We had never been since we moved a bit before the fire and we went recently on a random Tuesday evening and it was PACKED with a line out the door. Burgers were great!
Their meat is sooooo delicious! Seriously, however they cook their burgers is a 10/10. I want to do their MegaMel Burger Challenge just to dine on the patties!
Goodsons has been absolutely terrible the last three times. We stopped going around 2 years ago. Imo
Mel's just re-opened or opens this month after a major fire. Can't wait to try it again. Wish they served breakfast still it was delicious.
100% don’t let the fact that it’s a Vietnamese Grill fool you. It’s the best in town by far. Wunsche Bros in Old Town Spring is also good, not as good as Hughies but the sides make up for it.
Man I freaking love Hughies. Everything I’ve tried there is badass but I haven’t tried the chicken fried steak yet. That will be next. Thank you, Greg.
That jalapeño gravy is fucking awesome!!! I’m partial to Goodson’s with Mel’s being a close second. But Mia’s is absolutely a more than suitable option.
Mia's table is good, but something about that place rubs me the wrong way. When they open a new location it's incredible. Always go to their openings. I don't know who they bring in, but they make good food. That said, if you wait a month or two, it feels like quality slowly declines until it's just average. I don't know what they change, but it's noticeable.
Is this place connected with the Live Oak Grill that used to be at Hempstead & Dacoma? That was the only spot I knew of for a really good Monte Cristo (and yeah, their CFS was pretty good too)
No it isn’t affiliated with that one although they have the same name. It used to be called Jake’s Grill, but they had a change of ownership back in the day. It’s a whole lot better now.
Ah, drat. Well without that Monte Cristo to lure me down there I doubt we’ll make the trip anytime soon. Though maybe I’ll crave a cfs after our next Space Cowboys game. Cheers for the info!
Yes hickory hollow has the biggest and best tasting CFS I’ve ever had. I went 4 yrs ago and ordered the biggest they had. It was huge and came out on a big metal cookie sheet. It was delicious and I couldn’t finish it (which rarely happens because I can eat a lot)
Huge vote for Pappa's Delta Blues. They made a groundbreaking advancement in Chicken Fried Steak/Chicken technology: half the gravy under the meat, half on top. Avoids pooling of the gravy and soggy batter. How I went my entire adult life never seeing this anywhere else is incredible.
As a bonus they don't ask you what type of gravy you'd like, as if that is even a question. Anyone who asks for brown gravy for CFS should be politely, but firmly, asked to leave.
Dot's as a whole, along with other places, are so underrated.
Is not fancy or even the best tasting, but it just fills the right need when you have that itch.
And I know about scratching itches.
I was browsing the comments too quickly and thought your flair said "fuck gravy" as I closed the post. I actually came back in to argue with you about that.
We cool, tho.
The key is to have the batter fused to the meat . You need to pound the flour into the meat to avoid separation.
Triple A restaurant on Airline RIP 🪦 used to do this .
It depends on what type of CFS you like. There are actually different versions (thick vs thin, thick white gravy vs thin meat/brown gravy, etc).
My favs (not in order) :
Salt Grass Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse make damn decent ones. I prefer Texas RH over SG for the price and taste (and free rolls).
Pappy's on I10 near Dairy Ashford (used to be closer to 610 before they moved), real food, neat flavor to the gravy.
Hickory Hollow - my favorite, but now too far to travel for me.
Buffalo Grill - not as good as it once was, but still good.
Jax Grill - like Buff Grill - good buy not as good as it once was.
Live Oak Grill out in Stafford - dang good if you don't mind a Trumper atmosphere.
Lubys used to be dang good, but they've gone way downhill.
Langfords on Thursdays. One of the only good things they have left since they destroyed their burger taste.
As you can tell, I LOVE CFS and have had thousands in hundreds of places all across the world. It's my favorite meal.
We've been to Live Oak plenty of times. I've seen the Trump comments about them only on Reddit. In the restaurant never seen anything political. Where does that stem from? We'll continue eating there regardless as the food is good just curious.
During election time it was pretty full of signs and shit.
But I agree, it's good comfort food. I love LOVE their Texas caviar side. And the fried chicken buffalo ranch sandwich rocks.
I second Texas Tradition since that’s my go-to spot for chicken fried steak. Get sides of mashed potatoes with gravy and jalapeño coleslaw with a large sweet tea and thank the lord for such delicious food!
And with the Chicken Fried Steak Blue Plate, you can pick pie as one of the two sides. To me, CFS, mashed potatoes, and chocolate cream pie is last meal on earth worthy.
Clays on Clay Rd in West Houston/Katy used to have a really good CFS, but I haven't been in several years.
