Cracker Barrel Lunch Menu

Surprising fact: many guests save money by choosing weekday combos — Pick 2 options often cost about $8.29 to $9.99, yet still deliver hearty portions.

This guide helps you plan a midday meal with clear details on hours, typical dishes, and cal$ and prices so you avoid guesswork. Lunch runs roughly 11:00 AM–4:00 PM at most locations, and lighter salads, sandwiches, sides, and biscuits are available all day.

You’ll learn what most people actually order — favorites include Chicken n’ Dumplins, Meatloaf, and the Half-Pound Cheeseburger — with sample calories and price ranges so you can compare quickly.

The post also shows how menu prices vary by region and the fastest ways to check your local totals before you change location or head out. Expect tips on pairing sides and spotting great value items for a satisfying, budget-friendly meal.

Lunch hours, availability, and what’s new this season

Most locations open midday service at 11:00 AM and serve through about 4:00 PM. That window covers the main plates and daily specials you expect. Many salads, biscuits, sandwiches, and sides are available all day for added flexibility.

Typical midday window and all-day items

You can rely on the 11:00–4:00 window at most cracker barrel spots. If your plans change, all-day items let you grab a quick plate outside the main hours. Prices and cal$ info are posted online and in-store.

Seasonal updates and rotating offers to watch

The brand’s seasonal “All the More” campaign brings new dishes and refreshed interiors. Watch the app or the in-store board for limited runs and to see when southern fried plates and lighter bowls rotate through.

• Daily specials often run Monday–Friday with homestyle favorites.
• Verify hours or specials on the app or by phone before you change location.
• Bundle deals may end when dinner service begins; ask your server early.

Cracker Barrel Lunch Menu

Dive into top plates with a quick comparison of calories and prices to pick what suits your appetite and budget. Use the short guide below to weigh comfort food against lighter choices fast.

Top lunch favorites at a glance

Favorites include Meatloaf Lunch, Chicken n’ Dumplins, and Country Fried Shrimp. These are hearty choices with mid-range cal$ and price tags.

• Grilled Chicken Salad — 420–580 Cal; ~$9.49–$10.99.
• Chicken n’ Dumplins — 450–760 Cal; ~$9.59–$12.49.
• Meatloaf Lunch — ~720 Cal; ~$9.99.
• Country Fried Shrimp — 680–850 Cal; ~$10.29–$12.99.
• Half-Pound Cheeseburger — 920–990 Cal; ~$9.99–$14.99.

“Compare a grilled chicken salad to a dumplins plate to balance lighter greens with homestyle comfort.”

How to quickly compare calories and prices

Look at entrée calories, then add two sides to estimate totals. The Country Vegetable Plate (four sides) often gives lower calories for less cost.

If you need a quick call, ask staff for the current calorie and price card. It speeds choices and keeps your bill in check.

2025 lunch prices and how they vary by location

In 2025, you’ll notice wider ranges on popular plates and a few premium items that push past the usual price bands. Expect weekday plates in the $8–$12 zone, while full entrées tend to sit around $9–$15 or higher for premium protein choices.

Updated price ranges for plates, combos, and salads

Typical 2025 ranges: country lunch plates run about $8–$12. Full entrées commonly reach $9–$15+, and some premium dishes top $18+. Pick 2 combos still deliver value near $8.29–$9.99. Kids’ items fall between $3.99 and $5.99.

Urban vs. rural pricing, taxes, and promo swings

Urban locations usually list higher base prices due to rent and labor. Rural stores often remain on the lower end. State and local taxes change your out‑the‑door total, so keep that in mind when you change location.

Fastest ways to verify your local prices

Check the official website’s store PDF or the mobile app for current menu prices and promos. A quick call to your local store gives exact totals, tax included, and confirms which sides or daily specials apply.

Country Lunch Plates and weekday specials under two sides

Weekday country plates pair a homestyle main with two sides and a biscuit for steady midday value. You get filling portions without dinner prices. These plates are served in the 11:00–4:00 window at most locations.

Value plates: Meatloaf, Chicken n’ Dumplins, and Country Fried Shrimp

Core picks include Meatloaf Lunch (~720 Cal$, ~$9.99), Chicken n’ Dumplins (~540 Cal$, ~$9.59–$10.99), and Country Fried Shrimp (~690 Cal$, ~$10.29–$12.99). Fried items stay comforting and familiar.

