Cracker Barrel Lunch and Dinner Menu 2026 (Prices)
By Capri · Last updated: October 2026
If you walk into Cracker Barrel after 11 AM, the lunch and dinner menu is your world. This is where the famous comfort food lives — Chicken n’ Dumplins, meatloaf, country fried steak, and the southern fried chicken that keeps people coming back. I’ve eaten my way through most of this menu over the years, and I’ll tell you honestly what’s worth your money and what’s just okay.
Here’s what you need to know first: lunch and dinner items become available at 11:00 AM daily. Before that, it’s breakfast only. Every lunch and dinner entrée comes with your choice of two country sides plus buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins. That’s a lot of food for the price, and it’s one reason Cracker Barrel’s value is hard to beat.
The Dishes Everyone Orders
Let’s start with the big four — the dishes that define Cracker Barrel.
Chicken n’ Dumplins (~$10.19) is the all-time best seller, and honestly, it earns the title. This isn’t the puffy biscuit-style dumplings some places serve. These are flat, hand-rolled dumplings simmered with tender chicken in a savory broth. It’s the dish I tell first-timers to order, no question. If you’ve never been to Cracker Barrel, start here.
Meatloaf (~$9.99) is homestyle done right — thick slice, tomato glaze on top, the way it should be. Many locations run it as a daily special on Mondays and Tuesdays, so if you go on those days, ask. It’s simple, filling, and one of the best values on the menu.
Country Fried Steak (~$12.99, ~720 cal) is a beef steak breaded and fried crispy, then smothered in sawmill gravy. It’s rich, it’s heavy, and it’s exactly what you want when you’re in the mood for comfort food. The 720-calorie count is just for the steak itself — add your two sides and biscuits and you’re looking at a serious meal.
Southern Fried Chicken (~$13.49, ~950 cal) is brined, breaded, and fried the old-fashioned way. Crispy outside, juicy inside. I’ve had better fried chicken at specialty spots, but for a chain restaurant, this is genuinely good. It comes with two country sides of your choice.
Full Lunch & Dinner Menu With Prices
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken n’ Dumplins (best seller) | ~$10.19 | Varies by location |
| Meatloaf | ~$9.99 | Varies by location |
| Country Fried Steak | ~$12.99 | ~720 |
| Southern Fried Chicken | ~$13.49 | ~950 |
| Sunday Homestyle Chicken | ~$14.49 | ~1,100 |
| Chicken Fried Chicken | ~$13.49 | ~840 |
| Grilled Sirloin Steak | ~$15.49 | ~710 |
| Barrel-Cut Sugar Ham | ~$12.49 | ~860 |
| Country Ham | ~$12.49 | ~670 |
| Lemon Pepper Rainbow Trout | ~$13.49 | ~500 |
| Maple Bacon Grilled Chicken | ~$13.99 | ~690 |
| Cracker Barrel Sampler | ~$13.99 | ~930 |
| Country Vegetable Plate (pick 4 sides) | ~$8.79 | Varies by location |
Prices are approximate and vary by location. Calorie counts shown where published.
Daily Specials Worth Knowing About
Cracker Barrel runs rotating daily specials that change what’s featured. The ones I’ve confirmed:
- Monday & Tuesday: Meatloaf is often the featured special at many locations.
- Wednesday: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken (~$13.49) — chicken breast topped with broccoli and cheddar sauce.
- Thursday: Turkey n’ Dressing (~$13.99) — roast turkey with cornbread dressing and gravy. This one sells out sometimes, so go early if you want it.
Specials can vary by location, so it’s always worth asking your server what’s featured that day.
Best Value on the Lunch & Dinner Menu
If you’re watching your wallet, here’s my honest ranking of value:
Best overall value: Country Vegetable Plate (~$8.79). You pick four country sides. Load up on mac and cheese, hashbrown casserole, mashed potatoes, and fried apples, and you’ve got a feast for under nine bucks. I’ve done this more times than I can count.
Best entrée value: Meatloaf (~$9.99). Under ten dollars for a full entrée with two sides and biscuits. Hard to argue with that.
Best for sharing: Cracker Barrel Sampler (~$13.99, ~930 cal). You get a taste of multiple favorites. Good if you can’t decide or want to split with someone.
What I’d Order (Honest Picks)
First visit: Chicken n’ Dumplins. It’s the signature dish for a reason.
Comfort food craving: Country Fried Steak with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. You’ll need a nap after, but you’ll be happy.
Eating lighter: Lemon Pepper Rainbow Trout (~500 cal) or Maple Bacon Grilled Chicken (~690 cal). Both are genuinely good, not just “good for healthy food.”
Feeding a picky eater: The Grilled Sirloin Steak is straightforward and hard to mess up.
What Comes With Your Entrée
Every lunch and dinner entrée includes two country sides plus your choice of buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins. The sides are where you can really customize your meal. My go-to sides are hashbrown casserole and mac and cheese, but the fried apples, turnip greens, and pinto beans are all solid. With over a dozen options, you can build a very different meal each visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Cracker Barrel start serving lunch?
Lunch and dinner items are available from 11:00 AM daily. Before 11 AM, only the breakfast menu is served.
What is the most popular lunch item at Cracker Barrel?
Chicken n’ Dumplins is the all-time best seller — tender chicken with hand-rolled flat dumplings in savory broth, around $10.19.
Do all entrées come with sides?
Yes. Every lunch and dinner entrée includes your choice of two country sides plus buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins.
What are the daily specials at Cracker Barrel?
Common ones include meatloaf (Mon/Tue), Broccoli Cheddar Chicken (Wed, ~$13.49), and Turkey n’ Dressing (Thu, ~$13.99). Specials vary by location.
Can I get breakfast after 11 AM?
Yes. Breakfast is served all day at Cracker Barrel, so you can order pancakes alongside your lunch if you want.