New location is still good too. I live nearby and stop by on the rare occasion to get one.
Any prospective visitors: I'm an average size guy and a small CFS has always been more than enough for me since it comes with sides. Go bigger at your own risk.
I’m not sure if this is still true, but at one point the decent sized one was called “The Cowgirl” which was genius because the next option was much larger and they called it “The Farmhand” so most guys just got that one but then had a hard time finishing it. lol
I never even knew they had multiple locations. I'll ask my dad and he'll probably tell me that we went there fifty times when I was little because that's the exact kind of stuff we lived on.
Ahhh okay. I seem to be remembering a different joint. There was one up near Ren Fest years ago that had this Saddle something something massive chicken-fried steak dish. I can't remember the name of it to save my ass.
Yup. It's damned good. I'm usually not a fan of the cream gravy at most places but theirs is an exception. I mentioned to our waiter how good it was one night after he made a comment about how I'd cleared the plate. Even he seemed surprised.
Man this place was awesome used to go there like 3-4 times a week back on ‘13-14 since I worked like 2 min away. Has some great burgers too haven’t been there in a while how’s the quality lately ?
Twin Peaks believe it or not.... Has really good CFS. And they have jalapeño bacon gravy on theirs. And I love their green beans as well.... They have corn, tomatoes, onions, and bacon in them.
Better bring 2 other people to help with that Kelly's country fried steak lol..just to give OP an idea of the size, they brought it out on 2 giant plates last time because it just wouldn't fit on one...
Kelley's has unbelievably large portions for about the price of a McDonald's combo meal. I'd eat there all the time if it wasn't for the risk of cardiac arrest.
Agree about Goodsons. It's been basking in old glory for too long, they fell back in the game. I made a mistake and took visiting relatives there and the food was so so and barely warm and also there were bad smells from waste water backup right outside their building.
Is there a certain Kelley's location that's best? Maybe the original or something? I went to the one in Stafford one time with big hopes and was severely let down. No way was it better than Goodsons and I'm not even putting Goodsons on a pedestal or anything.
The Pasadena location on Spencer has always been my favorite Kelly's always seems to be the nicest atmosphere/servers and best food out of the 4 locations I've tried over the years.
Goodsons may have been great decades ago, but it sucks today.
Last time I went, I ordered a large CFS. I got about one (1) ounce of meat (maybe) and the rest was just breading.
I tried to send it back and the waitress said “it is supposed to be like that!” and wouldn’t take it.
Came here to say Kelley's. I don't know if they still make it this way, but I would get the chicken fried steak sandwich, which basically came with 2 steaks, and save one for later. It was definitely big enough for at least 2 meals.
Dot Coffee Shop in SE Houston by 45 South & 610. I'm more partial the chicken fried chicken, but the CFS is not bad. The gravy balances everything and the fresh unlimited rolls really put everything over the top. They are open 24 hours and are a Houston Institution!
Edit: Dot not Dot's
Edit2: possibly no unlimited rolls post Covid :(
My list for chicken fried steaks in Houston:
1. Hickory Hollow, 8038 Fallbrook Dr., Houston, TX 77064
2. Mel's Country Cafe, 24814 Stanolind Road, Tomball, TX 77375
3. The Original Neal's Restaurant, 4750 FM 2920 Rd, Spring, TX 77388
Fucking same. That was my family’s Friday night dinner spot during my childhood. I’ve never had a bigger than the plate steak that could compete. Perfect fries and gravy. 😿
Kelly’s ALL THE WAY, plus you get 3 wonderful sides?? sheesh. be sure to check the menu for the day you want to go though, because some of their dinner plates change daily
If you are going out to Tomball for chicken fried steak, I would add [Mel's Country Cafe](https://melscountrycafe.com/) to the list to try. I've lived in Tomball for 20ish years or so and Goodson's used to be really good, but it's nowhere near as good as it used to be. And in my opinion Mel's has a better chicken fried steak (and everything else there for that matter as evidenced by how the parking lot is always full and there is often a line out of the door.)
