I like Cracker Barrel. I just happen to like this one better. It sits a mile east of I-75 and is located near the greatest Meijer in Michigan. Typical to the franchise, it's busy but it moves. Ask to sit in Christine's section. She's a great server. Very personable and great with the little details such as refills and extra napkins. Take a bow, Bay City Cracker Barrel. YOu deserve it.
(4)
Marry N.
They offer pretty good southern comfort foods. I usually opt for healthier options, but do get southern cravings from time to time. I guess I only have it 3 stars because the food isn't memorable. The price is right though. I'd say if you don't know what to eat, but craving chicken fried steak or southern comfort foods, eat here. Oh and I might add, they offer the most delicious thanksgiving meal on thanksgiving, it was hands down the best turkey/ham meal I've had. Only downside is that it's only available limited time during the holidays.
(3)
Jim D.
It's not bad. The service always seems to be okay. The food is the same as you would expect at any other Cracker Barrel. I have honestly never been too overly crazy about their food. I've tried quite a few things off of the menu and nothing has ever really blown me or my tastebuds away.
(3)
Sue G.
1 Star for service 5 stars for food. We had a wonderful Cracker Barrel experience in Bridgeport, MI and when someone asked us to meet them at Cracker Barrel in Bay City, we were excited. (From our Bridgeport experience, we learned that servers w/four stars on their serving apron were not only long-term employees but had excellent reviews by supervisors and had passed testing.) Well, it must have been a bad day for our 4-star server!!! She was VERY impatient with one of the people at our table when she didn't understand the options for one of the menu items. (Yes, we had taken a time to look at our menus). The options had been explained, but the person not understanding the options is hard of hearing (a non-visable disability!) Our server was most impatient (by tone and words) when the person asked to have something repeated. It was most uncomfortable for my husband and I to sit there and watch this happen!!! Our meal was good - and we had a nice time (we hadn't seen each other for 12 years!) We knew we would be there for a time and had a table out of the way and watched continually to make sure tables were available (there were LOTS of empty tables). We know to tip more when you stay longer than a regular meal - Our coffee and water were not refilled without quite a wait. It was sooo hard to understand how she was a 4-star server!
(3)
Tim B.
Does nobody in Bay City, Michigan know who the Bay City Rollers were? They all seemed to know that Madonna came from there (and I do find it remarkable that such a generic city should have ties to two acts with number one songs)... but I digress. Cracker Barrel. Known for providing comfort food with a right wing-centric gift shop, at least that's what I remembered from my 2008 trip to a Florida franchise. Six years later and over a thousand miles up I-75, little had changed. My salmon was nice and crisp, the wife ordered ice tea and had to fight to keep it unsweetened. And I ordered string beans. Should've known better - they were canned, in fact one could still detect the can water in its presentation. Blorf. But my pie was dee lish. Essentially got what I expected, along with the site of an Elvis religious album, "He Touched Me".
(3)
Robert D.
Food is good. The only downside is bringing the kiddos in here. They expect me to buy them a toy from the store area (or the candy toy dispenser things). Service is good when it isn't super busy, otherwise it takes a while for refills. The Buttermilk breaded Chicken dinner was really good.
(4)
Sam T.
I LOVE CRACKER BARREL!! I travel across the US all the time and will actually drive out of my way to eat at a CB. Thankfully I didn't have to do that on this stop. As we walked through the doors we walked through the "General Store" and I always get that good feeling that I'm about to get a good meal. I always order the same thing. Always! biscuits & gravy. The waitress took our order and in a short time we had our food. Everything was as we expected and the flavors were classic CB. Always good! I will continue to search out CB because they serve good food that is reasonably priced, and it's that way no matter what state your in.
(4)
Sara S.
If you've been to any other Cracker Barrel restaurant, this location will be very familiar. The usual overstuffed gift shop area fills the front section of the building. The dining area can sometimes feel a bit cramped when it gets busy since the tables are packed in and the aisles aren't spacious. Vintage looking country kitsch and old timey advertising line the walls. A large fireplace adds a nice coziness during the winter. I've only had lunch/dinner meals here a couple of times, but it was standard mild comfort food heaped high just like you'd expect (I usually only eat here on Saturday/Sunday mornings). Their breakfast menu, however, is reliably tasty and offers a generous selection of options for the hangover afflicted diner. The coffee tends to be weak, but not tasteless, and they're good at keeping your mug full. I've had mixed experiences with the staff. The greeters, seaters, and checkout attendees are friendly, but not always completely competent (they always seem caught off guard by takeout orders). The waitstaff can sometimes be abrasive and scatterbrained, seemingly as a direct result of being overwhelmed by too many patrons and not enough employees to handle the breakfast rush.
(4)
Sether F.
I gave it four stars just because of the ambience. Has a fireplace going in the dining room during the winter. Whole place has a rustic feel. Love all the old toys and trinkets in the waiting area. Food is decent. Predicatable. Nothing spectacular. You won't leave hungry. Go there for breakfast after a long night
(4)
Roger B.
