9 Alabama Chicken Fried Steak Plates So Big They Could Feed The Table
Alabama does comfort food right—especially chicken fried steak. I’ve crisscrossed from Birmingham to the Gulf Coast chasing platters that deserve their own zip code.
These country-fried beauties arrive crackling, cloaked in peppered cream gravy, with sides tumbling over the rim: mashed potatoes, fried okra, buttered corn, and cathead biscuits. Portions beg to be shared, though you probably won’t.
Each bite tastes like Sunday after church—crispy edges, tender beef, a little black-pepper bite, and lots of love. From roadside diners to hometown legends, these nine stops deliver jaw-dropping plates, friendly smiles, and sweet tea refills until you surrender, completely blissfully full.
1. Niki’s West: The Cafeteria Line Legend
Standing in line at Niki’s West feels like a Birmingham rite of passage. First time I visited, I nearly dropped my tray when I saw the country fried steak hit the plate – a golden-brown masterpiece that stretched edge to edge!
The Friday lineup always features this crispy sensation drowning in velvety white gravy. Load up with their creamy mac & cheese and tender greens for the full experience. The cafeteria-style setup means you can eyeball portions before committing, but trust me, you’ll want the full monstrosity.
Pro tip: arrive early to beat the lunch rush of locals who’ve been making this Finley Avenue institution their Friday tradition for generations.
2. Paw Paw Patch: Homewood’s Comfort Food Haven
Lordy, the country fried steak at Paw Paw Patch knocked my socks off! This Homewood treasure serves a plate that makes first-timers gasp and regulars smile knowingly.
Thursday and Friday bring the star attraction – a magnificent slab of beef, pounded thin, breaded to perfection, then fried until the coating develops that ideal crackly crust. White gravy cascades over every inch. My grandmother would weep with joy seeing those generous portions paired with two veggie sides that aren’t afterthoughts but co-stars.
The cornbread arrives warm, begging to soak up extra gravy. Southern hospitality extends beyond the food to the staff who’ll remember your name by visit two.
3. Blue Plate Café: Huntsville’s Portion Champion
Blue Plate Café doesn’t mess around with dainty servings. My jaw dropped watching a waitress deliver their legendary chicken fried steak – it literally hung over the sides of an already generous plate!
This Governors Drive institution makes the rotation on their specials board, but regulars know to ask for it anytime. Crispy outside, tender inside, with gravy that’s clearly homemade with love and butter. Choose three sides from their stellar lineup – the mac and cheese is non-negotiable in my book.
Early birds catch the breakfast version with eggs and a cat-head biscuit. The café’s no-frills atmosphere lets you focus entirely on tackling the mountain of food before you surrender and ask for a to-go box.
4. Walton’s Southern Table: Huntsville’s Upscale Hearty Fare
Fancy meets filling at Walton’s Southern Table! Last summer, I celebrated my birthday here and nearly fell out of my chair when the server brought out their country fried steak.
Using top sirloin elevates this dish from good to magnificent – a premium cut that stays tender beneath that perfectly seasoned crust. The cream gravy has a silky consistency that coats every bite with peppery goodness. Buttery mashed potatoes form a cloud-like foundation, while their yeast roll deserves its own fan club.
While other Huntsville restaurants might focus on trendy small plates, Walton’s proudly embraces generous portions that honor Southern tradition. The slightly more upscale atmosphere makes this perfect for impressing out-of-town guests while still satisfying serious appetites.
5. City Café: Northport’s Depression-Era Diner Legacy
Since 1931, City Café has been feeding hungry Alabamians portions that reflect their Depression-era origins – when value meant survival. My granddaddy first brought me here as a boy, and their chicken fried steak still makes me feel like that wide-eyed kid.
This Northport institution opens at the crack of dawn and serves a CFS that covers most of your plate. The seasoned cooks somehow achieve the perfect meat-to-breading ratio. Pair it with their legendary fried okra that’s never slimy and yams sweet enough to qualify as dessert.
The early closing time (3:30 p.m.) means this is strictly breakfast or lunch territory. Get there by noon or risk finding empty steam tables and disappointed faces heading back to work.
6. Martin’s Restaurant: Montgomery’s Meat-and-Three Royalty
Pulling up to Martin’s on Carter Hill Road, you’d never guess the culinary treasures inside this unassuming building. My first bite of their country fried steak nearly brought tears to my eyes – crispy, tender, and absolutely massive!
The gravy rotation between brown and white keeps regulars guessing, but both versions feature a depth of flavor that speaks to decades of perfecting their craft. Choosing just two sides feels criminal with options like field peas, squash casserole, and cornbread dressing that would make your grandma jealous.
Save room for their legendary pies, though that’s easier said than done. The Friday lunch rush brings state employees and locals alike, creating a cross-section of Montgomery life united by their appreciation for plates that could feed a small family.
7. Zack’s Family Restaurant: Dothan’s Southern Comfort Champion
Down in the Wiregrass region, Zack’s Family Restaurant serves a country fried steak that could double as a flotation device! My brother-in-law challenged me to finish one plate solo – a bet I’m still paying off.
The meat stretches across the entire surface, with a crispy exterior that maintains its crunch even under a generous ladleful of savory gravy. Some combo meals include dessert, which seems almost comical given the portion size. Yet somehow, the banana pudding disappears no matter how full you claim to be.
The lunch-only hours create a special energy as farmers, businesspeople, and retirees converge for their midday feast. Everyone leaves with to-go containers and the satisfied glow that only proper Southern cooking provides.
8. Lambert’s Café: Foley’s Home of Flying Carbs
Famous for their airborne rolls, Lambert’s Café also deserves recognition for their country fried round steak that could feed a little league team! My family makes this Foley destination mandatory whenever we hit the Gulf.
The CFS arrives drowning in milk gravy alongside mashed potatoes that form their own gravy lake. But wait, there’s more! Staff constantly circulate with “pass-arounds” – free extras like fried okra, black-eyed peas, and fried potatoes delivered tableside.
The theatrical element of catching hot rolls mid-flight adds entertainment value to an already memorable meal. Come hungry and wear stretchy pants – between the massive entrée and endless sides, you’ll need every bit of stomach real estate. The tourist crowd adds to the festive atmosphere.
9. Duck’s Diner: Beach Town’s Pre-Sand Sustenance
Nothing prepares you for a day of Gulf Shores sunshine like Duck’s Diner’s country fried steak. Last summer, I rolled in famished and rolled out needing a hammock instead of a beach chair!
Their coastal spin maintains all the heft of inland versions but somehow feels appropriate before hitting the waves. The country gravy has a peppery kick that wakes up your taste buds. Whether you visit for breakfast (paired with eggs and grits) or lunch (with hearty vegetables), the portion size remains consistently intimidating.
Both Orange Beach and Gulf Shores locations close by early afternoon, catering to the breakfast-lunch crowd. Beach vacationers mix with locals at the counter, all united in appreciation for a plate that provides fuel for whatever the day holds.