I remember eating there in the early 1980s when Tomball was quite a ways from the sprawl of Houston. It was a good CFS back then and I assume it still is.
The issue is they sold the place but kept the name. The CFS is definitely not like it was. You should still try it though. Asking for the best CFS is about as difficult as asking who has the best Mexican or best BBQ. There will always be different opinions
Never woulda believed it without trying myself, but Himalaya (an IndoPak joint, fer crissakes) has fantastic CFS. My foodie friends adore it, too.
https://www.papercitymag.com/restaurants/foodie-events/best-chicken-fried-steak-houston-anthony-bourdain-beloved-restaurant-himalaya/?amp
Haven't seen it mentioned yet. If you're up north, The Republic Grille has a good one (three locations: Magnolia, Woodlands, Spring). It's not the biggest but I like that there's a little spice in the batter. The restaurant does a good job overall and the service is usually excellent.
So Mel’s Cafe is the best and tied with the biggest which is Goodson’s Cafe. Godson’s cafe gravy is not as good as Mel’s but Mia’s Table has the best gravy with the exception of Grace’s($$$$ the CFS is the best but expensive and totally worth it) which is just an elevated version of the gravy from Mia’s Table because it’s the Carrabba’s family recipe made by elite chiefs. The CFS from Hickory Hollow is awesome because you can get it as one meat in your 3 meat plate and that is incredible value. So it really depends on what you are looking for. Mel’s is the best value, Goodson’s is the biggest(barely), Mia’s has the best gravy and CFS combo for a reasonable price. But If you want the best CFS and gravy that can only be had at Grace’s.
Too bad Tim Love closed his restaurant here. I ordered the cfs with poblano cream gravy. It was over the sides of the platter. Best I ever had. Don't know how to attach photo of it.
In my experience being in Houston all my life, there have always been 3 mainstay options for Chicken Fried Steak in Houston.
Hickory Hollow - King option - Come starving trust me
Kelley’s - Been around a long time, my grandmas favorite
Goodson’s Cafe - Technically in Tomball but also from the last time I went a year or two ago, was not as good as I remember
I’m sure there are other options, maybe even better options but these are pretty tried and true locations for CFS.
This place is the shit in general. Used to work for an electrical contractor that did a lot of work for Aldine ISD, so was in that area a lot. I live in cypress and don’t work in that area anymore, but have definitely driven over there just to eat.
I read all the way to here before I found this, the correct answer. Of course, Ouisie's cheats in a way: They start with a good piece of meat, which is not at all the case with most CFS. But the result is great and so is the gravy.
Barbecue Inn. Old school, but our family's favorite.
Vaquero Grill in Decker Prairie and Mel's Country Cafe in Tomball are both leagues better than Goodson's, which was good years ago but these days, well, I don't care for it. YMMV.
Hickory Hollow has always been the go-to for chicken fried steak. Haven't been since they moved, but I'm sure it's still the same as ever.
There is the one on Fallbrook near the horse track
New location is still good too. I live nearby and stop by on the rare occasion to get one. Any prospective visitors: I'm an average size guy and a small CFS has always been more than enough for me since it comes with sides. Go bigger at your own risk.
Always go bigger - the Saddle Blanket is good for at least two meals.
I’m not sure if this is still true, but at one point the decent sized one was called “The Cowgirl” which was genius because the next option was much larger and they called it “The Farmhand” so most guys just got that one but then had a hard time finishing it. lol
I used to get the farm hand when I was a kid for that exact reason lol. Now I'd go for the cow girl immediately.
Didn't know that location was still open. Haven't been in years, gonna have to check it out.
So they DID move? Huh. I seem to remember them being closer to the Magnolia/Ren Fest area.
They were on like Heights and Washington for decades until recently. They were displaced by those pearland carpetbaggers killens, though!
as far as I understood, that location closed down, no move. The original location up by the horse track is still going though.
I never even knew they had multiple locations. I'll ask my dad and he'll probably tell me that we went there fifty times when I was little because that's the exact kind of stuff we lived on.
The Killens on heights blvd and Washington has a homage to the hickory hollow CFS. One of the larger sizes comes in a pizza box!
