Cracker Barrel Old Country Store — Restaurant in Upper Macungie Township

I was really looking forward to dining at Cracker Barrel, as I hadn’t been to one in many years. We came in with a large group over 20 people for a child’s birthday celebration. Unfortunately, the experience was extremely disappointing from beginning to end, not just for me, but for several others in our party as well.

I ordered a meal that was supposed to include two specific items. When I politely mentioned to our server that something seemed to be missing, she thought I was mistaken. Wanting to avoid a scene, I initially let it go. However, after sitting for a while, I went and got a menu to double-check. Sure enough, I was correct two items were missing from my order. When I pointed this out, the server seemed noticeably irritated. By the time I finally received the rest of my meal, the rest of our party had already finished eating.

To the manager’s credit, he did come over and apologize for the meal mistake, which I appreciated. I was also compensated for my meal. However, the interaction felt more like damage control than genuine concern, especially given what followed after we left.

Because this was a birthday party for a child, we had asked if the staff could come out and sing “Happy Birthday.” We were told this was not possible unless we were part of the rewards program. I understand that policies exist, but it felt unnecessarily rigid given the circumstances a large party choosing to dine there and spend money in celebration of a child. Eventually, someone did come out to sing, but by that time, most of the group had already left the table to pay, and the moment had passed. Only a few of us were left to sing, and even the child’s parents missed it.

The most troubling part of the visit happened as we were leaving. A group of about four servers and the manager appeared to be gossiping or speaking negatively about one of our guests who had raised the issue regarding the birthday song. Whether or not they intended for us to hear, it was unprofessional and highly inappropriate. Where I work, we’re taught to respect all individuals, and speaking poorly about customers especially within earshot is unacceptable and grounds for disciplinary action.

This experience turned what could have been a positive, memorable gathering into a frustrating and disheartening evening. I hope this feedback is taken seriously, as it reflects not only on the individuals involved but also on Cracker Barrel...

It is my understanding that Cracker Barrel is fading nationwide, largely because its food is just a little too heavy on comfort, meaning high in fats and other less healthy choices. That understood I am remarking on my experience on this location ONLY and not the issues its corporate parent must address.

If Cracker Barrel is considered less that appealing for the above stated reason, it certainly does not translate to the popularity of the Fogelsville location, which is frequently jammed to the doors and overflowing to the outside porch areas.

They have earned their patronage by being powerfully and constructively led, by screening, hiring and TRAINING customer-driven staff, by maintaining a clean and well merchandised store, and by delivering on promises

I was greeted at a make-shift entry desk and given a reservation, smartly under-promised and over-delivered. The 20 minute wait turned out to be about 15 minutes. I ordered "what I wanted" and instructed the server to make it fit the menu. She did just that! The restaurant space (as well as the retail area) was mobbed and while it's true that I waited considerably longer than expected, the server kept me updated, my coffee filled, and generally made the delay tolerable. I knew the kitchen was slammed and, after all, I did choose a complex order: Pancakes with two kinds of syrup, eggs over with broken yolks, bacon, and hash brown casserole. (As you may note, my desire for a potent breakfast was stronger than my concern for healthy eating. The order was delivered 'dead solid perfect.'

I noted the following: 1) people moving efficiently and with purpose, 2) a clear dedication to teamwork, 3) tables turning over and being cleaned carefully, consistent attention from the server despite being insanely busy. I neglected to get her name (unfortunately) but she was as professional as one can be. I did take the time to seek out the manager (Justin) to compliment the operation, especially given the challenges of dealing with the crowd.

I could have chosen to subtract a star (*) for the delay in service, but I think the restaurant has made a commitment to excellence and the entire staff worked to ensure the...

Seeing as it’s summertime, Cracker Barrel has an amazing skillet dish actually I think they have two one is for a beef dish that they have and the other is for a chicken dish that they have. I ordered the beef dinner and it had chunks of beef that would melt in your mouth or even fall apart before you can put the fork in them. potatoes, onions, carrots, and two pieces of corn on the cob. just absolutely wonderful and it comes in a piece of tinfoil that you can tell it has been cooking all day. The juices were still inside so delicious! They have another one that has chicken in it instead of beef. I’m sure that one is very delicious as well. I am going to make sure I get back before the end of summer to try it when I arrive. The restaurant was very busy the hostesses were very calm, cool collected and smiling and took us to our seat very quickly. We soon met our server Alexander who did a very excellent job throughout the entire service. He made sure that we did not need anything and if we did, he got it very quickly for us without hesitation and he also made sure that he filled up our drinks as necessary. On the way out of course everything was still very busy at this Cracker Barrel, and even the cashiers were smiling and very polite. I also have to compliment how neat and clean not only the restaurant area was, but the store was kept everything seem to be in its place and was very nice. I will absolutely be returning to this Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and restaurant. I hope that if you stop by that you have the same experience that I did Definitely takes a look around the store. There’s so much to see there and so many original items I also had to make sure I took a good look at the candy because there are so many memories that I saw in that little section of candy that they had I forgot to get a picture of the front of the store or the menus like I usually do, but I do have a picture of my food to share. Remember, this is only a limited time Meal that I...