Cracker Barrel is compulsory whenever we embark on a family road trip, it's just the way it is. It's comfort food personified and while nothing has ever blown me away, it's always consistently satisfying. Top entree picks would be the Chicken Fried Chicken with sawmill gravy, their sugar cured Ham or the Beef Stew...all dinners come with excellent corn muffins and buttermilk biscuits. They have an ample amount of sides but the green beans and baby carrots are my go to's....as a starter their vegetable soup is quite tasty. Round out your experience browsing the Country Store, pick up a yankee candle or two, some vintage candy, maybe a books on CD and any number of holiday items that catch your eye. Cracker Barrel: good clean fun and all around good times.
(3)
Ian T.
Would someone remind me again why we went here instead of a local place?
(2)
Shannon Hadley T.
Great place to stop just outside of Chicago..
(3)
It's The F.
I don't know is its the travle back in time I get when I pass the rocking chairs and candies when I enter this place or the food itself, but in my mind Cracker Barrel freakin rocks! I went here and had breakfast for the first time off their menu about three weeks ago with my love. I didn't personally order breakfast he did but boy let me tell you it was EXCELLENTE! The price didn't hurt too much either :) I got I forget but I know the sides of greens and beans were delicious as always. I could eat the sides and nothing more when I come here cause its never messed up. My guy loves his food and got the sleepitis from eating all of it. *Note: Although most of their food is never NOT good, I would never tell someone to get any country steak from here or anywhere else. I hate country steak*
(4)
Dave S.
I order one thing at Cracker Barrel and I think I need to get out of my rut a bit. I always order the Country Boy breakfast. This comes with eggs, biscuits and gravy, grits, hash brown casserole, steak or ham, oh and apples. I think that this is it. Let's put it this way, it is a lot of food, it fills me up and it makes me a happy boy. I think I may have visited this place on an off day. My gravy seemed to be a little bland and my grits were a little watery. the hash brown casserole tasted like it was setting for a bit but the steak and eggs were delicious. I am willing to chalk this up to them having a bad day. Our server was friendly but it did seem to take quite a while to get our food. For a Sunday morning, there was a crowd, but they moved their tables very quickly and we did not have to wait very long at all.
(3)
Eva R.
The food was well made, and tasted O.K. Staff at this restaurant was generally rude, with the exception of one or two employees. The overall feel of the restaurant is good and would recommend eating here. They should work on hiring better employees.
(3)
Claire F.
not good. sorry no embellishment here. just straight-up bad
(1)
Marisol C.
Service is terrible, waitress took two orders and we were there before those families. Looked right at me and said I will be right back...I would still be waiting had I not walked out. Oh well her loss of a great tip.
(1)
Arlene G.
pretty busy on a sunday morning but wait wasn't bad at all, maybe 15 min. food was delicious as always! eggs, bacon, hashbrown casserole, biscuits & gravy, grits and all for a cheap price! what a great deal!! waitress was very nice too!
(5)
Eric M.
Food was bland. Not the good Cracker Barrel I'm use too. Stopped for breakfast and one day would be good next day terrible. So inconsistent. The last time I stopped and this was last time I had hair in the food!! Sorry but not heading back to this Cracker Barrel.
(2)
Earl O.
Wish we had one in the Seattle area, this place is awesome.I had the double meat breakfast. Good food good service
(4)
Theresa E.
Fairly empty on a Sunday night but for some reason, service was slow....but very friendly. Ordered the grilled spicy catfish with baked apples and boiled cabbage (I know, but I like it!) Catfish was flavorful and properly cooked. The cabbage also had good flavor but was a little soggy. (I admit it was 8:30 so that might have contributed to that.) The cabbage has ham in it, so if you are a vegetarian, you will not be happy! The apples are always delightful and didn't disappoint this time. Once my server arrived, things moved quickly and efficiently. The restaurant was clean on floor, tables and chairs and other surfaces. This is comfort food and not gourmet fare. It was great for what it is and any expectation of more is not fair to the restaurant. P.s. get the corn bread!
(4)
Trever W.
Right when you walk in there is a shopping area, from clothes to hats, kids games, to candles and candy. Seated right away and the waitress arrived shortly after. I ordered a Southern Cesar Chicken Salad. 10 minute wait. Light dressing and chicken was grilled just right.
(3)
Mary F.
We stopped on our way home from Starved Rock. We ordered the sampler. It was so good! Meatloaf, Chicken and Dunplings and Baked Smoked Honey ham. We shared the meal. The food was hot and delicious. Just like it was cooked at home.
(3)
Ted R.
Had breakfast there this morning. I had the old timers breakfast and my wife had pancakes with blueberries on it. Both were very good and we enjoyed Cracker Barrel and the store. Even bought some things on sale in the store.
(4)
Mindy P.
Home cooking while on the road, delicious and filling exactly what we needed. Service was great
(3)
Christine S.
