6 Missouri Chicken Fried Steak Plates So Big They Spill Off The Skillet
Nothing says Midwest comfort food quite like a massive chicken fried steak drowning in creamy gravy.
I’ve been chasing the biggest, most outrageous plates across Missouri for years now, and let me tell you – these beauties require strategy just to eat!
From roadside diners to beloved institutions, these seven spots serve up chicken fried steaks so enormous they practically need their own zip code.
1. Lambert’s Cafe’s Throned Steak Masterpiece
You haven’t lived until you’ve caught a hot roll while eyeing the mammoth chicken fried steak at Lambert’s Cafe in Ozark. My jaw literally dropped when the server brought out what looked like a breaded hubcap covering the entire table!
The crispy, golden-brown coating crackles perfectly against the fork, revealing tender beef that somehow stays juicy despite its impressive thinness. Topped with pepper gravy that cascades down the sides like a waterfall, this beast comes with so many sides you’ll need a doggie bag before you even start on the main attraction.
Locals swear by the “throwed rolls” experience, but I’m telling you – it’s this chicken fried steak that deserves the fame. Just don’t plan anything active afterward – you’ll need a serious nap!
2. Jess & Jim’s Steakhouse’s Farm-Raised Behemoth
Forget everything you know about portion control when you visit Jess & Jim’s. Their chicken fried steak isn’t just a meal – it’s practically a competitive eating challenge! My cousin from Texas (where they know their chicken fried steak) actually took a photo next to his plate for scale.
What sets this Marshall marvel apart is the quality of beef they use. Unlike some places that compensate for mediocre meat with excessive breading, Jess & Jim’s starts with premium cuts that they pound to tenderize, not to thin out inferior product. The result is a steak with substance and flavor that stands up to their peppery, scratch-made gravy.
Fair warning: their sides are equally generous. I recommend wearing stretchy pants and bringing a friend – though you’ll still be fighting over who gets the leftovers!
3. The Shack’s Skillet-Busting Country Classic
Forget those fancy St. Louis restaurants – The Shack’s chicken fried steak made me actually laugh out loud when it arrived. The server winked and said, “Hope you skipped breakfast… and lunch… and possibly dinner yesterday.”
This monster barely fits on their largest iron skillet, with the crispy edges hanging precariously over the sides. What makes The Shack’s version special is their double-dipped breading technique that creates these amazing crunchy ridges perfect for sopping up their bacon-infused gravy. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the fork-tender beef inside is nothing short of miraculous.
Pro tip from a seasoned Shack survivor: ask for extra napkins and don’t wear white. This beautiful mess has a way of expressing its appreciation all over your shirt, but trust me – it’s worth every stain!
4. Gingham’s Homestyle Restaurant’s Plate-Eclipsing Wonder
“We’re gonna need a bigger plate” should be Gingham’s motto for their legendary chicken fried steak. Located in St. Charles County, this family restaurant has been serving their colossal creation since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, and they’ve never skimped on size or quality.
The meat is so large it forms a tent over the mountain of mashed potatoes hiding underneath. Their unique breading includes a hint of garlic and onion powder that gives it a distinctive flavor profile you won’t find elsewhere. The gravy? Silky, peppery perfection that somehow manages to cover every square inch of this massive meal.
My favorite memory here was bringing my city-slicker brother-in-law who bet he could finish the whole thing. Three-quarters through, he waved the white napkin of surrender while the waitresses applauded his valiant effort!
5. Grace Meat + Three’s Artisanal Giant
Don’t let the fancy name fool you – Grace Meat + Three in St. Louis makes a chicken fried steak that would make any country grandma proud, just with a chef’s touch that elevates it to art form status. My first bite nearly brought tears to my eyes!
Owner and chef Rick Lewis has created a monster-sized portion that somehow maintains elegance despite its shocking dimensions. The meat is brined before being hand-breaded, creating a juiciness that defies logic. Their black pepper gravy contains subtle notes of herbs and spices that dance across your palate with each bite.
The real kicker? Despite its gourmet approach, this beast is still authentically massive. I watched a nearby table of four sharing one portion as an appetizer. Smart move – I couldn’t finish mine despite my most determined efforts!
6. Southwest Diner’s Border-Crossing Colossus
Ever seen a chicken fried steak with a Southwestern twist that’s bigger than your face? Southwest Diner’s New Mexico-inspired version had me questioning the laws of physics when it landed on my table with a thud that rattled the silverware!
The secret to their unique version is a cornmeal-enhanced breading that gives an extraordinary crunch, paired with green chile gravy instead of the traditional white version. That spicy kick cuts through the richness perfectly, making it possible to keep eating long past when normal hunger would subside. The steak itself extends well beyond their already large plates, creating a precarious balancing act.
During my last visit, I overheard a server telling a first-timer, “If you finish that, we’ll put your picture on the wall.” I looked around – there were suspiciously few photos displayed. Challenge accepted for my next visit!