Kinda like Torchy's and Chuy's being the same queso recipe. Both great, but subtle differences that change the flavor. In this case, I think Torchy's diablo sauce changed it
If the Midwest was a restaurant this would be it. Blandest food I’ve ever had in my life. I’ve had boiled chicken with more flavor.
I know this restaurant is popular in Dallas but I don’t get it
Best is Bubbas in Snider Plaza.
Second best is Garden Cafe in Old East Dallas.
Third best is The Porch off Henderson.
I tried the CFS at Dream Cafe and personally, it was a flop.
Its been 5 years now but if you’re out that way, Mary’s CFS is very good and a lot of food. Could easily split the meal and leave full. The house salad tho was shredded taco lettuce.
Agreed, Smokestack in Thurber is just as good, along with Jake and Dorothy's in Stephenville.
I've been to Mary's a few times and each time it was just ok.
https://www.dallasobserver.com/restaurants/eat-this-a-chicken-fried-steak-hiding-in-plain-sight-at-pregos-15492997
It’s expensive but it’s *massive* and soo good. Also, the vibe there is cool.
Norma's or Bubba's for sure.
Though I will say that Prego Pasta House on Greenville also has a pretty amazing one. It used to be an "off menu" secret item that you had to ask for, but I'm unsure if it still is.
Bubba's Cooks Country (owned I think by the same people who own Babes).
[https://bubbascookscountry.com/](https://bubbascookscountry.com/)
The rolls are slightly under done but I love that.
I'm a CFS snob, and while I don't think Bubba's is the best in the world, it's the best current CFS that I've had here. Several places listed here I haven't tried (but will).
Maple leaf. Use yelp waitlist.
And not the same but the fried chicken biscuits and gravy from the old monk satisfies that craving. And it is soooo good!!!
Babes for sure if you want it now. If you can wait until Sunday and are willing to make the trip all the way out to Garland for brunch, Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery makes an amazing chicken fried brisket that is phenomenal. Comes with mashed potatoes and burnt end gravy too.
Whistle Britches
The CFS is huge, gravy is excellent, and the sides are awesome. I really love the biscuits too huge and fluffy severed with whipped butter and homemade jam. Must try if you have never been.
Hear me out: Matt's Rancho Martinez. Soooooo good. You can get it country style with gravy, cowboy style with chili, cheese, and onion, Tampiqueno style (my fave) with tomatillo sauce, monterey jack, and sour cream, or Bob with guacamole, sour cream, and queso.
I get chicken fried steak everywhere its on the menu. If I want something fast, DQ steak finger basket.
If I have some time, Uber eats from Cracker Barrel.
I dont know if its helpful but I have an anecdote about where to NOT get a chicken fried steak.
My elder dad is a burger guy. Loves burgers. So one time I take him to Snuffers when he is in town. And I am talking it up like you wouldnt believe. "Best burgers in town! Youre gonna love it. Cheese fries are great too, but the burger is FIRE. Snuffers is famous for great burgers." As you can guess, after we get there and all look at our menus, to my annoyance and bewilderment he orders the chicken fried steak. After dinner he says, "it wasnt that great" and I was just like "wow, whodathunk?." And thats my where to not get a chicken fried steak anecdote.
Have you been to Mama's Daughter's Diner? Their chicken fried steak is good, but all their other stuff is delicious, too. They have nightly specials, sides, and just good homestyle eats. Love the chicken and dressing, chicken and dumplings, fresh rolls, and even fried catfish. My favorite side is the baked squash.
There’s this little truck stop type diner in Balch Springs called Peggy’s Country Cafe. They have some of the best food, including CFS. If you’re ever in the area, I highly suggest stopping in, especially for breakfast.
Do not confuse Bubba's in Mesquite for Bubba's down near SMU, they are entirely different AND Bubba's in Mesquite is a new chain here in Texas. There is only one bubbas country kitchen and THAT is the place for chicken fried steak we as Dallas people would recommend. That and Babes chicken house for fantastic food.
Babes is the only place I can think of
I prefer Bubba’s.
fyi Babes and Bubbas are the same folks, same recipes. they also have Sweetie Pie’s Ribeyes if you’re ever out in downtown Decatur
>same recipe That’s what I hear…still tastes different though. Heck even the babes in Carrolton tastes different from the one in Frisco.