No complaints about the food or the service in the restaurant. The food is always excellent and the service is always fast. This review is based upon my experience in the store section of Cracker Barrel. My friend and I were trying to look around at the Halloween decorations, but that just wasn't possible for the fact that the employee, Maureen, was watching us with hawk eyes. It was apparent that she thought that we were going to shoplift. I was especially offended because we frequent this location about once a month, and I've never shoplifted in my life. I'm 20 years old and probably make more money than she does working at Cracker Barrel. She just stared at us for a good 10 minutes until we felt uncomfortable enough to leave. I can't believe how disrespectful and unprofessional Maureen's actions were.
(1)
Jc M.
My only complaint is that the servers are insistent on giving you the check after your meal is served. I hate that they do this because I always feel rushed and I don't enjoy my meal in the way it ought to be enjoyed. They do this even if the place isn't that busy. I was once told that this is "company policy," but that is one policy I do not have to agree with. I find it rude and I simply cannot take the server's word when they say they will be back for refills, etc. Sometimes they return, and sometimes not. The food itself is wonderful. Most of the staff are very cheerful.
(3)
Denise H.
Ate there 5 years ago, gross. Are there 2 years ago, gross. Ate there this afternoon, I'm done. I will however still shop in their little store. Atmosphere is OK. Customer service is good. Menu is limited with an average/decent price range. So, grits, the #1 most disgusting thing I have ever tasted. I love grits! Told waitress and received a muffin instead. Waitress said, yes the grits are really bad here. Yikes! The sausage Patty was a disc of fake smoke flattened spice crumble. Ham has a huge fat ball the entire length of the piece of meat. The sausage gravy, it was like milk with clear gel with a powder flavored texturizer in it. It was disgusting. The biscuits were beyond salty I actually left with a headache there was so much sodium in my meal. The up side, the cole slaw was bland but good. Chicken & dumplings good flavor but not so much chicken. The bag brown casserole... Delish! Best part of the meal. Oh, did I mention the food glob on the "clean" silverware and had to wait... And wait... And wait to the point of sharing a fork just to eat while hot? We even got to see the manager.... Not speaking to anyone... He was in his own world sweeping. That's it. No contact with the staff or guests. I'm sure my 2 less meals every 2 years won't matter... But I won't be eating there in 2016. I'm done. I will however continue to get my candies there. My advice, go .... Anywhere but there.
(1)
Kristen C.
Was here on Christmas Eve with my boyfriend, on a whim after hitting up some local stores for last minute shopping. I have visited this location many times in the past but not much in the last five years. Let me start by saying, the hostess was not listening at all. He went to the restroom and I asked her if I could wait for him as, to my surprise, we didn't have to wait. She said, "I'll tell him where you are." Which I found odd since I'm not even sure she saw him. Anyway, I ask her for a table again a wall, I hate sitting in the center of the room, and this confused her beyond reason. Okay, she's young, I'm seated, whatever. The real problem was the service. A surly woman comes to the table and asks what I want to drink, no introduction, no smile, no holiday spirit whatsoever. (I have worked in the Service industry, Christmas time equals big tips so you be as charming as you can.) I ordered us both a coffee and he came and sat down. It's all downhill from here. She brings the coffee, asks us (?) If we want cream...um...yes. She brings 5 creamers and I kid you not, tosses them onto the table without a word and walks away. My boyfriend looks at me like huh? I say nothing. Just shrug. She comes back to get our order. I order the Holiday sampler because I'm in the holiday spirit and also greedy. She says "We're out of fried apples." I ask if they substitute anything for it. She seems irritated like I just asked her something incredibly ridiculous and says "No...I mean I guess they can..." So I'm thinking, you want me to pay the full price, for less food...? My boyfriend can see my eyes start to narrow and says "Order extra grits, I'll eat them." I do. I ask if my breakfast comes with apple butter. She says "It can." You'd have think I ran over this woman's dog with the way she was speaking to me. I'm pretty angry at this point. The food comes out. No apple butter. No extra grits. We have to explain the whole situation to the food walker. She sees us talking to her and asks what's happening? I relay the info. Again. She stops by five minutes later to say "They have to make the grits." Like I should feel guilty about receiving my order. When they do come, they are literally nauseating. Splashed all over the bowl, watery as hell. I took one look at that mess. NOPE. Last straw. She then comes back with the check. I hate this. We were still eating and it was not busy. I finally say, I need to speak to a manager. The manager comes up in apparent stealth mode and leans over me like he's going to tell me a secret. I said, "Are you the manager?" Because again, no introduction. His name is Tony by the way. I won't name her because maybe she was having an awful day. Or an awful life, I don't know. He says he is and I told him I never in my life had considered not tipping someone at all up until that day. He seemed like what I was telling him did not at all surprise him. I said I didn't want anything for free, but maybe he could remind her that it was Christmas Eve and innocent people do not deserve to be treated like garbage for no reason. He ended up comping the meal. And that is why I gave three stars. He took care of it without me demanding or expecting it. We won't be going back to this one. The food was okay but I'm soured. I am not a demanding person, I don't run service staff ragged and I always am polite and understanding. But this woman ruined the meal and the experience for me and was unapologetic. If not for the manager, this would have been a one star reveiw. (And yes, I left a 3 dollar tip, she didn't deserve a cent, but it was Christmas Eve.)
