Cracker Barrel Dinner Menu: Prices, Calories & More

Looking for the cracker barrel dinner menu? This guide gives a short, clear answer so you can plan a meal with confidence.

The menu typically serves Lunch n’ Dinner items starting at 11 AM, while classic evening service often runs about 4 PM–10 PM, depending on location. Example prices and calories include Southern Fried Chicken $16.99 / 1640 cal and Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken $15.99 / 280 cal.

This guide covers prices, calories, what comes on each plate, and how sides affect totals. It also explains that offerings vary by location and by two-sides versus three-sides formats.

You’ll find a quick dietary breakdown below to spot higher-protein, lighter, or indulgent picks. Note that kitchens handle common allergens; confirm gluten cross-contact and severe allergy policies at your local store.

Tip: Breakfast-for-dinner is widely available at many locations, which is a big reason people search this topic.

What to Expect From the Cracker Barrel Dinner Menu in the United States

Expect big, comforting plates built around classic Southern sides at most U.S. locations. The experience is simple: homestyle entrees, generous portions, and the option to pick the sides that shape your plate.

Homestyle comfort food staples and country sides

Country sides usually include mashed potatoes, mac n’ cheese, pinto beans, greens, and hashbrown casserole. Many guests center the meal on two or three of these picks, with buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins served alongside.

Prices and calories: what varies by location

Fried favorites tend to be higher in calories; grilled chicken and grilled fish are lighter when paired with lean sides. Prices vary by region, two-versus-three-side formats, seasonal promos, and delivery markups. Use listed numbers as a planning baseline and confirm at your closest store.

Next sections cover hours, highlights, protein categories, specials, breakfast served at night, value picks, and take-home options to help you plan your visit.

Dinner Hours and When Lunch Dinner Service Starts

Most locations move into full evening service on a predictable schedule; here’s what to expect.

Lunch n’ dinner starts at 11 AM at many stores, so dinner-style plates are often available early in the day. That makes late lunch visits a good option if you want evening entrees before the evening rush.

The typical dinner window runs roughly 4 PM to 10 PM, but times vary by region and site type. Smaller towns and travel-plaza locations may close earlier or shift service.

• Rush tip: busiest stretch commonly falls between 3 PM and 7 PM. Arrive before 5 PM or after 7 PM to avoid the peak.
• Weekend traffic can be heavier; expect longer waits on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Online and delivery cutoffs may occur before closing—place orders earlier than you think.
• Use the Cracker Barrel app or website to confirm local hours and ordering cutoffs in real time.

cracker barrel dinner menu Highlights: Most-Ordered Plates to Know

Start here with the plates regulars reorder when they want classic Southern comfort. These picks show the range from hearty mains to a veggie-forward all-sides plate.

Country Fried Steak

Why it’s a favorite: A cult-classic with a crispy coating and creamy sawmill gravy. Served with classic sides like mashed potatoes and your choice of buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins, it’s rich and filling.

Chicken n’ Dumplins

This bowl-style comfort pick is savory and hearty. It’s one of the most popular items and pairs well with a green side to lighten the plate. Example: ~ $14.79 / 3410 cal (varies by location).

Homestyle Chicken vs Southern Fried Chicken

Homestyle chicken feels home-cooked—tender and saucy. Southern fried chicken is crispier and more dinner-forward. Choose homestyle for softer textures and fried chicken when you want crunch. Southern Fried Chicken example price: $16.99 / 1640 cal.

Country Vegetable Plate

Not a raw salad—this is a four-side, all-sides dinner that regulars treat as a customizable comfort move. Add the biscuit or muffin to complete the plate.

• Ordering guidance: Pick one comfort main + 2–3 sides + bread. Decide if you’ll save room for dessert.
• These choices are the best quick picks when you want familiar favorites.

Chicken and Turkey Dinners: Homestyle Chicken, Fried Chicken, and More

If you love chicken, this part breaks down crunchy classics, breakfast-for-night picks, and lighter grilled options. It helps you pick by appetite and calories so you can order with confidence.

Crunchy fried classics

Southern Fried Chicken is a top comfort choice. Price and calories: $16.99 / 1640 cal. It’s best when you want a full, hearty plate.

Breakfast-for-night crossover

Homestyle Chicken n’ French Toast blends savory and sweet. At about $14.99 / 1500 cal, this french toast breakfast-style plate is popular with folks who like breakfast flavors at night.

Lighter and shareable poultry

• Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken — $15.99 / 280 cal; pick veggie-forward sides to keep it balanced.
• Golden Carolina BBQ Chicken Tenders — $13.99 / 620 cal; great for picky eaters or sharing.

Seasonal items like Country Fried Turkey pop up occasionally; check the cracker barrel app for availability. Quick dietary note: fried chicken and similar plates are calorie-dense; grilled chicken often fits lower-carb goals depending on your side choices.

