We're new to East Raleigh and our toughest adjustment has been finding great food. I'm a huge foodie and the selection and diversity has been tough out here. Leave it to a quaint country diner to completely blow our minds!! We came for Saturday morning breakfast, and I can say without reservation, this was one of the best country breakfasts if my life!! I had biscuits & gravy with fried eggs and crispy bacon. My girlfriend ordered an egg breakfast with the hashbrown casserole and a side of two pancakes. The first thing that hit us...how did they pack this much flavor into a simple breakfast?!? Everything was perfect, but the absolute star of the show was the pancakes!! Light, fluffy, and malted with a lingering flavor of vanilla in the batter. Unreal good!! And everything else was first rate!! And the crazy part, we both finished our HUGE breakfast and didn't feel even a little bloated, slow, or sluggish. That's the sign of fresh food and really great ingredients! So call it a small victory, but we found our country breakfast spot. Now if I could only find ramen, pho, sushi, and Thai, I'd be good! LOL!! read more

We only visit our friend in Zebulon once a year. We looked forward to McLean's as it had great reviews. It wasn't good. The medium rare burger was the color of the street. The chicken pastry may have had one chunk of chicken. The country fried steak was very overcooked. It honestly just seemed like nobody really cared. C'mon guys, even Cracker Barrel is far better quality. If I may respond to your response. In a restaurant, I agree when something is bad, you ask for a manager. When it's overall just not as good as you would expect, what do you complain about? Everything? Then you just look like an a$$.. wanting free food. It was overall just not good. It took the server about 15 minutes to even check back. By that time, it's easier to just chalk it up to a bad experience. I'm not in anyway trying to harm your business. You have a good business... just suggesting you not rest on your laurels. read more

The food was good. Excellent service and a family atmosphere. I will definitely recommend trying them out if you are in the area.

This place was so highly recommend. I was not impressed at all. Went once. Have no desire to go back. Food was just okay. Just not my type of vibe. read more

Great country cooking as always. I've been here 5 times now and the food has not disappointed me, or those with me, yet. Prices are reasonable and service was ok. read more

Stopped here on a whim during a break from a softball tournament. Absolutely loved it. I had the vegetable soup which was delicious, and our dinner party of ten all enjoyed their food as well. My daughter's breakfast entree was delicious as well. It was clean and the server was friendly, although very busy. Would definitely come back here again! Everything looked so yummy! read more

Service was great as we had a large party. Food was yummy and fresh! Lots of dessert options!

Fast service. Delicious food. Feels like you are eating in your home with the devote and ambiance.

Almost everything I have eaten for over almost two decades here, has been delicious. They have some of the best seafood around. Their Beef Tips and Rice are delicious too. But I do have to say that the BBQ chicken breast I had tonight, was not at all what I expected. Most restaurants serve BBQ Chicken, white and dark meat, from cut up whole chickens, that have been cooked in the oven, just like baked chicken. My first choice would be for them to be grilled on a pig cooker outside, but they could be grilled in any oven. I don't like a thin chicken breast that reminds me of one that has been frozen or beaten flat. There's just no flavor. To me, it's just not the best choice. I was disappointed. The BBQ sauce was greasy in one container and thick in another. I won't order it again. I'll order something else. read more

If you are looking for southern style food with an excellent atmosphere, look no further. Staff are attentive, service was good, and I've never had complimentary hush puppies which was awesome. I also have to point out that customers also fit the restaurant so I wouldn't recommend any fancy clothes for here read more

McLean's Ole Time Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Zebulon, North Carolina

