Cracker Barrel is a popular restaurant chain known for its country-style home cooking. Many people wonder if Cracker Barrel sells traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. Corned beef and cabbage is a beloved meal in Irish-American culture and a staple menu item at many restaurants when St. Patrick’s Day rolls around. Keep reading to find out if you can order this classic dish at Cracker Barrel.
About Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is an American chain of combined restaurant and gift stores with a Southern country theme. The first Cracker Barrel location opened in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee. Since then, the restaurant has expanded to over 600 locations across the United States.
Cracker Barrel is known for serving traditional Southern and country-style cooking. Some of their most popular menu items include chicken n’ dumplins, jumbo grits, country-fried steak, and biscuits and gravy. Their breakfast menu features options like pancakes, French toast, egg dishes, and much more.
In addition to food, Cracker Barrel locations also contain a gift shop selling various Southern and country-themed gifts, toys, apparel, and decor. The stores aim to recreate an old country store feel. Cracker Barrel’s rustic themed decor and gift shop help provide a Southern home-style atmosphere to complement its comforting country cooking.
Does Cracker Barrel Serve Corned Beef and Cabbage?
Corned beef and cabbage is not a regular menu item at Cracker Barrel restaurants. However, some locations do offer it as a limited-time seasonal special around St. Patrick’s Day. Here is some background on how Cracker Barrel approaches corned beef and cabbage:
– Not Part of Permanent Menu: Corned beef and cabbage is generally not part of Cracker Barrel’s permanent everyday menu. As they focus on country-style cooking, you wouldn’t find it there year-round.
– Special St. Patrick’s Day Menu: Many Cracker Barrel locations create special limited-time menus for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day. Some restaurants include corned beef and cabbage as a special meal on this menu which is only available for a limited time.
– Varies by Location: Whether corned beef and cabbage is offered as a special seems to depend on the individual Cracker Barrel location. Not all restaurants choose to offer it. You would need to check with your local Cracker Barrel.
– Often Served with Sides: When offered, the corned beef and cabbage entree is usually served with traditional Irish sides like rye bread, boiled potatoes, carrots, and Irish beer. It makes for a festive St. Patrick’s Day meal.
So in summary – while not a permanent menu item, some Cracker Barrel locations do choose to offer corned beef and cabbage on a special holiday menu around St. Patrick’s Day. Availability seems to vary by location.
When is Cracker Barrel’s Corned Beef and Cabbage Available?
For those Cracker Barrel restaurants that offer corned beef and cabbage, it is featured for a limited time around St. Patrick’s Day – usually starting about a week before St. Patrick’s Day. Here is more detail on the availability:
– Dates: The special St. Patrick’s Day menu including corned beef and cabbage is usually only offered for about a 1-2 week timeframe at participating locations. This would include the week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day as well as the holiday itself on March 17th.
– Limited Time Offer: The corned beef and cabbage entree is only available during this limited seasonal window before it is taken off the menu again. It is not offered year-round.
– Hours: During its promotional window, the corned beef and cabbage is usually available during normal restaurant hours – from opening to closing time. So you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner while the special menu lasts.
– March Availability: You can typically find the corned beef dish sometime within the March calendar month surrounding St. Patrick’s Day. But its not available once the holiday passes.
So in essence, check for the corned beef and cabbage special at your local Cracker Barrel in March, especially the week up to St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. But it won’t be around long!
Sample Cracker Barrel St. Patrick’s Day Menu
To give you an idea of what to expect, here is a sample menu with corned beef and cabbage as Cracker Barrel offered in the past:
Cracker Barrel’s St. Patrick’s Day Menu
- Corned Beef Brisket and Cabbage – Slow-roasted corned beef brisket served with boiled cabbage, carrots, and rye bread. Served with one side.
- Leprechaun Juice – Green colored lemonade.
- Irish Cheddar Burger – Beef burger topped with Irish cheddar cheese sauce and fried pickles on a toasted bun.
- Lucky Lemon Cake – Yellow cake with lemon filling and icing.
- Irish Coffee – Hot coffee with Irish whiskey and cream.
So you can see they offer some festive Irish-inspired specials like corned beef, Irish coffee, and Leprechaun Juice to celebrate the holiday! The festive green lemonade is especially fun for kids.
How to Order Corned Beef and Cabbage at Cracker Barrel
If you want to order the limited-time corned beef and cabbage from the Cracker Barrel St. Patrick’s Day menu, here is how to do it:
– Check if Available: First, contact your local Cracker Barrel location and ask if they are offering corned beef brisket and cabbage on the holiday menu this year. Not all locations participate.
– Dine In: Visit the restaurant during its promotional dates and order it off the special menu. This is the best way to experience the dish and festive St. Patrick’s Day decor.
