11 Georgia Chicken-Fried Steaks Locals Say Are Huge
In Georgia, chicken-fried steak is a statement: crispy crust, tender meat, gravy draped like armor. You don’t stumble into it; you go looking, because everyone has an opinion and every town has a contender.
I’ve sat in tea rooms where the dish feels almost ceremonial, squeezed into diners where plates hang over the edge of the table, and climbed mountain roads for versions that taste carved from the hillside itself.
These eleven spots aren’t background, they’re destinations. If you’re chasing batter that sings and steak that comforts, these are the miles worth driving.
1. Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Atlanta
Warm lights and floral wallpaper greet you in Mary Mac’s dining rooms where Southern charm wraps around you. The air holds echoes of conversation and laughter.
Founded in 1945, Mary Mac’s is dubbed “Atlanta’s Dining Room.” Their menu includes pan-fried cube steak with onion gravy, among other Southern standards.
Order early. I once showed late and watched waiters shuffle imminent tables; those who arrived ahead got the thickest, crispest steaks. Watching is half the thrill.
2. The Silver Skillet, Atlanta
Chrome stools, retro clocks, and sunlight through block windows give The Silver Skillet the look of a time capsule. The air smells of frying batter and coffee.
Since 1956, this Midtown diner has served hearty breakfasts and Southern staples. The chicken-fried steak sits among a lineup of biscuits, grits, and country ham.
Tip: aim for an early meal. The lunch rush fills fast, and grabbing a seat at the counter means you can watch the griddle action up close.
3. Marietta Diner, Marietta
Marietta Diner is where diner food meets culinary delight. Known for its towering chicken-fried steak, this dish is as massive as it is delicious.
The steak is perfectly tender, with a crunchy crust that complements the silky gravy. Accompanied by steamed vegetables, it’s a fulfilling meal.
Marietta Diner, a local gem, offers not just food but an experience, with its vibrant atmosphere and extensive menu.
4. Matthew’s Cafeteria, Tucker
Neon signs flash outside, while inside the ceiling glitters with chrome and mirrored panels. Servers hustle between booths stacked with enormous plates.
This diner covers a huge menu—Greek specialties, breakfast 24/7, and comfort food classics. Their chicken-fried steak arrives smothered in cream gravy, flanked by potatoes and vegetables.
I like how the diner leans into excess. The portions are unapologetically huge, and sometimes that’s exactly the mood: a plate so big you laugh before you eat.
5. OK Café, Atlanta
Striped awnings shade the entrance, and inside the vibe is pure bustle—servers darting between counters and booths, balancing plates with ease.
Since 1987, OK Café has been a Buckhead staple, its menu mixing diner comfort with Southern classics. Chicken-fried steak comes golden and generously portioned, anchored by mashed potatoes.
Parking can be a squeeze during peak hours. Locals often time their visits to off-peak meals, which makes sliding into a booth much easier.
6. The Smith House, Dahlonega
Long communal tables stretch across the dining room, and the sound of conversation blends with dishes being set down in quick succession. The energy is mountain-lodge cozy.
Built in the early 1900s, this historic inn turned restaurant is known for family-style meals. Fried chicken, vegetables, and chicken-fried steak are delivered in endless platters.
I love how the Smith House turns dinner into an event. Passing bowls down the table and sharing platters makes the chicken-fried steak feel part of a tradition, not just a dish.
7. The Dillard House, Dillard
Morning mist lingers on the surrounding mountains, and the dining rooms fill with the sound of platters being carried to long tables. The vibe is rustic and abundant.
This inn-turned-restaurant is famous for family-style spreads. Chicken-fried steak arrives alongside biscuits, greens, corn, and more, every table looks like a banquet.
Meals are served all at once, making timing simple. Guests know to come hungry, because portions are not designed for restraint.
8. H&H Soul Food, Macon
The aroma of fried chicken, smothered pork, and collards seeps out the door before you step inside. Inside, the energy is soulful, relaxed, and unpretentious.
H&H is legendary in Macon, serving soul food staples since 1959. Their rotating menu often includes a hearty chicken-fried steak, bathed in cream gravy.
Regulars recommend asking staff about the day’s specials. That’s the surest way to land on a plate that feels both fresh and rooted in tradition.
9. The Swanson, Perry
Chandeliers cast a warm glow across floral wallpaper, giving the room an almost parlor-like charm. Diners chat softly over plates that cover the table.
This restaurant leans into homestyle Southern cooking, fried meats, vegetables, cornbread, and, of course, chicken-fried steak. Portions are hefty without losing balance.
I like how The Swanson tempers abundance with comfort. The chicken-fried steak doesn’t just overwhelm with size; it feels carefully made, and that makes it satisfying in more than just volume.
10. Dolly’s Farmhouse, Austell
Checkered tablecloths and wood-paneled walls set the stage for a meal that feels equal parts roadside diner and family kitchen. The vibe is relaxed but full of energy.
Dolly’s menu leans Southern: fried chicken, meatloaf, biscuits, and chicken-fried steak covered in peppery cream gravy. It’s hearty, straightforward fare with no shortcuts.
Weekends get especially busy. Locals know to arrive early, snagging booths before the dining room hums with families filling up on oversized plates.
11. Town & Country Restaurant, Newnan
Framed photos of small-town life line the walls, while the smell of frying batter drifts steadily from the kitchen. The room feels well-worn and comfortable.
Town & Country has served Southern standards for decades. Chicken-fried steak shows up as one of the “meat-and-three” options, paired with sides like collards or mac and cheese.
I appreciate how unpretentious it is here. The steak isn’t dressed up or fussed over, it just lands, crisp and gravy-topped, exactly as locals expect it. That simplicity is its charm.