We've been regular customers since we moved to Wendell. Tonight was the last time we will ever eat at McLean's. I ordered the "Hot Ham and Cheese" which the menu says comes on a sub roll. When the food arrived, I wasn't certain this was the what I ordered because it was in sliced loaf bread. We caught the waitress and she was walking by and asked if this was "right?" She immediately reported with "Give to me and I'll fix it!" In a snarky tone. I repeated my question and asked "If this the way the sandwich I ordered is supposed to come", and she immediately replied with "I said give it here and I'll fix it!" I told her to forget and she put her hand on her hip and stormed off saying "Fine!". I didn't eat it, I left without eating anything except a salad because I was out of tea by the time my sandwich arrived and she never came back except to drop off the check. Alyssa M was our waitress and she ruined our experience at McLean's. I paid for it and left it untouched because of her horrible service. read more

McLean's Ole Time Cafe - $12.99 Ham and Cheese that's supposed to include lettuce, tomato and a sub roll. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Zebulon, North Carolina

Family at breakfast this morning. Country fried steak, pancakes, corned beef hash and cheese grits were awesome. Great place for breakfast. Service quite good and a country, down home feel to environment. read more

Best soup and salad bar anywhere! Veggie and Chili both great. Big salad hit the spot. read more

McLean's Ole Time Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Zebulon, North Carolina

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I ordered fried chicken livers for takeout. If I had been eating in the restaurant, I would have returned them as they were so dried out that they were barely edible. I will find somewhere else next time I want fried chicken livers. read more

Everything the staff is great as well as the food and prices are reasonable. It's our go to spot in Zebulon

Good old time cooking and plenty to eat. I usually need a take out bag when I eat here with friends and family. Staff is friendly and its a homy environment. McCleans had the best desserts too! read more

Wife and I came for supper this evening. Food was awesome. Wife's chicken was good and juicy and my chicken livers were perfect. read more

McLean's Ole Time Cafe - Where does it say starting at 5:00? - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Zebulon, North Carolina

Mac and cheese was really good. Although not baked, it had really nice cheesy flavor and creamy consistency. The banana pudding: Served warm- good Cookies way too mushy, no texture to them- bad Meringue- baked good Pudding itself- had good consistenty and good ratio to bananas. A bit too sweet. Bananas- texture was a bit like browned slightly tough banana slices- bad Price- $3 good bang for the good amount you get For me if the cookies had not disintegrated to mush, I would have given it a higher rating. read more

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1 star is too many. Went there with my kids and grandkids and the waitress tagged on a $23 tip for herself, 18% of the bill and the hateful and uneducated manager would not take it off the bill when we complained (We all had buffet so there was not a lot for the waitress to do for us) He literally stood there and argued with me in front of my family. We will not go back and the food was horrible and the service was definitely not worth a $23 tip, never again will we go there !! I do not recommend it for anyone. If the tip being added is up to the discretion of the waitress, which is what the manager on duty told me, then the charge could have been removed from my bill when I requested it. read more

Food is good ole home style country cooking. I love it! Wait staff is always on point. We especially like Karen the manager there on the weekends. Restaurant has a very relaxed, country feel. read more

Food so good Friendly people and good service The inside looks amazing Desserts are very good and many choices to pick from Prices very reasonable read more

This is definitely a "locals" place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner Southern Style. Variety menu insures you don't have the same meal twice. Sweet tea is great, portions are generous, and the prices are right on target. If you are not from around here, then you will be surprise. Recommend as a place for your family, great place to meet your neighbors and friends. read more

