Hey there fellow comfort food lovers! I’ve been on a personal mission to find the absolute best chicken fried steak in my area, and lemme tell you – the search has been both delicious and eye-opening. If you’re craving that perfect combination of crispy breaded steak smothered in creamy gravy you’ve come to the right place. I’ve done all the hard work for you (tough job, but someone’s gotta do it!), so you can satisfy that craving ASAP.
Top Local Spots for Chicken Fried Steak
Based on the latest Yelp reviews for September 2025 these local gems are serving up some seriously good chicken fried steak
Highly Rated Local Favorites
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Woodfield Diner (Gaithersburg, MD) – This cozy spot on Woodfield Road combines the best of sandwich shop, diner, and breakfast joint vibes. Their chicken fried steak has earned them solid reviews.
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Fountain Grill in Ashburn, VA, has more than 320 reviews, making it a popular spot for American comfort food in the area. If you want chicken fried steak but don’t want to leave your house, you can order it online.
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Joe’s Cafe (Sterling, VA) – Boasting an impressive 926 reviews, this American breakfast diner knows their way around a chicken fried steak. Worth the trip to Sterling!
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Bonnie Blue (Winchester, VA) – This interesting combo of bakery, Southern food, and seafood joint has 838 reviews and is known for authentic Southern cooking – including their chicken fried steak.
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Ted’s Bulletin (multiple locations) – With spots in Gaithersburg and Capitol Hill, Ted’s combines American comfort food with breakfast classics. Their chicken fried steak has helped them rack up hundreds of positive reviews.
Most Popular Chicken Fried Steak Restaurants
If you’re lookin for places that have stood the test of time and have tons of reviews, these spots should be on your radar:
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Founding Farmers (multiple locations) – Their Washington DC location has an astonishing 17,985 reviews! With additional locations in Tysons (3,783 reviews) and Reston Station (1,464 reviews), they’re clearly doing something right with their farm-to-table approach to comfort classics.
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Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar (Arlington, VA) – With 2,656 reviews, this Southern food specialist brings authentic flavors to the DMV area. Their chicken fried steak stays true to Southern traditions.
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Bob
When You Need Delivery
Don’t wanna leave the house? I totally get it! Several of these restaurants offer delivery through popular services:
- Joe’s Cafe
- Makers Union
- Philadelphia Tavern
- Yorkshire Restaurant
- Silver Diner
- The All American Steakhouse & Sports Theater
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
- Bob & Edith’s Diner
- Mom’s Country Kitchen
To find out which of these places can bring that tasty food right to your door, search for “chicken fried steak” on GrubHub or DoorDash.
What Makes a Great Chicken Fried Steak?
Let’s talk about what makes a really great chicken fried steak before we go any further. If my doctor has anything to say about it, I may have eaten too many. Here’s what I look for:
- The Meat: Should be tenderized properly – not too thick, not too thin
- The Breading: Crispy, golden-brown coating that sticks to the meat, not falling off with the first cut
- The Gravy: Creamy, peppered, and abundant – this is NOT the place to skimp!
- The Sides: Classic accompaniments like mashed potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese
Different Styles to Try
Did you know there are regional differences in chicken fried steak? It’s true! Here are some variations you might encounter:
Texas Style
The gold standard – typically larger, with a crispy coating and cream gravy. Places like The All American Steakhouse tend to serve this style.
Southern Style
Often features a thicker breading and sometimes uses country ham in the gravy for extra flavor. Tupelo Honey and Bonnie Blue excel at this version.
Diner Style
Usually thinner, sometimes with a lighter breading, perfect for breakfast alongside eggs. Bob & Edith’s and Yorkshire Restaurant represent this style well.
Best Times to Get Your Fix
Most chicken fried steak joints tend to close at night, but there are exceptions! According to the Yelp listings, Bob & Edith’s Diner on Columbia Pike in Arlington is currently open, making it a great choice for late-night cravings.
For most other places, you’ll want to visit during regular meal hours. Chicken fried steak is typically considered a lunch or dinner item, but many breakfast spots (like Joe’s Cafe and Silver Diner) serve it all day – sometimes with eggs for a hearty breakfast version!
Beyond Chicken Fried Steak
If you’re dining with someone who (somehow) doesn’t share your chicken fried steak enthusiasm, many of these restaurants offer other fantastic options:
- Southern Food: Places like Tupelo Honey and Bonnie Blue offer other Southern classics like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and biscuits
- Breakfast: Most diners like Yorkshire and Bob & Edith’s have extensive breakfast menus
- Seafood: Surprisingly, several places like Bonnie Blue and Yorkshire Restaurant also offer seafood options
Making the Most of Your Chicken Fried Steak Experience
Here are some tips from a chicken fried steak enthusiast (me!) for the best possible experience:
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Ask about the gravy – Some places offer both cream gravy and brown gravy. I personally think cream gravy is the only way to go, but you do you!
