In the vast expanse of North Texas, where cowboy boots and skyscrapers somehow coexist, there's a cuisine that unites locals and tourists alike in delicious harmony. It's chicken fried steak. This dish is so beloved throughout the Lone Star State that October 26th has been designated as Texas His Chicken His Fried His Steak Day. And this is not one of his fabricated holidays. During the 82nd Congress in 2011, Texas House Resolution 1419 made this day officially recognized by the state. I'm sure I can take a break. (Don't check with HR, just leave it alone.)
we, dallas observer I've eaten a lot of chicken fried steak in this city, sometimes more than once. Join us on a delicious journey as we share our favorite places to get the most delicious chicken fried steak this town has to offer.
all good cafe
2934 Main St. (Deep Ellum)
AllGood Café has been recognized multiple times for our Chicken Fried Steak. Some say this version is the North Star that others should aim to replicate. Tender beef is pounded flat, fried, seasoned to perfection, and topped with homemade pepper cream gravy. If you love brunch, be sure to add a fried or overeasy egg. The combination of runny egg yolk, peppery cream gravy, and crunchy CFS is the perfect way to start your day.
Babes Chicken Dinner House
various places
Babe's Chicken Dinner House has become an iconic Texas restaurant. With numerous locations throughout North Texas, our fares are always good. Best known for its bone-in fried chicken, Babe's chicken-fried steak is often hailed as one of the best in the area. The steaks are fried until golden brown, slathered in gravy, and served with accompaniments such as sweet corn, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy green beans and buttery biscuits.
bubba's cooks country
6617 Hillcrest Avenue
SMU students and Park City families have been coming to the beloved Bubba's for more than 40 years to enjoy homemade country food. Here, crispy fried steak, rich, creamy gravy, and fluffy buttermilk biscuits are paired with classic sides like green beans, lima beans, mashed potatoes, and black-eyed peas. As difficult as it may be, save room for dessert and treat yourself to some bread pudding.
celebration restaurant
4503 W. Lovers Lane (Park Cities)
Celebration is one of Dallas' most famous “home cooking” spots. Housed in a sprawling ranch house with wood-paneled walls reminiscent of your grandparents' 1970s home, the chicken-fried steaks are made with Texas grass-fed beef and fried to order. Serve with traditional gravy or jalapeño cream gravy. Prices are $15.95 for lunch and $17.95 for dinner, which includes a dinner roll and three sides.
Ellen's
West End, East Dallas, Allen.Coming soon to North Dallas, Fort Worth and Frisco
Ellen's chicken fried steak is surprisingly crispy. Ellen's takes the art of chicken frying to the next level, starting with a top-cubed her steak coated in a seasoned flour blend (self-rising flour is the secret to super-crispy skin). The steak is then immersed in the deep fryer to create a symphony of textures like no other. If you prefer Benedict-style chicken-fried steak, serve it on a biscuit topped with a soft poached egg.
haywire
uptown and plano
If you want to eat chicken fried steak inside an Airstream trailer or tent, head to Haywire for an unforgettable atmosphere and Instagram-worthy photos. Did we mention that Haywire uses Wagyu beef? The result is a crispy exterior skin and fork-tender beef. Served with buttermilk chive whipped potatoes, jalapeño sausage gravy, and sautéed green beans, it's the ultimate comfort dish.
Essential Smokehouse and Brewery
509 W. State St., Garland
Wait, what? Smoked chicken fried brisket? God is here. We preach the gospel in Garland on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This half-pound brisket from Intrinsic is served with mashed potatoes and charred gravy. Can you say hallelujah and amen?
Jonathan's
1619 N. Beckley Ave. (Oak Cliff) and 5337 Forest Lane (North Dallas)
When I order chicken fried steak, the texture often falls apart as soon as the gravy is applied. Not so with Jonathan. Tenderize shoulder steak, dip it in seasoned flour, give it a Tabasco buttermilk bath, and wrap it in a salty cracker crust. The result is perfect. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly tender and perfectly crunchy. The size is easy to share, and the actual steak is about the size of a human head.
mama's daughters diner
Design District, Plano, Irving, Forney, Louisville
The moment you hear the name “Mama's,” you know you're in for a treat. It's not just a treat, it's steeped in family tradition. Mama's is a family affair, and that means five different locations across his three generations. For nearly 40 years, Mama and her staff have done things the old-fashioned way. That means starting every dish from scratch. They make chicken fried steak as a matter of course, and it's consistently delicious and always filling.
Norma's Cafe
Plano, North Dallas, Frisco, Oak Cliff, Park Lane
Whenever we read about double dipping, you can be sure we're going to check it out. Norma's has been double-dipping her award-winning Chicken Fried Steak for extra crunch and deliciousness since 1956. The $11.99 eNORMaus Chicken Fried Steak is fried golden brown, slathered in creamy gravy, and served with three freshly prepared vegetable garnishes if you choose. Homemade rolls and cornbread. Now you can't get out of a fast food drive thru for that price.
Ozona Bar & Grill
4615 Greenville Avenue
Ozona celebrates CFS every day of the year. But on October 26th, the banners will go up. It's a party. This year, live music begins at 4 p.m., featuring Greg Schroeder followed by Big Daddy. At Ozona, we use sirloin top butt for our chicken fried steaks, resulting in a naturally tender, firm and thick steak. If you don't feel like eating a whole steak, you can also choose smaller options like Chicken Fried Steak Fingers, Chicken Fried Steak Sliders, or Chicken Fried Steak Sandwiches. If you're in the mood for something different, order the chicken-fried steak queso-style or cowboy-style with chili, cheese, and red onion.
Prego Pasta House
4930 Greenville Avenue
As our Chris Wolfgang discovered in 2022, Prego Pasta House's chicken fried steak is to die for. You wouldn't necessarily think of ordering chicken fried steak at an Italian restaurant, but something strange happened. Although it's not on the menu, the kitchen can also chicken-fry 14-ounce New York strips and serve them with a creamy gravy made from the ham drippings roasted earlier in the day. If you think you can eat by yourself, try your best.
whistle britches
Various locations (North Dallas, Plano, Southlake)
If you're in the suburbs of North Dallas, Plano, or Southlake, you'll quickly learn that more isn't always better. Instead of the oversized, thinly-crusted chicken-fried steaks you often find at other restaurants, Whistle Britches offers 8-ounce thick-cut Angus beef that sets it apart from its competitors. Perfectly coated and fried until golden brown, they are served with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered green beans and a well-seasoned cream gravy.