Good Food, Good Value McLean's has the look and feel of a Cracker Barrel, without the gift shop. It's a great place to eat, especially if you are extra hungry. The portions are enormous, and the food is usually very good. We sampled one of the Lunch Specials - Nanny's Homemade Chicken Salad - creamy and slightly sweet ($10.69 with two vegetables or Small Salad Bar). The Salad Bar includes a wide assortment of greens and dressings plus many extras; such as Broccoli Salad, Pasta Salad, Beets, Boiled Eggs, Mushrooms, Olives, Nuts, Croutons, Cheese, etc. The Crab Cakes (2) were disappointing ($17.69 with Two Sides or Small Garden Salad). They were very large, but somewhat mushy and boring (the zesty Remoulade Sauce did improve the overall experience somewhat). The generous bowl of Sweet Potato Casserole was fantastic, but the Cole Slaw a little bitter. The Grilled Seafood Salad ($12.79) was enormous - and delicious. The dozen Cajun Shrimp were grilled to perfection, and the Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions, Cucumbers, Cheddar Cheese and Croutons were fresh and crispy. The Fried Pork Chops ($14.19 with Two Sides, a Biscuit and Hush Puppies) were my favorite. The two Chops were big, tender and lightly coated in a spicy, zesty breading. The Creamed Potatoes were just right, but the Collard Greens were not good (fortunately, there are many other sides on the menu). Most meals come with an unlimited supply of savory hush puppies and light, fluffy hot dinner rolls. The desert case is brimming with a tempting assortment of homemade goodies. The wedge of Carrot Cake ($6.19) was moist and yummy (and big enough for two). If you like basic, home-style cooking, and are very hungry, then McLean's is the place to go. read more

Super friendly staff and cool vibe. I'm from out of town and this was a great stop. You should do it read more

McLean's Ole Time Cafe - Pork chop plate, man these rocked. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Zebulon, North Carolina

We enjoyed a great sibling dinner. The food was great and the portions was more than I could eat. And more importantly is our server "David" was very attentive, friendly and respectful! I don't live in this area but every time in do come visit my sister this is the first restaurant I always want to come to! Can't say enough about this restaurant except if you never have ate here you need to it will not disappoint you! read more

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I have lived in the area for about 12 years now and this place definitely seems to be a regional staple. I know that my parents visited here when they were in town years ago, and they enjoyed their experience. But... based on my first visit, I feel a little better that I haven't missed much. I ordered one of their signature dishes, The Sisco Chicken. Both it and all the sides were kind of boring and just medium in flavor. I won't order it again. The service was very good and the food came out quickly. I am a southerner and I am a connoisseur of sweet tea and this stuff was pretty much perfect. It wasn't weak and it was sweetened just right... A little bit decadent. So that's the summary, here are some details... The positives I also liked the atmosphere. It was that country, cracker barrel type, just with maybe not as many farm implements up on the walls. Though I didn't have it, the salad bar looked pretty good based on my walk-by. And while the food here wasn't really all that expensive, it wasn't cheap either. These guys have to make a living, so I'm not really going to complain about the prices. But if I didn't have a lot of money, and I was looking for a place to eat, I wouldn't be coming here. Except for maybe their soup and salad bar. I think it was $11 for unlimited access to that. If they had some good soups, I think that would probably be worth it. The portions were also a positive: reasonable size. The Sisco chicken had a couple of good points ... the batter on it was very nice ... it had good taste ... it wasn't too thick or too thin. And the sawmill gravy on the top of it was also good. Negatives: Sisco Chicken: The thicker parts of the breast got kind of tough to chew. It wasn't moist, but at least it wasn't dry. Broccoli topping I didn't like. The flavor and texture were both lackluster here. Every element in this just didn't have enough flavor: the rice pilaf style thing, the chicken, and the gravy. At least one, probably two, of those things needs a little bit more flavor from the cook's side of the window. Being able to salt and pepper something at the table is just often not enough. The texture could really use some work, too. In your bite, you had the tough chicken going on, and then the only other companion in your mouth was this homogeneous cud of the gravy, the now-soggy fry breading, and the soft rice. I know I'm being a little harsh here. But that's just because this is their signature dish. Stuff on pedestals should be stuff you brag about. Rice under the Chicken: It wasn't really any better than a run of the mill boil in a bag instant kind of rice pilaf thing. The basmati or Jasmine rice I make at home with just butter and salt is way better than this. It didn't have much flavor. I was looking forward to the hash brown casserole because that's just an amazing dish at cracker barrel. I figured it would be a hard side to mess up. And again, this wasn't bad, it was just boring. It needed maybe more buttery or cheesy flavor, maybe more pepper and salt, probably all four. And I'm pretty sure the potatoes needed to cook for longer... The hash browns had a little bit of toothiness to them. So that was a real letdown. The hush puppies were good at first, because you could dip them in the little Country Crock type margarine containers. But after eating just two, they got tough and were a waste of calories after that. Maybe they sat too long under heat lamps or something. You know, I actually wrote a whole paragraph here about how maybe I just chose the wrong dish for a first visit. But then I erased it all, because ... this is a signature dish from them. By definition, this should appeal to a majority of eaters. It was highlighted on the menu ... it was specially mentioned by the waiter. And I am exactly the kind of person who should enjoy this dish. You take a meat and put it in some thick batter, and then you fry it, and slather it in gravy. This kind of thing is exactly my jam, baby. But ... no. I'll also take a moment to say that the booth seating is ... flat and hard. The chairs at the tables were a little better: no cushion, but at least there were butt and thigh contours. I keep wanting to say that I'll be back, and try something else. But after paying about $25 (includes tip) for a big old helping of meh... I think nine times out of 10 I'll go somewhere else instead: either of the two Mexican places in town, Wang's Chinese buffet, waffle house, Bojangles, Milano pizza, Pizza Hut, etc. Maybe they have some good dishes here, and maybe the cook just was feeling meh today. Surely hey have some dishes that dazzle people, right? I do like good seafood, and if I come back, maybe that'll be the way to go. Some fried shrimp, with some french fries and coleslaw. I'll update this if I come back again. I"ll also leave room for breakfast. Like Cracker Barrel, this place looks like it might make a really good one. read more