Beef and Pork Dinners: Country Fried Steak, Pot Roast, and Sirloin Steak

From fork-tender roasts to skillet-seared steaks, the beef and pork lineup centers on homestyle gravies and classic sides. These plates pair naturally with mashed potatoes, greens, and biscuits for a familiar, hearty meal.

Country Fried Steak: what comes with it and typical price cues

Country fried steak arrives smothered in sawmill gravy and is served with two or three sides plus a biscuit or corn muffin. The fried steak profile is intentionally “all-in” comfort food—crispy coating, rich gravy, and starchy sides make it consistent across locations.

Pot roast and roast-style comfort plates

Pot roast is slow-cooked until fork-tender and served with gravy and classic sides. The Sunday Pot Roast special is a good value example at about $15.19 / 520 cal, perfect for planning a lighter roasted option.

Skillet sirloin and steak sampler choices

The Skillet Sirloin Steak Sampler is priced at $19.99 and about 490 cal. It’s a smart pick if you want real steak flavor without an overly heavy plate.

New York strip combos: surf-and-turf options

New York strip combos pair steak with shrimp or chicken for a surf-and-turf upgrade. Examples: Big Easy Steak & Shrimp $23.99 / 660 cal and New York Strip n’ Shrimp $25.99 / 870 cal. Sauces and sides can raise calories and introduce allergens, so ask about preparations if you have sensitivities.

• Ordering tip: Watch carbs by choosing steak plus non-starchy sides like greens or steamed vegetables.
• Classic pick: For the full comfort experience, pair steak or pot roast with mashed potatoes and sawmill-style gravy.

Fish and Shrimp Dinners: Catfish, Rainbow Trout, and Country Fried Shrimp

Seafood is a surprisingly strong option if you want something other than chicken or beef. The lineup covers grilled, flaky fillets and crunchy fried plates that pair well with classic sides.

U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish comes two ways: fried (cornmeal-crusted) and grilled. Fried catfish is priced at $13.49 for 1 pc / 400 cal, or $19.49 for 2 pc / 810 cal. Grilled catfish is the lighter choice at $13.49 for 1 pc / 130 cal, or $19.49 for 2 pc / 260 cal.

The Lemon Pepper Grilled Rainbow Trout is another lean pick: $15.99 / 280 cal. Its citrus-pepper notes pair well with green sides to keep the plate bright.

Country Fried Shrimp is the classic crunchy seafood plate at $16.99 / 720 cal. Be aware: this item contains shellfish and breading allergens.

• Friday specials: Friday Fish Fry $15.79 / 730 cal and Friday Country Coastal Sampler $14.69 / 800 cal are schedule-friendly crowd pleasers.
• Ordering tip: you control heaviness by side choices and sauces—pick greens for a lighter meal or mashed potatoes for a hearty plate.

Daily Specials Worth Planning Around

Weekly specials make it easy to pick a plated favorite without guessing. They give you a planned, comforting evening choice for the day you visit.

Why specials matter: They simplify ordering and often offer steady prices and flavor profiles that regulars list among their favorites.

Monday Chicken n’ Rice

Cozy and straightforward, this plate feels lighter than fried picks while still filling. Price: $13.59 / 510 cal. It’s a good start to the week.

Wednesday Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

Creamy and savory—this choice highlights dairy. Price: $15.99 / 690 cal. Note: contains cheese; flag dairy if you have allergies.

Thursday Turkey n’ Dressing

Think holiday flavors on a weeknight. Heavier due to dressing and gravy. Price: $16.49 / 820 cal. A true comfort day pick.

Sunday Pot Roast

Classic slow-cooked value that pairs well with traditional sides. Price: $15.19 / 520 cal. A reliable favorites pick to close the week.

Planning tip: Check the cracker barrel app before you go. Specials and availability on the menu can vary by location and season.

Breakfast Menu Served During Dinner Hours

If you crave syrup and eggs at night, the restaurant’s breakfast lineup is available during evening hours. This is a convenient perk for anyone who wants pancakes or French toast after typical evening meals.

French toast choices

Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Breakfast is listed at $12.49 and about 1290 calories. It’s rich and sweet, and makes a solid late-night treat when you want a bakery-style plate.

Pancake fan favorites

Momma’s Pancake Breakfast ($12.49 / 960 cal) is the classic stack many fans call the top pick. Grandma’s Sampler ($13.49 / 750 cal) is great if you want variety and a lighter pancake option.

Hashbrown casserole plates

The Sausage & Egg Hashbrown Casserole ($14.49 / 1100 cal) is a hearty, savory option that feels like a full supper. Add it when you want max comfort from the breakfast-for-night selections.

