Cracker Barrel Old Country Store — Restaurant in Sturbridge

Rarely do I write a bad review but I’m truly discouraged with the service, food, and overall visit we had, Saturday 9/21/24. I will say before I get started that the ladies working in the gift shop around 5 were FANTASTIC and super helpful. Let me begin… We drove 40+ miles to visit your establishment as it used to be fantastic. I boasted about it to my elderly in laws. We get there and are seated fair quickly though or waitress definitely lacks personality (as a server of 15 years I was quite appalled w/ her attitude and lack of attentiveness). We order our food, not very helpful with Side choices, could not seem to remember options. Ok, you’re busy, I can let that slide. Comes with drinks and can’t remember which drink belongs to which person (okay again, minor mistake). Food is brought out and half of our meal was missing. When questioned about where the rest of our food was, she became defensive and we were told we had everything. It was not until we stated no, we are missing our sides, she continued to give push back, and then finally pulled out her order book, and responded oh yea and walked away. No apology, no oops my fault. She Brought one side out and the others weren’t brought out until our meal was half way done. She never came over to check to see if we needed anything, refills on drinks, until we were finished and asking for boxes to go. She apparently didn’t notice the barely touched meal or bother to ask if everything was ok because at that point I would have said no. 80 dollars for 4 eggs, a couple slices of bacon,2 sausage links- and 2 meatloaf/chicken dinners that weren’t even great is absurd. Sad to say The quality has gone done immensely . A “loaded baked potato” that was the size of a plum. In fact I brought almost my entire meal home as the meatloaf was not fully cooked, completely mushy and is still pink (which I will attach pictures ). I’m not one to make a scene in a restaurant so when not given the chance to explain why the meal was basically untouched… and I still tipped pretty well even though I really shouldn’t have. I took the food home because i figured i could at least attempt to finish cooking it but it’s getting thrown out. I was not even going to write a review but my family has had upset stomachs all night and I just can’t stop thinking about this situation. I did try contacting guest relations but apparently they’re not open until Monday (which I get) Here’s to hoping Cracker Barrel makes this...

One of worst dining experiences of any restaurant I’ve ever had was with my family at the Cracker Barrel in Sturbridge today. It wasn’t particularly busy. It was middle of the afternoon, so not particularly prime time. It took a while for beverages to come to start, with no biscuits and cornbread brought to the table, which even after reminded about it, the server didn’t bring it up again until she brought our meals and asked if we still wanted the biscuits and cornbread. This was the server, who by the way, every time something was wrong at the table, even though she was our server who also took our order and brought the food to us, would claim she’s not aware of any mistakes, she just brings us the food. There were mistakes with three of the four meals at the table. The main issue was a burger was asked for with no mayo. We had trouble locating our server and grabbed a random employee to help us. She said a new one was being made. Right away, the same exact burger came out, with the mayo wiped off of it. It was obviously the same one because of how fast it came back for a well done burger, and it was still cut in half because that’s what my son does to it before he eat, not the restaurant. We finally get the manager and explain the situation, and they take the time to make a whole new burger. When it finally comes out, it doesn’t have bacon this time as ordered, but my son eats it anyway because at this point it really is a lost cause. We have a concluding conversation with the manager after, explaining the server’s lack of responsibility in the situation, which must have gotten back to the server before we left, because as we were getting ready to leave, instead of apologizing and using this to learn from, she expressed her anger because of how she was clearing tables near us, and slamming chairs around. No tip for her. We are generally very courteous people who just wanted we ordered. We didn’t cause a scene and normally tip up to 25% based on the level of service. The only reason this review got two stars instead of one was because at least we weren’t charged for the burger to make up for it. I work in a managerial position myself. It always amazes me when employees don’t take responsibility and say that this person got me in trouble. No, you got yourself in trouble. I tell people all of the time that if someone tells on me and I’m in the wrong, I will take for...

I can't believe I've waited this long to go here! Absolutely loved it! From the minute you arrive they are welcoming and make you feel right at home! The menu is beyond your typical American fare. The food is so good you feel like your having Sunday dinner at Grandma's! The only thing that took away the 5th star was how rushed we felt. Hadn't sat down for even 2 minutes before the waitress came and asked if we were ready to order. Literally didn't even pick up the menu! We gave her our drink order which she returned with in under 2 minutes. She then asked again if we were ready to order. I quickly ordered the "Loaded Tots" appetizer thinking that would keep her at bay. No less than a minute she returned (without the appetizer) to ask again. I understand wanting to turn over a table to make money, but, this was beyond annoying. Told her we would let her know when we had a chance to actually look at the entire menu! We finally gave the very impatient Aurora our order. The food was served promptly and nice and hot! I noticed they don't pre-bus tables leaving empty appetizer plates for us to maneuver around while trying to squeeze our meal plates and biscuits onto the table. I had gone to the restroom before finishing and I guess she took that as a sign to bring the check. We had planned on having dessert. Aurora would've gotten a $20 tip (which would have been 50% of the check total) had she been a little more patient. When we go out we actually like to settle in and take our time. Especially somewhere new. We will return for the food...not the service! Side note: the ladies working in the gift shop were incredible! Very attentive and friendly! Had a few laughs with them on our way out! That gift shop will certainly...