Editor’s Note:
Wes Hennings never met a meal he walked away from and is an opinionated eater! Each Thursday he shares the results of a business lunch he’s had with a colleague as a way to advise our business community on the good, bad, and tasty across the CSRA. He doesn’t let ABD or the restaurant know where he is going and his opinions are his own. He grades the restaurants he visits on a 1-5 scale with “5” being outstanding. We call this our “Real Business Lunch Review”.
Food Quality: 3
Service: 4
Business Meeting: 4
Value: 3.5
Overall Rating: 3.6 out of 5
At this time of year, I think most of us are looking for a little comfort food. Some warm holiday feelings for the stomach, if you will. And for us southerners, that’s home-cooked entrees like fried meats, dumplings, ham, overcooked veggies, and, of course, biscuits. And with travel on the agenda for many of us, why not review the place that brings us these staples while we’re on the road – Cracker Barrel.
I’ll admit that CB used to be a staple for my friend group – young professionals far from Mom, who weren’t getting all the fixin’s anymore. But it’s not a restaurant I’ve visited lately, and after this trip, may not frequent again.
We visited with the whole family after a morning Christmas program, so we were there well before the lunch rush and still found ourselves with more than a half-hour wait – with hungry 4-year-olds whom we tried to keep from touching every toy in the store during the holiday season.
Our server was pleasant enough and pretty quick, but the food quality seems to have taken a noticeable downward turn. I had a country-fried steak, which was too round to have come from anywhere other than a box frozen with 100 more of them.
My wife and kids had a version of fried chicken tenders that may never have been hand-breaded, but I’ve honestly seen better from a Costco aisle. My daughter even ate less of her macaroni from here than she does from the blue box we stir up at home.
One notable exception was the dumplings. They were a hit with both my daughter and myself. It seems like those are one place that Cracker Barrel corporate has decided not to cut costs during an impending downtown. Granted, it was never as good as mama makes, but we’re heading toward cafeteria level here instead of casual sit-down dining.
We did also enjoy the biscuits and cornbread, along with the roaring fire as the weather started to finally take a chilly turn in seeming anticipation of Santa’s arrival. For a business meeting, this would be a fine place to sit and chat a spell, as long as your companions weren’t anticipating anything too delicious. And the prices were reasonable, but how do you truly measure the value of something you’d probably prefer not to have eaten?
This review is a sad one for me to write before the Big Day, and I hope it doesn’t tip me over to the naughty list at the last minute. Cracker Barrel is one of those places I want to enjoy just because of the menu options and convenience. Sadly, it just didn’t warm my cold heart this holiday season with bland versions of the things I’m longing to eat with my family.
I hope you find some incredible meals over the next few days, and more importantly, some great company to enjoy them with. My family and I truly wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season!
Cracker Barrel
55 N Belair Rd
Evans
www.crackerbarrel.com
