First off, I just want to acknowledge that Cracker Barrel is pretty great.
I have lots of fond memories of going there when I was younger (and as recently as this past month!).
But the world is changing, and die-hard fans of these nine chains will swear up and down that their breakfast is better than Cracker Barrel’s.
Are they right? You decide!
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Where you’ll find them: Tupelo Honey Café is still pretty small – about 25 locations spread across Pennsylvania, Virginia, Iowa, Texas…and of course, their native Asheville, North Carolina.
Why the breakfast is better: Southern done with extremely high quality ingredients – free range meat, wild-caught seafood, you get the vibe. Plus, honestly their breakfast is one of my favorites just because it’s SO filling and indulgent. You’ll need a nap afterwards for sure (or at least I did after eating there).
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Where you’ll find them: La Madeleine can be found in nine states, mostly in the South (does Maryland count?) and as far west as Arizona.
Why the breakfast is better: As the name implies, you’re going to get French dishes, beautifully made and thoughtfully served. My personal favorite is their galette, but if you’re hungry go ahead and get the country French breakfast or a French Dip. Oh, and make sure you snag a pastry on the way out!
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Where you’ll find them: Colorado and Kansas, with more locations planned in the future.
Why the breakfast is better: I ate at Urban Egg on a recent trip to Denver, and – wow. The cinnamon rolls are amazing (don’t sleep on the bacon jam), the avocado toast is fresh and worth the price, and the lavender mimosa is offbeat but kinda fun. Not surprisingly (given the name), if you like omelets, they’re the place to go.
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Where you’ll find them: Waffle House is in 25 states, centered in the South and Midwest.
Why the breakfast is better: Honestly, Waffle House’s waffles are my favorite (go figure!) – try one with pecans in it doused in blueberry maple syrup – but all their breakfast food is really quite good.
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Where you’ll find them: Every state, Mexico, Canada, Egypt, Pakistan, India, and a bunch of other places.
Why the breakfast is better: Their stacks of pancakes are fantastic, of course, and their stuffed French Toast is totally decadent. And it’s all a really good value. (I spent a lot of time eating IHOP in college.)
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Where you’ll find them: Denny’s is in every state aside from Delaware (I know, it’s weird) and in several foreign countries as well.
Why the breakfast is better: The Original Grand Slam breakfast is just such an iconic and nostalgic meal, and of course it’s an amazing value at only $12.99. My personal favorite menu item? The Classic Sampler (boneless wings, fries, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks). You may feel like a ball of grease afterwards, but Denny’s will take good care of you!
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Where you’ll find them: Mostly Boston with a handful of outposts in DC – Tatte is expanding, so expect more locations soon!
Why the breakfast is better: Tatte adds some Mediterranean and French flair to their menu – their Meze Breakfast is fantastic, and their croque madame is a delicious and indulgent addition to your daily routine. Also – try their Tatte Latte, it’s delicious and rhymes.
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Where you’ll find them: New Jersey, New York, California, Connecticut, Virginia, and Florida – for now!
Why the breakfast is better: Le Pain’s baked goods are amazing. Their pain au chocolat is the best I’ve had outside France. Their tartines are also solid – basically I’ve never had anything bad there.
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Where you’ll find them: 18 states with over 400 locations – Bob Evans is a Midwestern chain, so you’ll find a ton in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and western Pennsylvania
Why the breakfast is better: Great biscuits, big platters, great value. Bob Evans’ farmhouse-inspired breakfast will always fill you up and always taste great. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their cinna-biscuits for a tasty dessert – you’ll love them.
Follow The Coconut Mama
• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
• Have feedback? Add a comment below!
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Ok, listen, I couldn’t leave without giving Cracker Barrel some love. After all, they’ve got just about the friendliest staff you can imagine.
Where you’ll find them: Cracker Barrel is in 44 states after closing several locations in the last few years – Oregon, sadly, lots its last one in 2024.
Why the breakfast is better: Momma’s pancake breakfast, plus Chicken n’ French Toast. Also just enjoy their biscuits and gravy if nothing else.
Which brings me to a big question…
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So there you have it – nine chains whose fans would swear they’re better than Cracker Barrel.
Each has their own argument to make, but really the big question is:
What do YOU think? Is Cracker Barrel the best? Or has one of its competitors dethroned it?
(Or did I miss an even BETTER breakfast place?)
Let us know in the comments!
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