18 Pennsylvania Chicken-Fried Steaks Made The Old-Fashioned Way
Pennsylvania might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about chicken-fried steak, but this comfort food classic has found a cozy home in diners across the state.
From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, local spots serve up crispy, golden steaks with creamy gravy that taste just like grandma used to make. These eighteen restaurants keep the tradition alive with recipes that honor the old-fashioned way of doing things.
1. Bob’s Diner – Carnegie
Carnegie locals know where to find authentic comfort food that never disappoints. Bob’s Diner in Pennsylvania serves a chicken-fried steak that’s been hand-breaded and fried to a perfect golden brown, topped with thick country gravy.
The crispy coating stays crunchy even under all that creamy goodness. Paired with mashed potatoes and green beans, this meal feels like Sunday dinner any day of the week.
2. Bob’s Diner – Kennedy Township
Kennedy Township’s version of Bob’s Diner brings the same dedication to old-school cooking that made the original famous. Their chicken-fried steak features a tender cube steak pounded thin and coated in seasoned flour before hitting hot oil.
The result is a crispy exterior that gives way to juicy meat inside. Pennsylvania locals swear by the peppery gravy that brings everything together beautifully.
3. Kelly O’s Diner – Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s Kelly O’s Diner has built a loyal following with straightforward, satisfying meals that stick to your ribs. Their take on chicken-fried steak showcases a generous portion that hangs over the edges of the plate.
The breading has just the right amount of seasoning without overwhelming the beef flavor. Homemade gravy ladled on top makes every bite worth savoring slowly.
4. Round The Clock Diner – York
York’s Round the Clock Diner lives up to its name by serving comfort food around the clock, and their chicken-fried steak is a midnight favorite. The kitchen uses a traditional buttermilk soak that tenderizes the meat and adds subtle tang.
After frying, the steak gets smothered in gravy made from pan drippings. It’s the kind of Pennsylvania meal that tastes even better at 2 a.m.
5. Park City Diner – Lancaster
Lancaster County knows a thing or two about hearty meals, and Park City Diner delivers with their chicken-fried steak special. The cube steak gets double-dipped in egg wash and flour for an extra-thick crust that stays crispy.
Gravy made fresh daily adds richness without being too heavy. Locals recommend ordering it with a side of coleslaw for a little crunch and tang.
6. Knight & Day Diner – Lancaster (Lititz Pike)
Out on Lititz Pike, Pennsylvania, Knight & Day Diner keeps the chicken-fried steak tradition alive with a recipe passed down through decades. Their version features a peppery kick in both the breading and the gravy that wakes up your taste buds.
The meat stays tender while the coating delivers satisfying crunch. Breakfast potatoes make an excellent companion to soak up extra gravy.
7. Columbia Diner – Columbia
Columbia’s hometown diner serves portions that could feed two hungry people, but most regulars polish off the whole plate themselves. The chicken-fried steak here gets seasoned generously before breading, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
Fresh-cracked black pepper in the gravy adds warmth without too much heat. This is stick-to-your-ribs food at its finest.
8. Middlesex Diner – Carlisle
Carlisle’s Middlesex Diner has been feeding travelers and locals for years with meals that remind everyone of home cooking. Their chicken-fried steak features meat that’s been tenderized until it practically melts in your mouth.
The breading stays light and crispy without feeling greasy. Paired with real mashed potatoes and corn, this Pennsylvania plate delivers pure comfort food satisfaction every single time.
9. Valley Dairy Restaurant – Belle Vernon
Belle Vernon’s Valley Dairy Restaurant might have dairy in the name, but their chicken-fried steak is what keeps customers coming back week after week. The kitchen uses a cast-iron skillet for frying, which creates an especially crispy crust.
Their gravy recipe includes a hint of onion that adds depth to the creamy sauce. It’s comfort food that tastes like someone’s grandma made it.
10. Summit Diner – Somerset
Up in Somerset, Pennsylvania, the Summit Diner serves a chicken-fried steak that’s perfect after a long day of exploring the mountains. The breading includes a secret blend of spices that gives each bite a little extra something special.
Generous portions mean nobody leaves hungry, and the gravy is rich without being overwhelming. This is mountain comfort food at its absolute best.
11. E & E Diner – Manheim
Manheim’s E & E Diner keeps things simple and delicious with a chicken-fried steak that focuses on quality ingredients and proper technique. The cube steak gets pounded thin so the breading-to-meat ratio is just right.
After frying to golden perfection, it’s topped with gravy made from scratch every morning. Regulars know to arrive early before the lunch rush hits.
12. The Snyder’s Bonfire – Leechburg
Leechburg’s Snyder’s Bonfire brings a unique twist to the classic chicken-fried steak with their family recipe that’s been perfected over generations. The breading includes a touch of paprika that gives the crust a warm, slightly smoky flavor.
Served with hand-cut fries and vegetables, this Pennsylvania meal feels special without being fancy. The gravy is creamy and peppery in all the right ways.
13. Dave’s Diner – Erie
Erie’s Dave’s Diner has been serving up diner classics near the lake for years, and their chicken-fried steak is a standout on the menu. The meat gets a good soak in buttermilk before being coated in seasoned flour and fried until crispy.
The gravy here is especially creamy and flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up on a cold day by the water.
14. Ollie’s Restaurant – Edwardsville
Edwardsville’s Ollie’s Restaurant has been a local favorite for decades, serving meals that taste like they came straight from a farmhouse kitchen. Their chicken-fried steak features a thick, crunchy coating that locks in all the meat’s natural juices.
The gravy gets made throughout the day to ensure freshness this Pennsylvania takes pride in. With generous sides included, this plate offers serious value and even more serious flavor.
15. Besecker’s Diner – Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg’s Besecker’s Diner sits in the heart of the Poconos and serves meals that fuel outdoor adventures. Their chicken-fried steak is hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest hikers, with a crispy coating that stays crunchy bite after bite.
The gravy includes plenty of black pepper for a little kick. Paired with their famous home fries, it’s a meal worth planning your day around.
16. City Line Diner – Harrisburg
Harrisburg’s City Line Diner keeps the capital city fed with classic diner fare that never goes out of style. Their chicken-fried steak showcases a perfectly seasoned breading that’s neither too thick nor too thin.
The gravy gets ladled on generously, covering both the steak and the mashed potatoes underneath. It’s comfort food that tastes exactly like it should – simple, satisfying, and delicious.
17. Eat’n Park – Pittsburgh (Multiple PA Locations)
Eat’n Park has been a Pennsylvania institution for generations, and their chicken-fried steak appears on menus across the state. The chain maintains consistency while keeping that homestyle feel that made them famous.
Their version features a golden-brown crust and creamy gravy that tastes the same whether you’re in Pittsburgh or elsewhere. It’s reliable comfort food families can count on every visit.
18. Mayfair Diner – Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s Mayfair Diner brings a taste of Southern comfort to the City of Brotherly Love with their chicken-fried steak that rivals anything found down South. The breading achieves that perfect golden color that signals it’s been fried just right.
Gravy made fresh throughout the day ensures every order tastes its best. It’s a hearty meal that proves good food crosses all regional boundaries beautifully.