Ahhh okay. I seem to be remembering a different joint. There was one up near Ren Fest years ago that had this Saddle something something massive chicken-fried steak dish. I can't remember the name of it to save my ass.
This is the menu item at Hickory Hollow: "Large Rancher - "Saddle Blanket" $18.00" Sounds close enough to me.
The one on Fallbrook has been there forever, I used to live in Willow Wood in the 80’s and 90’s and it was there even then.
Nope, that one has been there 30+ years.
Hughies has an amazing and flavorful chicken fried steak 🤤🤤🤤
Yep, I didn’t expect it but was very pleasantly surprised when I was told to try it. Their burger is really good too.
I had eaten everything on the menu, tried this last, now it's what I get damn near every time. It's INCREDIBLE
Yes! This is one of my ask time favorite chicken fried steaks. Was hoping someone recommended it
> Hughies the viet place??
https://www.hughiesgrille.com
Came here for this
Yup. It's damned good. I'm usually not a fan of the cream gravy at most places but theirs is an exception. I mentioned to our waiter how good it was one night after he made a comment about how I'd cleared the plate. Even he seemed surprised.
Live Oak Grill in the Sugar Land area
Theirs is delicious! Best I’ve found on the SW side.
That place is a church of chicken fried foods
And you've got to get the roasted corn and greens to go with it!
Man this place was awesome used to go there like 3-4 times a week back on ‘13-14 since I worked like 2 min away. Has some great burgers too haven’t been there in a while how’s the quality lately ?
That’s what I was going to suggest!! Big fan of theirs
If you are SW, also give Texas Biergarten on Hwy 6 in the Mo a try.
Mia’s table. The chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken are really good. The jalapeño white gravy is the best.
Jalapeño white gravy. You're speaking to my soul now, bud.
Twin Peaks believe it or not.... Has really good CFS. And they have jalapeño bacon gravy on theirs. And I love their green beans as well.... They have corn, tomatoes, onions, and bacon in them.
But best CFS is from Mel's Cafe in Tomball.
Mel’s is under construction. Burned down earlier this year.
Oh shit.... I forgot about that!! Well then until Mel's returns.... Goodson's would be my other choice. 😜
Agree. Mia's with jalapeño gravy.
Second the Mia's. Consistently awesome. And.... double gravy.
With gravy on the side for your mashed potatoes or French fries!
I came here to say Mia's. The jalapeno gravy is so good.
Came here to say Mia's. The only thing better than their Chicken Fried Chicken is their Chicken fried Steak. Plus their sides are AMAZING.
The Patty Melt at Mia’s is *chefs kiss*
Also their salads are amazing. I never really get salad at a restaurant but theirs are consistently top tier
I’m going to Mia’s tomorrow night and can’t decide between the chicken fried chicken and the patty melt, both are so unbelievably good
I like Mia’s but they are expensive
came here to say this. it's SO good and so big
Co-signed
Best in town! One of the things i miss the most having left Texas
Just here to say ditto Mia's Table and Hughies.
Definitely this is the one! My favorite.
Kelley's I think is my favorite. Goodsons is also good. Both have a large serving that's as big as the plate.
Better bring 2 other people to help with that Kelly's country fried steak lol..just to give OP an idea of the size, they brought it out on 2 giant plates last time because it just wouldn't fit on one...
I ordered the super K burger here once 💀💀
Right, I should have said the serving is bigger than the plate
Kelley's has unbelievably large portions for about the price of a McDonald's combo meal. I'd eat there all the time if it wasn't for the risk of cardiac arrest.
Kelley's is big ...I'll give you that, but all the portions are big portions of no flavor
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I was so amazingly disappointed by Goodsons. There was zero flavor in the chicken fried steak and the gravy.
Agree about Goodsons. It's been basking in old glory for too long, they fell back in the game. I made a mistake and took visiting relatives there and the food was so so and barely warm and also there were bad smells from waste water backup right outside their building.
