The Oklahoma Chicken-Fried Steak Café That Sells Out Before Sunset
Jimmy’s Round-Up Café sits on the south side of Oklahoma City, just off I-240, and it’s the kind of spot people drive past for years before realizing what they’ve been missing.
Inside, it feels like a classic Oklahoma diner, with regulars calling out orders and plates coming out hot and heavy. The chicken fried steak has a reputation all its own, and those fried pies don’t last long once the lunch crowd hits.
Locals know the rule: show up early, eat well, and don’t expect your favorite dish to still be around by mid-afternoon.
A Small Town Feel Right Off The Highway
You wouldn’t expect a place this good to be tucked right off a busy interstate exit. But that’s exactly where Jimmy’s sits, making it an easy stop for anyone passing through south Oklahoma City.
The café has that small town vibe even though it’s technically in the city. People wave at each other when they walk in. The parking lot fills up fast during lunch.
It’s the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name and everyone feels welcome from the first visit.
Hand Breaded Chicken Fried Steak Made To Order
The chicken fried steak here isn’t sitting under a heat lamp waiting for you. Each one gets breaded fresh when you order it, which makes all the difference in texture and flavor.
The peppered cream gravy is thick and rich, with just enough kick to keep things interesting. It pools around the edges of the plate and soaks into everything it touches.
This is what people drive across town for. The steak is tender inside with a crispy coating that stays crunchy even under all that gravy.
Get There Early Or Miss Out
On any given day, especially weekends, certain dishes start disappearing from the menu by early afternoon. The regulars all know this, so they show up before noon to guarantee they get what they came for.
It’s not a marketing trick. The kitchen simply runs out because everything is made in batches throughout the day.
If you want the full menu to choose from, plan to arrive for an early lunch. By 2 or 3 p.m., your options might be limited.
Three Decades Of Consistent Cooking
Jimmy’s opened its doors in 1989, and some of the cooks have been there for years. That kind of tenure shows in the food because the recipes don’t change and the quality stays steady.
It’s a family style operation where everyone pitches in during the rush. The frying stations stay busy all day, turning out order after order with the same care.
You can taste the difference when a place has been doing something the same way for over 30 years. There’s no guessing what you’ll get.
Oversized Fried Pies That Steal The Show
The fried pies at Jimmy’s are almost as famous as the chicken fried steak. They’re made throughout the day, so you can usually get one warm if you time it right.
These aren’t dainty little pastries. They’re big, flaky, and stuffed with filling that actually tastes like real fruit. The crust is fried to a perfect golden brown and has just the right amount of crunch.
People order them for dessert, but plenty of folks grab a couple to take home for later. They’re a second headliner on a menu that’s already stacked.
Dinner Rolls Worth Taking Home
The house made yeast rolls show up with most meals, and they’re so good that regulars buy extra to take home. They’re soft and slightly sweet, with a buttery top that melts in your mouth.
You can tell these are made from scratch because they have that airy texture that only comes from proper rising time. They’re perfect for sopping up gravy or just eating plain.
Don’t be shy about asking for more. The staff is used to people requesting a bag of rolls to go before they even leave the table.
All You Can Eat Catfish On Weekends
On weekends, Jimmy’s runs an all you can eat catfish special that draws a crowd. The fish is fried crispy and served with all the classic sides like hushpuppies and coleslaw.
Even with the catfish special running, the chicken fried steak still holds its spot as the star of the menu. But if you’re a catfish fan, this is a solid deal and the quality is just as good.
It’s another reason the place fills up fast on Saturdays and Sundays. People come for variety but leave satisfied either way.
Hearty Portions That Keep People Coming Back
Everything that comes out of the kitchen at Jimmy’s is served in generous portions. The sides are hearty and classic, things like mashed potatoes, green beans, and fried okra that remind you of Sunday dinner.
This is comfort food done right, with no shortcuts or fancy twists. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up and makes you feel good about what you just ate.
People drive across town regularly for this kind of cooking. It’s honest, satisfying, and exactly what an Oklahoma café should be.