6 Oklahoma Diners Serving Giant Chicken‑Fried Steak
Nothing says Oklahoma comfort food quite like a massive, golden-brown chicken-fried steak that spills over the edges of your plate. It’s a dish that’s equal parts crispy, tender, and smothered in rich, peppery gravy, a true Southern classic.
Over the years, I’ve traveled all across the Sooner State on a delicious mission to find the biggest, boldest, most satisfying versions of this hearty favorite. These aren’t just meals, they’re experiences.
The six diners I’ve discovered don’t just serve chicken-fried steak; they pay homage to it, creating legendary plates so large and indulgent, you’ll be loosening your belt long before the final bite.
1. Clanton’s Cafe: Route 66 Legend
My grandmother first took me to Clanton’s when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, and their chicken-fried steak has only gotten better since 1927!
The moment that massive platter hits your table in Vinita, you’ll understand why Guy Fieri couldn’t stop talking about it on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.’ The meat practically melts under your fork, while the peppery crust maintains perfect crispiness even under a generous ladleful of cream gravy.
Family-owned for four generations, they pound each steak by hand before dredging it in their secret flour mixture. Pro tip: Come hungry and save room for their homemade pie!
2. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse: Historic Stockyard Star
Cowboys have been filling their bellies at Cattlemen’s since 1910, making it Oklahoma City’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. Walking through those doors feels like stepping back in time, especially when you see the size of their legendary chicken-fried steak!
What makes their version extraordinary isn’t just the size (though it’s massive). The tender beef gets a double-dredge treatment that creates a crust so perfect it should be illegal.
Their peppery cream gravy has a hint of smokiness that pairs beautifully with the crispy exterior. Fun fact: The restaurant was won in a dice game in 1945!
3. Del Rancho: Home of the Steak Sandwich Supreme
“Holy cow!” That’s what escaped my lips when I first laid eyes on Del Rancho’s famous Steak Sandwich Supreme. While technically a sandwich, this Midwest City institution serves what’s essentially a full chicken-fried steak, bigger than your face, tucked between two toasted buns.
The breading has this incredible seasoning blend that’s kept secret tighter than Fort Knox.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch, tender beef, and their special tangy sauce that elevates it beyond ordinary chicken-fried territory. Regulars know to grab extra napkins, attempting to eat this monster neatly is a losing battle!
4. Cheever’s Cafe: Upscale Twist on a Classic
Housed in a former flower shop, Cheever’s Cafe in Oklahoma City transforms our beloved chicken-fried steak into something that would make grandma both confused and proud. Their massive portion gets an upscale makeover with jalapeño cream gravy that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!
The first time I cut into their version, I was struck by how they maintain that down-home crunch while using premium beef that’s tender enough to cut with a fork.
The garlic mashed potatoes underneath soak up that spicy gravy perfectly. Despite the fancy setting, they don’t skimp on portion size, prepare for delicious leftovers!
5. Ann’s Chicken Fry House: Route 66 Roadside Wonder
The pink Cadillac parked outside Ann’s Chicken Fry House lets you know you’re in for something special. This Route 66 landmark in Oklahoma City serves a chicken-fried steak so big it makes first-timers gasp, I’ve seen it happen dozens of times!
Their hand-breaded cube steak comes smothered in the thickest, creamiest gravy you’ll ever encounter. The vintage atmosphere with license plates and Route 66 memorabilia covering the walls makes the meal even more enjoyable.
Order the double portion only if you’re feeling particularly brave or planning to share, I learned that lesson the hard way!
6. Murphy’s Steak House: Home of the Hot Hamburger
Don’t let the name fool you, Murphy’s in Bartlesville might be known for their “Hot Hamburger,” but their chicken-fried steak deserves its own monument! When my plate arrived, I couldn’t even see the table underneath it.
The seasoned cooks have perfected the art of creating a crispy exterior while keeping the meat inside fork-tender. Their cream gravy has tiny bits of pepper throughout and a richness that suggests it’s been perfected over generations.
The small-town atmosphere adds to the charm, with locals who’ll happily tell you they’ve been eating there since childhood. Arrive hungry and expect to leave with tomorrow’s lunch boxed up!