I Hit The Backroads Of Oklahoma To Try 10 Chicken-Fried Steak Spots (And 6 Redefined Comfort Food)
I set out on a mission any food lover would envy: chasing the best chicken-fried steak across Oklahoma’s backroads and beyond.
From century-old counters to modern comfort kitchens, I tasted through crackly, golden crusts and peppered, creamy gravy. Some stops demanded an hour in line; others surprised me with jalapeño-spiked twists, buttery biscuits, or cast-iron swagger.
I learned to judge by sizzle, by the side of okra, by the hush after that first satisfying cut. Tank full, notebook greasy, I kept going. Buckle up—this tour of the Sooner State is about to get deliciously, real, one plate at a time.
1. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse — Oklahoma City (Stockyards City)
Walking into Cattlemen’s feels like stepping back a hundred years, and honestly, that’s the whole point. The air smells like seared beef and buttery biscuits, and the crowd noise bounces off wooden walls that have seen generations of hungry ranchers and travelers. I squeezed into a booth and ordered their famous chicken-fried steak, which arrived looking like a golden shield of crispy goodness.
The peppery cream gravy wasn’t shy—it had bite, warmth, and just enough kick to keep things interesting. Every forkful delivered that perfect crunch-to-tender ratio, and I found myself scraping the plate clean without shame.
This place isn’t trying to reinvent comfort food; it’s been perfecting it since before my grandparents were born, and that legacy shows in every single bite.
2. Cheever’s Café — Oklahoma City (Midtown)
Cheever’s doesn’t mess around when it comes to brunch and dinner crowds—I waited nearly forty minutes just to snag a table.
But one bite of their chicken-fried steak with jalapeño cream gravy, and suddenly that wait made total sense. The jalapeño adds a smoky, creamy heat that dances on your tongue without overpowering the dish.
This isn’t your grandma’s CFS; it’s got sophistication and a little spice-fueled swagger. The breading stayed crispy even as I doused it in that addictive gravy, and the portion size was generous enough to silence my hunger for hours. Cheever’s proves that comfort food can be both familiar and exciting, a combination that keeps locals lining up day after day with zero complaints.
3. Kendall’s Restaurant — Noble
Kendall’s is home to the legendary Chicken Fry Challenge, and let me tell you, just looking at that plate made my stomach do a nervous flip.
We’re talking about a steak so big it hangs off the edges, paired with sides that could feed a small family. I didn’t attempt the challenge—I’m brave, but not that brave—but I did order their regular-sized CFS, which was still impressively hefty.
The cinnamon rolls here have their own cult following, and for good reason: they’re sticky, soft, and the size of your head. Small-town charm oozes from every corner of this spot, from the friendly servers to the locals who greet each other by name as they walk in.
4. Clanton’s Café — Vinita (Route 66)
Clanton’s Café sits right on Route 66, and stepping inside feels like time-traveling to the golden age of American road trips.
The walls are covered in vintage signs and memorabilia, and the booths have that worn-in charm that only decades of use can provide. Their chicken-fried steak is exactly what you’d hope for: no-frills, generously portioned, and fried to crispy perfection.
Gravy flows freely here, pooling around fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop. I watched truckers, tourists, and locals all dig into the same meal with equal enthusiasm, which told me everything I needed to know. Clanton’s isn’t chasing trends or reinventing the wheel—it’s just serving honest, delicious comfort food the way it’s been done for generations along this iconic highway.
5. Hammett House — Claremore
Hammett House greets you with the smell of fresh-baked pies before you even sit down, which is both a blessing and a dangerous temptation.
Their chicken-fried steak is old-school comfort at its finest—thick, tender, and blanketed in smooth country gravy that tastes like a warm hug. The breading has that satisfying crunch that doesn’t turn soggy halfway through the meal.
I noticed families filling the dining room, multiple generations sharing tables and passing around plates like it was Sunday dinner. The pies here deserve their own spotlight—sky-high meringues and fruit fillings that taste homemade because they are. Hammett House proves that sometimes the best meals are the ones that remind you of home, even if you’ve never been there before.
6. Tally’s Good Food Café — Tulsa (Route 66 & South Tulsa)
Tally’s wears its retro diner vibe like a badge of honor, complete with checkered floors and chrome-edged tables that gleam under bright lights.
Their world-famous chicken-fried steak lives up to the hype—it’s massive, golden, and arrives sizzling hot with a side of attitude (the good kind). The gravy is rich and peppery, clinging to every ridge of that crispy coating.
Open long hours daily, Tally’s has become a go-to for shift workers, late-night cravings, and anyone who needs comfort food at odd times. I visited mid-afternoon and still found the place buzzing with energy and satisfied customers. The portions are generous enough to require a to-go box, which I happily accepted because round two at home was just as delicious.
7. Jimmy’s Round-Up Café & Fried Pies — Oklahoma City (SW 59th)
Jimmy’s feels like the kind of place where everyone knows your name, even if it’s your first visit. The chicken-fried steak here is hand-battered and made to order, which means you wait a little longer but taste the difference immediately. Crispy edges give way to juicy, tender beef that’s been treated with respect and skill.
But here’s the kicker: save room for the scratch fried pies. These aren’t an afterthought—they’re a reason to visit all on their own, with flavors ranging from classic apple to creative seasonal specials.
I ordered a cherry pie to go and devoured it in my car before I even left the parking lot. Jimmy’s nails that homestyle comfort that makes you want to come back with friends and family in tow.
8. Del Rancho — Moore / Norman (multiple area locations)
Del Rancho is an Oklahoma legend, the kind of place locals defend fiercely and newcomers discover with wide-eyed delight.
Their chicken-fried steak plates are generous and satisfying, but the real star might be the oversized CFS sandwich—a handheld version of comfort that’s messy, delicious, and absolutely worth the napkin count. The breading stays crunchy even tucked inside a bun, which is no small feat.
With multiple locations around Moore and Norman, Del Rancho has become a reliable go-to for families, students, and anyone craving that classic Oklahoma taste without the fuss. I grabbed mine to go and enjoyed it on a park bench, savoring every bite while people-watching. Sometimes the best comfort food is the kind you can count on, no matter which location you visit.
9. Click’s Steakhouse — Pawnee
Click’s sits in tiny Pawnee, the kind of town you might drive past without noticing—unless you know about the chicken-fried steak.
Locals and travelers alike make detours just to grab a plate here, and after tasting it, I totally understood why. The steak is thick, tender, and fried with a golden crust that shatters under your fork.
Gravy flows generously, and the sides are simple but perfectly executed: creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, and buttery rolls. The dining room buzzes with conversation and laughter, the kind of warm atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the community even if you’re just passing through. Click’s reminds you that sometimes the best meals are found in the most unexpected places.
10. Granny’s Kitchen — Stillwater
Granny’s Kitchen serves breakfast all day, which is fantastic news for anyone who believes chicken-fried steak belongs on a morning plate.
The locals here are fiercely loyal, filling tables from open to close with students, families, and retirees who know a good thing when they taste it. The CFS arrives hot and crispy, draped in creamy gravy that pairs perfectly with hash browns and eggs.
Portions are hearty without being overwhelming, and the prices won’t make your wallet cry. I sat at the counter and watched the kitchen work with practiced efficiency, churning out plate after plate of comfort with a smile. Granny’s isn’t fancy, and it doesn’t need to be—it’s just really, really good at what it does, which is feeding people well and sending them home happy.