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We love coming to Mcleans because their food is always fresh and never served cold. This week we came out to celebrate my husbands birthday with my family and had the most attentive waitress I believe I have ever had anywhere! Her name is Brittany. She had a busy section but not once did she allow her customers to wait for anything. Our cups were always topped off, she had our sauces and napkins there for the arrival of our meals....WE NEVER HAD TO ASK for anything. Next time we are there, we will ask to sit in her area if she is working. Thanks for the great service, she was amazing. read more

Today was our first time at McLean's and it was awesome. The food was served just the way we like it, eggs bacon pancakes waffles and the whole bunch of breakfast items. Kim was our server and she was awesome also. Very informative, professional, and entertaining. We can't wait to come back! Ambiance... it has to be said, the layout reminds me of cracker barrel, but on a much higher level of quality. Lots of pictures and things on the walls including a canoe! It's a very clean restaurant and I highly recommend you go. Thank you! read more

I NEVER review places poorly but i feel like management needs to hear! I've been coming here for a long time clearly as i review it 2 years ago and loved it. it used to be great about a year ago recently i've noticed a few usually workers who i used to see everyday and where always the best are no longer there and mcleans has gotten half a new staff and let me tell you they must not really interview them because every new person I've seen or interacted with is rude and dose not seem to care majority of the people i noticed at the register 2 skinny brown haired girls one jacket said Ava or Avery and the other did not have a name on but they looked similar ( not friendly at all!!!! ) felt like i was bothering them and when we walked up they looked at each other and laughed and fought over who had to check us out when came in a few days ago same visit there was a waitress training and the original waitress i guess let her take our table and she didn't look at us didn't make us feel like she wanted us there, she asked us what we wanted took our order and just walked away no words i get that she's training but if she's clearly not comfortable talking to customers or maybe she just has absolutely terrible customer service she should definitely not be waiting on tables again with the new people a guy who i'm assuming is a runner for the food threw our plates on the table and walked away come on mcleans you used to be so good with your staffing i wanna keep coming back but we just felt so awkward being there the last visit when i used to come in about a year ago it was amazing tina was always the best still is but we saw her about a month ago and she looks so unhappy there, there used to be a little blond girl and a few others who worked up at the take out who i don't see anymore but they always welcomed us and made us feel welcomed now recently when we walked in the workers look annoyed at the sight of customers walking in and one manager in particular who definitely need her job evaluated. I've heard said manager talk down to many of the workers at the register and im not talking like playful bossing around i talking like one of the girls made a mistake handing out a take out and she was so rude to the young girl it was gross saying she would have to pay for the mistake and instead of helping the line of customers trying to check out the manager stood there and picked this girl apart about what shes done wrong!?!?!?? YOU GUYS HIRE YOUNG PEOPLE you guys say you give young people their first jobs they are absolutely gonna make a mistake you guys should never make your staff pay for a mistake it's illegal anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we loved mcleans but we may have to just have to stop trying. :( read more

