In Texas, bigger isn’t just a preference—it’s practically state law when it comes to food. Chicken-fried steak holds a special place in Texan hearts: tenderized beef, breaded, fried to a golden crisp, and smothered in creamy gravy. While the State Fair of Texas might be known for its massive attractions, these restaurant plates make fair food look downright dainty. Get your stretchy pants ready as we tour the Lone Star State’s most outrageously oversized chicken-fried steak offerings.
1. Mary’s Café: The Chicken-Fried Legend
Located in tiny Strawn (population: barely 600), Mary’s Café serves a chicken-fried steak so legendary that folks drive hours just for a taste. The massive cutlet hangs over the edges of an already oversized plate, creating a jaw-dropping moment when it arrives at your table.
The perfect golden crust shatters with each bite, revealing tender meat beneath. Mary’s signature peppery cream gravy comes in its own boat—there’s simply no room on the plate! Paired with hand-mashed potatoes and homemade rolls, this meal has fueled ranchers and road-trippers alike since 1986.
Pro tip: Split one order between two people. Even the hungriest cowboys rarely finish a full portion without assistance.
2. Monument Café: Farm-Fresh Behemoth
Georgetown’s beloved Monument Café doesn’t just serve chicken-fried steak—they’ve elevated it to an art form. Their massive portion begins with locally-sourced beef that’s hand-tenderized before being dipped in buttermilk, dredged in seasoned flour, and fried until impossibly crispy.
What makes this plate special isn’t just its size (though it’s certainly impressive). The quality shines through in every bite. The gravy, made from scratch with real cream and roasted garlic, transforms this humble dish into something extraordinary.
Surrounded by farm-fresh vegetables harvested from their own garden, Monument’s chicken-fried steak represents the perfect marriage of Texas-sized portions and farm-to-table philosophy. Many regulars claim they’ve never managed to clean their plate in one sitting.
3. Mel’s Country Cafe: The Mega Mel Challenge
Tucked away in Tomball, Mel’s Country Cafe has been serving country classics since 1963, but their chicken-fried steak deserves its own zip code. Regular portions already stretch past plate boundaries, but brave souls can attempt the “Mega Mel Challenge” featuring a chicken-fried steak roughly the size of a steering wheel.
The golden-brown crust crackles with each cut, while the inside remains moist and flavorful. Rivers of peppery white gravy cascade over the edges, pooling around heaping sides of mashed potatoes and Texas-style green beans cooked with bacon.
Finish the entire challenge meal—including sides—and you’ll earn your photo on the Wall of Fame plus a free t-shirt. Fair warning: fewer than 20% of challengers succeed, so bring your appetite and maybe a friend or two!
4. The Gristmill River Restaurant: Historic Heap
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Guadalupe River, The Gristmill transforms chicken-fried steak into a memorable experience. Housed in an 1878 cotton gin, this New Braunfels institution serves a plate that matches its historic surroundings in grandeur.
Their chicken-fried steak spans nearly edge-to-edge on a platter that could double as a small shield. The crust achieves that elusive perfect texture—shatteringly crisp without being tough—while the meat inside remains fork-tender. Jalapeño-spiked cream gravy adds a distinctly Texan kick that keeps locals coming back.
Between bites, diners can gaze through century-old stone walls at the river below or listen to live Texas music on the patio. For the full experience, save room for their equally oversized strawberry shortcake—if that’s even possible.
5. Lulu’s Bakery & Café: The 24-Hour Monster
San Antonio’s round-the-clock comfort food haven, Lulu’s, doesn’t do anything small. While they’re famous for their 3-pound cinnamon rolls, their chicken-fried steak commands equal respect among Texas food enthusiasts. The colossal portion arrives looking like it was cut from the side of a steer rather than portioned for human consumption.
The seasoned flour coating creates a craggy exterior that traps rivers of cream gravy in every delicious bite. Served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes and buttery Texas toast, this plate requires strategic planning to conquer. The 24-hour operation means you can satisfy your oversized chicken-fried steak craving at 3 AM if necessary.
Regulars swear the late-night/early-morning version tastes even better, especially after enjoying San Antonio’s nightlife. Bring a to-go box—you’ll need it.