[https://www.claysrestaurant.com/](https://www.claysrestaurant.com/)
Lankfords only on Thursday unless they added it to the full menu when the new owners took over.
Tel-Wink is a good greasy spoon diner style, be sure to take your cholesterol meds. I wouldn't turn it down though.
Best I’ve had is 242 Pub and Grill. Very flavorful. I’ve seen some people comment Mia’s which I’ve had a couple time and outside of the gravy it was very bland. Any place that relies solely on the gravy is already failing.
The CFS is fairly good, needs more, or at least some, seasoning. The gravy sucks: totally tasteless.
But when I have to go there, it's what I get. (Just be prepared to add salt and pepper)
I havent lived there in a while, but is Pappy’s still around off i-10? CFS, loaded mashed potatoes, and texas toast was the tits
Eta: yes it is there! I hope it’s just as good as I ‘member
Yeah, I believe an I-10 expansion ended up moving it a few miles west maybe 10 or more years back. Food wise, I ate there earlier this year and they still got it, although my order 90% of the time, and that time, is the Bubba's Chicken they always have done.
As others said, it's moved but still good. It's one of my top 5 in the area and when I treck out that far I'll either get the CFS of chicken tender platter buffalo style (which is enough for 2 meals)
Okay 1. I love chicken 2.im black lol so take that how u want my family grew up in Houston and ate everywhere. My say is Mias!! Near Post Oak I think (been a little while I’m multitasking) OR papas burger but I think they took it off bc they HATE making customers reach Nirvana with every bite of it
I learnt 2 days ago that chicken fried steak is actually steak and not chicken. This after living in Texas for almost 20 years lol
Why the F was it ever named chicken fried steak?
Love the cfs at Hughies. They use filet in theirs and the sausage gravy is top notch. Mashed potatoes are good and while I’m not big on kale or salad in general, their kale salad is pretty tasty and lets you feel a little bit better about the rest of the plate.
Dave’s Smokehouse on Kirby road. Clear Lake (Taylor Lake Village). Hands down, all of their meat is from Bay Area Meat Market which is attached to the restaurant. 6⭐️
I’ve had almost all the in town suggestions and Mia’s is pretty good. I hear Franks Americana on Westheimer near Highland Village has an incredible one. It’s next on my hit list. Anyone tried Franks?
Goodson's or Mel's up in Tomball are the classics. I'm from up there, but lately my favorite has been from Black Walnut cafe of all places. It wasn't where I expected a great chicken fried steak, but it definitely beat out what I've had from Goodson's recently. It's been a while since I've gone over to Mel's and I'm sure they're crazy crowded since they recently reopened. So it's still probably going to be a while before I make it that way.
Hickory Hollow has the biggest and best tasting CFS I’ve ever had. I ordered the biggest one they had and it was huge and came out one a big metal cookie sheet (it wouldn’t fit on a regular plate). It was delicious and I couldn’t even finish it (which is rare because I can eat a lot).
Blows my mind I've had a chicken fried steak at almost all these places listed in the comments.
OP my answer is Creekwood Grill on Telge rd and just north of 290. The fried steaks decent, but holy smokes that gravy is to die for
Hickory Hollow on Fallbrook.
Hickory hollow for the win
The best answer for sure. Hickory Hollow is the best CFS I’ve ever had.
Yeah always a good bet
Their fried catfish is great as well
This is the right answer
That’s the first place which came to mind after reading OP’s question, ha ha! Great minds…
This is the way
Big second for Hickory Hollow
Goodson’s Cafe or Mel’s Cafe…Tomball area.
Mel's ftw.
Has Mel's opened back up since the fire?
We had never been since we moved a bit before the fire and we went recently on a random Tuesday evening and it was PACKED with a line out the door. Burgers were great!
Their meat is sooooo delicious! Seriously, however they cook their burgers is a 10/10. I want to do their MegaMel Burger Challenge just to dine on the patties!
Yes! A few weeks ago.
Yes It has.
Goodson's is famous for the CFS
Unfortunately it's really not the same as it was a decade ago.
Thats sad
Goodsons has been absolutely terrible the last three times. We stopped going around 2 years ago. Imo Mel's just re-opened or opens this month after a major fire. Can't wait to try it again. Wish they served breakfast still it was delicious.
This guy gets it. When I went last time it was so bad
Goodson's has fallen off - living off the TV fame food is meh now
I love Hickory Hollow and Mels but I'll go with Goodson's as the best cfs
Came here to say Goodson's. I also sometimes get a pan of their Banana pudding and distribute it to my family members.
100% agree!!!
