New England 99 Restaurant Crackers Controversy

There are certain things in life you don’t mess with. Your morning coffee order, your go-to radio preset, and for me? The cheese and crackers at the 99 Restaurant & Pub.

I know it sounds dramatic, but if you know, you know. That little plate of salty, buttery goodness paired with that perfectly spreadable cheese has always been one of the most underrated menu items in the game. It’s simple, nostalgic, and hits the spot every single time.

Here’s where I might need backup: am I wrong or wasn’t it complimentary back in the day? I could be way off here, but I swear there was a time when those crackers just showed up at the table without asking for it. Either way, even if I’m wrong, it’s never stopped me from ordering it every single visit like clockwork.

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The Cracker Controversy Begins

Now let’s talk about what brought us here today: the crackers themselves.

READ MORE: Where to Buy the Crackers From 99 Restaurant

November 5, 2025. A date that will now live in my head rent-free. That was the first time I noticed something was off. The crackers weren’t the same. Gone were the classic, familiar ones I grew up with, and replaced by something that felt suspiciously like a Wheat Thins impersonator. Not bad, but not right.

At first, I brushed it off. Supply chain? Fluke? Maybe I got the “B-team” cracker batch. It happens.

April Fools… But Not Really

Fast forward to April 1, 2026. I sat down, excited as always, ordered my beloved cheese and crackers, and boom! There it was again. The same oddball cracker staring back at me like, “Yeah, I live here now.”

Let me tell you, this was no April Fool's joke. This was confirmation and the 99 has officially switched up the cracker game.

A Lighthearted Call to Action

Now before anyone gets too fired up, let me be clear: this is all in good fun. The cheese still slaps and yes, I will continue ordering it every single time without hesitation.

However, I am curious.

Did anyone else notice the switch? Am I alone in this cracker conspiracy, or is there a quiet group of us out there mourning the OGs?

Either way, I’ll be at the 99, dipping into that cheese like nothing ever changed. Even if deep down inside, I know it did.