Growing up, chicken-fried steak was my favorite meal. I always requested it on my birthday and when my family dined at Luther's BBQ (may it rest in peace), there was no doubt in my mind I would order the CFS with crispy onion strings, corn and Texas toast.
Ask any Texan what they think about chicken-fried steak, and they'll most likely respond with enthusiasm and joy while describing the battered and fried thin steak, served with a creamy gravy, an array of vegetables and mashed potatoes. There's nothing healthy about this meal, and that's why it is so good.
If you're going to spend your calories on a CFS, it might as well be an awesome one. Here are the ten best chicken-fried steaks in Houston. Happy eating, y'all.
10. Canyon Creek Canyon Creek's chicken-fried steak is much darker than most varieties -- a clear indication that it was fried a bit longer. But, despite its extra greasiness and possible longer cooking time, it is still an excellent steak. Canyon Creek is not a fancy schmancy restaurant, but it steps up its CFS by topping it with a savory mushroom brown gravy instead of the typical white cream gravy. Soft mushrooms, browned coating and tender steak make a winning combination.
9. Hughie's Tavern and Vietnamese Grille Hughie's has received much praise for its chicken-fried steak, or "country fried chicken" as labeled on the menu. The steak is tender, but the batter, unlike a traditional CFS, doesn't stick to the meat. Peel off sections of the crispy, crunchy coating -- the frying oil just explodes in your mouth, and that's not a bad thing. In case you didn't have enough meat, the gravy includes sausage bits, adding an extra element of chew and spice. Make it a fusion meal with mashed potatoes and a spring roll, or top your CFS with a fried egg.
8. Ouisie's Table You wouldn't think that such a beautiful restaurant and wedding venue would be home to one of the best chicken-fried steaks in Houston, but it is. The CFC is a staple dish at Ouisie's Table and it's no secret why it is no longer a Tuesday special; customers showed their love and desire for this Texas classic and Ouisie's decided to add it to the every day menu (breakfast included). Thin, tender steak is coated in a crispy yet soft crust, and served with your own side of black pepper milk gravy. Ouisie's pairs its CFS with "the works," -- mashed potatoes, black eyed peas, mustard greens and Lucy's corn pudding. You know, the four Southern food groups: peas, greens, corn and taters.
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