I'm a longtime fan of Cracker Barrel and have eaten at their locations in many states. I'm also a native Southerner. So this is a great treat and a wonderful restaurant to have within 20 miles of home! The service is usually very good, and the food is generally excellent. I especially like the breakfast, which is served all day. It's all very much comfort food, with generous portions (very good value for the money). But if you're looking for health food, this ain't the place!
(4)
Deborah R.
I stopped here the Sunday after my excursion down Rifle River. With my swimsuit still under my clothes I hobbled in here and sat down at the table feeling like my body was slowly dying. By time I got my coffee I felt a tinge of hope that I might not throw up onto the table. By time I finished the breakfast sampler I was nearly good as new. That order is my #1 reccomendation. I completely give it credit for me surviving past that day. Everything tasted great, like always, and the service was great. A stop here for breakfast is a must-do, especially if you're headed back from the river.
(4)
Ernie M.
A very good place for lunch. Always good food at fair cost.
(3)
Susan L.
We ate dinner there on a Saturday evening in 10/07, en route to the UP. The service was friendly & prompt, the prices were great and the food was good. My husband's apple cheddar chicken was delicious and the rolls were really good.
(4)
Christopher A.
This is an awesome place for anyone who is into novelties, antiques, old fashioned toys, old fashioned furniture, or old fashioned candy. The food quality is just as good if not better than any other average diner but it feels very touristy and fun. I enjoy going here Sunday morning with family after church. If you want to get eggs potatoes and sausage it will be like 3 or 4 dollars. if you want to get trout or salmon it'll be about 12 to 15 dollars.
(4)
Arvin W.
Food was good Service poor We were seated quickly Order was taken in reasonable time. We were in a group of people. Some people ordered similar things so instead of getting our orders some things were mixed together and they said we could share. Or bill reflected charges for each order and so did others we didn't get a discount for sharing! 1 order was wrong and waitress said just fix it. We were right near host desk and over heard them ask about a bus of 50 some people. After that we got our bill and never any fill on coffee or any check back. Anyway zero tip for poor service on that.
(1)
Bert S.
As a Cracker Barrel, this place deserves 5 stars but as an eating establishment, 4 stars. Don't get me wrong, I liked this place but it is a Cracker Barrel. My server was friendly and checked on us a few time. I had the chicken and dumplings with pinto beans and fried okra. The dumplings were cooked without being chewy, the chicken wasn't overcooked, beans were firm without being hard, and the okra was hot and crispy. For what it is, this is a great place to have a relaxing lunch. I'll be back.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Brunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Neil Y.
I like Cracker Barrel. I just happen to like this one better. It sits a mile east of I-75 and is located near the greatest Meijer in Michigan. Typical to the franchise, it's busy but it moves. Ask to sit in Christine's section. She's a great server. Very personable and great with the little details such as refills and extra napkins. Take a bow, Bay City Cracker Barrel. YOu deserve it.
(4)Marry N.
They offer pretty good southern comfort foods. I usually opt for healthier options, but do get southern cravings from time to time. I guess I only have it 3 stars because the food isn't memorable. The price is right though. I'd say if you don't know what to eat, but craving chicken fried steak or southern comfort foods, eat here. Oh and I might add, they offer the most delicious thanksgiving meal on thanksgiving, it was hands down the best turkey/ham meal I've had. Only downside is that it's only available limited time during the holidays.
(3)Jim D.
It's not bad. The service always seems to be okay. The food is the same as you would expect at any other Cracker Barrel. I have honestly never been too overly crazy about their food. I've tried quite a few things off of the menu and nothing has ever really blown me or my tastebuds away.
(3)Sue G.
1 Star for service 5 stars for food. We had a wonderful Cracker Barrel experience in Bridgeport, MI and when someone asked us to meet them at Cracker Barrel in Bay City, we were excited. (From our Bridgeport experience, we learned that servers w/four stars on their serving apron were not only long-term employees but had excellent reviews by supervisors and had passed testing.) Well, it must have been a bad day for our 4-star server!!! She was VERY impatient with one of the people at our table when she didn't understand the options for one of the menu items. (Yes, we had taken a time to look at our menus). The options had been explained, but the person not understanding the options is hard of hearing (a non-visable disability!) Our server was most impatient (by tone and words) when the person asked to have something repeated. It was most uncomfortable for my husband and I to sit there and watch this happen!!! Our meal was good - and we had a nice time (we hadn't seen each other for 12 years!) We knew we would be there for a time and had a table out of the way and watched continually to make sure tables were available (there were LOTS of empty tables). We know to tip more when you stay longer than a regular meal - Our coffee and water were not refilled without quite a wait. It was sooo hard to understand how she was a 4-star server!
(3)Tim B.
