14 Texas Eateries Serving Chicken Fried Steak Big Enough To Share
In Texas, chicken fried steak isn’t just food; it’s a statement.
Across the state, diners, family-run restaurants, and hidden gems serve plates so generously portioned they practically demand sharing.
Crispy, golden exteriors give way to tender, flavorful meat, often smothered in rich gravy that makes every bite unforgettable.
Locals know which spots offer the perfect combination of size, flavor, and that unmistakable Texas charm.
From bustling small towns to quiet corners of cities, these meals turn ordinary lunches and dinners into experiences worth slowing down for.
In Texas, chicken fried steak is about flavor, tradition, and the joy of a meal meant to be savored together.
1. Blue Bonnet Cafe — Marble Falls
Marble Falls locals have been piling into this legendary spot since 1929 for a reason that becomes obvious the moment your plate arrives.
The chicken fried steak here weighs in at nearly a pound before the crispy coating adds even more heft.
Located at 211 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654, this charming cafe features vintage blue and white tile work that transports diners back to simpler times.
The building’s retro charm includes original booth seating and a classic counter where regulars gather for morning coffee.
Their famous pies steal the show for dessert, but that chicken fried steak demands your full attention first.
The golden crust stays remarkably crispy even under rivers of peppery cream gravy.
Bring an appetite and a friend because finishing this monster solo is nearly impossible for mere mortals.
2. Bubba’s Cooks Country — Dallas
Walking into this Dallas institution feels like stepping onto your grandmother’s back porch, complete with roosters decorating every available surface.
Bubba’s serves a chicken fried steak that could double as a serving platter itself.
Found at 6617 Hillcrest Ave, Dallas, TX 75205, the restaurant rocks a down-home country aesthetic with wooden accents and checkered tablecloths.
The walls showcase vintage farm equipment and Texas memorabilia that give the space authentic rural charm.
Their homemade mashed potatoes arrive in portions equally generous, creating a carb-loaded comfort food dream.
The steak gets hand-battered daily and fried to order, ensuring maximum crunch with every bite.
Regulars swear by the chicken and dumplings too, but newcomers should absolutely start with that legendary chicken fried steak that’s made Bubba’s a Dallas staple for decades.
3. Norma’s Cafe — Dallas
Since 1956, this Dallas favorite has been slinging comfort food that sticks to your ribs and warms your soul. Norma’s chicken fried steak hangs off the plate edges like it’s trying to escape.
With multiple Dallas locations including the original at 1123 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208, each spot maintains that classic diner vibe with red vinyl booths and gleaming chrome fixtures.
The neon signs and checkerboard floors create an atmosphere straight from a 1950s postcard.
Their Mile High Pie selection rivals the steak for fame, but you’ll need to pace yourself to save room for dessert.
The steak arrives piping hot with a shatteringly crisp exterior that gives way to tender beef inside.
Breakfast gets served all day here, so you can order this behemoth alongside eggs and hash browns whenever hunger strikes.
4. Mama’s Daughters’ Diner — Dallas
Family recipes passed down through generations make this Dallas gem special, and their chicken fried steak honors that heritage with serious size and flavor.
Each order gets pounded thin, battered thick, and fried until golden perfection emerges.
Located at 2014 Irving Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207, the diner embraces a cozy homestyle atmosphere with floral wallpaper accents and comfortable seating that encourages lingering.
Vintage kitchen tools and family photos decorate the walls, creating an intimate dining experience.
The gravy here tastes like something your actual mama would make, creamy and peppered just right.
Their biscuits deserve honorable mention too, arriving fluffy and buttery alongside your main event.
Portions run so generous that taking home leftovers isn’t just expected but practically required unless you’re feeding a small army at your table.
5. Cotton Patch Cafe — Multiple Texas Locations
Finding consistent quality across multiple locations can be tricky, but Cotton Patch nails it with their signature chicken fried steak at every outpost.
The chain started in Nacogdoches back in 1989 and has been expanding across Texas ever since.