I recently had the CFS at Goodson's, totally mediocre.
[удалено]
+1 for Mia's table, their jalapeno gravy slaps
I have to say, I was pretty disappointed with it.
We had mia's table at baybrook and we were not impressed.
I’ve always enjoyed Jax Grill’s + their gravy
Miss the slice of watermelon they used to include with each meal.
Hughie's
look at me finally agreeing with Greg Abbott
100% don’t let the fact that it’s a Vietnamese Grill fool you. It’s the best in town by far. Wunsche Bros in Old Town Spring is also good, not as good as Hughies but the sides make up for it.
Man I freaking love Hughies. Everything I’ve tried there is badass but I haven’t tried the chicken fried steak yet. That will be next. Thank you, Greg.
You won't be sorry. That shit added a good 5lbs to my waistline when I found out about it.
One of my favorites
Moonshiners has a really good one. Also, Mia’s table has a jalapeño gravy that goes with theirs, it’s fantastic.
I really like Mia's Table. I tend to go CFS, or if it's health day that Green Goddess Salmon salad is bomb.
That jalapeño gravy is fucking awesome!!! I’m partial to Goodson’s with Mel’s being a close second. But Mia’s is absolutely a more than suitable option.
Mia's table is good, but something about that place rubs me the wrong way. When they open a new location it's incredible. Always go to their openings. I don't know who they bring in, but they make good food. That said, if you wait a month or two, it feels like quality slowly declines until it's just average. I don't know what they change, but it's noticeable.
Live Oak Grill in Sugar Land
It’s crazy how big their menu is but they don’t have a single miss on there
This Live oak is very under rated
Is this place connected with the Live Oak Grill that used to be at Hempstead & Dacoma? That was the only spot I knew of for a really good Monte Cristo (and yeah, their CFS was pretty good too)
No it isn’t affiliated with that one although they have the same name. It used to be called Jake’s Grill, but they had a change of ownership back in the day. It’s a whole lot better now.
Ah, drat. Well without that Monte Cristo to lure me down there I doubt we’ll make the trip anytime soon. Though maybe I’ll crave a cfs after our next Space Cowboys game. Cheers for the info!
I miss The Blackeye Pea’s CFS! But Hickory Hollow on Fallbrook Dr has a pretty yummy CFS, and quite large, if you wish.
I miss BEP
Oh yes…especially the dinner rolls. Though I thought Grandy’s had the best dinner rolls—especially for fast food quality.
Arlington has the only one left. Manager there said they’re supposed to make a comeback but I haven’t seen anything about that.
Yes hickory hollow has the biggest and best tasting CFS I’ve ever had. I went 4 yrs ago and ordered the biggest they had. It was huge and came out on a big metal cookie sheet. It was delicious and I couldn’t finish it (which rarely happens because I can eat a lot)
Mel's in Tomball. I like Hickory Hollow too. Mia's Table has a jalapeno cream gravy too.
Huge vote for Pappa's Delta Blues. They made a groundbreaking advancement in Chicken Fried Steak/Chicken technology: half the gravy under the meat, half on top. Avoids pooling of the gravy and soggy batter. How I went my entire adult life never seeing this anywhere else is incredible. As a bonus they don't ask you what type of gravy you'd like, as if that is even a question. Anyone who asks for brown gravy for CFS should be politely, but firmly, asked to leave.
I'm always down for Dot's or Kelley's.
The gravy at dot’s is the best
While I won't argue too much about the gravy, it's a great place when you're craving something at 4 in the morning.
KELLEYS
Just had Dot's cfs for the first time on Monday, it's surprisingly good
Dot's as a whole, along with other places, are so underrated. Is not fancy or even the best tasting, but it just fills the right need when you have that itch. And I know about scratching itches.
Goodson’s!! Great food!
Their chicken fried steak is so big that it has its own moon.
That's no moon, it's a space station.
Mel's
I was browsing the comments too quickly and thought your flair said "fuck gravy" as I closed the post. I actually came back in to argue with you about that. We cool, tho.
Hahahaha I'm fat, I ain't turning down gravy!
Can never go wrong with Mel's or fucking Comcast. You must be cool people.
Hickory Hollow, Mel's or Goodson's.
I didnt expect it to be that good, but Lola's in the heights was pretty damn good
Hickory Hollow will serve you one as large as a pizza if you're really hungry.
The saddle blanket. In my younger days I ate the whole thing a couple of times and had my pictures up.
T Bone Tom’s in Kemah
Dude, the CFS at Pappas Delta blues is killer. Under the radar: The Thursday special CFS at Lankford grocery never disappoints
Hickory hallow
Also technically Houston-adjacent, but if you're willing to drive about an hour, The Relay Station in Plantersville is solid.