(3)
Mv B.
Terrible waitress, she was mean and defensive. told us our food was going to take a long time because it was so busy. It came out in like 10 minutes. Food was fine, about what you would expect from them. Rating would be a little higher if the waitress was capable and not rude
(2)
Annon A.
This place is DISGUSTING!!! Every single time we go here they ignore us for at least 10 minutes at a time. We order, we get our drinks, then we get our food, and its always wrong and/or cold. Then we ask for another drink, and never get it. Something always goes wrong at this place. Even on a Tuesday mid-morning when there is barely anyone there. So its definitely not that its too busy to handle. The servers are always inconsistent. The food is always inconsistent. 1 time shame on you 2 times shame on me. Will never go back there again.
(1)
Damian P.
What can you say about the vintage look of their general store while you first walk in. As in most of the Cracker Barrels, this is not any more special. But its cozy and nice to know that the employees are super friendly and accommodating. I am glad that they are the way they are. I usually come on weekends because that's really the only time I could go, after a nice visit to IKEA not far from here, this is the perfect lunch spot. Usually the wait is less then 10 minutes, but I don't mind in the least since they have a general "store" that more often times then not, I buy little nostalgic candies from. Ahhhh yes, the way it should be, although the candy is not "penny" candy, it does take you back.
(4)
Cindy K.
I don't even like breakfast foods. Eggs? If I'm starved for cheap protein. Bacon? Only when wrapped in dates, scallops, or steak. Grits? Ugh, never. But Cracker Barrel is the only breakfast place outside of Bongo Room that will gladly go to. My five star review is because I think their pancakes in particular are as good as it gets. I'm not saying this place is as good as it gets compared to every other restaurant in Chicago, but for breakfast and pancakes. People have taken me to different brunch restaurants to persuade me that breakfast foods are the bee's knees, but I still like CB the bestest.
(5)
Michelle H.
You know what's good? Oatmeal that can double as spackle. They have that sitck-to-your ribs kind of oatmeal here. With some brown sugar and milk, it's even better. Add a blueberry muffin (warm- don't let them give you a cold one- for some reason on the weekends, they come out cold) and side of salty but tasty bacon, and I'm set for breakfast.
(3)
fabiola b.
Pancakes are awesome! Packed on the weekends so you have to get there early. The store is nice they have everything from cookbooks to clothes. Breakfast is my favorite but they also do lunch and dinner and all are still delicious. All servers that I have had are always attentive and nice. All in all a great experience every time my family and I go.
(4)
Hans C.
I love the Cracker Barrel chain. As a frequent voyager of our expansive interstate system, I always take comfort in the knowledge that a Cracker Barrel is never too far off ahead in the asphalt horizon. I've been to Cracker Barrels dozens of times all across our great nation, and I've only ever ordered the Country Boy breakfast--steak medium, eggs scrambled, two orders of hash brown casserole, biscuits and gravy, grits, and a coffee. If I was on death row in the state of Texas, the Country Boy breakfast would be my final meal before high voltage sends me off to my damnation. That being said, the ONE Cracker Barrel in the world that's ever let me down is the one I live only five minutes from. Because, of course. Let me count the ways. A lot of the staff here didn't seem to be too happy to be there. Our table was bare, and the server never offered to set it correctly--I had to swipe sweetener and pepper from an empty table. We were never given glasses of water either. The food took way too long to prepare even though the restaurant was mostly empty as it was a Monday afternoon. But what really pissed me off was the desecration of my favorite meal. The steak came out charred and well-done. The biscuit gravy was bland. But the worst part of all was they were out of hash brown casserole (probably the single most divine part of the meal), so I had to settle for regular hash browns. That's like settling for the brothel's housekeeper because your favorite girl is out of town. Food boner-kill. The only bright spot of the experience was the server of another section taking care of us, because it's like she knew our own server kind of left us hanging for the most part. She was a sweetheart. But I'll probably still never come back to this location despite its proximity to me. On my travels, wherever there's a truck stop and a bunch of budget 2-star motels around, I'm sure I'm never too far away from my favorite musty country restaurant/general store.
(2)
John S.
I don't come here often, but I tell myself that I gotta come more frequent when I do eat here. The food is great comfort food. Old style hearty cooking. Feels like home in the mouth section. I don't bother with the knick knacks they sell just the good food. They have burgers, fish, chicken. Then you got your sides like Mac and cheese and green beans. It's like a dennys with more old people and a chill atmosphere.
(4)
Karen C.
How are people hating on the Cracker Barrel?? When I drive from Chicago to St. Louis every few months, this place has become my go-to stop. I guess Cracker Barrel just holds a special place in my heart... reminds me of family road-trips in the 80s & 90s and my love of Patsy Cline. I've always had good service here, it's fast as far as sit-down restaurants go, and holy crap is it cheap! I always feel guilty when I get the bill, because no way in hell could I get a full meal in Chicago for under $10 a person. I usually end up leaving a 40% tip because I have no idea how these servers can make any money when the bills are this cheap. Now I can't stop thinking about those chicken & dumplings... mmmmm. If you don't order that for dinner, you're just plain eg-no-ra-moose.
