Looking for that perfect plate of crispy, gravy-smothered goodness? I’ve been on a mission to find the absolute best chicken fried steak spots across the country, and I’m here to share everything I’ve discovered! Whether you’re craving that Southern comfort food classic for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I’ve got you covered with all the best restaurant chains and local spots serving up this hearty favorite.
What Makes a Great Chicken Fried Steak?
Before we dive into where to find it, let’s talk about what makes chicken fried steak so darn delicious. Despite its name, there’s no actual chicken in the dish! It’s typically made from beef (usually cube steak) that’s:
- Dredged in seasoned flour
- Dipped in egg wash
- Coated again in flour
- Fried to crispy perfection
- Smothered in gravy (white sawmill gravy or brown gravy)
The best versions have a crispy, flaky exterior that gives way to tender beef inside, all complemented by creamy, peppery gravy. Sides typically include mashed potatoes, green beans, or other classic comfort food accompaniments.
National Chains Serving Great Chicken Fried Steak
If you’re looking for reliable spots across the country, these chains consistently deliver delicious chicken fried steak:
1. Cracker Barrel
With over 650 locations nationwide, Cracker Barrel is practically synonymous with country fried steak. Their version features
- USDA Choice steak fried to a golden crisp
- Topped with white sawmill gravy
- Comes with two sides for $12.99 (or three sides for $14.99)
- Includes your choice of biscuits or muffins
Many Yelp reviewers rank Cracker Barrel as one of their go-to spots for consistent quality chicken fried steak
2. Texas Roadhouse
This southwestern-themed chain with 650+ locations offers a customizable chicken fried steak experience:
- Hand-battered fresh-cut sirloin
- Choice of cream or brown gravy
- Option to add shrimp, blue cheese crumbles, or sautéed mushrooms and onions
- Comes with two sides of your choice
3. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
With over 150 locations and everything made from scratch, Cheddar’s offers
- Hand-battered country fried steak
- Served over Texas toast
- Choice of country gravy or brown gravy
- Two sides included (try their broccoli cheese casserole!)
4. Denny’s
For a breakfast twist on this classic, Denny’s serves:
- Fried chopped beef steak smothered in gravy
- Comes with hash browns, toast, and two eggs
- Available 24/7 at most locations
5. IHOP
Another great breakfast option, IHOP’s country fried steak includes:
- Golden-battered beef steak with hearty gravy
- Two eggs, hash browns, and two buttermilk pancakes
- Available all day
6. Shoney’s
With about 60 restaurants throughout the South, Shoney’s is known for:
- Steak breaded in signature seasoned flour
- Smothered in traditional white gravy
- Choice of two sides
- Option to add six shrimp on top
7. Saltgrass Steakhouse
For a more upscale chicken fried steak, Saltgrass offers:
- Certified Angus beef
- Hearty cream gravy
- Soup or salad starter
- Choice of side
8. Twin Peaks
This mountain lodge-style sports bar serves:
- Hand-battered chicken fried steak
- Jalapeño cream gravy with a spicy kick
- Garlicky mashed potatoes
- Sautéed green beans
9. Killen’s BBQ
This small Texas chain offers what many consider an incredible chicken fried steak:
- Made from the owner’s original recipe
- Crispy, flaky exterior
- Served with green beans, mashed potatoes
- White gravy on the side
Finding Local Chicken Fried Steak Spots Near You
While chains are great, sometimes the best chicken fried steak comes from local diners and restaurants. According to recent Yelp data, here are some highly-rated local spots:
Washington DC Area
- Founding Farmers – Multiple locations with thousands of positive reviews
- Tupelo Honey – Southern-style comfort food in Arlington
- Ted’s Bulletin – Multiple locations serving comfort classics
- Della J’s Delectables – Southern comfort food in Alexandria
Virginia/Maryland Area
- Woodfield Diner in Gaithersburg, MD
- Fountain Grill in Ashburn, VA
- Joe’s Cafe in Sterling, VA
- Makers Union in Reston, VA
- Philadelphia Tavern in Manassas, VA
- Yorkshire Restaurant in Manassas, VA
- Bonnie Blue in Winchester, VA
- Buford’s Biscuits in Leesburg, VA
- Amphora Diner in Herndon, VA
- Fat City Kitchen in Alexandria, VA
How to Find the Best Chicken Fried Steak Near You
Not seeing spots in your area? Here’s how to find great chicken fried steak wherever you are:
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Check Yelp – Search “chicken fried steak near me” on Yelp to find local spots with reviews and ratings
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Try DoorDash – If you’re looking for delivery, search for “chicken fried steak” on DoorDash to find restaurants that will bring it straight to your door
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Look for diners and comfort food restaurants – These types of establishments are most likely to serve excellent chicken fried steak
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Ask locals – Sometimes the best spots are hidden gems that only locals know about
Chicken Fried Steak vs. Country Fried Steak: What’s the Difference?