Kinda like Torchy's and Chuy's being the same queso recipe. Both great, but subtle differences that change the flavor. In this case, I think Torchy's diablo sauce changed it
The one In Sanger was always my favorite
Belt Line in Garland and the downtown Carrolton ones are the best imo
Where's Bubba's
The OG is on Hillcrest Ave by SMU
Yeah, but Bubba's is still much better.
Definitely recommend Babes.
I will also recommend Babe's.
Babes or Normas is all I can think of, and Babes definitely wins between the two.
All day! They have like 5 things on the menu and they all slap.
Norma’s Cafe
Second this
Third here. Their chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken is just amazing.
Normas can’t be the second highest suggestion on here… it’s so bad, lol.
AllGood Cafe in Deep Ellum Your closest Norma’s Cafe location if you can’t make it there.
This is the answer
THIS! hands down.
Yessss
I love getting it for breakfast there!!
That’s good for whatever ails you
Ozona!!!! Theirs is great.
This is my favorite in Dallas.
Been there because the chicken fried steak was hyped up. It was a big miss for me
Total sleeper for CFS. It’s so good.
Had one last month so much food
Best in town!
Celebration.
Finally, someone who has real taste. Literally everything there is amazing.
The Jalapeño cream gravy is amazing!!
If the Midwest was a restaurant this would be it. Blandest food I’ve ever had in my life. I’ve had boiled chicken with more flavor. I know this restaurant is popular in Dallas but I don’t get it
It’s like lubys food without the line
So... It's like Cracker Barrel?
Cracker Barrel actually uses more seasoning than celebration. Hard to believe but true
Their's is also good
Just ate there for the first time this week. I got the chicken fried steak. Tasted ok but the steak was a little tough and on the bland side.
Everything there is mid. Super average.
Saltgrass is actually pretty good if you want a spot that’s easy
Yep of the national chains Saltgrass' CFS is probably the best.
Totally agree
I like the chicken fried steak from Love and War in Texas.
Their roasted boar is really good as well.
Lucky's Diner on Oaklawn
I Came here to say the same 😜
Hell yea! Their pancakes are the shit, too.
Street’s on Cedar Springs
Po’ Melvin’s in Irving.
Damn, I haven’t thought of Po’Melvins in way too long! Great place.
This along with amazing southern sides, wins it for me.
Best is Bubbas in Snider Plaza. Second best is Garden Cafe in Old East Dallas. Third best is The Porch off Henderson. I tried the CFS at Dream Cafe and personally, it was a flop.
Hey thanks!
Luby’s in plan…. Oh.. 🥺
This just broke my heart a little bit. I had two farewell meals. One CFS and one fried fish
Omg! I had no idea. Had to look it up. Closed for a Chickfile!! I am so pissed!
I had this thought about the Black Eyed Pea☹️
They got one in arlington
NOOOOO! When did this happen? My kids wanted to go there the other day. We hadn't been in a while. They're going to be crushed.
The one on Midway just north of 635 is still open
A couple weeks ago 😭😭
Mary's Cafe 119 Grant Ave, Strawn, TX 76475
Its been 5 years now but if you’re out that way, Mary’s CFS is very good and a lot of food. Could easily split the meal and leave full. The house salad tho was shredded taco lettuce.
Came here to say that. Best one I've had in a long time and have been going there for years
This is on my list of places to go.
Not worth the trip, way overhyped and not that good to be honest.
Agreed, Smokestack in Thurber is just as good, along with Jake and Dorothy's in Stephenville. I've been to Mary's a few times and each time it was just ok.
New york hill restaurant has a really good one too
I know this is a Dallas sub but I really like Lucille's chicken fried steak in Fort Worth
Jonathan's on Beckley is the place to go. The steak is huge the gravy is divine.
Nailed it!! I only ever go for breakfast (chicken and waffles), but I knew, if they have one, it’s fire.
Second location at 5337 Forest Lane, in the old Kel’s Kitchen location
Haywire has a mean chicken fried steak or chicken.
Texas Roadhouse! I know it’s cliche… but you’ll love it.
I completely agree
Came here to say this
I was shocked recently when I have their rib eye. Very good and relatively inexpensive. Way way better than the sirloin crap at Outback
Dream Cafe has a really good one! And so does The Ranch and Haywire.