(4)
Lauren T.
The little store is cute, and if I was looking to buy a t shirt with a wolf airbrushed on, it would be a good place to start. There are a lot of overpriced old-timey toys and stuff like homemade syrup and rock candy. There is a wait to eat every time, even when the parking lot is empty. Although I am sure they serve other foods, to me this is a breakfast place. The country setting, wooden tables and coffee cups waiting on every table also say breakfast. The prices are good, and for two to have a normal breakfast would probably only cost around 15$. I know this place is going for the country thing, but I have some problems with the menu. They don't have apple juice, but cider. This may not seem like a problem, but it is to a 3 year old. Also, they don't have normal bacon, but that really thick stuff that never gets crispy. I am not a fan of floppy bacon. The biscuits and gravy are good, but the serving size is small compared to what you would pay elsewhere for the same thing. To me, one biscuit and a cup of gravy is not a serving. All and all, the service is good and so is the food. As it is located right next to I-55, it is extremely annoying to get to if you live on the other side, which of course I do. The hassle of simply driving there is probably the number one reason we don't go there more.
(3)
Rachel G.
Cracker Barrel is an amazing restaurant. I hadn't been to one in years - and was pleased to see one in Bolingbrook. I stopped in with my brother and my son. The store is the first thing you encounter - lots of tempting household goodies and sweet treats of yesteryear to tempt your taste buds. Next is the dining room. Full of old-timey stuff that you'd never see in a modern restaurant. The staff is nice. The first highchair they brought me had a broken waistbelt, and my son nearly slipped out of the chair (which is a chair, not a real high chair). I asked for a second one and it took a couple minutes. The food is amazing! I ordered the Country Boy breakfast and let me tell you that thing is HUGE!!! Not meant for one person to finish. Yikes. I had breakfast and lunch the next day just from bringing home left overs. 4 stars. Yummy.
(4)
Anya C.
I don't get to come here often as these restaurants are usually out in the fields. I decided to pull in and have some breakfast here a few weeks ago as I was on the road at 7am with a growling stomach and a 3 hour drive ahead of me. Although the service was wonderful, our waitress was very sweet, I feel like the food was a little on the disappointing side. Mainly the gravy. I've eaten a lot of biscuits and gravy in my life, and I have never had gravy this bland in my life. Basically, it was a thick glob of goop with no flavor. What a waste of biscuits. I could have had them with jelly. The bacon was delicious though and they cooked my eggs just the way I like them (sunny side up). I'm not saying I'll never eat here again, I'd like to give their lunch and dinner menu a try. But let this be a warning, stay away from the gravy. Even if it comes on the side, opt out of it and stick with jelly on your biscuits.
(3)
Michelle I.
OMG- I can't believe I've never reviewed this country style restaurant! This is right down the street from me although far away for some! Very affordable place! If your down for some down home cookin' this is just the place. And I love having a few extra moments to browse through their country store. Cutest little things which I'm guessing are great trinkets for the passing by diner. I love their little corn bread muffins with their maple syrup- yum! I really don't think there is anything I have tried that I don't like! Great find, located right off I-55 and Weber Rd.
(5)
Angie L.
I will just start by saying that I am a big fan of Cracker Barrels. Everywhere I travel in the country, I know this is one consistence place that I can get good home cooking. My usual is the Grandpa's breakfast with chicken fried steak (hash brown casserole as my side). The chicken fried steak is what I am madly in love with. I am not too crazy over grits, but I eat it nevertheless with some butter. The biscuits are average to me as well (with either white gravy or honey). But for 8 bucks you cant beat that anywhere. The service here has been great, they were on top of refilling my drinks and the staff was friendly. The 3rd time I came i order something different since it was dinner time, so i tried the chicken and dumplings. I wasn't too impressed. The chicken and dumplings were big chunks and not much flavoring. I added quite a bit of black pepper just to give it more flavor. However, I will definitely come back to this location if I am ever back in the area.
(4)
Isabelle L.
This is an Ok place but not one of the best Cracker barrel. Surprisingly enough there always seems to be a line around lunch / brunch time on weekends. Service is OK although food seems to come out rather slowly. Our party ordered one of the burger and specified medium cooked. The burger was actually way over cooked and tough and the fries were not crispy at all and didn't feel freshly fried. Also ordered the new grilled chicken pineapple salad. It was rather disappointing. The chicken tasted fine but the pineapple was certainly the cheap chunks type from a can with syrup. The pineapple pieces were so sweet that they really made the salad non appealing and lacking freshness. Will pass on this location next time.
(2)
Leo T.
I had the Grandpa's country fried steak. It was more than enough to fill me up. It was very good, I also had biscuits and apple butter, also very good. This one is like the rest. You have your souvenir store at the front and place to dine on the other side. Very cool place with all the decor.
