Cracker Barrel vs Portillo's: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Portillo's is the cheaper of the two. Of the 6 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Portillo's is cheaper on 5 of them, by an average of $2.90 per item.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
Cracker Barrel
- Breakfast is served all day at breakfast prices — the Old Timer's at $12.99 is cheaper than most dinner plates.
- The Country Vegetable Plate at $11.99 gives four country sides plus bread, the lowest-cost full meal on the menu.
- Cracker Barrel Rewards earns points toward free food and sends a birthday reward.
Portillo's
- Ordering the beef dipped, wet or dry costs nothing extra — the preparation is free, so ask for what you actually want.
- Italian Beef family packs at $59.99 feed four to six for roughly the price of five individual sandwiches with sides.
- Portillo's ships nationwide, so the chocolate cake and Italian beef kits are available outside the chain's footprint.
Cracker Barrel vs Portillo's — FAQ
Is Cracker Barrel cheaper than Portillo's in 2026?
Portillo's is cheaper on most matched items — 5 of 6. Across the whole menu Portillo's is the lower-priced of the two, at $9.29 for a typical item against $12.29 at Cracker Barrel.
What is the price difference between Cracker Barrel and Portillo's?
On matched items the average difference is $2.90, or about 1% overall. Cracker Barrel averages $14.30 across 44 priced items; Portillo's averages $14.10 across 40.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Cracker Barrel or Portillo's?
Cracker Barrel starts at $3.99 (Hashbrown Casserole) and Portillo's at $3.79 (Fries (regular)).
Are these prices the same at every location?
No. Both chains let franchise owners set prices, so figures move by a dollar or more between markets and run highest at airport, stadium and highway locations. Treat these as the typical U.S. price, not a quote.