Are you craving that perfect combination of crispy, golden-brown batter and tender beef smothered in creamy gravy? Yeah, me too! As a dedicated comfort food enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours hunting down the most satisfying chicken fried steak in town It’s one of those dishes that just hits different when you need something hearty and delicious
Let’s be real – not all chicken fried steaks are created equal, Some are soggy disappointments while others are absolute game-changers I’ve done the research (and the eating!) to help you find the absolute best chicken fried steak spots near you
What Makes a Great Chicken Fried Steak?
Before we dive into specific restaurants, let’s talk about what makes chicken fried steak so darn good:
- Perfect crispy coating: The exterior should have that satisfying crunch when you cut into it
- Tender meat: No one wants to struggle with tough, chewy steak
- Flavorful gravy: Whether white sawmill gravy or brown gravy, it needs to complement the steak
- Hearty sides: Great mashed potatoes, green beans, or other classic sides complete the meal
Fun fact Despite the name, there’s no actual chicken in chicken fried steak! It’s called that because the preparation method is similar to how fried chicken is made – dredged in seasoned flour, often with an egg wash, and then pan-fried to crispy perfection.
National Chains Serving Excellent Chicken Fried Steak
When you’re looking for reliability and consistency, these national chains deliver solid chicken fried steak options:
Cracker Barrel
With over 650 locations across the US, Cracker Barrel is practically synonymous with country cooking. Their country fried steak has been a menu staple since they opened their first restaurant back in 1969.
What to expect: They serve USDA Choice steak fried to golden perfection and topped with white sawmill gravy. For around $12.99, you get the steak plus two sides (or three sides for just $2 more) and your choice of biscuits or muffins. Talk about value!
Texas Roadhouse
Another popular chain with around 650 locations, Texas Roadhouse takes their southwestern-style comfort food seriously.
What to expect: They hand-batter fresh-cut sirloin and serve it golden and crispy. What I love about their version is how customizable it is – choose cream or brown gravy, add shrimp or blue cheese crumbles, or smother it with mushrooms and onions. It comes with two sides from their extensive list, including chili, mac and cheese, and buttered corn.
Denny’s
Looking for an all-day breakfast option? Denny’s breakfast take on chicken fried steak hits the spot.
What to expect: Their classic country fried steak features a fried chopped beef steak smothered in gravy, served alongside hash browns, toast, and two eggs. Perfect for satisfying those breakfast-for-dinner cravings!
IHOP
Similar to Denny’s, IHOP offers a hearty breakfast version of this comfort food classic.
What to expect: IHOP’s golden-battered beef steak comes smothered in gravy and served with two eggs, hash browns, and two fluffy buttermilk pancakes. It’s basically the ultimate breakfast platter!
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
With over 150 locations, Cheddar’s prides itself on making everything from scratch in their massive 3,500-square-foot kitchens.
What to expect: Their hand-battered country fried steak is served over Texas toast with your choice of country or brown gravy. Each order comes with two sides – I recommend trying their broccoli cheese casserole or cheese and bacon fries.
Shoney’s
This Nashville-headquartered chain operates about 60 restaurants throughout the southern United States.
What to expect: Shoney’s country fried steak stands out for its signature seasoned flour breading. It’s smothered in traditional white gravy and comes with two sides. For seafood lovers, you can add six shrimp on top.
Local Gems for Amazing Chicken Fried Steak
While national chains offer consistency, local restaurants often provide unique takes on this classic dish. Based on Yelp reviews, here are some top-rated local spots in various regions:
DMV Area (DC, Maryland, Virginia)
- Fountain Grill (Ashburn, VA) – With 318 reviews, this American comfort food spot is highly rated for their chicken fried steak.
- Joe’s Cafe (Sterling, VA) – Boasting 926 reviews, this breakfast and diner spot is known for hearty portions.
- Makers Union (Reston, VA) – With 442 reviews, this pub serves up a delicious American-style version.
- Yorkshire Restaurant (Manassas, VA) – This breakfast and diner spot with 510 reviews offers a classic take.
For Southern-Style Options
- Bonnie Blue (Winchester, VA) – This bakery and Southern food spot has 839 reviews and is known for authentic flavors.
- Henry’s Soul Cafe (Washington, DC) – With 284 reviews, this soul food restaurant delivers a truly Southern experience.
- Della J’s Delectables (Alexandria, VA) – This Southern food spot has earned 956 reviews for their comfort food classics.
Most Reviewed Options
If you trust the wisdom of crowds, these are the most reviewed spots according to Yelp:
- Founding Farmers (Multiple locations) – Their DC location has a whopping 17,994 reviews!
- Founding Farmers – Tysons (Tysons, VA) – With 3,787 reviews, this location is also highly regarded.
- Tupelo Honey (Arlington, VA) – This Southern food spot has 2,656 reviews and is known for excellent chicken fried steak.
Making the Most of Your Chicken Fried Steak Experience
Here’s my advice for getting the best possible chicken fried steak experience:
- Call ahead: Some restaurants only offer chicken fried steak on certain days or as a special.
- Ask about the gravy: If you have a preference between white cream gravy or brown gravy, check if you can choose.
- Consider the sides: The perfect sides can elevate your meal – classic pairings include mashed potatoes, green beans, and mac and cheese.