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Touristy Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Brent W.
Cracker Barrel is compulsory whenever we embark on a family road trip, it's just the way it is. It's comfort food personified and while nothing has ever blown me away, it's always consistently satisfying. Top entree picks would be the Chicken Fried Chicken with sawmill gravy, their sugar cured Ham or the Beef Stew...all dinners come with excellent corn muffins and buttermilk biscuits. They have an ample amount of sides but the green beans and baby carrots are my go to's....as a starter their vegetable soup is quite tasty. Round out your experience browsing the Country Store, pick up a yankee candle or two, some vintage candy, maybe a books on CD and any number of holiday items that catch your eye. Cracker Barrel: good clean fun and all around good times.
(3)Ian T.
Would someone remind me again why we went here instead of a local place?
(2)Shannon Hadley T.
Great place to stop just outside of Chicago..
(3)It's The F.
I don't know is its the travle back in time I get when I pass the rocking chairs and candies when I enter this place or the food itself, but in my mind Cracker Barrel freakin rocks! I went here and had breakfast for the first time off their menu about three weeks ago with my love. I didn't personally order breakfast he did but boy let me tell you it was EXCELLENTE! The price didn't hurt too much either :) I got I forget but I know the sides of greens and beans were delicious as always. I could eat the sides and nothing more when I come here cause its never messed up. My guy loves his food and got the sleepitis from eating all of it. *Note: Although most of their food is never NOT good, I would never tell someone to get any country steak from here or anywhere else. I hate country steak*
(4)Dave S.
I order one thing at Cracker Barrel and I think I need to get out of my rut a bit. I always order the Country Boy breakfast. This comes with eggs, biscuits and gravy, grits, hash brown casserole, steak or ham, oh and apples. I think that this is it. Let's put it this way, it is a lot of food, it fills me up and it makes me a happy boy. I think I may have visited this place on an off day. My gravy seemed to be a little bland and my grits were a little watery. the hash brown casserole tasted like it was setting for a bit but the steak and eggs were delicious. I am willing to chalk this up to them having a bad day. Our server was friendly but it did seem to take quite a while to get our food. For a Sunday morning, there was a crowd, but they moved their tables very quickly and we did not have to wait very long at all.
(3)Eva R.
The food was well made, and tasted O.K. Staff at this restaurant was generally rude, with the exception of one or two employees. The overall feel of the restaurant is good and would recommend eating here. They should work on hiring better employees.
(3)Claire F.
not good. sorry no embellishment here. just straight-up bad
(1)Marisol C.
Service is terrible, waitress took two orders and we were there before those families. Looked right at me and said I will be right back...I would still be waiting had I not walked out. Oh well her loss of a great tip.
(1)Arlene G.
pretty busy on a sunday morning but wait wasn't bad at all, maybe 15 min. food was delicious as always! eggs, bacon, hashbrown casserole, biscuits & gravy, grits and all for a cheap price! what a great deal!! waitress was very nice too!
(5)Eric M.
Food was bland. Not the good Cracker Barrel I'm use too. Stopped for breakfast and one day would be good next day terrible. So inconsistent. The last time I stopped and this was last time I had hair in the food!! Sorry but not heading back to this Cracker Barrel.
(2)Earl O.
Wish we had one in the Seattle area, this place is awesome.I had the double meat breakfast. Good food good service
(4)Theresa E.
Fairly empty on a Sunday night but for some reason, service was slow....but very friendly. Ordered the grilled spicy catfish with baked apples and boiled cabbage (I know, but I like it!) Catfish was flavorful and properly cooked. The cabbage also had good flavor but was a little soggy. (I admit it was 8:30 so that might have contributed to that.) The cabbage has ham in it, so if you are a vegetarian, you will not be happy! The apples are always delightful and didn't disappoint this time. Once my server arrived, things moved quickly and efficiently. The restaurant was clean on floor, tables and chairs and other surfaces. This is comfort food and not gourmet fare. It was great for what it is and any expectation of more is not fair to the restaurant. P.s. get the corn bread!
(4)Trever W.
Right when you walk in there is a shopping area, from clothes to hats, kids games, to candles and candy. Seated right away and the waitress arrived shortly after. I ordered a Southern Cesar Chicken Salad. 10 minute wait. Light dressing and chicken was grilled just right.
(3)Mary F.
We stopped on our way home from Starved Rock. We ordered the sampler. It was so good! Meatloaf, Chicken and Dunplings and Baked Smoked Honey ham. We shared the meal. The food was hot and delicious. Just like it was cooked at home.
(3)Ted R.
Had breakfast there this morning. I had the old timers breakfast and my wife had pancakes with blueberries on it. Both were very good and we enjoyed Cracker Barrel and the store. Even bought some things on sale in the store.
(4)Mindy P.
Home cooking while on the road, delicious and filling exactly what we needed. Service was great
(3)Christine S.