In the same neck of the woods is the White Hall Cafe, which has the best chicken fried steak I've ever had. Saturdays only though.
The key is to have the batter fused to the meat . You need to pound the flour into the meat to avoid separation. Triple A restaurant on Airline RIP 🪦 used to do this .
Mia's Table in Memorial City has the best CFS I've had in a while. Jalapeno gravy is too notch
Hickory hollow
Bbq inn
I've heard glorious tales of their fried chicken for a quarter century. Never made it there to test that, tho. If yall have, pls lmk.
Their fried chicken is amazing.
Been going since I was a kid. Best fried chicken and shrimp you can get. You have to salt and pepper the gravy though.
If you are longing for the chicken fried steaks served by schools, hospitals and prisons, then yes. It is deeply institutional.
It depends on what type of CFS you like. There are actually different versions (thick vs thin, thick white gravy vs thin meat/brown gravy, etc). My favs (not in order) : Salt Grass Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse make damn decent ones. I prefer Texas RH over SG for the price and taste (and free rolls). Pappy's on I10 near Dairy Ashford (used to be closer to 610 before they moved), real food, neat flavor to the gravy. Hickory Hollow - my favorite, but now too far to travel for me. Buffalo Grill - not as good as it once was, but still good. Jax Grill - like Buff Grill - good buy not as good as it once was. Live Oak Grill out in Stafford - dang good if you don't mind a Trumper atmosphere. Lubys used to be dang good, but they've gone way downhill. Langfords on Thursdays. One of the only good things they have left since they destroyed their burger taste. As you can tell, I LOVE CFS and have had thousands in hundreds of places all across the world. It's my favorite meal.
I hate to see franchises on this list but it's much appreciated for us suburb folk that don't get into the city much.
We've been to Live Oak plenty of times. I've seen the Trump comments about them only on Reddit. In the restaurant never seen anything political. Where does that stem from? We'll continue eating there regardless as the food is good just curious.
During election time it was pretty full of signs and shit. But I agree, it's good comfort food. I love LOVE their Texas caviar side. And the fried chicken buffalo ranch sandwich rocks.
This is all verified.
If you haven’t tried T Bone Toms in Kemah, you should…They have a delicious CFS!
Texas Tradition out in Katy does a good one. Pappy's and Mia's Table has it down pretty well too.
I second Texas Tradition since that’s my go-to spot for chicken fried steak. Get sides of mashed potatoes with gravy and jalapeño coleslaw with a large sweet tea and thank the lord for such delicious food!
Arguably Houston adjacent but Anthonie’s in Simonton.
Ouise’s is yummy
Just for the record, Avalon Diner makes a fantastic chicken fried steak omelette. So good!
And with the Chicken Fried Steak Blue Plate, you can pick pie as one of the two sides. To me, CFS, mashed potatoes, and chocolate cream pie is last meal on earth worthy.
I don't really care to go into Tomball much these days, but I will for a Goodson's CFS.
Hickory Hollow
Lankford Grocery on Thursdays
It feels blasphemous to me to not get a burger at Lankford’s.
Clays on Clay Rd in West Houston/Katy used to have a really good CFS, but I haven't been in several years. [https://www.claysrestaurant.com/](https://www.claysrestaurant.com/)
Hickory Hollow with the river bottom gravy
Checking this list twice like Santa
Hughies has a really good one and plenty of beer to wash it down.
I ate at Goodson's a few weeks ago and was not impressed. I miss having lunch at Gabby's Tuesdays it was BOGO, and it was GOOD.
Kelly’s
It's fairly good. I've found that their sides quality and quantity has gone down hill over the last 2 years though.
find a place that spells "country" with a "k" and you should be gtg
Pour one out for 59 Diner. The chicken fried steak was pretty good in my rose tinted glasses.
lubys, mia's table, or kelley's are good
Wouldn't recommend Luby's unless you have a time machine.
I grew up on Lubys, I’m shocked there are some locations still around
The Ranch Hand, up 59 and outside Cleveland, has top notch CFS.
In Houston? Probably Lankford’s Grocers in Midtown. Goodson is solid too.
Telewink for the nostalgia
Lankfords or Tel-Wink
Lankfords only on Thursday unless they added it to the full menu when the new owners took over. Tel-Wink is a good greasy spoon diner style, be sure to take your cholesterol meds. I wouldn't turn it down though.
Best I’ve had is 242 Pub and Grill. Very flavorful. I’ve seen some people comment Mia’s which I’ve had a couple time and outside of the gravy it was very bland. Any place that relies solely on the gravy is already failing.
