Chicken fried steak is a classic Texas comfort dish made with a tenderized beef cutlet, most often cube steak, that is breaded, fried until crisp, and served with cream gravy. The best chicken fried steak in Dallas comes down to a crunchy coating, tender beef, and gravy that tastes rich and peppery.
Most people worry about the same problems when they order it. They want a crust that stays crisp, not soggy, and a steak that cuts clean instead of turning chewy. They also want gravy that tastes smooth, not pasty, plus hot sides and a plate that does not feel greasy.
In this guide, you will find 7 must-try chicken fried steak places in Dallas, what to order at each spot, and a simple checklist for choosing a great plate.
How We Chose the 7 Places
- We chose places where the crust stays crisp and the bread tastes well seasoned.
- We picked spots that serve tender, juicy steak instead of dry or chewy beef.
- We included restaurants with cream gravy that tastes smooth, peppery and balanced.
- We selected locations where the sides arrive hot and taste fresh, not reheated.
- We favored places that deliver consistent quality across many customer visits.
- We focused on Dallas locations that are easy to reach and practical for dining out.
- We prioritized strong value based on portion size, price, and overall experience.
7 Chicken Fried Steak Spots in Dallas (Quick Picks)
Chicken fried steak is a breaded, fried beef cutlet served with cream gravy, and Dallas has plenty of strong versions. This quick rundown highlights what each spot is known for so you can pick the style you want.
- Dunston’s Steakhouse: Classic steakhouse plate with chicken fried steak on the menu at Dallas’ oldest steakhouse established in 1955.
- Norma’s Cafe: Homestyle comfort food with chicken fried steak in a long-running Dallas institution that has served guests since 1956.
- Mama’s Daughters’ Diner: Meat and three diner special that includes chicken fried steak with cream gravy and choice of sides.
- Bubba’s Cooks Country: Made from scratch country cooking since 1981 with chicken fried steak listed among their comfort staples.
- Celebration Restaurant: Chicken fried steak breaded and fried to order with traditional or jalapeno cream gravy on the side.
- Jonathon’s Oak Cliff: Chicken fried steak and eggs option that fits a breakfast focused, neighborhood diner style menu.
- Ozona Grill and Bar: Hand battered to order famous chicken fried steak topped with cream gravy, plus a strong patio vibe.
Comparison of 7 Best Chicken Fried Steak Places in Dallas
| Restaurant | Why it stands out | Price | Google Rating |
| Dunston’s Steakhouse | Good pick if you want chicken fried steak in a classic steakhouse setting | $14.95 | 4.3/5.0 |
| Norma’s Cafe | Strong choice when you want chicken fried steak with a breakfast combo | $13.29 | 4.5/5.0 |
| Mama’s Daughters’ Diner | Great when you want a straightforward diner plate with cream gravy | $13.75 | 4.5/5.0 |
| Bubba’s Cooks Country | Best for a full comfort meal with veggies and cream gravy | $17.49 large and $12.49 small | 4.6/5.0 |
| Celebration Restaurant | Ideal if you want a fried to order steak with a gravy choice | $8.00 | 4.6/5.0 |
| Jonathon’s Oak Cliff | Good fit when you want chicken fried steak in a breakfast style plate | $18.00 | 4.2/5.0 |
| Ozona Grill and Bar | Strong pick if you want a casual bar and grill setting with Texas toast | $21.95 | 4.3/5.0 |
1. Dunston’s Steakhouse
Dunston’s Steakhouse keeps chicken fried steak in the Texas Classics part of the menu, which makes it an easy, simple choice when you want the real Dallas comfort plate.
The menu also gives you simple ways to shape the meal, including a baked potato and house salad or a choice of three vegetables.
What to order
Order the Chicken Fried Steak from the Texas Classics section.
Why it stands out
- It is listed as a regular Texas Classics entrée, not a limited item.
- You can choose a baked potato and house salad or three vegetables to match your appetite.
- The side list is large, so you can keep it classic or go lighter with vegetables.
- The menu shows two Dallas locations, which can help when you pick a side of town.
Best sides to pair with it
- Mashed potatoes
- Fried okra
- Green beans
- Pinto beans
- Mac and cheese
Rating
Google: 4.3/5.0
Review
“Everything I ate was good as usual. Service was good as well. I really like the jalapeño poppers. I have to be honest, though I do prefer the other location for the ambience and the salad bar.” – Ron Edmondson
Price
$14.95
Address
8526 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235
5423 W Lovers Ln, Dallas, TX 75209
2. Norma’s Cafe
Norma’s Cafe treats chicken fried steak as a core Blue Plate option, built for people who want a full comfort meal with vegetables and bread.
If you care about crust and gravy, the menu description is specific about the style, including double-dipped, fried golden brown, and smothered with cream gravy.
What to order
Order the Chicken Fried Steak from the Blue Plate section.
Why it stands out
- The Blue Plate comes with three fresh-made veggies plus homemade rolls and cornbread.
- The menu calls out seasoned, double-dipped, fried golden brown, and cream gravy.
