Nick Reynolds
Audio By Carbonatix
From classics to secret menus and (hear us out) poutine-topped chicken-fried steaks, Dallas has it all. Chicken fried steak holds a special place in the heart of every Texan, and in Dallas, you’ll find some of the best renditions of this Southern classic across the city.
As National Chicken Fried Steak Day approaches on Sunday, Oct. 26, there’s no better time to dive into the best spots to enjoy a tender, crispy and gravy-drenched plate of this iconic dish.
Here is a roundup of some of our favorite places to get your CFS fix in Dallas, each offering a unique twist on the beloved meal.
AllGood Café, Deep Ellum
AllGood Cafe delivers a down-home vibe with a side of killer chicken-fried steak. It’s perfectly crispy and served with eggs and hash browns if you stop by for breakfast, or mashed potatoes and gravy for lunch. The cozy diner ambiance and friendly service keep locals and visitors coming back for more. 2934 Main St.
Babe’s chicken fried steak comes with as many biscuits as you can eat.
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House is a go-to for all things comfort food, and the chicken fried steak is as comforting as it gets. Large-as-a-plate cuts of steak are battered and fried until golden brown and served family-style, which means endless mounds of mashed potatoes, corn, green beans and buttery biscuits. The atmosphere at Babe’s makes it feel like a family gathering every time. I
Bubba’s Cooks Country
Bubba’s Cooks Country delivers a chicken fried steak that’s pure, old-school Texas comfort. Known for their home-cooked, no-nonsense approach to food, Bubba’s serves up a chicken fried steak that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s generously portioned, with the steak perfectly fried to golden perfection and slathered in a rich, peppery gravy. The sides, like mashed potatoes and green beans, round out the classic plate. Bubba’s retro, diner-style setting adds to the charm, making it the perfect spot for a down-home meal that hits all the right notes. 6617 Hillcrest Ave.
Yes, that’s jalapeño gravy.
Celebration Restaurant
Celebration Restaurant
At Celebration, the chicken fried steak is all about homemade goodness. A tender cut of beef that’s just the right thickness is seasoned and fried to a golden crisp. The creamy, peppered gravy adds a rich, savory touch without overpowering the dish. What sets Celebration apart is the family-style service, so you can enjoy it with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies and fresh rolls. The restaurant’s warm, welcoming atmosphere, paired with this Southern staple, makes it feel like a meal cooked with care, perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings. 4503 W. Lovers Lane
Chubby’s
Chubby’s has been serving chicken fried steaks in Dallas since 1987, and in case you missed it, it won Best Chicken Fried Steak for the Observer’s Best of Dallas in 2025. It’s owned by a local Greek family who has been the sole operator of the restaurant for over 37 years. They use hand-cut USDA choice beef cutlets that are bettered and deep fried til golden brown. Finishing it off is a hearty smothering of country gravy with the proper pepper speckles. They weren’t kidding when they made their motto, “You bring the tummy, we bring the yummy.” Make sure it’s substantial, though. They have pie. 11331 E NW Highway
Ellen’s
Ellen’s flagship location in the West End District is currently closed for renovations, but Ellen’s in Casa Linda continues to elevate the art of chicken fried steak. They are famous for Southern comfort food, and their chicken fried steak is a prime example of what they do best. It’s generously portioned, crispy, and paired with rich, peppery gravy. With its charming décor and hearty portions, Ellen’s is a great spot to satisfy your cravings in a welcoming, warm environment. 1211 N. Buckner Blvd.
Jonathon’s
It was voted Best Chicken Fried Steak by Dallas Observer Best of Dallas 2024, and we stand by our winner. Jonathon’s serves a tender, juicy and well-seasoned steak that requires stretchy pants if you intend to eat the entire thing. The crispy, golden crust holds up under a rich blanket of creamy gravy, thanks in part to a mix of crushed saltine crackers, which doesn’t get soggy or fall apart. 1619 N. Beckley Ave. and 5337 Forest Lane
Lounge Here
People think Lounge Here may be too swanky to be serving some serious, greasy grub, but don’t be fooled. Its chicken fried ribeye is panko crusted, smothered in duck fat gravy and served with a side of shaved Brussels. Don’t panic— they’re charred. It’s the perfect way to disguise a nice night out as a cover for gluttony. Stop in for brunch and you can get the same chicken fried steak, except it’s dressed with a fried egg and served with a piece of Texas toast instead of the greens. Now we’re talkin’. 9028 Garland Road
Mama’s Daughters’ Diner
A Dallas favorite, Mama’s Daughters’ Diner has been dishing out classic Southern meals since 1958. Their chicken fried steak is legendary – a tender cut of beef coated in a golden-brown, crunchy crust and served with creamy gravy. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, the diner’s nostalgic atmosphere makes every bite taste like home. Design District, Plano, Irving, Forney and Lewisville
Maple Leaf Diner
For 10 years, Maple Leaf Diner has been pushing its poutine agenda in Big D, and we’re here for it. This mix of gravy and cheese curds has long blessed piles of fries but it took moxie to add it to the top of chicken fried steak. Such a cross-check could have been an international incident. But, nah, this Quebec-born gravy is right at home on one of Texas’ most revered plates. 12817 Preston Road
Norma’s Café
Norma’s Café has been a Dallas institution since 1956, and their chicken fried steak has stood the test of time. The dish is served with a choice of sides, but the mashed potatoes and gravy are a must-try. With five locations around Dallas, it’s easy to stop by and dig into this Southern classic in a retro diner atmosphere. Be sure to top it all off with a piece of pie. Plano, North Dallas, Frisco, Oak Cliff and Park Lane
Oddfellows
The chicken fried steak at Oddfellows is a solid go-to for comfort food lovers in Bishop Arts. Akaushi beef serves as the baseline here. The rich, creamy gravy is poured generously over the top, adding just the right amount of Southern indulgence. Oddfellows is known for putting care into every dish, and the chicken fried steak is no exception. Pair it with cold beer, and you’ve got a satisfying meal in a laid-back, casual setting that feels both cozy and cool. 316 W. Seventh St.
The chicken fried steak at Ozona is consistently superb.
Angie Quebedeaux
Ozona Bar & Grill
The chicken fried steak at Ozona Bar & Grill is a hearty, no-frills classic that keeps locals coming back for more. Served with a golden, crispy crust that shatters with each bite, the steak itself is tender and juicy, delivering that perfect balance between crunch and softness. Smothered in rich, creamy country gravy, it’s exactly the kind of dish that hits the spot when you’re craving comfort food. The laid-back, rustic vibe at Ozona makes it easy to relax, grab a cold drink and enjoy a Southern favorite in a casual, outdoor setting. 4615 Greenville Ave.
Prégo Pasta House
The chicken fried steak at Prégo Pasta House is a bit of an unexpected gem on the menu, considering the restaurant’s focus on Italian fare. Here, a 14-ounce New York strip is pounded thin before being dredged and fried. It’s served over cottage fries with a cream gravy made from roasted ham drippings. Don’t freak out if you can’t find it on the menu – it’s a secret. Shhhhhh … 4930 Greenville Ave.