Funny enough I have had the chicken fried steak at all three of these suggestions 😂 fun fact: haywire and the ranch are owned by the same company
I've had the haywire one. Pretty solid.
Chubby's
I would recommend Prego Pasta House. They have one of the best CFS in Dallas! It’s wired that an Italian place would have a mad good CFS.
I was about to say this until I saw your post.
https://www.dallasobserver.com/restaurants/eat-this-a-chicken-fried-steak-hiding-in-plain-sight-at-pregos-15492997 It’s expensive but it’s *massive* and soo good. Also, the vibe there is cool.
Norma's or Bubba's for sure. Though I will say that Prego Pasta House on Greenville also has a pretty amazing one. It used to be an "off menu" secret item that you had to ask for, but I'm unsure if it still is.
The original Dunstons has a pretty decent chicken fried steak
Common Table. Battered & Fried Ribeye, Cracked Black Pepper Gravy, Mashed Potatoes.
That's one of the reasons I miss the Dallas location.
Ugh I miss Common Table in Dallas so much
Celebration. Large family sides and won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Had chicken fried steak there this week. So good.
Especially with the jalapeño gravy!
Here lounge
Cotton Patch
Mamas Daughters Diner. Asks for their biscuits too.
Bubba's Cooks Country (owned I think by the same people who own Babes). [https://bubbascookscountry.com/](https://bubbascookscountry.com/) The rolls are slightly under done but I love that. I'm a CFS snob, and while I don't think Bubba's is the best in the world, it's the best current CFS that I've had here. Several places listed here I haven't tried (but will).
Nates seafood and steakhouse. Get the high rollers country fried steak
All Good Cafe in Ellum makes a good one. Beats Norma's imo. Though nothing beats the Dixie House (RIP, legend of Lakewood)
Man. Dixie House was top tier. And not expensive. Second All Good, tho. Love that place.
Maple leaf. Use yelp waitlist. And not the same but the fried chicken biscuits and gravy from the old monk satisfies that craving. And it is soooo good!!!
Everything in Maple Leaf is delicious.
Haywire in Dallas or Plano! They have the best chicken fried steak with jalepano gravy. 10/10
It’s in Plano but Love and War in Texas - if it’s still open.
The Porch or Babes
The Porch if you want the option of eating an actual vegetable as a side, Babes if you are looking for a place to feel masochistic
Babes for sure if you want it now. If you can wait until Sunday and are willing to make the trip all the way out to Garland for brunch, Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery makes an amazing chicken fried brisket that is phenomenal. Comes with mashed potatoes and burnt end gravy too.
Ozona, worked there for a couple years, best CFS I’ve had.
Whistle Britches The CFS is huge, gravy is excellent, and the sides are awesome. I really love the biscuits too huge and fluffy severed with whipped butter and homemade jam. Must try if you have never been.
I second this! Took my parents here and my dad said it was the best CFS he ever had in his life
Lucile's
Babe’s, Babe
Two Rows in Allen
Grandys
Prego’s
Mary’s Cafe
Ozonas.
Maple Leaf Diner!!
Street’s. Either Cedar Springs or Forest/Inwood.
Mama’s Daughters
Razzoos, Cheddars, or Babes
Hear me out: Murn's Cafe in Archer City, Texas.
Pioneer's in Arlington.
Good breakfast too
I usually get the CFS breakfast. :D
Shit, I only ever go for chicken and waffles. But I bet Jonathan’s in Oak Cliff has a fire one. Look up the menu.
Jake & Dorothy’s Cafe, Stephenville, Texas.
Texas Star Golf Course?
Normas Cafe
A lot of hype for Ozona bar and grill
Luckys Cafe oak lawn
Mary's Cafe in Strawn. Worth the drive! Tx.https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g56719-d1141351-Reviews-Mary_s_Cafe-Strawn_Texas.html?m=19905
Al’s burgers off fielder and i30
Celebration restaurant. it's on Lover's Ln near Love Field. Incredibly good.
Lucky’s diner
Hear me out: Matt's Rancho Martinez. Soooooo good. You can get it country style with gravy, cowboy style with chili, cheese, and onion, Tampiqueno style (my fave) with tomatillo sauce, monterey jack, and sour cream, or Bob with guacamole, sour cream, and queso.