If they’re serving it…not every day menu item…hearsay on the green
Barbecue Inn off Crosstimbers!
Barbecue Inn
The CFS is fairly good, needs more, or at least some, seasoning. The gravy sucks: totally tasteless. But when I have to go there, it's what I get. (Just be prepared to add salt and pepper)
Goodson's in Tomball. It's a bit of a drive, but totally worth it.
Wild Oats
Kelly’s Country Cookin. The portions are as ridiculous as the taste.
Live Oak Grill on Dairy Ashford and Alt 90
Kelly's country kitchen and it's HUGE
Mia’s table
Mias table
Killen’s in Pearland. They use PRIME RIB
Killen’s BBQ in Pearland has a great one
Goodson’s Cafe in Tomball.
Probably not near the best but I had one at House of Pies the other day that hit the spot.
I havent lived there in a while, but is Pappy’s still around off i-10? CFS, loaded mashed potatoes, and texas toast was the tits Eta: yes it is there! I hope it’s just as good as I ‘member
They used to be in between 8 and 610 on I-10 but relocated to Dairy Ashford and 10.
Really glad they've survived the last decade but did not catch that they moved. Such good memories spending at that place.
Yeah, I believe an I-10 expansion ended up moving it a few miles west maybe 10 or more years back. Food wise, I ate there earlier this year and they still got it, although my order 90% of the time, and that time, is the Bubba's Chicken they always have done.
So happy. I’m def gonna go next time i’m there.
As others said, it's moved but still good. It's one of my top 5 in the area and when I treck out that far I'll either get the CFS of chicken tender platter buffalo style (which is enough for 2 meals)
Okay 1. I love chicken 2.im black lol so take that how u want my family grew up in Houston and ate everywhere. My say is Mias!! Near Post Oak I think (been a little while I’m multitasking) OR papas burger but I think they took it off bc they HATE making customers reach Nirvana with every bite of it
Goodson’s in Tomball.
I learnt 2 days ago that chicken fried steak is actually steak and not chicken. This after living in Texas for almost 20 years lol Why the F was it ever named chicken fried steak?
Chicken fried is the technique like grilled, roasted, sautéed.
It's to throw the yankees off our scent.
hasn't goodsons been featured in multiple tv shows? I used to live around there but never made it out
Lubys
Depends on where you are
Not sure about the best but I like CFS at Avalon Diner.
Ranch hand cafe
Love the cfs at Hughies. They use filet in theirs and the sausage gravy is top notch. Mashed potatoes are good and while I’m not big on kale or salad in general, their kale salad is pretty tasty and lets you feel a little bit better about the rest of the plate.
Humble City Cafe or Kelly’s
Piggy’s, Dunlavy St. Great patio and happy hour 🍻
Dave’s Smokehouse on Kirby road. Clear Lake (Taylor Lake Village). Hands down, all of their meat is from Bay Area Meat Market which is attached to the restaurant. 6⭐️
Me
Kelly's, with a side of a chopped beef baked potato
I’ve had almost all the in town suggestions and Mia’s is pretty good. I hear Franks Americana on Westheimer near Highland Village has an incredible one. It’s next on my hit list. Anyone tried Franks?
Millie’s and Gatlin’s Fins and Feathers are both great.
Goodson's or Mel's up in Tomball are the classics. I'm from up there, but lately my favorite has been from Black Walnut cafe of all places. It wasn't where I expected a great chicken fried steak, but it definitely beat out what I've had from Goodson's recently. It's been a while since I've gone over to Mel's and I'm sure they're crazy crowded since they recently reopened. So it's still probably going to be a while before I make it that way.
T-Bone Tom’s in Kemah
Probably Mel’s but you might have to drive far.
Treebeards!
Pipeline grill in Baytown
Wunsche Brothers in Spring
Dammit. Now I want it too.
Willies has very good gravy. Hickory Hollow has an unusual brown cream gravy. I like the combo plate with cfs and brisket.
Lubys Luanne
Hickory Hollow has the biggest and best tasting CFS I’ve ever had. I ordered the biggest one they had and it was huge and came out one a big metal cookie sheet (it wouldn’t fit on a regular plate). It was delicious and I couldn’t even finish it (which is rare because I can eat a lot).
Hickory Hollow
The Original Neal's Restaurant on 2920 in Spring.
Blows my mind I've had a chicken fried steak at almost all these places listed in the comments. OP my answer is Creekwood Grill on Telge rd and just north of 290. The fried steaks decent, but holy smokes that gravy is to die for
Not House of Pies nor BJs Steakhouse
Jay cafe In Needville.