6. Jake & Dorothy’s Café: Time-Honored Titan
Since 1948, Jake & Dorothy’s has been Stephenville’s go-to for authentic Texas comfort food. Their chicken-fried steak isn’t just big—it’s practically folklore in this cowboy college town. Dairy farmers and rodeo champions alike crowd in for plates that require reinforced tables.
Each steak is hand-breaded to order, creating a crust with nooks and crannies that perfectly capture their velvety gravy. The meat itself remains remarkably tender despite its impressive thickness. Accompanied by scratch-made sides and those famous homemade rolls, it’s no wonder this place has thrived for over 70 years.
Old-timers claim the recipe hasn’t changed since opening day—why mess with perfection? The walls lined with local sports memorabilia and ranching artifacts provide the perfect backdrop for tackling this Texas-sized challenge.
7. Love and War in Texas: The Patriotic Platter
Everything at this Plano institution celebrates Lone Star pride, but their “Chicken-Fried Texas Strip” takes state patriotism to new heights. The mammoth portion could easily feed a small ranch family, arriving on a platter that requires serious bicep strength to carry.
Unlike traditional versions, Love and War uses premium beef strip steak as their base, creating an unusually luxurious version of this humble classic. The golden crust delivers a satisfying crunch before giving way to surprisingly tender meat. Their signature gravy incorporates cracked black pepper and a hint of garlic that elevates the entire dish.
The Texas-shaped dining rooms, categorized by regions of the state, feature memorabilia from every corner of Texas. Live music every night makes this massive meal dinner and entertainment in one—assuming you can stay awake after consuming such a feast!
8. Pat’s Place: Small-Town Surprise
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you—this family-owned New Braunfels gem serves a chicken-fried steak that would make Paul Bunyan do a double-take. The plate-eclipsing portion arrives with a golden-brown crust that practically radiates crispiness.
What makes Pat’s version special is their three-generation secret seasoning blend and twice-dredged breading technique. The result is a spectacularly crunchy exterior that somehow never separates from the tenderized beef inside. Their cream gravy, speckled with fresh-cracked pepper, has just enough thickness to cling to every bite without becoming gloppy.
The no-frills dining room might lack fancy decor, but locals know that’s because all the attention goes to the food. At lunch, expect to see tables full of construction workers, teachers, and retirees all tackling these massive portions with equal determination.
9. Rodeo Goat: The Sandwich Revolution
Breaking all the rules, Dallas-based Rodeo Goat transforms the chicken-fried steak experience into sandwich form—but don’t worry, they haven’t sacrificed an ounce of excess. Their “Chicken Fried F.U.” sandwich features a massive chicken-fried steak that extends well beyond the boundaries of its brioche bun.
The crispy, seasoned cutlet gets topped with bacon, grilled onions, and jalapeños before being absolutely smothered in gravy. Attempting to eat this creation with your hands is futile; this is firmly knife-and-fork territory. The combination of textures—crispy steak, soft bun, crunchy bacon—creates a flavor explosion that traditional plates can’t match.
With multiple locations throughout Texas, each industrial-chic space offers craft beers that pair surprisingly well with this over-the-top creation. Bring extra napkins and possibly a rain poncho—this is gloriously messy eating.
10. The Big Texan Steak Ranch: Route 66 Giant
While Amarillo’s Big Texan might be famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, insiders know their chicken-fried steak deserves equal billing. Served in a dining room filled with longhorn mounts and cowboy memorabilia, this enormous portion honors Route 66 history with its sheer audacity.
The plate-sized cutlet receives a distinctive treatment—a spice-forward breading that includes a hint of cayenne for subtle heat. Their gravy incorporates drippings from their famous steaks, creating a uniquely rich flavor profile. Accompaniments include their signature “Texas Taters”—crispy smashed potatoes with bacon and cheese—that could be a meal themselves.
The kitschy atmosphere, complete with singing cowboys and gift shop, might seem touristy, but the quality of this enormous chicken-fried steak ensures locals keep coming back. After all, where else can you eat in a dining room with its own shooting gallery?