– Order To-Go: You can also order the St. Patrick’s Day specials for takeout or delivery. Call ahead or order online for pickup.
– Third-Party Delivery: Cracker Barrel partners with third-party delivery services like DoorDash, so you may be able to get the holiday specials delivered.
– Add Sides: Don’t forget to complete your Irish meal with festive sides like rye bread, potatoes, carrots or a St. Patrick’s Day cocktail like Irish coffee or green “Leprechaun Juice”!
So be sure to call ahead to your local restaurant and see if they are participating. With some planning, you may be able to enjoy this special corned beef brisket meal for a limited time!
Nutrition Information for Corned Beef and Cabbage
If you are wondering about the nutrition facts of Cracker Barrel’s corned beef and cabbage dish, here are some estimates based on a typical serving:
| Nutrition Facts | Per 1 Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 |
| Total Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Sodium | 1710mg |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Protein | 36g |
As you can see, corned beef and cabbage is quite high in sodium at over 1700mg per serving due to the salt-brined corned beef. It is also high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Balance the meal with veggies like carrots and ask for low sodium cooking methods. Enjoy this satisfying St. Patrick’s feast in moderation!
Other Traditional Irish Meals at Cracker Barrel
In addition to the special corned beef and cabbage plate, Cracker Barrel also likes to offer some other traditional Irish and St. Patrick’s Day inspired dishes. Here are some other menu items they have offered for the holiday in the past:
Reuben Sandwich
This classic sandwich contains corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing grilled between slices of rye bread. It makes another delicious way to enjoy tasty corned beef.
Irish Stew
A hearty beef stew made with Guinness beer, potatoes, carrots and onions. Perfect for warming up in March!
Fish and Chips
Cracker Barrel’s version features fried haddock fillets served with french fries and tartar sauce for a taste of classic pub food.
Irish Soda Bread
This quick bread gets its signature flavor and texture from baking soda. Raisins add sweetness to complement the bread.
Green Beer
What St. Patrick’s Day meal would be complete without festive green beer? Cracker Barrel offers both green domestic beers and imported Irish lagers.
So in addition to the special corned beef plate, look for these other Irish favorites on Cracker Barrel’s holiday menu for a true St. Paddy’s Day feast! The Reuben sandwich also features corned beef if you can’t get enough.
Tips for Enjoying Corned Beef and Cabbage at Cracker Barrel
Here are some helpful tips for having the best corned beef and cabbage dining experience at Cracker Barrel:
– Call Ahead – Be sure to call your location first to confirm they have it before heading over.
– Arrive Early – Go early in the promotional window as it may sell out closer to St. Patrick’s Day.
– Wear Green – Don your best green outfits to get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit!
– Add Sides – Order Irish soda bread and beer to make it a well-rounded meal.
– Leftovers – If dining in, take home leftovers since corned beef keeps well.
– Kids Menu – Cracker Barrel’s regular kids menu has lots of Irish-friendly options like fried fish or chicken tenders.
– Gift Shop – Browse the gift shop for St. Patrick’s Day souvenirs and decor after your meal.
– Safety Precautions – Follow all COVID-19 safety guidelines or consider takeout/delivery to be extra safe.
Following these tips will help you have the best possible corned beef and cabbage experience at Cracker Barrel this St. Patrick’s Day! With some preparation, you can enjoy this special holiday meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Cracker Barrel’s corned beef and cabbage:
Does Cracker Barrel have corned beef and cabbage year-round?
No, corned beef and cabbage is only offered for a limited time around St. Patrick’s Day at participating Cracker Barrel locations. It is not a permanent menu item.
When exactly is corned beef and cabbage available at Cracker Barrel?
It is usually only offered for about 1-2 weeks around March 17th for St. Patrick’s Day. Check with your local restaurant for exact dates.
What comes with Cracker Barrel’s corned beef and cabbage?
The plate typically comes with corned beef brisket, boiled cabbage, carrots, rye bread, and one regular side dish. Sides vary by location.
How much does the corned beef and cabbage plate cost?
Pricing varies by location but averages around $12.99 – $14.99 during its promotional window.
Can you order the corned beef and cabbage to-go?
Yes, you can order the St. Patrick’s Day specials online or by phone for takeout, curbside pickup, or delivery where available.
Conclusion
In conclusion, corned beef and cabbage is offered as a limited-time holiday special for St. Patrick’s Day at select Cracker Barrel locations. While not on the permanent menu, many restaurants create a special St. Patrick’s Day menu in March featuring the Irish classic. Availability and participation varies by location, so check with your local Cracker Barrel. With some preparation and timing your visit just right in March, you may be able to enjoy corned beef brisket, cabbage, and all the fixings while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in true Irish-American style at a Cracker Barrel near you!