12 Oklahoma Chicken-Fried Steaks That Make The State Fair Look Tiny
Nothing says Oklahoma comfort food quite like a massive chicken-fried steak smothered in creamy gravy.
Locals know the state fair isn’t the only place to find plate-covering portions. Family-owned diners and legendary steakhouses serve chicken-fried steaks so enormous they’ll make your eyes pop and your stomach rumble.
1. Kendall’s Restaurant – Noble
Hungry travelers drive miles just for a taste of what locals call the “Holy Grail” of chicken-fried steak.
Served on a platter that barely contains its glory, Kendall’s famous steak hangs off the edges and comes drenched in peppery cream gravy that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Many brave souls attempt their eating challenge but few conquer this beefy behemoth.
2. Jimmy’s Round-Up Cafe – Oklahoma City
Since 1946, cowboys and city slickers alike have flocked to this western-themed diner for hand-breaded goodness.
What makes Jimmy’s special? The secret seasoning blend that gives each bite a perfect peppery kick without overwhelming the tender beef inside.
Regulars swear by the crispy, craggy exterior that somehow stays crunchy even under a generous ladleful of their signature gravy.
3. Clanton’s Café – Vinita
Featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” this Route 66 landmark has been perfecting their recipe since 1927.
Family lore claims their great-grandmother created the original recipe during the Dust Bowl era, using simple ingredients to feed hungry travelers.
Each steak gets pounded thin, double-dipped in buttermilk batter, and fried until the exterior forms a shell that audibly crunches with every bite.
4. Ann’s Chicken Fry House – Oklahoma City
Housed in a bright pink building with a vintage Cadillac parked outside, Ann’s serves nostalgia alongside their legendary steaks.
Visitors marvel at the half-pound of tenderized beef that’s hand-breaded daily and fried to golden perfection.
Countless tourists along Route 66 have snapped photos with their enormous portions before attempting to clean their plates of this Oklahoma treasure.
5. Hammett House – Claremore
Folks whisper about the “Pampered Chicken Fried Steak” at this charming restaurant as if sharing a state secret.
Unlike traditional versions, Hammett House elevates theirs with a proprietary seasoning blend and an extra-crispy coating that shatters satisfyingly with each cut.
Make sure to save room for their famous “Lamb Fries”, a curious local delicacy that pairs surprisingly well with the main attraction.
6. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse – Oklahoma City
Oklahoma’s oldest continually operating restaurant won in a dice game back in 1945 knows a thing or two about beef.
While famous for their traditional steaks, insiders know to order the chicken-fried version that transforms premium beef into a comfort food masterpiece.
Cowboys, celebrities, and presidents have all sat at these tables enjoying the same recipe that’s remained unchanged for over seven decades.
7. Cheever’s Cafe – Oklahoma City
Sophisticated diners flock to this upscale eatery housed in a former flower shop for their gourmet twist on the classic.
Chef-driven innovation meets tradition with their jalapeno-infused gravy that delivers a subtle heat without overwhelming the perfectly seasoned crust.
Served alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes, even culinary snobs admit this elevated version respects its humble roots while creating something truly memorable.
8. Nelson’s Buffeteria – Tulsa
Generations of Tulsans have lined up cafeteria-style for what might be the crispiest chicken-fried steak in the state.
Despite changing locations over its 90+ year history, the recipe remains gloriously unchanged, featuring beef pounded thin enough to read a newspaper through.
Old-timers recommend asking for extra gravy on the side for proper Oklahoma-style dipping of their legendary yeast rolls.
9. Del Rancho – Multiple locations
Fast food gets fancy with Del Rancho’s famous “Steak Sandwich Supreme” that’s essentially a giant chicken-fried steak served on a bun.
Legend has it that founder J.R. Holt created this portable version in 1961 when a customer was in too much of a hurry for a sit-down meal.
Modern diners still struggle to figure out how to eat this massive creation that extends well beyond the boundaries of its humble bun.
10. Boomarang Diner – Multiple locations
Small-town charm meets big-time flavor at this retro chain that treats chicken-fried steak as an art form.
Regulars know to request the steak “smothered and covered” for maximum gravy coverage that extends to every inch of the plate.
Families particularly appreciate their weekday special where kids eat free with the purchase of this grown-up sized portion that could easily feed two hungry adults.
11. The Red B Restaurant – Idabel
Road-trippers through southeastern Oklahoma discover this hidden gem where the chicken-fried steak rivals the circumference of a hubcap.
Owner Betty has refused countless offers to share her secret breading recipe that somehow stays crispy even under a mountain of her pepper-speckled gravy.
Many visitors make the pilgrimage just to check this legendary creation off their Oklahoma culinary bucket list.
12. Tiffany’s Restaurant – Oklahoma City
Morning glory comes in fried form at this beloved breakfast spot where chicken-fried steak and eggs is the signature dish.
Unlike competitors who serve thinner cuts, Tiffany’s uses thick-cut beef that requires expert timing to ensure the center remains tender while the exterior achieves golden perfection.
Early birds get rewarded with their famous “sunrise special” featuring this massive morning protein alongside three eggs and a mountain of hash browns.