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Inquire about portion sizes – Chicken fried steaks can be MASSIVE at some restaurants. No shame in sharing or taking home leftovers.
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Consider the sides – A great chicken fried steak deserves great accompaniments. Mashed potatoes are classic, but don’t overlook other options like mac and cheese or collard greens.
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Try different places – Each restaurant puts their own spin on this classic dish. What I love might not be your favorite, so sample around!
DIY Chicken Fried Steak When You Can’t Go Out
Sometimes you just can’t make it to a restaurant. While nothing beats the real deal from places like Founding Farmers or Joe’s Cafe, here’s a simple way to make chicken fried steak at home:
- Pound cube steak until thin
- Season with salt and pepper
- Dredge in flour, then egg wash, then flour again
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown
- Make gravy with pan drippings, flour, and milk
- Smother and enjoy!
But honestly, why bother when you can order delivery from so many great places? That’s what I usually do when I’m feeling lazy!
The Verdict: Where Should You Go?
If I had to pick just ONE place to recommend based on the data and my personal chicken fried steak journey, I’d say Founding Farmers deserves their massive review count – their farm-fresh approach to this classic dish is hard to beat.
For a more authentic Southern experience, Tupelo Honey and Bonnie Blue are outstanding choices that stay true to tradition.
And if you need that late-night fix, Bob & Edith’s Diner on Columbia Pike is your savior with their 24-hour operation.
Final Thoughts
The DMV area has some seriously good chicken fried steak options, whether you’re in Maryland, Virginia, or DC proper. From diners to upscale Southern kitchens, there’s something for every preference and budget.
So what are you waiting for? That crispy, gravy-smothered goodness isn’t gonna eat itself! Check out one of these spots today, and I guarantee your taste buds will thank you. And hey, if you discover a hidden gem I missed, drop me a comment – I’m always on the hunt for my next favorite chicken fried steak!
Now excuse me while I order delivery from Joe’s Cafe… all this writing about chicken fried steak has made me hungry!
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Homemade Country Fried Steak Recipe
FAQ
Does KFC have chicken-fried steak?
KFC does have a Chicken Fried Steak (also called Country Fried Steak) meal, but it’s usually only available during special events and not on the regular menu. Specifically, it’s frequently featured as a Wednesday special.
Does Texas Roadhouse have chicken fried steaks?
Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak is a comforting dish made with cube steak, a simple breading, and frying it until it’s golden brown.
Does Walmart sell chicken-fried steak?
Kings Command Foods Frozen Southern Style Chicken Fried Beef Steak, Raw, 5. 3 Ounce – 30 per case – Walmart. com.
Where can I find chicken fried steak?
Fortunately, there’s a great selection around the country, and you can find well-made chicken (and country) fried steaks at many restaurant chains, likely including one right near you. As always, menus can vary regionally, so be sure to check your local spot before heading out.
How much does chicken fried steak cost on Grubhub?
Grubhub is free if you have Amazon Prime or a Bank of America account, which means delivery costs nothing. Get Chicken Fried Steak delivered from national chains, local favorites, or new neighborhood restaurants, on Grubhub. Order online, and get Chicken Fried Steak delivered, fast. Deals and promos available.
Where can I find chicken fried steak in OKC?
If you’re looking for chicken fried steak in OKC, Cheever’s Cafe is a great option. Located in an old flower shop in a historic OKC building, it offers an upscale version of the dish served over garlic red-skinned mashed potatoes with a savory jalapeno cream gravy on top.
Does Grubhub have chicken fried steak?
Grubhub has around 500,000 restaurants available on its platform making it easy to get delivery or pickup for Chicken Fried Steak when you order online. 3) What are the best restaurants near me for Chicken Fried Steak?
Where does chicken fried steak come from?
Chicken fried steak is a Southern staple. The first chicken fried steak was created in Texas. Many Southern states make a similar variation of chicken fried steak, but it is most common in the South-Central region of the United States. That being said you can also find Chicken fried steak in California, Colorado, and New Mexico.
What is chicken fried steak?
A cube steak is coated with seasoned flour before going into the oil. Chicken-fried steak is usually deep fried, and country-fried steak is fried in a pan. Even though this meal may have come from Austrian immigrants, it is an American favorite when it’s served with thick gravy and biscuits. 1) Where can I find Chicken Fried Steak near me?