10 Oklahoma Chicken-Fried Steaks That Taste Just Like Grandma’s
Nothing beats the crispy, golden crust and tender beef of a classic chicken-fried steak. Oklahoma has perfected this comfort food staple, with restaurants across the state serving up versions that remind you of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house.
I’ve rounded up the best spots where you can enjoy this beloved dish made with love, just like the old days.
1. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse – Oklahoma City
Since 1910, this legendary spot has been serving up comfort food that makes locals feel right at home. Walking through those doors feels like stepping back in time to when Grandma ruled the kitchen.
The steak arrives perfectly breaded with a crust so crispy it crackles with every bite. Smothered in rich, peppery gravy, it’s everything you remember from childhood Sunday suppers.
2. Kendall’s Restaurant – Noble
Family recipes passed down through generations make this small-town gem a must-visit destination. You’ll find locals lined up out the door, eager to grab a table for lunch.
Their chicken-fried steak comes out hot and massive, covering the entire plate like Grandma always served it. The hand-battered coating stays crispy even under a blanket of homemade white gravy that tastes exactly like hers.
3. Eischen’s Bar – Okarche
Oklahoma’s oldest bar knows a thing or two about feeding hungry folks properly. Dating back to 1896, this place has been perfecting their recipes longer than most of us have been alive.
Their version features a thin, tender cut of beef fried to absolute perfection with a delicate, flavorful crust. Simple preparation lets the quality shine through, reminding you of Grandma’s no-fuss approach to cooking.
4. Jigg’s Smokehouse – Clinton
Route 66 travelers have been stopping here for decades, drawn by the aroma of home cooking wafting through the air. What started as a smokehouse has become famous for their incredible chicken-fried steak too.
Each order gets pounded, seasoned, and fried with care that shows in every bite. The meat stays juicy inside while the coating delivers that satisfying crunch Grandma always achieved somehow.
5. Murphy’s Steak House – Bartlesville
Hidden in northeast Oklahoma, this place has been a local secret since 1946. Generations of families have celebrated birthdays and special occasions here, always ordering the same beloved dish.
Their chicken-fried steak features a perfectly seasoned coating that’s neither too thick nor too thin. Topped with gravy made from real pan drippings, it tastes like Grandma’s kitchen smells on Saturday mornings.
6. Hammett House Restaurant – Claremore
Step inside this charming spot and you’ll immediately feel the warmth of home cooking. The walls are covered with vintage photos that could’ve come straight from Grandma’s photo albums.
Their steak gets a double-dip in buttermilk batter before hitting the fryer, creating extra-crispy layers of flavor. Served piping hot with sides that change daily, it’s comfort food at its absolute finest.
7. Molly’s Landing – Catoosa
Nestled near the famous Blue Whale, this family spot serves up meals worth traveling for. Locals know to arrive early because once the lunch rush hits, tables fill fast.
Each chicken-fried steak gets hand-breaded to order, never sitting under heat lamps losing its magic. The result is a crispy, golden masterpiece that stays crunchy all the way through your meal, just like Grandma insisted.
8. Ike’s Chili House – Tulsa
Operating since 1908, this Tulsa institution has fed countless hungry Oklahomans over the years. The vintage neon sign outside promises good food, and they deliver every single time.
Their version comes out massive and golden, fried in the same style they’ve used for over a century. Simple, honest cooking with no fancy tricks—exactly how Grandma would’ve wanted it prepared and served.
9. Café Kacao – Tulsa
Sometimes tradition meets innovation in the most delicious ways possible. While this spot offers contemporary touches, their chicken-fried steak stays true to Oklahoma roots.
They use premium beef, hand-pounded until tender, then coated in a secret blend of seasonings. The gravy strikes the perfect balance between peppery and creamy, coating each bite like Grandma’s recipe you thought was lost forever.
10. Ann’s Chicken Fry House – Oklahoma City
Ann herself started this place decades ago with recipes from her own grandmother’s kitchen. Today, her legacy lives on through every perfectly fried steak that leaves the kitchen.
The portions here are legendary—you might need a to-go box, but you’ll want to finish every bite. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, drowning in gravy that tastes like Sunday dinner at home.
