Cracker Barrel announced it would close some locations this year, leaving fans scrambling to find a replacement.
The good news is that there are still many options for customers who want a casual restaurant with quick food at an affordable price.
So where should you go next? Here are a few choices to stretch your restaurant budget while still eating great food.
Earn $200 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn $200 after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
The Active Cash Card puts cash back into your wallet. Cardholders can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — easy! That's one of the best cash rewards options available.
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
IHOP
Like Cracker Barrel, IHOP has a great selection of breakfast items that you’re sure to enjoy as a Cracker Barrel replacement.
IHOP has a specific menu for customers who are over 55 years old, giving you a chance to have a great breakfast like the ones you used to order at Cracker Barrel while also saving you money.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse has been expanding its number of locations across the country, making it easy for you to find a new favorite spot.
The restaurant chain is known for its rolls, which come straight from the oven to your table and are served with Texas Roadhouse cinnamon butter on the side.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s can be a great option if you lost your local Cracker Barrel but still want affordable dinner choices.
The chain has chicken or beef entrees similar to Cracker Barrel at comparable prices. Applebee’s also has many drink options that may not have been available at your local Cracker Barrel, making for a fun new dinner spot.
Stop overpaying when you shop online
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1
Red Robin
Red Robin is well known for its burgers, making it a good place to try if you’re craving a Cracker Barrel burger.
Mid-range price points and an extensive menu make this a great alternative go-to restaurant.
Denny’s
Although Denny’s may be best known for its Grand Slam breakfast, it also offers plenty of lunch and dinner options that are sure to please.
Check out the restaurant’s full menu, and remember to grab some eggs, pancakes, or biscuits, like the ones you may have found at Cracker Barrel.
Trending Stories
Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday has plenty of fan favorites that will keep you coming back, making it a new favorite.
The restaurant’s menu includes things like potato skins, burgers, and more that you can pick and choose from depending on what you want on any given night.
Black Bear Diner
Black Bear Diner is expanding its reach, with new locations opening throughout the country. It could become your new favorite place.
The restaurant chain has a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, all served in a nostalgic rustic setting, making it a good option if you miss your Cracker Barrel.
Culver’s
This Wisconsin-based fast-food restaurant is quickly expanding and may be a great choice for comfort food.
Culver’s is known for its burgers, cheese curds, and frozen custards, which come in unique flavors that vary each day from location to location.
Chili’s
If you’re looking for an affordable option to stretch your food budget like you could at Cracker Barrel, check out Chili’s
The chain’s 3 for Me special costs $10.99 and includes more food than a typical McDonald’s value meal, which may cost more. We can’t forget their famous baby back ribs.
Earn money online by taking surveys
$55,000 might sound crazy … but with a company called Survey Junkie, it’s possible to get your share of it every day by taking their surveys in your extra time.
Follow these simple steps to start earning:
- Sign up for an account with Survey Junkie here.
- Take surveys.
- Repeat daily and get paid for sharing your opinion!
P.S.: You can cash out with as little as $5 through PayPal or bank transfer, or transfer to gift cards from a number of stores.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden is the place to go if you’re craving hearty pasta and delicious endless breadsticks.
The restaurant offers menu options similar to those at Cracker Barrel and serves a solid plate of food.
Waffle House
Waffle House is another restaurant that customers may associate with good Southern comfort food.
The chain is known for its waffles and breakfast options, which are sure to give you a good meal without busting your wallet.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Sometimes good fried food and chicken wings are just what we’re looking for on a Sunday afternoon or for a quick meal with friends.
Check out Buffalo Wild Wings if you’re looking for a chicken dish that is a little different from what you expected at your local Cracker Barrel.
The Cheesecake Factory
One reason your family may enjoy Cracker Barrel is because everyone could find something they wanted on the menu.
That’s also true for The Cheesecake Factory with its famously huge menu and wide dessert selection.
First Watch
First Watch is a great option if Cracker Barrel was your go-to for breakfast or lunch.
The chain offers a variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options all day, as well as healthier options like quinoa bowls if you need an early bite to eat.
Bottom line
While Cracker Barrel will be missed by fans, there are still some good places to try that can fit within your budget for dining out.
You can also check your budget to find ways to save money on groceries if you want to keep some extra cash or use your grocery savings to spend on other things like dining out.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.