Build-your-breakfast tip: pick pancakes or french toast, add eggs and a protein, then include hashbrown casserole for extra heartiness. Note: most breakfast plates are not gluten-free—ask about substitutions if you avoid gluten.

Best Value Picks and “Deal-Friendly” Orders

Smart orders focus on plate format and side choices — that’s where real savings hide. Many plates come as a main plus two or three classic sides and bread. That single setup often replaces the need for extras and keeps overall prices lower.

• Pick one comfort side (mashed potatoes) for satisfaction.
• Add one vegetable side to balance the plate.
• If you get three sides, choose one signature (hashbrown casserole) for flavor.

Early dinner deals and budget combos vary by location and time. Confirm local offers in the app or on in-store signage before you order.

Value-forward habits: Drink water or iced tea, skip starters, and add dessert only if you plan to share. Daily specials often give predictable prices and can be the best way to stretch a family budget.

Family Meal Options for Dinner at Home

When you need an easy, crowd-pleasing spread, family meals deliver predictable portions and classic flavors. They are built to feed a group with minimal prep and familiar plates everyone will eat.

Best-sellers and what to expect

Popular family meals include Chicken n’ Dumplins ($41.99 / 3170 cal), Southern Fried Chicken ($52.99 / 6510 cal), Crispy Homestyle Chicken ($52.99 / 4240 cal), and Meatloaf ($51.99 / 3670 cal). Grilled Chicken Tenders are a lighter, shareable option at $51.99 / 3410 cal.

Family-sized sides and drinks

Family-sized sides are the smart play for variety. Broccoli Cheese Casserole runs $26.49 / 1520 cal and Mashed Potatoes are $17.99 / 980 cal. Pair one creamy casserole, one potato, and one green side for balance.

Half-gallon beverages like Sweet Tea ($5.49 / 520 cal) and Wild Berry Tea ($8.89 / 870 cal) are inexpensive ways to serve a group.

Desserts to finish

The Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake (family size) is $22.99 / 3390 cal and is an easy crowd-pleaser. Note: this dessert contains dairy and gluten—flag allergies when ordering.

• How to order: Look under Family Meals in the app or site for pickup; ordering a family option often speeds assembly versus many individual plates.
• Bundles vary by location; confirm items and sides before you place the order.

Party Platters for Groups and Events

Group events call for straightforward trays that please varied tastes and cut service time. Party platters are the go-to solution for meetings, game days, and family gatherings when you need easy portions and familiar flavors.

Build-your-own homestyle chicken sandwich bars

Fried vs. grilled: The Build Your Own Fried Homestyle Chicken Sandwich Bar costs $103.99 and totals 7960 cal for the full tray. The Build Your Own Grilled Homestyle Chicken Sandwich Bar is also $103.99 but totals 4150 cal. Choose fried for an indulgent family-style meal or grilled to keep calories lower for a large group.

Slider and shareable trays

The Barrel Cheeseburger Slider Platter is $34.99 / 2550 cal. It’s a compact crowd-pleaser and pairs well as an add-on to a chicken tray when appetites vary.

Dessert trio sampler

The Dessert Trio Sampler ($31.99 / 5170 cal) is the easiest way to satisfy mixed sweet cravings without ordering several full pies. It covers multiple preferences and simplifies dessert service.

• Group solution: Platters cut prep time and reduce individual orders.
• Order ahead: Confirm pickup windows and lead times to avoid rush-day surprises.
• Extras: Add an extra tray of sides if the group leans side-focused.
• Allergens: Breaded chicken, slider buns, and desserts usually contain gluten, dairy, and eggs—flag allergies when ordering.

Country Sides You’ll Want With Every Plate

Sides are the secret that turns a simple plate into a signature meal at this classic Southern spot. Pick two or three and you’ll change texture, richness, and portion size without swapping the main.

Hashbrown casserole, mashed potatoes, and steak fries

Hashbrown casserole is the top recommendation for newcomers. The regular side is about $3.09 / 140 cal and the loaded version runs $3.49 / 300 cal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing.

Mashed potatoes and steak fries are the core starch choices. Add sawmill gravy to the potatoes for extra richness, or keep the fries as a crisp contrast.

Mac n’ cheese, dumplins, and country vegetables

Mac n’ cheese and dumplins push a plate toward indulgence. Broccoli Cheese Casserole ($3.69 / 250 cal) adds a cheesy vegetable option that still feels hearty and true to country roots.

Bowl of pinto beans and classic green sides

A bowl of pinto beans and greens balance heavier plates. Choose them when you want something filling but lighter than fried options.

Buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins: what’s typically included

Most plates come with your choice of buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins. Buttermilk adds a fluffy, tangy note; muffins bring a sweeter contrast.

• Ordering tip: Treat sides as the real menu—mix a starch, a green, and one signature casserole for variety.
• Dietary callout: Many sides contain dairy or gluten. Verify ingredient lists if you need gluten-free or dairy-free options.

