The 12 Best Chicken Fried Steaks in Dallas

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 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

2934 Main St. (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.

Babe’s Chicken Dinner House

Various Locations

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.

Bubba’s Cooks Country

6617 Hillcrest Ave.

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.

Celebration Restaurant

4503 W. Lovers Lane

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.

Ellen’s

1211 N. Buckner Blvd.

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.

Jonathon’s

1619 N. Beckley Ave. and 5337 Forest Lane

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.

Mama’s Daughters’ Diner

Design District, Plano, Irving, Forney and Lewisville

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.

Maple Leaf Diner

12817 Preston Road

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.

Norma’s Café

Plano, North Dallas, Frisco, Oak Cliff and Park Lane

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.

Oddfellows

316 W. Seventh St.

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.

Ozona Bar & Grill

4615 Greenville Ave.

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.

Prégo Pasta House

4930 Greenville Ave.

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 ...