McLean's Ole Time Cafe

This restaurant is a Zebulon Gem. I went here for the first time on 11/16/23. I was amazed at how busy they were. It was packed. The atmosphere has a “Cracker Barrel” feel, but is more legit. They offer a salad bar that also has soups and chili on it. My parents have been going here for a long time. They love it. When I went, we ordered the chicken salad sandwich with onion rings, hamburger steak with gravy and onions, cabbage, fried okra, and another hamburger steak with gravy and onions, field peas, and Lima beans(butter beans). Everything was delicious. The service was excellent. We never had to ask for a refill or anything. The sale Merch like t-shirts and hats and the day I was there they were also selling some really cool vintage glassware. At check out, they have some very good-looking desserts. (see pictures). If you visit or live in the area this is a must try.

Had a lovely dinner here on Saturday with family. Our waitress Caroline (I think that was her name) was friendly, attentive, and got our orders correct. The food was all tasty and well-seasoned. Loved the chicken pastry, fried corn on the cob, string beans, hushpuppies, and especially the biscuits. Meals are reasonably priced for the portion size and a good deal. We love Southern food and surprisingly don't get much of it in Virginia. This was real comfort food that tastes like home.

We stopped in while traveling on a Sunday and they were fairly busy but service was great (Thank you Callie!). There were several delicious sounding options on the menu but I opted for the all you can eat salad bar which was wonderful and filling. They had so many options from regular salad with several topping choices, to pasta salad, broccoli salad of some sort (on the sweet side), yogurt and a variety of fruits and granola as well as some soups. I had the broccoli cheddar soup which was good but they really could have used smaller chunks of broccoli as they were well beyond bite size. We also got onion rings and mozzarella sticks as appetizers which were both crispy and delicious🤤

Oh my gosh! This was absolutely the best experience we have had at a restaurant in such a long time! Amazing food and outstanding service! We will most definitely go back!!

McLean’s is an amazing good ole country food restaurant in Zebulon. We go there often and I have never had a bad experience there. The food is the star here and each dish is among the best that I’ve eaten before. Service is outstanding and consistent with friendly servers that are top notch and attentive. I could easily eat here more than once a week, given the food variety and different combinations. It’s always like ordering a certain dish with sides and each one is the very best you’ve had before, other than Mom, of course. Never disappointed, always satisfied and the best food in our area!

The first place I have ever been where they asked me how I liked my bacon cooked! Which was much appreciated. The food was good and prices were decent. The staff was very friendly and fun. I would go back!

Good home cooking. Service was outstanding. The food is just like grandma used to cook.

This is a destination diner! Plenty of free parking, well decorated interior and, oh my word, the food! Went for breakfast and definitely impressed! Skiped the breakfast buffet but peeped it & wouldn't mind doing that in future. Ordered a platter but with substitutions, waitress made recommendations making a tad cheaper! 🤑 Prices were reasonable too. Sausage gravy was on point, biscuits were moist & fluffy, and those hashbrowns!! It sounds weird to talk about how good hasbrowns were but dang!!! Service was impeccable. Pay upon exiting right at the dessert bar. I was able to resist temptation, but regretted it! The cakes looked delectable! 😋

The atmosphere here is amazing! It's like a country kitchen and barn had a baby, GENIUS! There's much unique decor to indulge in while you wait for your food. I loved the booth... they're sooo comfy and spacious! Like 3-4 people can fit each side. The woodwork is stellar. The vaulted ceilings are adorned with plenty southern/country artwork and tools. Ohhh...I haven't discussed the food yet...ITS SPECTACULAR!!! Perfection on a plate! Food was a great temperature, seasoned very well, and the presentation was phenomenal!

This place is a 10/10!!!
The service was so out of this world. Our waitress obviously new it was our first time and she explained everything so well.
The salad bar had a great variety and every dish that my group of 3 ordered was so delicious!
Very satisfied with this local establishment. Everyone was working well together to make sure that all the customers were satisfied.
I just moved to the area and I 100% will be going back.

My buddy and I eat breakfast here almost every weekend. The food is always good and the staff are great. A big shout out to Tina. When we are fortunate to be assigned one of her tables, she always knows what we are drinking and asks if we're getting the usual. She is a great server!

The chicken fried steak was wonderful. The white gravy was perfect. I had Mac and cheese and the hash brown casserole for my sides. Both were very good. A wonderful place for Southern comfort food.

Fast and excellent service. Waitresses and Waiters provide friendly and prompt service. If you like delicious down home style food at a very reasonable price, this is the place for you.

I've never had a bad meal or service at this place. I only wish I could make it there for breakfast one day. I hear it's just as awesome as lunch/dinner.
Sisco chicken has always been my go to dish...try it and you'll see why it's a fan favorite!

This was my first time eating at this local favorite. The place was packed with lines of people waiting out the door and in their cars; however, suprising enough the wait time was in 25 minutes. Once inside, the atmosphere was cozy and relaxing. The booth table was clean and there was plenty of space. The staff was friendly. Waitress was attentive to our needs and kept our drinks filled. The food was out in a decent time and everything was cooked as ordered. The bathroom was also clean and stocked with supplies. Overall, this was a great first time experience!

Food is authentic southern (that means it's delicious).
Staff is authentic southern (that means they're friendly and helpful).
Just go, you won't be disappointed.

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Definitely recommend this place if you’re passing through or haven’t been yet. I’ve lived in the area for a few years now I’ve been wanting to go there but I haven’t had the opportunity. Food was great salad bar was awesome service was outstanding.

We will definitely be returning customer and they also have a breakfast buffet on the weekends.

Prices are definitely reasonable. Everything seem to be homemade.

This was a great place! The food was excellent and McLean’s has a large variety. The waitress was super fast and very friendly. The restaurant has lots to look at on all the walls. I highly recommend McLean’s

Met some friends there. I got food to go. It was delicious. Their hush puppies are the best I've ever had. I got a steak to go. It was delicious as well.

Fantastic breakfast at McLeans! All The staff were very friendly, service was very fast especially for peak breakfast time on a Saturday morning. Food was fantastic, endless coffee refills! Atmosphere was amazing. Way better than Cracker Barrel!