Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Why Locals Love Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Merrillville, Indiana, is a charming destination that perfectly blends Southern hospitality with traditional American comfort food. Known for its warm, family-friendly atmosphere, this beloved restaurant invites guests to unwind and savor hearty meals that evoke the nostalgic flavors of home-cooked Southern cuisine.

The menu here is a celebration of classic American and Southern staples, crafted with care and served generously. Signature dishes like the Chicken Fried Chicken deliver tender homestyle chicken drenched in rich, creamy sawmill gravy, accompanied by your choice of two or three classic country sides and freshly baked buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins. If you're craving a lighter but equally flavorful option, the Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken features perfectly seasoned grilled chicken breasts that carry a smoky depth, paired with savory sides and fresh-baked breads that complement every bite.

Families will appreciate the thoughtfully curated Kid’s Menu, featuring favorites like the velvety Mac & Cheese served with a biscuit or muffin, and crispy, golden fried shrimp that come with hushpuppies and dipping sauces—comforting dishes that delight young palates without compromising on quality.

Beyond the hearty meals, the welcoming dining room at Cracker Barrel Merrillville radiates a cozy, rustic charm—imagine warm wood accents, vintage décor, and a lively, friendly vibe that immediately puts you at ease. Guests consistently praise the attentive and personable service, with servers like Kelly, Angel, Rita, and Bri going above and beyond to create a memorable experience. Whether you're escaping the bustle of your day or enjoying a casual family outing, you'll find yourself wrapped in an inviting ambiance where cleanliness and care are visibly a priority.

One cannot overlook the unique gift shop that adjoins the restaurant, boasting an array of charming collectibles, nostalgic treats, and delightful home décor that evoke a simpler, sweeter time. It’s no surprise that many visitors leave with more than just a full stomach—they take home a slice of Cracker Barrel’s heartwarming tradition.

While some occasional critiques mention moments of rushed service, the overall consensus highlights a consistently enjoyable dining experience marked by delicious food, great value, and sincere hospitality. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Merrillville is not just a place to eat—it’s a comforting retreat that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and feel genuinely cared for every time you walk through its doors.

See the Space & Food

What Makes This Place Friendly

Kerbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Drive-through
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in

Fast service
Fireplace
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Serves local specialty

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Toilet

Casual
Cosy

Family friendly
Groups
Tourists

Usually a wait
Accepts reservations

Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Kids' menu

Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Real Reviews from the Community

Jon

Feb 15, 2026

We had lunch and the food was very good. The food was hot with good size portions. Also,our waitress Kelly was friendly and attentive. My wife remarked how clean everything was. Very nice dining here. Management is doing a good job.

Netia Shores

Feb 8, 2026

Last night I had such a great experience at Cracker Barrel thanks to my server, Angel! She was an absolute sweetheart kind, attentive, and genuinely made me feel cared for after a long, tough day at work. My meal was exactly what I needed: perfectly cooked fried catfish, flavorful fried okra, tender meaty greens, and creamy mashed potatoes. Everything hit the spot! Angel’s service and the comfort food together made for such a wonderful end to my crazy day. Thank you, Angel, for going above and beyond!

J Liang

Feb 3, 2026

Love this Cracker Barrel! The food was delicious and the prices are great. Also, such a cute little gift shop! Our waitress Rita was awesome and super sweet—she made the whole visit even better. Just a great restaurant all around!

Memoire Esoteric

Jan 22, 2026

We tend to prefer small businesses...but for a corporate chain; we do love Cracker Barrel! This particular location; the food was good, atmosphere great, the service was just ok. The server seemed very rushed and hyper to the point of it coming across as sorta rude. With that said...most of the time we have a great time at most locations. They could bring down the prices a little bit...

Teresa Gilbert

Jan 11, 2026

This restaurant is in our neighborhood, so we already visit occasionally. Our visit today was great! Our server, Bri, was awesome. She suggested menu items that were delicious. She was friendly and funny. She was very attentive and professional. It was only as we were leaving and asked her about a survey (my husband and I are give fans of great customer service) that she mentioned she was part of the management team. I hope she's in charge of training all the servers how to treat customers! Top tier experience today.

Jim C.

Jan 6, 2026

Not bad. But I ordered biscuits and gravy & I never saw any B&G like that before. When they came to our table I just kinda sat & stared at them for a few seconds. And my colleagues stared at them too. They were like ... what's that? I said, biscuits & gravy I guess They had put three biscuits in a basket along with a small bowl of gravy. So I ended up taking the biscuits out of the basket, put them on my plate & then poured the small bowl of gravy on top. It was just weird. They weren't too bad but there ended up not being enough gravy. Otherwise not a bad visit. The waitress was running around like crazy. It was a Saturday morning so it was very busy. Tables & booths filled. I felt a little sorry for her because she really couldn't give her customers the attention she maybe should have. I still tipped her good. She had her hands full.

John Zaragoza

Jan 1, 2026

I believe our waitress was Trish and she was amazing. She had a food there quickly. Our drinks were always there. Refills without us asking. There was a long way, but they got us out of there very quickly the food everything is beautiful about Cracker Barrel.