- You can also order chicken fried steak as part of the Country Breakfast with eggs and breakfast sides.
- The menu lists many a la carte vegetable sides, which helps you build a cleaner plate.
Best sides to pair with it
- Hand peeled mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Mac and cheese
- Black-eyed-peas
- Pinto beans
Rating
Google: 4.5/5.0
Review
“I was a bit disappointed in the food because I believe some of it needed more salt, like the pinto beans. My Rise & Shine burger was fine, but it wasn’t special. The best things were the rolls and cornbread muffins. You can taste that the rolls were homemade, and I liked the diner atmosphere as well. The waitstaff was also courteous and friendly.” – Mercedes Wilson-Villaseñor
Price
$13.29
Address
1123 W. Davis St. Dallas, TX 75208
17721 N. Dallas Parkway #130 Dallas, TX 75287
9100 N. Central Expressway, Suite 151 Dallas, TX 75231
3. Mama’s Daughters’ Diner
Mama’s Daughters’ Diner keeps chicken fried steak in the All American Favorites section, which fits the diner style you expect in Dallas.
The menu also makes the side plan clear, with a choice of two sides from the daily special list or a baked potato, plus a roll or cornbread.
What to order
Order the Hand Breaded Chicken Fried Steaks served with cream gravy.
Why it stands out
- The item name is specific, including hand breaded and served with cream gravy.
- You get a clear side choice, either two daily sides or one baked potato, plus roll or cornbread.
- Chicken fried steak also appears in the Meat and 3 style daily rotation with cream gravy.
- The daily side lists include many classic pairings like mashed potatoes with gravy and fried okra.
Best sides to pair with it
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Fried okra
- Green beans
- Macaroni and cheese
- Turnip greens
Rating
Google: 4.5/5.0
Review
“Came in the other day for breakfast, we were seated quickly however once at our table every staff member we had did not greet us at all. Didn’t give us a “Hi my name is … I’ll be taking care of you.” Our waitress seemed as if she didn’t want to be taking our orders at all. The food came quickly and was hot. The biscuits and gravy were pretty good but this place is just a diner nothing stood out us at all.” –Anita s
Price
$13.75
Address
2014 Irving Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
4. Bubba’s Cooks Country
Bubba’s Cooks Country puts chicken fried steak right on the lunch and dinner list with clear portion options, so you can match the plate to your appetite.
It also spells out what comes with it, including veggies plus yeast rolls or cornbread depending on the portion size.
What to order
Order Chicken Fried Steak and choose the large or small portion based on how hungry you are.
Why it stands out
- The menu offers two sizes, which helps when you want value without waste.
- The large plate includes two veggies plus two yeast rolls or cornbread.
- The veggies and sides list is published, so you can plan the plate before you go.
- Fried okra is listed among the rotating veggies and sides, which is a natural pairing for chicken fried steak.
Best sides to pair with it
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Fried okra
Rating
Google: 4.6/5.0
Review
“Honestly one of the best places I have been to. Sort of like a dinner whenyouwalk inyougo to the counter and order. Had the chicken and catfish and honestly they were great. Sides a little underseasoned but a personal preference. The staff… wow. Excellent. All very helpful and made you feel like you were part of the family. Def a great spot to eat.” –J O
Price
$17.49 (Large Portion, 2 Veggies, 2 Yeast Rolls or 2 Cornbread)
$12.49 (Small Portion, 1 Veggie, 1 Yeast Rolls or 1 Cornbread)
Address
6617 Hillcrest Ave Dallas, TX 75205
5. Celebration Restaurant
Celebration’s lunch menu lists a Local Grass Fed Chicken Fried Steak and gives you a gravy choice, which is a simple way to match the plate to your heat level.
The lunch menu also states that entrées include a basket of homemade breads and three of today’s sides, so you are not building the meal from scratch.
What to order
Order the Local Grass Fed Chicken Fried Steak with traditional or jalapeño cream gravy.
Why it stands out
- You can choose traditional or jalapeño cream gravy, which changes the flavor fast.
- The menu names it as local grass fed, which matters to some diners.
- Lunch entrées include homemade breads and three of today’s sides.
- The menu format makes it easy to order confidently because the plate is defined.
Best sides to pair with it
- Choose one item from today’s sides list.
- Choose a second item from today’s sides list.
- Choose a third item from today’s sides list.
- Add the basket of homemade breads that comes with the entrée.
Rating
Google: 4.6/5.0
Review
“If you’re hungry, this is where you should go. The owners at my previous job used to cater from here all the time. I remembered going once and it was nice. Took my wife recently and I think this is the only place we will be stopping if we’re on this side of town! This should be your go-to sit down restaurant. Great for business lunch AND date night. Amazing food – Great service.” –David Sims (CDSims)
Price
Price varies
Address
4503 West Lovers Lane Dallas, Texas 75209
6. Jonathon’s Oak Cliff
Jonathon’s Oak Cliff serves chicken fried steak in an eggs and sides format, which is ideal when you want chicken fried steak but still want a full brunch plate.