With locations scattered throughout the state, each restaurant features warm wood tones, rustic decor elements, and a welcoming atmosphere that balances casual dining with genuine Texas hospitality.
The interiors often include farmhouse-style touches and regional artwork.
Their version comes with a choice of cream or brown gravy, both equally delicious and both served generously.
The steak itself measures roughly the size of a dinner plate before frying adds extra volume.
Side dishes like green beans and mashed potatoes come in family-sized portions too, making this spot ideal for satisfying big appetites without breaking the bank on your road trip.
6. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen — Multiple Texas Locations
Scratch-made food at chain restaurant prices sounds too good to be true, but Cheddar’s delivers on that promise with impressive consistency.
Their chicken fried steak arrives hand-battered and fresh, never frozen, which makes all the difference in texture and taste.
Multiple Texas locations offer the same welcoming atmosphere with brick accents, warm lighting, and an open kitchen design that lets diners watch their meals being prepared.
The contemporary casual decor strikes a balance between comfortable and stylish.
Found throughout major Texas cities, each location at various addresses maintains quality standards that keep locals coming back regularly.
The steak gets served with real mashed potatoes whipped fresh daily and smothered in homemade cream gravy.
Their honey butter croissants make dangerous appetizers because they’re so addictive you might fill up before the main event arrives at your table steaming hot.
7. Luby’s Cafeteria — Multiple Texas Locations
Cafeteria-style dining lets you eyeball exactly what you’re getting before committing, and one glance at Luby’s chicken fried steak will have you reaching for your tray.
Operating since 1947, this Texas institution has fed generations of families with reliable comfort food.
Locations across Texas feature the classic cafeteria layout with long serving lines, bright lighting, and spacious dining rooms designed for efficiency and comfort.
The no-frills decor focuses on functionality while maintaining a clean, welcoming environment.
Their LuAnn Platter remains the most popular order, pairing that massive steak with your choice of sides from an impressive selection.
The square-cut steak gets fried with a peppery batter that creates incredible crunch.
Luby’s also offers their famous macaroni and cheese, which pairs beautifully with the rich gravy, creating a comfort food combination that’s purely Texan and utterly satisfying.
8. M&M Steakhouse — Stephenville
Stephenville calls itself the Cowboy Capital of the World, and M&M Steakhouse lives up to that reputation with portions fit for ranch hands.
Cowboys and college students from nearby Tarleton State University pack this place nightly for good reason.
Located at 2307 W Washington St, Stephenville, TX 76401, the restaurant features Western decor with leather booth seating, ranch-style wood paneling, and cowboy memorabilia covering every wall.
The atmosphere captures authentic Texas ranch culture without feeling gimmicky.
Their chicken fried steak measures a full ten inches across and arrives with enough gravy to require a ladle instead of a spoon.
The crispy coating maintains its crunch throughout your meal, a testament to proper frying technique.
Locals recommend the loaded baked potato as your side because you’ll need substantial backup to balance out all that delicious fried goodness on your plate.
9. Koffee Kup Family Restaurant — Hico
Tiny Hico boasts a population under 1,500, but this beloved restaurant draws visitors from across the state who make special trips just for the food.
Operating since 1967, the Koffee Kup has become a Texas Hill Country destination in its own right.
Found at 305 S Pecan St, Hico, TX 76457, the building showcases charming small-town character with vintage coffee-themed decorations, cozy booth seating, and a welcoming counter area.
The nostalgic atmosphere feels frozen in time in the best possible way.
Their chicken fried steak practically requires its own zip code, extending well beyond standard plate boundaries.
The restaurant also bakes incredible pies daily, with the chocolate meringue earning particular praise from regulars.
Billy the Kid allegedly lived in Hico under an assumed name, making this historic town worth exploring after you’ve conquered that massive steak and needed a walk to settle your stomach.
10. Perini Ranch Steakhouse — Buffalo Gap
Buffalo Gap sits just outside Abilene, and this upscale ranch restaurant elevates chicken fried steak from diner food to fine dining without losing its soul.