Smart side pairings: one starch, one veggie

Balance flavor and calories by choosing one starch and one vegetable. Try mashed potatoes with green beans or mac with steamed broccoli. Choice sides that contrast work best for texture and taste.

Allergen and dietary notes for popular plates

Gravy, breading, and mac and cheese often contain wheat and dairy. If you have sensitivities, ask staff to confirm preparation. Chicken dumplings and other chicken dishes may include milk in the dough or gravy.

• Ask for sauces on the side to cut extra calories.
• Swap a richer side for a vegetable to lighten the plate.
• Check the posted menu or ask your server for current prices and full cal$ details.

Sandwiches, burgers, and open-faced classics for a quick bite

Handhelds make midday ordering fast, familiar, and easy to customize for any appetite. You can pick a hearty sandwich or a stacked burger and still control calories and cost. Below are standout picks and simple swaps to get more value from your order.

Maple Bacon Grilled Chicken, Open-Faced Roast Beef, and more

The Maple Bacon Grilled Chicken runs about 640–790 cal$ and costs roughly $10.99–$12.29. It’s a grilled chicken option that feels indulgent but leans lighter than fried choices.

The Open-Faced Roast Beef eats like a plate with gravy and bread. Expect 780–980 cal$ and a price near $10.99–$11.99. The Homestyle Chicken BLT and the Half-Pound Cheeseburger sit in similar ranges and satisfy big appetites.

Turn handhelds into better-value combos

Swap fries for a cup of soup or a side salad to cut calories and sometimes cost. Pick 2 combos let you pair a half sandwich with a small side for good value during the lunch window.

Prices vary by location and season, so check the app or the in-store menu before you order. Ask about sauces and buns if you have dietary needs.

Salads, lighter picks, and simple swaps to cut calories

If you want a lighter midday plate, salads and smart swaps make it easy to cut calories without losing flavor. Start with a base that fits your appetite. Then add lean protein or two vegetable sides for balance.

Grilled Chicken Salad vs. Southern Fried Chicken Salad

The grilled chicken salad runs about 420–580 cal$ and costs roughly $9.49–$10.99. It keeps protein high and calories lower by skipping breading.

The southern fried chicken salad offers crunch and richer flavor. Expect 650–970 cal$ and higher prices. Ask for dressing on the side to control portions.

Vegetarian-friendly sides and build-your-own light plates

Choose a House Salad (340–450 cal$) plus a lean protein, or pick two vegetable sides like steamed broccoli (~30–40 cal$) and green beans (~60–70 cal$). This creates a simple, budget-friendly plate.

Dressing, bread, and side swaps that make a difference

Skip biscuits or muffins to cut carbs. Ask for light cheese and vinaigrette instead of creamy dressings. Swapping fries for a steamed side lowers calories and often the price.

• The grilled chicken salad trims calories while keeping that made-from-scratch feel.
• Vegetarian-friendly sides let you build a filling plate without extra cheese or starch.
• Add grilled tenderloins for more protein without big price jumps.

Pick 2 lunch combos: how to mix and match for taste and value

The choice two format is a smart way to get variety without a full entrée. You pair two smaller items for one steady price. That keeps portions controlled and bills predictable.

Typical Pick 2 options pair a half sandwich with a cup of soup, a side salad, or a country side for about $8.29–$9.99. Sample pairings work well for different appetites and tastes.

Popular pairings and who benefits most

Try a Half BLT + Cup of Soup (~520 Cal) or a Half Grilled Cheese + Side Salad (~450 Cal). A Side Salad + Cup of Chicken Noodle runs near 360 Cal$ and feels light.

Guests with lighter appetites, seniors, and value seekers gain the most. Families and groups like mixing combos to sample more menu items without waste.

Customization tips for portion control and sharing

Pick vegetable sides instead of fries to balance calories and cost. Ask servers about daily soup rotations and half-sandwich choices before ordering.

If you want to share, order two different combos and swap halves. For takeout, Pick 2 orders pack well and usually speed out the door.

Country sides, a la carte items, and add-ons worth the calories

Sides can make or break a plate—pick them with purpose to balance flavor and calories.

