Tucked away in Sterling, Virginia, just a stone's throw from Dulles International Airport, is a sanctuary of Southern comfort and country charm - the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. More than just a restaurant, it's a place where the hustle and bustle of the world outside seem to melt away, replaced by the warmth of good food, great service, and a heartening, homestyle ambiance.
Step inside, and you're greeted with an air of nostalgia. The decor is a delightful montage of country-inspired antiques and memorabilia, a tribute to the simplicity and charm of days gone by. It's an ambiance that speaks of homely comforts and unhurried meals, a perfect backdrop for the feast that awaits.
The service here is a highlight. The staff are not just efficient and attentive but also carry an air of friendliness that adds to the overall charm of the Cracker Barrel experience. They are quick to serve, knowledgeable, and always ready with a smile, ensuring your dining experience is smooth and enjoyable.
If hearty breakfasts are your idea of a good meal, the Country Boy Breakfast is a must-try. The dish is a comforting ensemble of farm fresh eggs, a generous sirloin steak, and your choice of two breakfast sides. The biscuits n' gravy that accompany this meal are a testament to the simple pleasure of homestyle cooking - warm, hearty, and utterly delicious.
The Hashbrown Casserole is a revelation in itself. Shredded potatoes, Colby cheese, chopped onions, and their signature seasoning blend come together in a delicious symphony of flavors and textures. The fried apples, seasoned with cinnamon and baked in the oven, offer a delightful contrast - a sweet, tangy accompaniment that rounds off the meal beautifully.
Cracker Barrel's menu is not just extensive but also versatile, offering all-day breakfast options and a dinner menu that is equally impressive. The seasonal menu is another feather in their cap, a testament to their commitment to variety and freshness.
Beyond the dining area, the gift shop is a treasure trove of country-inspired trinkets, apparel, toys, and food items. It's a delightful place to browse before or after your meal, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit.
All in all, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Sterling, Virginia, is more than just a pit-stop; it's a comforting oasis of good food, great service, and country charm. So whether you're catching a flight, returning from a trip, or simply in the mood for a hearty meal, make sure to stop by. You'll leave with not just a satisfied palate but also a...
Read moreI had a catered order placed for a long awaited family gathering. I had to reschedule due to a snow storm that was coming through and when I went to reorder, I was disappointed that I missed the window to have sweet potato casserole as part of our menu, a dish my 89 yo mom was really looking forward to. I was discussing other options when the manager, Mike, chimed in and said they were going to honor my original request and make my mom happy. They made the dish special for my mom (she had been in a medical facility for a year and our family was finally getting together to celebrate holidays and her homecoming). I called the day before to make sure it was remembered, and they had already started making it. Unfortunately, another dish was not available, so Mike let me substitute 2 others in case one of them was not well liked. When the order was delivered, right on schedule, I was concerned because there was a tray of peach cobbler with "Happy Birthday" and a smiley face written on the tray. I felt terrible that someone was missing their birthday dish, so both me and the delivery person tried calling the restaurant to no avail. I knew they wouldn't be able to reuse it, so we kept it. I got to thinking the next day, and wondered...Mike was so kind and caring, I wondered if he thought it was my mom's birthday. So, I called and asked to speak to him. Before I could even ask, he mentioned he threw in the cobbler for my mom's celebration. He knew we were celebrating something regarding my mom, but he wasn't sure the occasion. Mike, and Cracker Barrel of Sterling, went above and beyond to make this very special family gathering, even that much more special with his kindness and generosity. We need more kindness in the world. Thank you, Mike, and the other folks at CB that contributed to a successful and very important family gathering. The food was excellent, my mom was really enjoying the sweet potato casserole (along with everything else) and loved the cobbler that we originally thought was for someone else. Any time I've called in to CB, the folks have always been very kind and helpful. This last order...they went above and beyond and Mike - you made a difference in a very important time in our...
Read moreIt was a great experience til the end. The server was awesome, and the food was better than usual; but the manager's customer service at the end was less than stellar. We had received a coupon for $10 off a $50 purchase, and my husband wanted a beer; so we checked the coupon, which stated "anything you buy in the restaurant." Just to be sure, my husband asked specifically if the cost of the beer would go to the $50 requirement; we were assured that it would. So we planned our purchases and consulted with the server about making sure our pretax total was sufficient, even buying a dessert to go. We walked up to the counter happy customers. Then the person at the register was having problems with the coupon; it turns out that alcohol was NOT included. We explained that we had specifically asked about this and was assured it would be. She called the manager to come help resolve the issue. Her approach to customer service didn't honor the server's words but tersely replied that we could buy something else to bring it up to $50. I was going to decline, mostly because we had already spent more than we had planned but also of her tone of voice, yet my husband just ordered another dessert. I sighed as the coupon went through and I paid the bill, a mere few cents under $50, and leaving with two desserts we eh didn't really want but had purchased in order to use the coupon. We had pretty much accepted it and were ready to move on, until I we got home and opened the bag with the containers of desserts. I tried a bite of the chocolate cake; it was as dry as a desert, and the frosting had all peeled of the cake and attached to the lid of the container. THEN the cobbler serving size was so much smaller than normal it was insulting. "How did you find your dessert, sir?" "I looked under the ice cream!" Except there WAS no ice cream! So two highly disappointing desserts at $5.79 a piece more than negated the value of the coupon. Ironic. All from the lure of a coupon. I do think it was a poor choice on the manager's part because I am less likely to go back even when the food was...
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