Barrel Bites and Shareables Before Dinner

Before the main plates arrive, small shareables let you nibble and still save room for the entrée. These starters are billed as a tasty pre-dinner upgrade when hunger hits early.

Fan favorites and what to expect

Loaded Hashbrown Casserole Tots — $7.69 / 800 cal. Crispy, salty, and made for sharing. They add a rich, cheesy hit fast, so they can push your meal calories upward quickly.

Country Fried Pickles — $7.49 / 1070 cal. Tangy and crunchy, they pair well with iced tea and are a crowd-pleasing starter for groups.

Snackable cheese and sweet bites

White Cheddar Cheese Bites — rich and snackable; these contain dairy and gluten, so flag allergies when ordering.

Biscuit Beignets — $5.59 / 480 cal. A sweet shareable that can double as a light dessert if you skip a slice of cake later.

• Ordering tip: If you add an appetizer, choose lighter sides with your main to balance the plate.

Drinks Menu: Iced Tea, Soft Drinks, and Coffee Picks

Drinks here range from timeless iced teas to fountain sodas and specialty coffee picks for a post-meal lift.

Iced tea is the default pairing at many locations. Merry Berry Tea is a seasonal favorite at $3.89 (220 cal) and a half-gallon runs $8.89 (870 cal). Sweet tea and unsweet options make it easy to match your plate.

Classic and seasonal tea flavors

Choose sweet tea for a true Southern sweet note, or pick seasonal berry blends when available. Unsweet tea keeps calories low if your plate is indulgent.

Fountain standards

Fountain drinks (Coca‑Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite) usually list around $3.79. These are safe bets for picky kids or family orders.

Crafted coffee picks

For a post-meal boost, crafted coffees like an Iced Caramel Latte ($4.54) turn dinner into a slow chat or a road-trip stop.

• Drink strategy: pick tea for refreshment, soda for familiarity, or coffee for a caffeine lift.
• Watch calories in sweetened drinks; choose unsweet tea or water if your food is already rich.

Desserts and Pies to Finish Your Meal

Dessert choices here cover classic pies, seasonal specialties, and a famously rich chocolate cake. Pick a warm cobbler for comfort, a slice of pie for variety, or the chocolate-forward signature to share.

Chocolate-forward and signature sweets

Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake is the standout chocolate fudge slice. It runs $6.49 and is about 790 cal. Many guests split it because it’s rich and dense.

Seasonal and classic pie options

Seasonal pie slices rotate. Expect pumpkin and cinnamon roll pieces in limited windows. Other pie flavors include apple streusel, chocolate pecan, and classic pecan.

• Warm option: Peach cobbler or Southern apple cobbler for a homey finish.
• Timing: seasonal pies may not be at every location—check the menu before you go.
• Allergens: most desserts contain wheat and dairy; pecan pies include nuts.

Quick pick: if you want chocolate, choose the cake; if you want warm comfort, pick a cobbler; if you want variety, grab a pie slice to go. For the latest availability and prices, check the local cracker barrel app or site before you visit.

How to Check the Latest Menu Prices, Calories, and Availability Near You

Want accurate local pricing, nutrition, and service hours before you go? Use a quick, step-by-step check to avoid surprises and order with confidence.

Use the official site or app first

Start with the chain’s website or mobile app and set your location. That shows the most reliable local menu prices and calorie listings. Choose your store, then browse lunch and dinner categories and sides since those vary most by location.

Verify hours and online ordering cutoffs

Check both dining room hours and the app’s online ordering times. Many locations list a delivery or pickup cutoff earlier than closing. Confirm today’s hours so you don’t plan around service that already ended.

Compare delivery platforms

Look at DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats for alternate availability. These apps sometimes show different pricing, fees, or listed items. If you’re ordering in, compare total cost and the estimated cutoff time.

• Quick checklist before you go: confirm today’s special, verify that lunch dinner service started (commonly 11 AM), and check for seasonal items.
• Tip: limited-time plates can appear or disappear fast—app confirmation prevents disappointment.

Conclusion

This quick wrap-up gives the simplest way to order confidently at Cracker Barrel tonight. Founded in Lebanon, Tennessee in 1969, the chain makes choices easy when you pick a comforting main, customize your sides, and confirm local prices in the app.

Remember the practical hours: lunch n’ dinner often begins at 11 AM and full service commonly runs about 4–10 PM. Breakfast is frequently available at night. If you need a fast decision, try Country Fried Steak, Chicken n’ Dumplins, Southern Fried Chicken, or a Country Vegetable Plate.

Sides and bread are part of the experience—choose a green side to balance richer plates. Before you go, check your nearest Cracker Barrel for today’s special, seasonal desserts, and the online ordering cutoff so you arrive prepared.