Tom Perini started cooking for friends at his working cattle ranch before opening the restaurant in 1983.
Located at 3002 FM 89, Buffalo Gap, TX 79508, the restaurant occupies converted ranch buildings with exposed wood beams, stone accents, and authentic Western artwork creating an upscale rustic atmosphere.
Large windows overlook the surrounding ranch land, offering diners scenic Hill Country views.
Their mesquite-grilled steaks earn most of the fame, but the chicken fried steak holds its own with premium beef and expert preparation.
The portion size remains generous without being absurd, focusing on quality over quantity.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend dinners when the place fills up with anniversary celebrations and special occasions.
11. Hoffbrau Steak & Grill House — Fort Worth
Fort Worth’s Hoffbrau has been serving hungry Texans since 1978, building a loyal following with generous portions and reasonable prices.
The name might sound German, but the menu stays purely Texan with all the classics done right.
Operating from 3205 W 7th St, Fort Worth, TX 76107, the steakhouse features dark wood paneling, dim atmospheric lighting, and leather booth seating that creates a classic American steakhouse vibe.
Vintage beer signs and Texas sports memorabilia add local character to the space.
Their chicken fried steak arrives roughly the size of a catcher’s mitt, battered thick and fried until the coating achieves maximum crispiness.
The cream gravy gets made fresh throughout service, ensuring it never sits too long or develops that gummy texture bad gravy gets.
Their loaded baked potatoes are legendary too, arriving stuffed with enough toppings to constitute a meal themselves alongside that monster steak.
12. Fred’s Texas Cafe — Fort Worth
Eclectic doesn’t begin to describe this Fort Worth favorite where the walls overflow with Texas kitsch and the portions overflow your plate.
Fred’s has been a Stockyards district staple since opening, serving tourists and locals alike with equal enthusiasm.
Situated at 915 Currie St, Fort Worth, TX 76107, the cafe bursts with colorful Texas-themed decorations, vintage signs, license plates, and random Americana creating a visual feast before your food even arrives. The funky, cluttered aesthetic somehow feels perfectly organized in its chaos.
Their chicken fried steak measures a solid pound of beef before battering, making it one of the largest in the Fort Worth area.
The restaurant also serves breakfast all day, so you can order this massive creation with eggs and pancakes if you’re feeling particularly ambitious.
Live music on weekends adds entertainment while you tackle your meal in this quirky corner of Cowtown.
13. The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar — New Braunfels (Gruene)
Housed in a 120-year-old cotton gin, this Gruene Historic District landmark offers stunning views of the Guadalupe River alongside spectacular food.
The building’s history adds character that modern restaurants simply cannot replicate, with original machinery still visible throughout the space.
Located at 1287 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130, the restaurant features exposed brick walls, towering ceilings with original wooden beams, and multiple outdoor decks overlooking the river.
The industrial-meets-rustic design creates a unique dining atmosphere that’s both casual and memorable.
Their chicken fried steak comes highly recommended by locals who brave the often lengthy wait times for a table.
The riverside patio seating is particularly popular during pleasant weather, offering breezes off the water while you eat.
Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest dance hall, sits nearby, making this area perfect for a full day of exploring Texas history and culture after your meal.
14. The Big Texan Steak Ranch — Amarillo
Famous for their 72-ounce steak challenge, The Big Texan also serves a chicken fried steak that lives up to the restaurant’s larger-than-life reputation.
Route 66 travelers have been stopping here since 1960 when the original location opened along the historic highway.
Now located at 7701 Interstate 40 Access Rd, Amarillo, TX 79118, the massive complex includes a restaurant, motel, gift shop, and even a shooting arcade.
The interior explodes with Western kitsch including mounted animal heads, cowboy statues, and enough neon to light up the entire Texas Panhandle.
Their chicken fried steak weighs in at a hefty portion that most diners split between two or three people.
Live country music plays nightly while servers in Western wear deliver your food with theatrical flair.
The gift shop sells everything from cowboy boots to hot sauce, making this a full Texas experience beyond just the food itself.