Guest favorites include hashbrown casserole, mac & cheese, and fried apples. Each adds a homestyle touch and pairs well with roasted or grilled proteins.

Top single-serve sides and what to expect

Most single servings run about $2.49–$3.79. Calories vary: hashbrown casserole (~190–420 Cal), mac & cheese (~310 Cal), and fried apples (~180–210 Cal).

Light options include steamed broccoli (~30–40 Cal) and country green beans (~60–70 Cal). Choose one rich side and one lean side to balance the plate.

Dietary flags and sharing tips

Many sides include dairy or wheat. Mac and gravy often contain cheese and flour. Ask staff for the allergen chart if you need details.

Family-size platters scale down per-person prices. They let groups sample more dishes while cutting the cost and waste.

“Pair creamy sides with a crisp vegetable to keep meals balanced and satisfying.”

Most sides sit near the $3 mark, so adding one won’t push prices too high. Corn muffins and biscuits are tasty add-ons, but count them toward your total cal$.

Choose sides with intention. A crisp slaw or a fruit cup brightens heavier dishes and keeps the plate feeling fresh.

Chicken and turkey favorites: fried, grilled, and homestyle

From bone-in pieces to slow-simmered bowls, the poultry offerings cover fried favorites and lighter grilled options. Plates are hearty and often come with two sides and a biscuit or bread. Ask for sauces on the side to control extra calories.

Southern Fried Chicken, Homestyle Chicken, and Chicken n’ Dumplins

Southern fried chicken brings a seasoned, crisp crust that feels classic. Homestyle Chicken uses two breaded breasts and leans into comfort.

Chicken n’ Dumplins is a tender, slow-simmered choice. It often hits lower cal$ than fried plates and stays friendly on price.

Turkey n’ Dressing and seasonal poultry plates

Turkey n’ Dressing shows up as a weekday or seasonal special. It serves holiday-style flavors at lighter prices for a midday meal.

Balance plates with one starch and one green for contrast. Grilled options trim cal$ and often cost less. Scan the local menu to see where today’s poultry plates land in your market.

Beef and pork go-tos: meatloaf, hamburger steak, ribs, and more

Hearty beef and pork plates anchor many guests’ midday choices. These dishes bring warm gravy, familiar seasoning, and steady portions. They pair well with mashed potatoes and a bright vegetable.

The favorites list includes Meatloaf (~680–850 cal$, ~$9.99–$11.29), Country Fried Steak (~880–1,150 cal$, ~$12.49–$14.29), Hamburger Steak (~760–810 cal$, ~$11.19–$11.99), Pot Roast (~690–850 cal$, ~$14.99–$20.66), and St. Louis‑style ribs (~770 cal$, ~$20.29).

Comfort mains and weekend-worthy specialties

Meatloaf with mashed potatoes is a classic. It arrives sliced with rich gravy and tender meat.

Country fried options like fried steak deliver a golden crust and sawmill gravy. Balance them with a green side to cut richness.

• Hamburger steak often comes topped with onions and gravy for an old‑school flavor.
• Pot roast and ribs are usually weekend or special items with higher prices due to prep time.
• Ask for gravy on the side or skip extra bread to save on calories.

Sharing is simple. Split a hearty plate and add an extra vegetable or salad to lighten the meal. For variety, ask about samplers or daily specials that serve smaller portions.

“Mashed potatoes and a bright vegetable help steady heavier mains without losing comfort.”

Prices vary by region and season, so verify local prices before you order. For more detailed lunch prices and item lists, see our detailed lunch prices.

Seafood standouts and Friday fish traditions

Fish and shellfish bring a coastal feel to midday dining. You can pick from fried catfish, country fried shrimp, or a lighter lemon pepper rainbow trout. Plates arrive with hushpuppies and classic sides, but availability can vary by location.

Fried Catfish is offered in one- or two-piece portions (~400–1,140 cal$, $13.99–$18.49). Country Fried Shrimp runs about 720–900 cal$ and usually costs $12.49–$16.49. Lemon Pepper Rainbow Trout is the leaner choice (~330–500 cal$, $13.49–$16.39).

Friday Fish Fry and coastal samplers explained

Friday Fish Fry stars fried cod (~730 cal$, ~$17.69) as a weekend favorite and often appears as a daily special. The Country Coastal Sampler (~800 cal$, ~$16.29) mixes textures so you can taste flaky fish and crisp shrimp on one plate.