You might notice some restaurants list “country fried steak” instead of “chicken fried steak.” According to Southern Living, food historians debate whether these are regional terms for the same dish or actually different preparations:
- Some say chicken fried steak is served with white gravy, while country fried comes with brown gravy
- Others claim country fried is simply dredged in flour without egg, while chicken fried uses egg in the batter
- Many restaurants use the terms interchangeably
The good news? Both are delicious! If you’re a purist, you might want to ask about the specific preparation, but most places serve something that falls under the broader chicken fried steak umbrella.
Making Chicken Fried Steak at Home
Can’t find a good restaurant nearby? Don’t worry! Chicken fried steak isn’t too difficult to make at home. Here’s a basic approach:
- Tenderize cube steak with a meat mallet
- Season with salt and pepper
- Dredge in seasoned flour
- Dip in beaten egg wash
- Dredge again in flour
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side)
- Make gravy using some of the frying oil, flour, milk, and seasonings
- Serve with your favorite sides
My Personal Recommendations
After trying chicken fried steak all over, I gotta say that Cracker Barrel is really consistent if you need a reliable chain option. But if I’m being honest, the best ones are usually at those little local diners that have been around forever.
One time I ordered delivery from this tiny place called Joe’s near my hotel while traveling for work, and it was SO good that I went back the next morning for their breakfast chicken fried steak with eggs. The gravy was peppery and thick, just how I like it!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a chicken fried steak connoisseur or trying it for the first time, there’s something incredibly satisfying about this classic comfort food. The combination of crispy coating, tender meat, and creamy gravy just hits the spot, especially when you’re craving something hearty.
Have I missed your favorite spot? What do you think makes the perfect chicken fried steak? I’m always on the lookout for new places to try, so drop me a comment if you’ve got recommendations!
Remember, the best chicken fried steak is the one that makes YOU happy – whether that’s at a national chain, local diner, or made in your own kitchen with love.
FAQ About Chicken Fried Steak
Q: Is chicken fried steak actually chicken?
A: Nope! Despite the name, it’s made with beef (usually cube steak). The “chicken fried” part refers to the cooking technique, which is similar to how fried chicken is prepared.
Q: What’s typically served with chicken fried steak?
A: Common sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, coleslaw, and some form of bread (biscuits, Texas toast, etc.).
Q: Can I get chicken fried steak for breakfast?
A: Absolutely! Many restaurants serve a breakfast version topped with gravy and served with eggs and hash browns. Denny’s and IHOP are good chain options for this.
Q: How much does chicken fried steak usually cost?
A: Prices vary by location, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $10-20 for a chicken fried steak meal at most chain restaurants.
Q: Is chicken fried steak healthy?
A: Let’s be real – it’s not the healthiest choice since it’s battered and fried, then covered in gravy. But it’s definitely a delicious treat for occasional indulgence!
Now go out there and find yourself some amazing chicken fried steak! Your taste buds will thank you.
