Chain Restaurants Serve Up Comfort: Where to Find the Best Meatloaf and Macaroni & Cheese

As temperatures remain cool across much of the country, diners are seeking out classic comfort foods. A recent ranking identifies seven chain restaurants offering particularly satisfying combinations of meatloaf and macaroni and cheese, two staples of American cuisine.

The pairing, described as “perfection” by food enthusiasts, offers a savory and creamy indulgence. Several chains have risen to the occasion, offering variations on both dishes that appeal to a wide range of palates.

The Cheesecake Factory earns high marks for its meatloaf, a blend of beef and pork praised for its seasoning and avoidance of overly sweet ketchup glazes. One Reddit user noted the meatloaf was “a little on the sweet side,” but overall well-received. Alongside the meatloaf, the restaurant’s fried macaroni and cheese balls, served with marinara sauce, are a popular choice, with Redditors describing them as “YESSSSS” and “My absolute favorite.”

Cracker Barrel’s “The Best Classic Meatloaf,” featuring a glaze that diners appreciate, is another strong contender. The menu describes the meatloaf as a “hearty blend of beef, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes,” served with buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins. A Yelp reviewer stated they had “never had a bad meal” at Cracker Barrel, specifically recommending the meatloaf. The restaurant’s baked macaroni and cheese provides a complementary side.

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery offers a “Homemade Meatloaf” served with mashed potatoes, crispy onions, and beef gravy, alongside a five-cheese macaroni and cheese with a breadcrumb topping.

Black Bear Diner’s meatloaf is described as a mix of ground beef, seasoned sausage, carrot slivers, and diced onions. A diner noted the meatloaf was “firm and a 1/2 inch thick” and “perfect inside.” The restaurant offers a white cheddar mac and cheese for adults and a Kraft-style option for children.

Marie Callender’s “Marie’s Meatloaf” is slow-baked with Angus beef, onions, peppers, carrots, and seasonings, topped with mushroom cabernet gravy. The restaurant allows substitution of Kraft Mac & Cheese from the kids’ menu as a side.

Claim Jumper’s meatloaf is lauded by diners as “the best I’ve ever tasted!” and “remarkably flavorful and tender.” The restaurant also offers both a traditional macaroni and cheese and a lobster mac and cheese, described on Instagram as “creamy, cheesy, and loaded with succulent lobster.”

Golden Corral’s meatloaf, available at the buffet, has garnered a dedicated following, with one Reddit user stating it was the only thing they were craving during pregnancy. The restaurant’s macaroni and cheese, made with elbow macaroni in a rich cheese sauce, is another buffet staple.