review.

They did not charge me for the meal but I still tipped the waitress.

Now I haven’t eaten at this Cracker Barrel in a long time but I have high hopes for...

UPDATE.

Even though I have now spent TWO HOURS trying to write and edit this review, I am still find weird errors and things out of place so forgive those...please.

This review is taking a toll on me as I have started it 8-10 the times now and the first three…no, make that SEVEN times, they simply disappeared before I could make it past the second paragraph.

I have been trying unsuccessfully to write this review and for whatever reason, I keep losing parts of it as I edit and even the ENTIRE WRITE UP!!!!!

To set the stage, it’s freaking cold outside. Add to that, the heater blower went out in my Jeep AND the battery went dead as I tried to drive here – maybe it was as omen…

I am trying to recreate the first several paragraphs for the fourth time after I had been done editing only to discover not only had they disappeared but so had the entire history of ALL the edits I had performed over the last 90 FREAKING MINUTES!!!

So I am seated and my nice waitress takes my order for the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd's Pie and a glass of water with several lemon slices. What could wrong…

Plenty.

First off, the corn bread muffins. They weren't even warm, AND, were over baked and dry. My waitress was nice enough to bring me fresh ones and more butter, followed by what I was informed was the Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd's Pie that I had been craving since I saw it’s picture and read it’s description a few days ago.

Well what I got did NOT resemble it’s picture from the website or menu. It was as if the top layer of hashbrowns (yuuuumm) had been placed on a bed of lumps.

Now I love the Shepards Pie at Darcy and what was underneath that burial cloth of hashbrowns was NOT as described, nor anticipated. As I inspected the lumps I found a lot of dry, tough pot roast meat. A generous portion BUT it was not good.

Now I’m looking for the vegetables, AND the mashed potatoes. Where are they?

I found maybe two or three carrot chunks, NOT slices, NO PEAS, or any other vegetables. None. Nada.

And how about that primary layer of the all important mashed potatoes? NEVER found it. There was maybe two or three teaspoons of potatoes and more pieces of hashbrowns and that was it. The meat was so dry and tough I asked for and received a dish of brown gravy which helped but for someone who had NOT eaten today, for me to give up and not finish says reams about how this meal came to my table.

The waitress offered for me to talk to the cook or manager BUT I declined, as I wanted to have my talk with the manager in private.

And like I said, I couldn’t finish this dish. The last picture is of the leftovers. That includes (now) the brown gravy AND a portion of one of the two chunks of carrots I found.

And, I did just talk with the manager. It was a good but difficult conversation for me personally. I waited till I was done eating so I he and I could sit together at a private table where I described my experience and desire for them to learn from my immediate and honest review.

They did not charge me for the meal but I still tipped the waitress.

Now I haven’t eaten at this Cracker Barrel in a long time but I have high hopes for...

I'd like to give it a 4.8, actually. We dined on a Sunday evening and were surprised to find the large parking lot nearly full. They were really busy with people milling about and the dining room full. That says a lot about how good it is. Still, our 20-minute wait was not unpleasant. We sat outdoors on the extensive covered porch, in their signature rockers, enjoying the cool autumn night & well landscaped surroundings, and were able to hear clearly when our table was announced. We quickly made our way through the lovely gift shop, were seated easily and served promptly. There's a great home-style lunch and dinner menu. You can also enjoy a "country" breakfast at any time of day, and portions are generous. Among many traditional favorites, I discovered a small section of tasty entrees and sides for the more health conscious among us as well. Staff were stretched a little thin by the bumper crowd, but they were very pleasant and attentive. We experienced a few minor hiccups in food delivery which were handled graciously and quickly. Everyone in our party enjoyed their different selections. I particularly liked the lower calorie smoky southern spiced chicken with an apple/cranberry chutney. If you go during winter, you'll enjoy the flickering light and warmth of the large dining room fireplace, too. The only difficult consideration I might mention is that the noise level in the big lodge-like dining area can make conversation difficult, especially for anyone who wears hearing aids. They might benefit from installation of hidden acoustic damping material in the vaulted ceiling. Other than that, Cracker Barrel is an exceptionally affordable retreat from city lights and distractions. It's nice to sit for a bit where life's pace slows down a step and people are warm and friendly, reminiscent of a gentler time, so relaxing and soothing. Not bad for finding affordable gifts for many of the children and adults on your list as well! It's well worth stopping in,...