Some would argue that chicken fried steak is chicken fried steak no matter where you get it. Those people are obviously not from Texas. Us Texans know that there is a very fine art to making this dish: getting the breading just right so that it’s not too crisp, making sure the coating to meat ratio is even so as not to allow one element to overpower the other, and concocting a perfectly rich, creamy gravy that offsets the crunchiness of the crust. When all of these elements come together, it’s a song from heaven above. So without further ado, here are 10 restaurants that serve the best chicken fried steak in Texas.

1. Jake and Dorothy's Cafe (Stephenville)
Yelp/Jake and Dorothy's
Yelp/Jake and Dorothy's
Jake and Dorothy's Cafe serves their magnificent dish 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)
Yelp/Lulu's
Yelp/Lulu's
Editor's note: This restaurant is no longer open.

You better come here with an appetite! Everyone knows Lulu's for their famous Texas-sized cinnamon rolls, but their chicken fried steak is of similar caliber. And if you can manage to stuff anything else down your gullet, order one of their mouthwatering side dishes. To learn more, visit their website here.
3. De Wese's Tip Top Cafe (San Antonio)
Yelp/Tip Top Cafe
Yelp/Tip Top Cafe
Countless readers recommended this chicken fried steak for various reasons: the size, the crunch that gives way to tender, juicy steak on the inside, and the delicious gravy. To learn more, visit their website here.
4. Ranchman's Cafe (Ponder)
Yelp/Ranchman's Cafe
Yelp/Ranchman's Cafe
Mmm, look at all that gravy. There'll be enough left over to mix with everything else on the plate and send your taste buds to heaven. Believe us, Ranchman's Cafe is worth going out of your way for. To learn more, visit their website here.
5. Barbecue Inn (Houston)
Yelp/Barbecue Inn
Yelp/Barbecue Inn
Surprisingly, some of the best chicken fried steak in the state can be found in our biggest city. It's definitely a hidden gem with its old-fashioned, small town atmosphere. The chicken fried steak is the star of the menu - it's simply delicious. And that leaf of kale makes the whole meal healthy, right? To learn more about Barbecue Inn, visit their website here.

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6. Mama's Cafe (San Antonio)
Yelp/Mama's Cafe
Yelp/Mama's Cafe
Who knew San Antonio was such a hot spot for southern fried goodness? You'll find all the standard country fare at this cute cafe: biscuits and sausage gravy, fried okra, mashed potatoes, and more. But once you sink your teeth into their chicken fried steak, you'll never order anything else. The cut of meat is so plump and full-bodied, and it's breaded just right to not lose that tenderness in an ocean of crust. Come get you some, y'all. Click here to learn more.
7. Blue Bonnet Cafe (Marble Falls)
Yelp/Blue Bonnet Cafe
Yelp/Blue Bonnet Cafe
Blue Bonnet Cafe is southern to its core, and the down home cookin' sure reflects that. Red beans and rice with sausage, fried okra, and the most moist yet crispy chicken fried steak you ever did eat. (P.S: You've got to save room for pie. There's nothing else quite like it). Click here to learn more.
8. Babe's Chicken Dinner House (Carrollton)
Yelp/Babe's
Yelp/Babe's
A restaurant that just serves fried chicken?! Sign us up! Babe's Chicken Dinner House really is heaven on earth. Sink your teeth into their magical chicken fried steak and feel the world slow down for a moment. Click here to learn more.
9. Mary's Cafe (Strawn)
Yelp/Mary's Cafe
Yelp/Mary's
Mary's is the perfect little southern cafe with charming waitstaff and good ol' greasy, fried eats. This chicken fried steak gives even Lulu's a run for its money! The gravy is served in a bowl by itself on the side, to give you an idea of just how big this steak is. Hey, everything's bigger in Texas, right? And bigger doesn't necessarily mean better...unless you're talking about food. To learn more, click here.
10. Gristmill River Restaurant (Gruene)
Yelp/Gristmill
Yelp/Gristmill
Surprised? We were too when we got an overwhelming amount of reader comments claiming this chicken fried steak is the very best in Texas. But they were definitely telling the truth - the gravy is the richest and creamiest it could possibly be without making the breading soggy. The textures and tastes work so well together to produce a heavenly meal that one wouldn't typically associate with the hill country. And an added bonus: you get a breathtaking view of the surrounding river while you chow down. To learn more, click here.

Who do you think makes the best chicken fried steak in Texas? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another delicious place to get comfort food in Texas, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

Craving some smoky brisket? Sink your teeth into the best barbecue sandwiches in Texas.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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best chicken fried steak in Texas

Elisa Regulski | July 10, 2020

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There are so many wonderful places to get comfort food in Texas. If it’s a buttery biscuit you’re after, visit Bird Bird in Austin. This colorful eatery specializes in chicken biscuits, and each bite will fill you with warm and fuzzy feelings. Eating this scrumptious meal is the best way to kick off your day. For more ideas, check out our list of the best country restaurants in Texas.

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Featured Addresses
Jake & Dorothy's Cafe, 406 E Washington St, Stephenville, TX 76401, USA
918 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
2814 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201, USA
110 W Bailey St, Ponder, TX 76259, USA
116 W Crosstimbers Rd, Houston, TX 77018, USA
Mama's Cafe, 2442 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217, USA
Blue Bonnet Cafe, 211 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
1006 W Main St, Carrollton, TX 75006, USA
Mary's Cafe, 119 Grant Ave, Strawn, TX 76475, USA
1287 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA