13 Florida Restaurants That Know Exactly How Chicken Fried Steak Should Be Done
Florida might be famous for its beaches and theme parks, but it also serves up some seriously good comfort food.
Chicken fried steak is one of those dishes that brings warmth to your soul with every crispy, golden bite.
I’ve rounded up the best spots across the Sunshine State where you can find this Southern classic done right.
Get ready to discover where the gravy flows thick and the breading stays perfectly crunchy.
1. PoFolks Restaurant – St. Petersburg
Comfort food lovers know where to find satisfaction when cravings hit hard.
You’ll find this gem at 2001 34th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713, serving up their famous Kuntry Fried Steak that keeps people coming back.
The breading stays crispy even under that thick blanket of creamy gravy.
Each bite delivers that perfect crunch followed by tender beef that practically melts in your mouth.
The portions are generous enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites.
I love how they nail that home-cooked feeling without making you do any dishes.
Their side dishes complement the main event perfectly, rounding out a meal that feels like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.
2. The Holiday House Restaurant – Holiday
Sometimes the best food hides in the most unexpected places.
This unassuming spot sits at 1908 US-19, Holiday, FL 34690, and locals guard this secret fiercely.
The chicken fried steak here boasts a golden crust that shatters with each forkful.
The meat stays juicy and flavorful, never dry or tough like some places serve.
What makes this place special is their dedication to doing things the old-fashioned way.
They pound the steak by hand and season it with a blend that’s been perfected over years.
The gravy has that peppery kick that wakes up your taste buds.
You’ll leave with a full belly and plans to return soon.
3. Chicken Fire – Orlando
Spice lovers have found their happy place in the heart of Orlando.
Located at 2425 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803, this spot brings the heat to traditional comfort food.
Their take on chicken fried steak features that signature glass-crisp shell that crunches loudly with every bite. You can choose your heat level, from mild to fire, depending on how brave you’re feeling.
The jumbo tenders are massive and packed with flavor that goes beyond just spice.
Even the mild version has more personality than most restaurants’ spiciest options.
I appreciate how the crispy coating stays intact from first bite to last.
This isn’t your grandmother’s chicken fried steak, but it’s delicious in its own right.
4. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store – Multiple Locations
Consistency matters when you’re craving familiar flavors done right.
With multiple locations across Florida, you’re never too far from their reliable chicken fried steak.
The hand-breaded steak arrives hot and crispy, covered in their signature sawmill gravy.
Each location maintains the same high standards, so you know what to expect.
The meat is tender and well-seasoned, with a coating that provides satisfying crunch.
Their gravy has that peppery, savory flavor that makes you want to soak up every drop with a biscuit.
The portions are substantial without being overwhelming.
I find their chicken fried steak hits that sweet spot between homestyle cooking and restaurant quality, making it perfect for family dinners.
5. Denny’s – Statewide Locations
Late-night cravings don’t follow a schedule, and neither does this chain.
You’ll find Denny’s locations throughout Florida, many open 24 hours for whenever hunger strikes.
Their chicken fried steak makes a surprisingly solid choice, especially at 2 a.m. when options are limited.
The breading stays crispy, and the portion size satisfies without breaking your budget.
What I appreciate most is the availability factor combined with decent quality.
The steak comes with your choice of sides, and adding eggs makes it breakfast-worthy any time of day.
The gravy flows generously, coating everything on your plate in savory goodness. It’s not fancy, but it delivers exactly what you want from comfort food.
6. The Southern Grill – Jacksonville
Southern cooking gets an upscale makeover without losing its soul.
Find this culinary gem at 5950 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, where tradition meets innovation.
Their chicken fried steak features premium beef pounded thin and coated in a seasoned breading that’s next-level delicious.
The presentation looks restaurant-fancy, but the flavors remain comfortingly familiar.
What sets this place apart is their attention to detail in every component.
The gravy has depth and complexity you don’t usually find in this dish.
They source quality ingredients and it shows in the final product.
I love how they respect the classic while elevating it to something special enough for date night or celebrations.
7. Keke’s Breakfast Cafe – Multiple Locations
Breakfast specialists know how to treat a chicken fried steak properly.
With locations scattered across Florida, Keke’s makes this Southern staple available for your morning meal.
The steak arrives golden and crispy, paired with eggs cooked exactly how you like them.