Choose slaw or green beans to freshen fried items. If you share, add a vegetable side and split a sampler to keep portions lighter. Cal$ shift with fried versus grilled prep, so ask your server for the latest counts and prices.

“Samplers let you compare textures—crisp shrimp with flaky fried fish—without committing to a single dish.”

Kids menu and smaller appetites: value picks with sides and a drink

Smaller appetites get big value with pared-down entrees, a side, and a drink included. The kids menu centers on familiar favorites sized for children. That keeps ordering fast and bills easy to predict.

Typical items include Chicken Tenders (~320–410 Cal$, ~$4.99–$5.99), Grilled Cheese (~390 Cal$, ~$4.99), Macaroni n’ Cheese (~300 Cal$, ~$4.99), Mini Pancakes (~500 Cal$, ~$4.99), and a Cheeseburger (~530 Cal$, ~$5.99).

Most kids meals come with a small side like tater rounds or veggies and a drink. You can swap fries for fruit or steamed vegetables in many locations to cut calories and boost nutrition.

“For sharing with a toddler, a single kids entrée plus an extra side often covers a small appetite.”

If you need curbside or quick pickup, kids items prepare fast and travel well. Check the app for current prices and side choices at your local Cracker Barrel before you order.

Family Meal Baskets, party platters, and shareable value

Family-style baskets and platters make feeding a crowd simple and budget-friendly. They lower per-person cost and cut kitchen time. These options work well for families, offices, or a road trip pit stop.

Choose a family meal when you want a full spread. Baskets serve 4–5 and include an entrée plus sides. Typical prices run: Southern Fried Chicken ~$39.99, Chicken n’ Dumplins ~$34.99, Meatloaf ~$36.99, and Sunday Homestyle Chicken ~$41.99.

When to choose family meals vs. platters

Pick family meals for a complete plate experience with portioned sides. Go with party platters when you need flexible servings of a single item or sides.

• Party platters include Chicken Tenders (25 pcs ~$45.99) and large sides like Macaroni n’ Cheese (~$32.99).
• Smaller sides platters: Mashed Potatoes ~$18.99 and Green Beans ~$16.99.
• Combine one family meal with a side platter to add variety without waste.

“Shareable formats lower per-person cost and are ideal for offices, teams, or road trips.”

Practical tips: call ahead during peak times. Ask about current barrel offers; seasonal bundles may add desserts or sweet tea. Label sides when unpacking to help guests with dietary needs and to make serving easier.

Beverages and Southern sips: sweet iced tea, lemonade, and more

Beverage choices shape how a meal lands—pick a bright sip for fried food or a simple cup for salads.

Sweet iced tea is the house classic. A standard glass runs about 120 cal$ and roughly $2.99. It pairs well with barbecue and fried items and refreshes the palate between rich bites.

Lemonade offers a tart counterpoint at about 140–160 cal$ and the same price range. For lighter plates, choose unsweet tea, coffee, or water to keep calories low while you dine.

Best pairings for rich plates vs. lighter lunches

When you order heavy entrées, a crisp iced tea or lemonade cuts fat and salt. For salads and lighter items, hot coffee or unsweet tea keeps totals down.

“A crisp beverage can refresh the palate between bites and make sharing desserts easier.”

• Confirm refill rules and sizes; prices are consistent but can vary by location.
• Ask about barrel offers that bundle drinks with weekday combos.
• Families often save by requesting a pitcher when available.

Your lunch game plan: budget-smart, crave-worthy, and ready to order

Start with what you crave—grilled chicken or a country fried plate—and build the rest. Pick a main, then choose two sides that balance flavor and calories.

Value seekers should watch Pick 2 combos and weekday plates near $8–$12. The Country Vegetable Plate and family meals also save money for groups. Add hashbrown casserole or mashed potatoes for comfort, or pick green sides to keep calories down.

Favorites like southern fried chicken, chicken dumplins, fried apples, and a grilled chicken salad are easy choices. Check barrel offers, daily specials, or current prices on the app, website, or by phone before you order.

Choose your main, lock in two sides, confirm the total, and enjoy a satisfying, budget-friendly meal.