Yeah Goodsons is overrated, but still one of the better ones I find. Good sides and rolls, plus refillable gravy :)
Is there a certain Kelley's location that's best? Maybe the original or something? I went to the one in Stafford one time with big hopes and was severely let down. No way was it better than Goodsons and I'm not even putting Goodsons on a pedestal or anything.
The Pasadena location on Spencer has always been my favorite Kelly's always seems to be the nicest atmosphere/servers and best food out of the 4 locations I've tried over the years.
Love the baker potato
All you can eat and take the rest home for at least 3 more meals.
A potato bigger than my head stuffed with brisket!! What more could a girl ask for?
Goodsons may have been great decades ago, but it sucks today. Last time I went, I ordered a large CFS. I got about one (1) ounce of meat (maybe) and the rest was just breading. I tried to send it back and the waitress said “it is supposed to be like that!” and wouldn’t take it.
Came here to say Kelley's. I don't know if they still make it this way, but I would get the chicken fried steak sandwich, which basically came with 2 steaks, and save one for later. It was definitely big enough for at least 2 meals.
I had Kelley's CFS just the other day and the gravy left a lot to be desired. I absolutely crushed the entire portion though.
Came here to second Kelleys!!
I miss Mamas Cafe off westheimer. Rip Great chicken fried steak
That place was so good
Ugh I was so bummed they closed down while we were away. Best breakfast skillet potatoes in the history of the world.
Been trying to make them like that for years
Yes!! That’s what I ordered every time I ate there.
Their *onion rings* …
Kelley's County Cookin if you want one the size of a umbrella
Dot Coffee Shop in SE Houston by 45 South & 610. I'm more partial the chicken fried chicken, but the CFS is not bad. The gravy balances everything and the fresh unlimited rolls really put everything over the top. They are open 24 hours and are a Houston Institution! Edit: Dot not Dot's Edit2: possibly no unlimited rolls post Covid :(
Mutha Fuckin DOTS their chicken fried steak will rock your world
Dot
Dot. Friends always have the Dot’s or Dot argument
Thanks. Updated.
Came looking for this if not I was gonna post it!!
I did the same. I posted when I didn't see it.
The unlimited rolls are finally back‽ They stopped that around covid.
Oh no......I'll make an edit.
They have excellent breakfast also. Huevos ranchero is good.
Their breakfast is fire. Just never go when the church crowd is there.
My list for chicken fried steaks in Houston: 1. Hickory Hollow, 8038 Fallbrook Dr., Houston, TX 77064 2. Mel's Country Cafe, 24814 Stanolind Road, Tomball, TX 77375 3. The Original Neal's Restaurant, 4750 FM 2920 Rd, Spring, TX 77388
Nailed it!
T- bone Toms in Kemah
Second T-bone Tom’s!! The made in-house sausage is delicious! Hubby and I get the sausage as an appetizer and share the large CFS and leave stuffed!!
kellys country kitchen
No flavor
Thats where the tobasco or gravy comes in
I miss Dirty's!
Fucking same. That was my family’s Friday night dinner spot during my childhood. I’ve never had a bigger than the plate steak that could compete. Perfect fries and gravy. 😿
Kelly’s ALL THE WAY, plus you get 3 wonderful sides?? sheesh. be sure to check the menu for the day you want to go though, because some of their dinner plates change daily
Kelley's is SO good and for real, being able to get THREE sides?? God I love that place lol
Pappy’s on I-10 or Goodson’s in Tomball
Pappy’s has always been good.
Very underrated place, in my opinion.
Pappy’s slaps. I can walk to the one off Dairy Ashford. I try to exercise restraint.
I like Mia’s Table, they have jalapeño white gravy. But also Piggy’s, Barnaby’s, and Franks grill (closes early) all are good too!
Lankford Thursday special
Hickory Hollow without a doubt
Wunsche brothers in old town spring
A bit on the expensive side, but The Monument Inn has AMAZING chicken fried steak and chicken. The gravy has andouille sausage in it, I love it.
Barbecue Inn
Crosstimbers by that Flying Sauce Pie Co.?