Does nobody in Bay City, Michigan know who the Bay City Rollers were? They all seemed to know that Madonna came from there (and I do find it remarkable that such a generic city should have ties to two acts with number one songs)... but I digress. Cracker Barrel. Known for providing comfort food with a right wing-centric gift shop, at least that's what I remembered from my 2008 trip to a Florida franchise. Six years later and over a thousand miles up I-75, little had changed. My salmon was nice and crisp, the wife ordered ice tea and had to fight to keep it unsweetened. And I ordered string beans. Should've known better - they were canned, in fact one could still detect the can water in its presentation. Blorf. But my pie was dee lish. Essentially got what I expected, along with the site of an Elvis religious album, "He Touched Me".
(3)Robert D.
Food is good. The only downside is bringing the kiddos in here. They expect me to buy them a toy from the store area (or the candy toy dispenser things). Service is good when it isn't super busy, otherwise it takes a while for refills. The Buttermilk breaded Chicken dinner was really good.
(4)Sam T.
I LOVE CRACKER BARREL!! I travel across the US all the time and will actually drive out of my way to eat at a CB. Thankfully I didn't have to do that on this stop. As we walked through the doors we walked through the "General Store" and I always get that good feeling that I'm about to get a good meal. I always order the same thing. Always! biscuits & gravy. The waitress took our order and in a short time we had our food. Everything was as we expected and the flavors were classic CB. Always good! I will continue to search out CB because they serve good food that is reasonably priced, and it's that way no matter what state your in.
(4)Sara S.
If you've been to any other Cracker Barrel restaurant, this location will be very familiar. The usual overstuffed gift shop area fills the front section of the building. The dining area can sometimes feel a bit cramped when it gets busy since the tables are packed in and the aisles aren't spacious. Vintage looking country kitsch and old timey advertising line the walls. A large fireplace adds a nice coziness during the winter. I've only had lunch/dinner meals here a couple of times, but it was standard mild comfort food heaped high just like you'd expect (I usually only eat here on Saturday/Sunday mornings). Their breakfast menu, however, is reliably tasty and offers a generous selection of options for the hangover afflicted diner. The coffee tends to be weak, but not tasteless, and they're good at keeping your mug full. I've had mixed experiences with the staff. The greeters, seaters, and checkout attendees are friendly, but not always completely competent (they always seem caught off guard by takeout orders). The waitstaff can sometimes be abrasive and scatterbrained, seemingly as a direct result of being overwhelmed by too many patrons and not enough employees to handle the breakfast rush.
(4)Sether F.
I gave it four stars just because of the ambience. Has a fireplace going in the dining room during the winter. Whole place has a rustic feel. Love all the old toys and trinkets in the waiting area. Food is decent. Predicatable. Nothing spectacular. You won't leave hungry. Go there for breakfast after a long night
(4)Roger B.
I'm a longtime fan of Cracker Barrel and have eaten at their locations in many states. I'm also a native Southerner. So this is a great treat and a wonderful restaurant to have within 20 miles of home! The service is usually very good, and the food is generally excellent. I especially like the breakfast, which is served all day. It's all very much comfort food, with generous portions (very good value for the money). But if you're looking for health food, this ain't the place!
(4)Deborah R.
I stopped here the Sunday after my excursion down Rifle River. With my swimsuit still under my clothes I hobbled in here and sat down at the table feeling like my body was slowly dying. By time I got my coffee I felt a tinge of hope that I might not throw up onto the table. By time I finished the breakfast sampler I was nearly good as new. That order is my #1 reccomendation. I completely give it credit for me surviving past that day. Everything tasted great, like always, and the service was great. A stop here for breakfast is a must-do, especially if you're headed back from the river.
(4)Ernie M.
A very good place for lunch. Always good food at fair cost.
(3)Susan L.
We ate dinner there on a Saturday evening in 10/07, en route to the UP. The service was friendly & prompt, the prices were great and the food was good. My husband's apple cheddar chicken was delicious and the rolls were really good.
(4)Christopher A.
This is an awesome place for anyone who is into novelties, antiques, old fashioned toys, old fashioned furniture, or old fashioned candy. The food quality is just as good if not better than any other average diner but it feels very touristy and fun. I enjoy going here Sunday morning with family after church. If you want to get eggs potatoes and sausage it will be like 3 or 4 dollars. if you want to get trout or salmon it'll be about 12 to 15 dollars.
(4)Arvin W.
Food was good Service poor We were seated quickly Order was taken in reasonable time. We were in a group of people. Some people ordered similar things so instead of getting our orders some things were mixed together and they said we could share. Or bill reflected charges for each order and so did others we didn't get a discount for sharing! 1 order was wrong and waitress said just fix it. We were right near host desk and over heard them ask about a bus of 50 some people. After that we got our bill and never any fill on coffee or any check back. Anyway zero tip for poor service on that.
(1)Bert S.
As a Cracker Barrel, this place deserves 5 stars but as an eating establishment, 4 stars. Don't get me wrong, I liked this place but it is a Cracker Barrel. My server was friendly and checked on us a few time. I had the chicken and dumplings with pinto beans and fried okra. The dumplings were cooked without being chewy, the chicken wasn't overcooked, beans were firm without being hard, and the okra was hot and crispy. For what it is, this is a great place to have a relaxing lunch. I'll be back.
(4)