- Breakfast or dinner?: Decide if you want the traditional dinner version or a breakfast variation with eggs.
- Check delivery options: Many places now offer chicken fried steak for delivery through services like DoorDash.
What’s the Difference Between Chicken Fried and Country Fried?
This confused me for years, so lemme clear it up for you! According to Southern Living, food historians debate this distinction:
- Some say they’re just regional variations of the same dish
- Others claim chicken fried steak is served with white gravy, while country fried comes with brown pan gravy
- Another difference might be in preparation: country fried is simply dredged in flour, while chicken fried includes an egg wash
Honestly, I’ve found that restaurants use these terms pretty interchangeably. The important thing is that both are delicious variations of fried steak with gravy!
Why Chicken Fried Steak Hits Different
There’s something special about chicken fried steak that makes it the ultimate comfort food. Maybe it’s the contrast between the crispy exterior and tender meat, or perhaps it’s the way the gravy soaks into everything, creating the perfect bite. Whatever the reason, when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, few dishes can compete.
I remember my grandma making chicken fried steak on Sunday afternoons, and that first bite always takes me back to her kitchen. Food memories are powerful, which might explain why so many of us seek out this classic dish when we need comfort.
Bringing It Home: Ordering Takeout
Don’t feel like dining out? Many restaurants now offer chicken fried steak for takeout or delivery. Just be aware that the crispy coating might soften a bit during transit – but it’ll still be delicious!
Popular delivery options include:
- Cracker Barrel
- Texas Roadhouse
- Silver Diner
- Founding Farmers
- Ted’s Bulletin
Most offer “Start Order” options directly through their websites or through popular delivery apps.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer the consistency of a national chain or the unique character of a local joint, there’s a perfect chicken fried steak waiting for you nearby. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity – it doesn’t need to be fancy to be absolutely delicious.
Now if you’ll excuse me, all this talk about chicken fried steak has me ready to grab my keys and head out for dinner. My stomach is literally growling as I type this!
What’s your favorite place to get chicken fried steak? Drop me a comment below – I’m always looking for new spots to try!
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
The chipotle cream gravy that tops the massive chicken-fried steak at the downtown comfort food restaurant adds a nice spicy kick to the meal rounded out with mashed potatoes. There’s a second location up in Avery Ranch. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.
Of course, the coastal Texas comfort food restaurant in Zilker offers a chicken-fried steak, where the breaded rib-eye steak is topped with brisket-studded gravy, and served alongside roasted garlic-rosemary mashed potatoes and green beans. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.
Yall’s Down Home Cafe
The Round Rock Southern restaurant’s chicken-fried steak is a homey one drenched in gravy. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.
How to Make the Best Chicken Fried Steak | Allrecipes
FAQ
Where can I get chicken fried Steak Delivered?
Get Chicken Fried Steak delivered from national chains, local favorites, or new neighborhood restaurants, on Grubhub. Order online, and get Chicken Fried Steak delivered, fast. Deals and promos available.
Where can I find chicken fried steak?
Fortunately, there’s a great selection around the country, and you can find well-made chicken (and country) fried steaks at many restaurant chains, likely including one right near you. As always, menus can vary regionally, so be sure to check your local spot before heading out.
Where to eat chicken fried steak in Houston?
Barbecue Inn (Houston) is a great place to find delicious chicken fried steak in Houston. The old-fashioned, small town atmosphere is a hidden gem. The chicken fried steak is the star of the menu.
Where can I find chicken fried steak in OKC?
If you’re looking for chicken fried steak in OKC, Cheever’s Cafe is a great option. Located in an old flower shop in a historic OKC building, it offers an upscale version of the dish served over garlic red-skinned mashed potatoes with a savory jalapeno cream gravy on top.
Which restaurants serve the best chicken fried steak in Texas?
Here are the 10 restaurants in Texas that serve the best chicken fried steak: 1. Jake and Dorothy’s Cafe (Stephenville) Jake and Dorothy’s Cafe serves the best chicken fried steak on top of a pool of creamy gravy. After one bite, you’ll fall in love. To learn more, click here. 2. Lulu’s Bakery and Cafe (San Antonio)
Where to eat chicken fried steak in San Antonio?
De Wese’s Tip Top Cafe (San Antonio) is a popular choice for chicken fried steak. Readers have praised it for its size, the crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy steak on the inside, and the delicious gravy. For more information, visit their website here. 4. Ranchman’s Cafe (Ponder) also offers a notable chicken fried steak experience.
Does KFC make chicken fried steak?
Yes, KFC offers country fried steak on a limited-time, weekly basis, typically on Wednesdays, at participating locations, often including mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw, and a biscuit. This promotional meal is not a permanent menu item, so availability can vary by location and time.
What is chicken fried steak also called?
Chicken-fried steak, also known as country-fried steak, is an American Southern breaded cutlet dish consisting of a piece of beefsteak (most often tenderized cube steak) coated with seasoned flour and either deep-fried or pan-fried.
Does LongHorn Steakhouse have a chicken fried steak?
The LongHorn®* 22oz. 28.99 | Got the biggest steak in the game wearing our name! Chicken Fried Steak* 14.79 | Hand-battered beef with country-style white pepper gravy. All entrées served with choice of side and hand-chopped salad.