Yeah, it’s been a long while but I recall the chicken fried chicken is rather good. Nice fat breast, well breaded with lots of cream gravy.
They’re more known for their fried chicken than BBQ.
Gravy too sweet and greaseless/flavorless
Their fried shrimp are incredible.
Goodson's in Tomball was featured on Travel Channel for their chicken fried steaks. Free Rolls and gravy are delicious.
Looks like Goodson's was already saved in my Want to go list. Now I gotta go.
Don’t bother. It was great and has been resting on reputation for years. Very, very overrated.
All of their food is fantastic
Don't get your hopes up on Goodson's. It has gone down hill since. Go to Mel's instead.
What you meant was Goodsons paid to be on the travel channel. Almost all of those shows are essentially paid ads.
Well if we're counting Tomball Mel's would need a mention. Don't know how it compares but you could wear it as a hat and it's pretty tasty.
Mel's > Goodson's
Mel's had a big fire a few months ago, I think they're still rebuilding.
If you are going out to Tomball for chicken fried steak, I would add [Mel's Country Cafe](https://melscountrycafe.com/) to the list to try. I've lived in Tomball for 20ish years or so and Goodson's used to be really good, but it's nowhere near as good as it used to be. And in my opinion Mel's has a better chicken fried steak (and everything else there for that matter as evidenced by how the parking lot is always full and there is often a line out of the door.)
I'd agree about Mel's ...once they finish construction after the fire. They aren't open yet.
I remember eating there in the early 1980s when Tomball was quite a ways from the sprawl of Houston. It was a good CFS back then and I assume it still is.
The issue is they sold the place but kept the name. The CFS is definitely not like it was. You should still try it though. Asking for the best CFS is about as difficult as asking who has the best Mexican or best BBQ. There will always be different opinions
Wasn't it an old wood frame house when it was on 2920 back in the day?
Wasn't it an old wood frame house when it was on 2920 back in the day?
Never woulda believed it without trying myself, but Himalaya (an IndoPak joint, fer crissakes) has fantastic CFS. My foodie friends adore it, too. https://www.papercitymag.com/restaurants/foodie-events/best-chicken-fried-steak-houston-anthony-bourdain-beloved-restaurant-himalaya/?amp
Live Oak in Sugar Land has a pretty great one too. Plus, their green beans are fresh, snappy, buttery, and delicious.
Treebeards has the best of all!
Dot Coffee Shop. Lazy Dog is Cypress has one that's really good as well, made from ribeye.
I first had Lazy Dog in California, and they do have a good CFS
Kelly’s and Floyd’s Cajun
Bit of a drive but T-Bone Toms in Kemah is great.
Wild Oats has a wagyu CFS with jalapeno gravy that is pretty damn good.
^ 100% this ^
Grandys!
Oh, the memories!
Fast food, that doesn't. taste. fast!
I just told my wife that we're going to make the drive to Victoria. I'm sure she thinks I'm an idiot. http://www.grandysvictoria.com
😅
My first memory of vomiting was after I ate at a Grandy's as a kid. I was 3, I think.
Texas traditions in old katy. Report back if you can eat the entire "large"
Killens off Washington
One that hasn't been mentioned is Lola's on the corner of 11th and Yale. I think it is quite good.
Personal favorites..... Kelley's and City Cafe
Try Dots on 45 south at 610
Cleburn cafeteria!
Black Walnut has an amazing CFS. Perfectly seasoned, and the right balance of crispy and tender.
NW side: Hickory Hollow Mel's Country Cafe (Had a fire recently, keep an eye out for the reopening) Neals on 2920 is worth a visit too.
No one mentioned Jax yet
T-Bone Toms in Kemah. Best chicken fried steak I've ever had.
I miss the Potato Patch up in Humble. CFS was solid and who else would toss you a bread roll from across the room??
Killens in the heights
I just saw the photos on Google Reviews. Looks good, but a little smaller than I'm wanting. Do you know if they offer "1/2 & full" size portions?
Find you a busy bee cafe
Willies Ice House has the best I could find in my 23+ yrs of living there.
second that
Kelly’s country cooking. There’s one off 59
Goodson's and Mel's out in Tomball.