The food is great but the hostess and the wait staff really needs help .. every time we come in no matter how empty the restaurant is we are seat by the restrooms . Not a problem if I really needed to go all the time but not !! read more

Great service, great prices and the food is always good. Not healthy by any means :) but this place is the best restaurant in Zebulon

Enjoyed the CD food and service. I plan to go again with my family. The waitress made sure we had everything we needed. read more

Terrible food. I've been a few times just to give it a try. I've tried a few different things on the menu including the buffet at one point which was not the best. Just not for me . read more

We have been going to Mclean's for more than 20 years. The food & service has been astounding They hired "Karen" as, their manager, she is NOT friendly, doesn't care about customers or staff, she is such a FAKE person, we when she isn't there because she brings the "atmosphere" down.. their food is still great but she isn't !! Gave 4 stars because of Karen read more

Excellent service and food. I had steak tips with fries and coleslaw. All of it was good and hot from the kitchen. Price is also reasonable.

After 4 months, I returned to McLean's with high expectations. It was somewhat of a personal celebration for myself. I ordered the Cisco Chicken just as I had back in early November. All the food was delicious! However, I was expecting a chicken breast like last time... that nearly covered the entire plate. However, I got about 1/4 that size (see picture - taken before I started eating). I asked my server if the portions had been cut back on. She answered, "Yes, somewhat." I told her I was expecting a much larger piece of chicken. She gave no reply. So if you are planning on visiting McLean's and have been there in the past, be sure not to expect the same generous portions as before. read more

McLean's Ole Time Cafe - Cisco Chicken with Mash Potatoes, Butter Beans, Mac N Cheese, Hush Puppies, Biscuits and Sweet Tea. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Zebulon, North Carolina

Well, the food is okay but don't expect good service if you call in your order. For sure, do not call in an order at 4:50pm and dare to ask for a baked potato! I assure you the person taking your order will refuse and tell you to call back after 5 and expect at least a 45 minute wait. Once you do all that, and you wait 60 minutes... check your order because if it's wrong and you ask to be reimbursed for a small portion of a big order... you will get even worse service. We ended up taking it all back and just ordering pizza for our friend's birthday. That seems to be the way of things these days .... Poor customer service and rudeness is the norm in 2023 read more

McLean's Ole Time Cafe - Karen refunding for our entire order - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Zebulon, North Carolina

We've lived in Zebulon for over a year and have been to McLean's quite a few times. Our first experiences were decent, but lately everything has went downhill and despite this being one of the only eat-in places Zebulon has to offer for breakfast lunch & dinner, I don't think we will be back. They stay pretty busy, so it's reasonable to expect a wait- but today, we went in right before 9am and we were sat immediately. Seemed like a good sign. 3 other families were sat around us in the following 15minutes. We ordered food right after 9:15, and at 10am we were still sitting with no food, while everyone table around us had been serviced and already had food. We didn't order anything crazy, just standard breakfast- waffle for him, pancakes and eggs for me. Our waitress was running around quite a bit and seemed to be avoiding us, but was frequently serving / servicing the tables around us. We got up and left without ever being served after being in the restaurant for over an hour. Super disappointed. read more

Wonderful food, and lots of it. Friendly staff. My family's been fed by Mcleans since it was in the old building.

tried and true - a mainstay of this area. the food is good and staff is very friendly and attentive.