The menu spells out the exact build, including two eggs, brunch potatoes, and toast, so readers know what they are getting.
What to order
Order the Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs with two eggs, brunch potatoes, and toast.
Why it stands out
- It is a complete plate with eggs, potatoes, and toast already included.
- The menu labels it as Chef Jon’s chicken fried steak, which signals a house version.
- The sides list includes lighter options like mixed fruit and side salads if you want balance.
- You can add extra peppered gravy as a side if you want more sauce control.
Best sides to pair with it
- Brunch potatoes
- Cheese grits
- Mixed fruit
- Side house salad
- Citrus slaw
Rating
Google: 4.2/5.0
Review
“Our family went on a Friday morning around 9:30 and it was pretty busy, but we had no wait. The service was quick and friendly, the portions were large, and the seating was standard. Our food came out very quickly, but everything was crispy and delicious. The waffles were perfectly crisp, the bacon was thick cut and crispy but not burnt, the fruit was fresh, and the chicken was moist and seasoned. Seems like anything would be a good choice on the menu!” –Michelle Giles
Price
$18.00
Address
5337 Forest Lane Dallas, TX 75244
1619 N Beckley Avenue Dallas, TX 75203
7. Ozona Grill and Bar
Ozona lists a Famous Chicken Fried Steak as a platter item, and the menu description keeps it simple and specific, including hand battered to order, cream gravy, and Texas toast.
If you want variety, the menu also offers queso style and cowboy style versions using the same chicken fried chicken or steak base.
What to order
Order the Famous Chicken Fried Steak topped with cream gravy and served with Texas toast.
Why it stands out
- The menu calls it hand battered to order, which fits what many people want in the crust.
- It comes with cream gravy and Texas toast, so the classic setup is built in.
- You can switch the topping style to queso style or cowboy style for a different bite.
- The published sides list includes comfort staples like garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, and fried okra.
Best sides to pair with it
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Fried okra
- Jalapeño fries
- Macaroni and cheese
Rating
Google: 4.3/5.0
Review
“Great brunch and bloody mary and mimosa bar, great outdoor seating. I highly recommend the pancakes. Definitely a place for family gatherings or special events.” –Jaxx Jaubert
Price
$21.95
Address
4615 Greenville Avenue Dallas, TX 75206
What Makes a Great Chicken Fried Steak
- Crust stays crisp and tastes seasoned before the gravy touches it.
- Beef cuts easily and stays tender, not chewy or dry.
- Bread sticks well and does not slide off when you slice it.
- Gravy tastes smooth and peppery, not thick, bland, or floury.
- The plate feels rich but not greasy, with a clean frying flavor.
- Sides arrive hot and fresh and balance the steak and gravy.
- Portion size feels fair for the price and matches the menu description.
Chicken Fried Steak vs Country Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak and country fried steak are very similar, and many restaurants use the names interchangeably. When a menu treats them as two different dishes, the difference usually comes down to the coating and the gravy.
- Chicken fried steak usually uses an egg dip plus seasoned flour, which creates a thicker, crisp coating. It is most often served with white, peppered cream gravy, and some places serve the gravy on the side to help the crust stay crisp.
- Country fried steak often uses a lighter flour dredge without the egg step, which can produce a thinner coating. It is commonly served with brown gravy, and some versions are smothered so the crust softens more.
If you are ordering in Dallas, read the gravy description first. Cream gravy usually signals chicken fried steak, and brown gravy usually signals country fried steak.
Tips for Takeout and Reheating
- Ask for the gravy on the side so the crust stays crisp during the drive home.
- Vent the container or crack the lid so steam does not soften the breading.
- Keep the steak on top of the sides so it does not sit in moisture.
- Reheat the steak in an oven at 400°F until hot and crisp, then add gravy after.
- Use an air fryer at 375°F for a fast reheat that restores crunch, then add gravy after.
- Warm the gravy in a small pan on low heat and stir often until smooth.
- Avoid microwaving the steak if you want crisp breading, because it softens the crust fast.
FAQs
What is chicken fried steak?
Chicken fried steak is a tenderized beef cutlet that is breaded, fried until crisp, and served with cream gravy. Most versions use cube steak and a seasoned flour coating.
What cut is used for chicken fried steak?
Most restaurants use cube steak because it is tenderized and cooks quickly. Some places may use a different tenderized beef cutlet, but cube steak is the common choice.
How do you keep it crispy for takeout?
Ask for the gravy on the side and keep the container vented so steam does not soften the crust. Reheat the steak in an oven or air fryer, then add the gravy after.
Is chicken fried steak the same as country fried steak?
They are very similar and the names are often used interchangeably. When a menu separates them, chicken fried steak usually comes with cream gravy and country fried steak often comes with brown gravy.
What sides go best with chicken fried steak?
Mashed potatoes and green beans are the classic pairing. Fried okra, mac and cheese, and a side salad also work well when you want balance.
What is the best gravy for chicken fried steak?
A good cream gravy tastes smooth, peppery, and rich without tasting floury. Many people prefer it served on the side so the crust stays crisp longer.