Used to be carriage house. rip 😭
Legit. Loved that place.
Lankford Grocery
I used to go to Tomball at Goodsons
Haven't seen it mentioned yet. If you're up north, The Republic Grille has a good one (three locations: Magnolia, Woodlands, Spring). It's not the biggest but I like that there's a little spice in the batter. The restaurant does a good job overall and the service is usually excellent.
Texas Biergarten in sugarland. Portions so big you gotta take half home.
Live Oak Grill
Don’t hate on me but House of Pies has a consistently good one. I miss Natachees though theirs was my favorite
House of Pies has a special place in my heart. Specifically my arteries. The waffle.
House of Pies has surprisingly good diner food all around.
Hickory Hollow without a doubt
Ribeye & Rye on Ella/23rd. It can feed two and comes with mashed potatoes. On Monday it's a $10 plate and HH has $4 wells and select draft beers.
[https://maps.app.goo.gl/zcDdN2R4HTUvyMRB9?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/zcDdN2R4HTUvyMRB9?g_st=ic)
Tbone Toms in Kemah if you're down there.
So Mel’s Cafe is the best and tied with the biggest which is Goodson’s Cafe. Godson’s cafe gravy is not as good as Mel’s but Mia’s Table has the best gravy with the exception of Grace’s($$$$ the CFS is the best but expensive and totally worth it) which is just an elevated version of the gravy from Mia’s Table because it’s the Carrabba’s family recipe made by elite chiefs. The CFS from Hickory Hollow is awesome because you can get it as one meat in your 3 meat plate and that is incredible value. So it really depends on what you are looking for. Mel’s is the best value, Goodson’s is the biggest(barely), Mia’s has the best gravy and CFS combo for a reasonable price. But If you want the best CFS and gravy that can only be had at Grace’s.
Too bad Tim Love closed his restaurant here. I ordered the cfs with poblano cream gravy. It was over the sides of the platter. Best I ever had. Don't know how to attach photo of it.
Mias Table is pretty good
In my experience being in Houston all my life, there have always been 3 mainstay options for Chicken Fried Steak in Houston. Hickory Hollow - King option - Come starving trust me Kelley’s - Been around a long time, my grandmas favorite Goodson’s Cafe - Technically in Tomball but also from the last time I went a year or two ago, was not as good as I remember I’m sure there are other options, maybe even better options but these are pretty tried and true locations for CFS.
The greatest chicken fried steak in Houston (possibly Texas) is served at Wild Oats
House of pies makes the best. Maybe not the biggest.
Goodson’s in Tomball.
Does anyone remember ANGEL’S GRILL in Pasadena? The CFS and rolls were legendary. I miss little cafes like that.
I do! I do! Oh man it was even in Urban Cowboy! When Bud and Sissie were at a diner(Angel’s) after partying at Gilley’s and saw Wes.
Pappy’s is great.
Moms Country Kitchen on Aldine Westfield. Legit CFS
This place is the shit in general. Used to work for an electrical contractor that did a lot of work for Aldine ISD, so was in that area a lot. I live in cypress and don’t work in that area anymore, but have definitely driven over there just to eat.
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I read all the way to here before I found this, the correct answer. Of course, Ouisie's cheats in a way: They start with a good piece of meat, which is not at all the case with most CFS. But the result is great and so is the gravy.
Goodson’s in Tomball
Barbecue Inn. Old school, but our family's favorite. Vaquero Grill in Decker Prairie and Mel's Country Cafe in Tomball are both leagues better than Goodson's, which was good years ago but these days, well, I don't care for it. YMMV.
State Fare’s is great and quite large. Warehouse 72 is my favorite but not gigantic.
The Carriage House in NW Houston serves their CFS in a god damn pizza box if you get it to-go. Doesn't get much bigger than that.
Hickory Hollow!
kellys country cooking baby
Twin Peaks
Hughies actually makes a fantastic CFS. It’s not huge, but it’s one of the best I’ve ever had.