No complaints about the food or the service in the restaurant. The food is always excellent and the service is always fast. This review is based upon my experience in the store section of Cracker Barrel. My friend and I were trying to look around at the Halloween decorations, but that just wasn't possible for the fact that the employee, Maureen, was watching us with hawk eyes. It was apparent that she thought that we were going to shoplift. I was especially offended because we frequent this location about once a month, and I've never shoplifted in my life. I'm 20 years old and probably make more money than she does working at Cracker Barrel. She just stared at us for a good 10 minutes until we felt uncomfortable enough to leave. I can't believe how disrespectful and unprofessional Maureen's actions were.
(1)Jc M.
My only complaint is that the servers are insistent on giving you the check after your meal is served. I hate that they do this because I always feel rushed and I don't enjoy my meal in the way it ought to be enjoyed. They do this even if the place isn't that busy. I was once told that this is "company policy," but that is one policy I do not have to agree with. I find it rude and I simply cannot take the server's word when they say they will be back for refills, etc. Sometimes they return, and sometimes not. The food itself is wonderful. Most of the staff are very cheerful.
(3)Denise H.
Ate there 5 years ago, gross. Are there 2 years ago, gross. Ate there this afternoon, I'm done. I will however still shop in their little store. Atmosphere is OK. Customer service is good. Menu is limited with an average/decent price range. So, grits, the #1 most disgusting thing I have ever tasted. I love grits! Told waitress and received a muffin instead. Waitress said, yes the grits are really bad here. Yikes! The sausage Patty was a disc of fake smoke flattened spice crumble. Ham has a huge fat ball the entire length of the piece of meat. The sausage gravy, it was like milk with clear gel with a powder flavored texturizer in it. It was disgusting. The biscuits were beyond salty I actually left with a headache there was so much sodium in my meal. The up side, the cole slaw was bland but good. Chicken & dumplings good flavor but not so much chicken. The bag brown casserole... Delish! Best part of the meal. Oh, did I mention the food glob on the "clean" silverware and had to wait... And wait... And wait to the point of sharing a fork just to eat while hot? We even got to see the manager.... Not speaking to anyone... He was in his own world sweeping. That's it. No contact with the staff or guests. I'm sure my 2 less meals every 2 years won't matter... But I won't be eating there in 2016. I'm done. I will however continue to get my candies there. My advice, go .... Anywhere but there.
(1)Kristen C.
Was here on Christmas Eve with my boyfriend, on a whim after hitting up some local stores for last minute shopping. I have visited this location many times in the past but not much in the last five years. Let me start by saying, the hostess was not listening at all. He went to the restroom and I asked her if I could wait for him as, to my surprise, we didn't have to wait. She said, "I'll tell him where you are." Which I found odd since I'm not even sure she saw him. Anyway, I ask her for a table again a wall, I hate sitting in the center of the room, and this confused her beyond reason. Okay, she's young, I'm seated, whatever. The real problem was the service. A surly woman comes to the table and asks what I want to drink, no introduction, no smile, no holiday spirit whatsoever. (I have worked in the Service industry, Christmas time equals big tips so you be as charming as you can.) I ordered us both a coffee and he came and sat down. It's all downhill from here. She brings the coffee, asks us (?) If we want cream...um...yes. She brings 5 creamers and I kid you not, tosses them onto the table without a word and walks away. My boyfriend looks at me like huh? I say nothing. Just shrug. She comes back to get our order. I order the Holiday sampler because I'm in the holiday spirit and also greedy. She says "We're out of fried apples." I ask if they substitute anything for it. She seems irritated like I just asked her something incredibly ridiculous and says "No...I mean I guess they can..." So I'm thinking, you want me to pay the full price, for less food...? My boyfriend can see my eyes start to narrow and says "Order extra grits, I'll eat them." I do. I ask if my breakfast comes with apple butter. She says "It can." You'd have think I ran over this woman's dog with the way she was speaking to me. I'm pretty angry at this point. The food comes out. No apple butter. No extra grits. We have to explain the whole situation to the food walker. She sees us talking to her and asks what's happening? I relay the info. Again. She stops by five minutes later to say "They have to make the grits." Like I should feel guilty about receiving my order. When they do come, they are literally nauseating. Splashed all over the bowl, watery as hell. I took one look at that mess. NOPE. Last straw. She then comes back with the check. I hate this. We were still eating and it was not busy. I finally say, I need to speak to a manager. The manager comes up in apparent stealth mode and leans over me like he's going to tell me a secret. I said, "Are you the manager?" Because again, no introduction. His name is Tony by the way. I won't name her because maybe she was having an awful day. Or an awful life, I don't know. He says he is and I told him I never in my life had considered not tipping someone at all up until that day. He seemed like what I was telling him did not at all surprise him. I said I didn't want anything for free, but maybe he could remind her that it was Christmas Eve and innocent people do not deserve to be treated like garbage for no reason. He ended up comping the meal. And that is why I gave three stars. He took care of it without me demanding or expecting it. We won't be going back to this one. The food was okay but I'm soured. I am not a demanding person, I don't run service staff ragged and I always am polite and understanding. But this woman ruined the meal and the experience for me and was unapologetic. If not for the manager, this would have been a one star reveiw. (And yes, I left a 3 dollar tip, she didn't deserve a cent, but it was Christmas Eve.)