Their portion sizes are generous without being ridiculous, giving you plenty of food without leaving you uncomfortably stuffed.
The breading has excellent flavor on its own, and the gravy adds that extra layer of richness.
I appreciate how they maintain quality across all their locations.
The breakfast atmosphere feels cheerful and welcoming, perfect for starting your day right.
Their chicken fried steak proves that breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.
8. First Watch – Various Florida Locations
Modern brunch culture embraces this classic dish with open arms.
First Watch operates multiple locations throughout Florida, bringing fresh ingredients to traditional recipes.
Their chicken fried steak features a lighter, crispier coating than the heavy versions some places serve.
The meat stays juicy and tender, complemented by gravy that doesn’t overwhelm the plate.
What makes this spot different is their commitment to freshness and quality ingredients.
Everything tastes clean and well-prepared, never greasy or heavy.
The atmosphere feels bright and inviting, perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch.
Their take on chicken fried steak works well for people who want comfort food that doesn’t weigh them down all day long.
9. Perkins Restaurant & Bakery – Various Locations
Bakery expertise translates into perfectly executed comfort food.
Perkins operates several locations across Florida, combining restaurant favorites with fresh-baked goods.
Their chicken fried steak features a well-seasoned coating that stays crispy from edge to edge.
The meat is tender and flavorful, never tough or chewy like some places serve.
The gravy flows thick and creamy, with just the right amount of pepper to keep things interesting.
What makes this place special is how they maintain consistency across all menu items.
The portions are generous, and the prices won’t shock your wallet.
Their fresh-baked rolls make perfect companions for soaking up every last drop of gravy, turning a good meal into a great one.
10. Bob Evans – Throughout Florida
Farm-fresh philosophy guides every dish that comes from their kitchen.
Bob Evans restaurants dot the Florida landscape, bringing Midwestern comfort food to the Sunshine State.
Their chicken fried steak showcases quality beef that’s hand-breaded and cooked to golden perfection.
The coating has excellent texture and flavor that stands up well to their creamy gravy.
The meat stays juicy and tender, proving they source good ingredients and know how to cook them right. Their sides taste homemade, complementing the main dish beautifully.
I find their chicken fried steak delivers that farmhouse feeling even when you’re miles from any actual farm. The consistent quality and reasonable prices make it a reliable choice for satisfying comfort food cravings.
11. Black Bear Diner – Select Florida Locations
Hearty appetites meet their match at this bear-sized establishment.
Black Bear Diner locations in Florida serve portions that would make Goldilocks run for cover.
Their chicken fried steak is absolutely massive, hanging over the edges of the plate with confidence.
The breading stays crispy despite the generous coating of peppery country gravy.
The meat is pounded thin and fried to perfection, delivering that satisfying crunch with every bite.
What impresses me most is how they maintain quality despite the enormous portion size.
The rustic decor adds to the experience, making you feel like you’re dining in a mountain lodge.
This place proves that bigger really can be better when it’s done with care and attention to detail.
12. Waffle House – Everywhere in Florida
Southern institutions don’t come more iconic than this yellow-and-black chain.
Waffle House locations blanket Florida, providing 24-hour access to comfort food classics.
Their chicken fried steak might not win beauty contests, but it delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
The meat is tender, the breading is crispy, and the gravy tastes exactly like you hope it will.
What makes Waffle House special is the experience as much as the food itself.
Watching your meal prepared on the grill adds entertainment value to every visit.
The prices stay low, making it perfect for late-night cravings or budget-conscious dining.
Their chicken fried steak represents honest, straightforward comfort food without pretension or unnecessary fuss that just works.
13. Cody’s Original Roadhouse – Multiple Locations
Western hospitality meets Southern cooking in this Florida favorite.
Cody’s Roadhouse operates several locations across the state, bringing steakhouse quality to comfort food.
Their chicken fried steak features premium beef that’s hand-battered and cooked to perfection.
The coating stays incredibly crispy, and the meat remains juicy and flavorful throughout.
The gravy has a richer, more complex flavor than typical versions, showing real attention to detail.
Their portions are generous without being absurd, giving you plenty of food without waste.
The roadhouse atmosphere feels fun and energetic, perfect for casual dinners with friends or family.
I love how they elevate this classic dish while keeping it approachable and satisfying for everyone at the table.