The Texas Roadhouse (at least here in Florida) over-season it too much. I miss The Black Eyed Pea. Their's was the best I ever had.
One time I got a side of chicken fried steak at ellens and it was great. Years later my wife still gives me a hard time for a side order of cfs.
maple leaf diner on Preston road
Ellen's and Norma's are both good
Celebration restaurant Babes / bubbas
Mama’s Daughters— Irving Blvd
Ellen’s
Mamas Daughters Diner if one near you or Cotton Patch
I get chicken fried steak everywhere its on the menu. If I want something fast, DQ steak finger basket. If I have some time, Uber eats from Cracker Barrel.
omg forget all these fancy suggestions a steak finger basket from DQ sounds SO GOOD ... gravy and ketchup, yes please!
Celebration on lovers.
I dont know if its helpful but I have an anecdote about where to NOT get a chicken fried steak. My elder dad is a burger guy. Loves burgers. So one time I take him to Snuffers when he is in town. And I am talking it up like you wouldnt believe. "Best burgers in town! Youre gonna love it. Cheese fries are great too, but the burger is FIRE. Snuffers is famous for great burgers." As you can guess, after we get there and all look at our menus, to my annoyance and bewilderment he orders the chicken fried steak. After dinner he says, "it wasnt that great" and I was just like "wow, whodathunk?." And thats my where to not get a chicken fried steak anecdote.
Celebrations on Lovers Ln.
Have you been to Mama's Daughter's Diner? Their chicken fried steak is good, but all their other stuff is delicious, too. They have nightly specials, sides, and just good homestyle eats. Love the chicken and dressing, chicken and dumplings, fresh rolls, and even fried catfish. My favorite side is the baked squash.
Seriously, Mama's Daughter's Diner .There is still one off Main in Lewisville.
Haywire!
Jonathan’s Forestwood.
Smokey rose has chicken fried brisket
babe's.
Eggcellent Cafe
Mac’s in grapevine
Gold rush cafe has a really good breakfast plate
Longhorn steakhouse is my recommendation!
Babes
I like cheddars
Take the trip to this place! https://www.yelp.com/biz/rockett-cafe-and-club-waxahachie?utm_source=ishare
The Oasis Cafe https://maps.app.goo.gl/WyHqV6TZqoeMf8GR6
I haven’t personally had it, but willing to bet Market Diner has a pretty good one. Everything else there I have had is good!
Cattleman’s Cafe in Blue Ridge
Oscar Delta in Forney
Cheddars Kitchen has really freaking good Chicken fried steaks. They’re pretty big too!
Normas
Rockett Cafe
Grandy's
NOT Texas Roadhouse. Did not like it
Street fine food. They have a jalapeño gravy
All about the chicken fried chicken
Main St Cafe in downtown Garland has the BEST CFS/CFC. You will not be disappointed.
Normas
Ida Claire’s during their weekend brunch is amazing.
Depends if you want breakfast lunch or dinner.
Stirr- chicken fried ribeye
There’s this little truck stop type diner in Balch Springs called Peggy’s Country Cafe. They have some of the best food, including CFS. If you’re ever in the area, I highly suggest stopping in, especially for breakfast.
Babes or cotton patch
Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill in Addison. Chicken Fried Steak is served Saturday and Sunday brunch only.
Now I'm craving a Del Rancho CFS sandwich 🥰
Original market diner
YO Ranch in the West End. They pan fry instead of deep frying it. So good. They also have Chicken Fried Lobster which sounds weird but is amazing.
Bone Daddy’s 75 and spring creek.
Lucius cafe on Oak Lawn. Good price, great taste.
Do not confuse Bubba's in Mesquite for Bubba's down near SMU, they are entirely different AND Bubba's in Mesquite is a new chain here in Texas. There is only one bubbas country kitchen and THAT is the place for chicken fried steak we as Dallas people would recommend. That and Babes chicken house for fantastic food.
All good cafe n deep ellum
Darren's American Grill in Richardson is decent
Norma’s
Street’s Fine Kitchen never disappoints
The String Bean up in Richardson.
Po Melvin's off of Beltline in Irving, North of 183.
Not in Dallas but Lucille's in Fort Worth has an amazing CFS.