(3)Mv B.
Terrible waitress, she was mean and defensive. told us our food was going to take a long time because it was so busy. It came out in like 10 minutes. Food was fine, about what you would expect from them. Rating would be a little higher if the waitress was capable and not rude
(2)Annon A.
This place is DISGUSTING!!! Every single time we go here they ignore us for at least 10 minutes at a time. We order, we get our drinks, then we get our food, and its always wrong and/or cold. Then we ask for another drink, and never get it. Something always goes wrong at this place. Even on a Tuesday mid-morning when there is barely anyone there. So its definitely not that its too busy to handle. The servers are always inconsistent. The food is always inconsistent. 1 time shame on you 2 times shame on me. Will never go back there again.
(1)Damian P.
What can you say about the vintage look of their general store while you first walk in. As in most of the Cracker Barrels, this is not any more special. But its cozy and nice to know that the employees are super friendly and accommodating. I am glad that they are the way they are. I usually come on weekends because that's really the only time I could go, after a nice visit to IKEA not far from here, this is the perfect lunch spot. Usually the wait is less then 10 minutes, but I don't mind in the least since they have a general "store" that more often times then not, I buy little nostalgic candies from. Ahhhh yes, the way it should be, although the candy is not "penny" candy, it does take you back.
(4)Cindy K.
I don't even like breakfast foods. Eggs? If I'm starved for cheap protein. Bacon? Only when wrapped in dates, scallops, or steak. Grits? Ugh, never. But Cracker Barrel is the only breakfast place outside of Bongo Room that will gladly go to. My five star review is because I think their pancakes in particular are as good as it gets. I'm not saying this place is as good as it gets compared to every other restaurant in Chicago, but for breakfast and pancakes. People have taken me to different brunch restaurants to persuade me that breakfast foods are the bee's knees, but I still like CB the bestest.
(5)Michelle H.
You know what's good? Oatmeal that can double as spackle. They have that sitck-to-your ribs kind of oatmeal here. With some brown sugar and milk, it's even better. Add a blueberry muffin (warm- don't let them give you a cold one- for some reason on the weekends, they come out cold) and side of salty but tasty bacon, and I'm set for breakfast.
(3)fabiola b.
Pancakes are awesome! Packed on the weekends so you have to get there early. The store is nice they have everything from cookbooks to clothes. Breakfast is my favorite but they also do lunch and dinner and all are still delicious. All servers that I have had are always attentive and nice. All in all a great experience every time my family and I go.
(4)Hans C.
I love the Cracker Barrel chain. As a frequent voyager of our expansive interstate system, I always take comfort in the knowledge that a Cracker Barrel is never too far off ahead in the asphalt horizon. I've been to Cracker Barrels dozens of times all across our great nation, and I've only ever ordered the Country Boy breakfast--steak medium, eggs scrambled, two orders of hash brown casserole, biscuits and gravy, grits, and a coffee. If I was on death row in the state of Texas, the Country Boy breakfast would be my final meal before high voltage sends me off to my damnation. That being said, the ONE Cracker Barrel in the world that's ever let me down is the one I live only five minutes from. Because, of course. Let me count the ways. A lot of the staff here didn't seem to be too happy to be there. Our table was bare, and the server never offered to set it correctly--I had to swipe sweetener and pepper from an empty table. We were never given glasses of water either. The food took way too long to prepare even though the restaurant was mostly empty as it was a Monday afternoon. But what really pissed me off was the desecration of my favorite meal. The steak came out charred and well-done. The biscuit gravy was bland. But the worst part of all was they were out of hash brown casserole (probably the single most divine part of the meal), so I had to settle for regular hash browns. That's like settling for the brothel's housekeeper because your favorite girl is out of town. Food boner-kill. The only bright spot of the experience was the server of another section taking care of us, because it's like she knew our own server kind of left us hanging for the most part. She was a sweetheart. But I'll probably still never come back to this location despite its proximity to me. On my travels, wherever there's a truck stop and a bunch of budget 2-star motels around, I'm sure I'm never too far away from my favorite musty country restaurant/general store.
(2)John S.
I don't come here often, but I tell myself that I gotta come more frequent when I do eat here. The food is great comfort food. Old style hearty cooking. Feels like home in the mouth section. I don't bother with the knick knacks they sell just the good food. They have burgers, fish, chicken. Then you got your sides like Mac and cheese and green beans. It's like a dennys with more old people and a chill atmosphere.
(4)Karen C.
How are people hating on the Cracker Barrel?? When I drive from Chicago to St. Louis every few months, this place has become my go-to stop. I guess Cracker Barrel just holds a special place in my heart... reminds me of family road-trips in the 80s & 90s and my love of Patsy Cline. I've always had good service here, it's fast as far as sit-down restaurants go, and holy crap is it cheap! I always feel guilty when I get the bill, because no way in hell could I get a full meal in Chicago for under $10 a person. I usually end up leaving a 40% tip because I have no idea how these servers can make any money when the bills are this cheap. Now I can't stop thinking about those chicken & dumplings... mmmmm. If you don't order that for dinner, you're just plain eg-no-ra-moose.
