What Time Does Cracker Barrel Start Serving Lunch?
Are you planning a visit to Cracker Barrel and wondering when you can indulge in their delicious lunch offerings? You’re not alone. Many fans of this popular restaurant chain eagerly anticipate their lunch service, featuring a diverse menu that caters to various tastes.
Cracker Barrel starts serving lunch at 11:00 AM every day, across all locations in the United States. At this time, you can seamlessly transition from their breakfast menu to the lunch and dinner options, offering a wide range of choices for your meal. Understanding their hours and menu offerings is key to planning your visit and making the most of your dining experience.
What Time Does Cracker Barrel Start Serving Lunch?

Cracker Barrel’s lunch service kicks off at 11:00 AM sharp, a time consistent across all their locations nationwide. This means that whether you’re planning a meal during your daily routine or a pit stop during your travels, you can rely on Cracker Barrel being ready to serve lunch at 11:00 AM.
The lunch menu becomes available at 11:00 AM and continues to be served until the restaurant closes, typically at 9:00 PM on weekdays and Sundays. Some locations may stay open until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, offering you extended hours to enjoy their Cracker Barrel lunch offerings.
One of the standout features of Cracker Barrel’s service is the flexibility they offer. Starting at 11:00 AM, you can order from both their lunch and dinner menus. This means you can enjoy heartier options like pot roast, bone-in fried chicken, and steak even before noon, making it particularly convenient for those with non-traditional schedules.
Here are some key points to keep in mind about Cracker Barrel’s lunch service:
– Cracker Barrel consistently starts serving lunch at precisely 11:00 AM across all locations.
– The lunch menu is available until closing time, typically 9:00 PM, with some locations staying open later on weekends.
– You can enjoy both lunch and dinner options starting at 11:00 AM, offering remarkable flexibility.
– While breakfast items are served all day, the lunch menu is only available starting at 11:00 AM.
By understanding Cracker Barrel’s lunch hours and menu flexibility, you can plan your visit to fit your schedule, whether you’re in the mood for a traditional lunch or something more substantial from their dinner menu.
Understanding Cracker Barrel’s Operating Hours
When planning your visit to Cracker Barrel, it’s essential to understand their operating hours. Cracker Barrel serves lunch from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week.
Weekly Lunch Schedule
Cracker Barrel maintains a consistent weekly schedule, serving lunch from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday through Sunday. Some locations may have extended hours on Friday and Saturday, staying open until 10:00 PM. This consistency makes it easy to plan your visit.
Day | Lunch Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Thursday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Friday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM* |
Saturday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM* |
Sunday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Holiday Hours and Special Considerations
While Cracker Barrel’s regular hours are consistent, holiday hours may vary by location. It’s recommended to check with your local restaurant for any special holiday schedules, especially on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

As stated by Cracker Barrel’s official website, “We are open on most holidays, but hours may vary.” This emphasizes the importance of verifying hours before visiting during holidays.
“We are open on most holidays, but hours may vary.” – Cracker Barrel Official Website
Exploring Cracker Barrel’s Lunch Menu

The lunch menu at Cracker Barrel is a delightful blend of traditional Southern dishes and satisfying comfort food. You can expect a variety of options to suit different tastes and preferences.
Southern Classics and Comfort Foods
Cracker Barrel’s menu is renowned for its Southern classics, including Chicken n’ Dumplings and Meatloaf. These comfort foods are made with love and care, ensuring a home-cooked taste in every bite. Chicken is a staple, often served in their famous Chicken n’ Dumplings dish.
Sandwiches and Lighter Options
For those seeking less hearty options, Cracker Barrel offers a range of sandwiches and salads. You can enjoy a lighter meal without compromising on flavor, with options that include freshly prepared ingredients.
Family Meals and Shareable Sides
Cracker Barrel also caters to families and groups with their family meals and shareable sides. Their signature Hashbrown Casserole and Buttermilk Biscuits are particularly popular. You can also try their Loaded Hashbrown Casserole Tots for a unique twist on a classic side dish.
Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or looking for a lighter option, Cracker Barrel’s lunch menu has something for everyone. Be sure to check out their daily specials and seasonal offerings to enhance your dining experience.
Breakfast and Dinner Options During Lunch Hours
You can experience the best of both worlds at Cracker Barrel, where breakfast and dinner items are available alongside traditional lunch options. This flexibility is particularly appealing to travelers and those with non-traditional schedules.
All-Day Breakfast Favorites
Cracker Barrel serves breakfast all day, so you can indulge in their famous pancakes, Old Timer’s Breakfast, and Egg Hashbrown Casserole even during lunch hours. These breakfast favorites remain available throughout the day, offering a comforting start or a satisfying meal at any time.

Early Dinner Selections Available at Lunch
Starting at 11:00 AM, Cracker Barrel makes their dinner menu available, featuring hearty options like pot roast, bone-in fried chicken, and premium steak choices, including the New York Strip Steak. This allows you to enjoy evening-style meals earlier in the day, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Meal Type | Popular Items | Available From |
---|---|---|
Breakfast | Pancakes, Old Timer’s Breakfast, Egg Hashbrown Casserole | All Day |
Dinner | Pot Roast, Bone-in Fried Chicken, New York Strip Steak | 11:00 AM |
As noted by a Cracker Barrel customer, “The flexibility in their menu is amazing. I can have breakfast for lunch or try their dinner specials early.” This sentiment is echoed by many who appreciate the flexibility that Cracker Barrel’s menu approach provides.
“The best part about Cracker Barrel is that they’re not limited by traditional meal times. You can get a great breakfast or a satisfying dinner whenever you’re hungry.”
Planning Your Cracker Barrel Lunch Visit
To make the most of your Cracker Barrel lunch visit, consider a few helpful tips. Knowing when to arrive and how to use their convenient services can enhance your dining experience.
Tips to Avoid Peak Wait Times
Cracker Barrel operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving at the right time is crucial. Typically, peak lunch hours are between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM. To minimize your wait, consider arriving just before or after this window. Some locations may have different wait times depending on the day of the week and time of day.
Online Ordering and Curbside Pickup Options
Many Cracker Barrel locations offer online ordering and curbside pickup through their website. You can browse their full lunch menu online before visiting to plan your meal. This convenient service allows you to enjoy your meal without leaving your vehicle, which is particularly useful for travelers or those with limited time.
Time | Wait Time | Recommendation |
---|---|---|
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Minimal | Arrive during this time for a quick seat |
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Peak | Avoid this window if possible |
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Moderate | Consider arriving after 1:30 PM for a shorter wait |

Conclusion
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Cracker Barrel, their lunch offerings are definitely worth exploring. Cracker Barrel serves lunch starting at 11:00 AM every day until closing, offering a wide variety of Southern comfort foods, from fried chicken to Chicken n’ Dumplings.
The flexibility of Cracker Barrel’s menu is a significant advantage, with breakfast items available all day and dinner items available from 11:00 AM. This means you can enjoy a caramel latte or a biscuit breakfast at any time, alongside lunch favorites like sandwiches and salads.
To make the most of your visit, consider using their online ordering and curbside pickup options, which can save you time. With a diverse menu that includes sweet treats like Double Chocolate Fudge Cake, Cracker Barrel lunch is a great choice for anyone looking for a satisfying meal.