(4)Lauren T.
The little store is cute, and if I was looking to buy a t shirt with a wolf airbrushed on, it would be a good place to start. There are a lot of overpriced old-timey toys and stuff like homemade syrup and rock candy. There is a wait to eat every time, even when the parking lot is empty. Although I am sure they serve other foods, to me this is a breakfast place. The country setting, wooden tables and coffee cups waiting on every table also say breakfast. The prices are good, and for two to have a normal breakfast would probably only cost around 15$. I know this place is going for the country thing, but I have some problems with the menu. They don't have apple juice, but cider. This may not seem like a problem, but it is to a 3 year old. Also, they don't have normal bacon, but that really thick stuff that never gets crispy. I am not a fan of floppy bacon. The biscuits and gravy are good, but the serving size is small compared to what you would pay elsewhere for the same thing. To me, one biscuit and a cup of gravy is not a serving. All and all, the service is good and so is the food. As it is located right next to I-55, it is extremely annoying to get to if you live on the other side, which of course I do. The hassle of simply driving there is probably the number one reason we don't go there more.
(3)Rachel G.
Cracker Barrel is an amazing restaurant. I hadn't been to one in years - and was pleased to see one in Bolingbrook. I stopped in with my brother and my son. The store is the first thing you encounter - lots of tempting household goodies and sweet treats of yesteryear to tempt your taste buds. Next is the dining room. Full of old-timey stuff that you'd never see in a modern restaurant. The staff is nice. The first highchair they brought me had a broken waistbelt, and my son nearly slipped out of the chair (which is a chair, not a real high chair). I asked for a second one and it took a couple minutes. The food is amazing! I ordered the Country Boy breakfast and let me tell you that thing is HUGE!!! Not meant for one person to finish. Yikes. I had breakfast and lunch the next day just from bringing home left overs. 4 stars. Yummy.
(4)Anya C.
I don't get to come here often as these restaurants are usually out in the fields. I decided to pull in and have some breakfast here a few weeks ago as I was on the road at 7am with a growling stomach and a 3 hour drive ahead of me. Although the service was wonderful, our waitress was very sweet, I feel like the food was a little on the disappointing side. Mainly the gravy. I've eaten a lot of biscuits and gravy in my life, and I have never had gravy this bland in my life. Basically, it was a thick glob of goop with no flavor. What a waste of biscuits. I could have had them with jelly. The bacon was delicious though and they cooked my eggs just the way I like them (sunny side up). I'm not saying I'll never eat here again, I'd like to give their lunch and dinner menu a try. But let this be a warning, stay away from the gravy. Even if it comes on the side, opt out of it and stick with jelly on your biscuits.
(3)Michelle I.
OMG- I can't believe I've never reviewed this country style restaurant! This is right down the street from me although far away for some! Very affordable place! If your down for some down home cookin' this is just the place. And I love having a few extra moments to browse through their country store. Cutest little things which I'm guessing are great trinkets for the passing by diner. I love their little corn bread muffins with their maple syrup- yum! I really don't think there is anything I have tried that I don't like! Great find, located right off I-55 and Weber Rd.
(5)Angie L.
I will just start by saying that I am a big fan of Cracker Barrels. Everywhere I travel in the country, I know this is one consistence place that I can get good home cooking. My usual is the Grandpa's breakfast with chicken fried steak (hash brown casserole as my side). The chicken fried steak is what I am madly in love with. I am not too crazy over grits, but I eat it nevertheless with some butter. The biscuits are average to me as well (with either white gravy or honey). But for 8 bucks you cant beat that anywhere. The service here has been great, they were on top of refilling my drinks and the staff was friendly. The 3rd time I came i order something different since it was dinner time, so i tried the chicken and dumplings. I wasn't too impressed. The chicken and dumplings were big chunks and not much flavoring. I added quite a bit of black pepper just to give it more flavor. However, I will definitely come back to this location if I am ever back in the area.
(4)Isabelle L.
This is an Ok place but not one of the best Cracker barrel. Surprisingly enough there always seems to be a line around lunch / brunch time on weekends. Service is OK although food seems to come out rather slowly. Our party ordered one of the burger and specified medium cooked. The burger was actually way over cooked and tough and the fries were not crispy at all and didn't feel freshly fried. Also ordered the new grilled chicken pineapple salad. It was rather disappointing. The chicken tasted fine but the pineapple was certainly the cheap chunks type from a can with syrup. The pineapple pieces were so sweet that they really made the salad non appealing and lacking freshness. Will pass on this location next time.
(2)Leo T.
I had the Grandpa's country fried steak. It was more than enough to fill me up. It was very good, I also had biscuits and apple butter, also very good. This one is like the rest. You have your souvenir store at the front and place to dine on the other side. Very cool place with all the decor.
(4)