The Absolute Best Chicken Fried Steak in Chicago [Updated 2024]

Having reviewed twelve standout spots across the city, I can confidently say that each offers its own unique twist on this classic dish.

From the crispy crust to the rich, peppery gravy, I’ve tasted a variety of flavors and textures that highlight the local culinary scene.

Join me as I take you on a delicious journey through Chicago’s top contenders, where each plate tells its own story of comfort and tradition.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of chicken fried steak or a curious newcomer, there’s something on this list for everyone to enjoy.

Daley's Restaurant

Highlights
Homey and inviting atmosphere
Great service and friendly staff
Delicious home-cooked meals
Lively, bustling environment
Consistently satisfied patrons

Visiting Daley's Restaurant felt like stepping into a warm embrace, the kind you get from a favorite aunt's kitchen. The moment I walked in, I was greeted by a bustling atmosphere and friendly staff who made me feel right at home. This beloved local spot truly embodies that homey charm.

Now, let's talk about the main attraction: the chicken fried steak. I opted for the classic version, and it did not disappoint! The crispy golden coating was a textural delight, giving way to juicy, tender meat with every bite. It was plated with a generous serving of creamy gravy that practically begged to be slathered on everything. Each morsel transported me to comfort food heaven.

As I savored my meal, I noticed tables full of happy patrons, all echoing my delight. It’s evident that Daley's has carved out a niche for itself, consistently serving satisfying dishes that folks keep coming back for. If you’re in Chicago and craving a soulful chicken fried steak, this is the place to be. I left with a full belly and a smile—surely, that's the sign of an exceptional dining experience!

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Pearl's Southern Comfort

Highlights
Excellent service
Impressive menu variety
Tasty cocktails
Well-sized portions
Delicious beignets

When it comes to finding the best chicken fried steak, Pearl's Southern Comfort quickly captured my heart—along with my taste buds. The service was excellent, making me feel right at home as I scanned through their impressive menu variety. It was hard to choose just one dish, but I had heard whispers about their chicken fried steak, and I knew I had to dive in.

As I savored the first bite, the crispy, golden crust and tender meat left me momentarily speechless. Each mouthful was a delightful balance of flavor and texture that echoed the cozy southern roots of the dish. Not to mention, the portion size proved to be well-sized—perfect for anyone who believes a satisfying meal should never skimp on quantity.

While waiting for my steak, I couldn't resist trying their delicious beignets—what a heavenly treat! And if you have a hankering for a cocktail, their unique offerings paired beautifully with my meal.

Overall, my experience at Pearl's was not only enjoyable, but it solidified their chicken fried steak as one of the best in Chicago—a must-try that you just can’t miss!

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Steak 'n Egger Inc

Highlights
Great food value
Excellent service
Local hidden gem
Chorizo not on menu
Amazing throwback feel

First of all, this place is a local hidden gem that I would have never known about if it weren't for my instincts as a food critic. When I walked in, the atmosphere was a throwback to the good old days with a diner feel and great service from the staff.

Now let's talk about the main event - their chicken fried steak. The first thing that struck me was its great food value - you get a generous portion for an affordable price. The flavor is simply amazing and the meat was cooked to perfection. Although not on the menu, I highly recommend adding some chorizo to your dish for an extra kick!

As I enjoyed my meal, I couldn't help but appreciate how this place has maintained its amazing throwback feel while keeping up with modern-day expectations of cleanliness and comfort.

Overall, Steak 'n Egger Inc exceeded my expectations with their delicious chicken fried steak, great service, and local charm. It's definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a tasty and affordable option in Chicago.

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Owen & Engine

Highlights
Great food
Friendly staff
Amazing burgers
Good ambiance

First of all, let me say that Owen & Engine is not only known for their chicken fried steak, but also for their amazing burgers. However, I couldn't resist trying the chicken fried steak and I have to say, it did not disappoint.

The chicken was cooked to perfection with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The breading was seasoned just right and didn't overpower the flavor of the chicken. And let's not forget about the gravy! It was creamy and flavorful without being too heavy.

Aside from the food, the staff at Owen & Engine were incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made me feel right at home and provided excellent service throughout my meal.

The ambiance of this place is also worth mentioning. It has a cozy pub-like atmosphere with dim lighting that creates a relaxed vibe. You can easily spend hours here enjoying good food and drinks with friends or family.

Overall, if you're looking for a place that serves great chicken fried steak in Chicago, Owen & Engine should definitely be on your list of places to try out. Don't forget to try their burgers while you're there as well!

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Feed

Highlights
Tasty, honest food
Huge portions
Nice patio
Hidden gem location
Friendly staff

First of all, let me just say that this place is a hidden gem. Tucked away on a quiet street, it's easy to miss but definitely worth finding. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly staff who made me feel right at home.

Now, let's get to the important stuff - the food! The chicken fried steak at Feed was out-of-this-world delicious. It was tasty and cooked to perfection. But beware, the portions are HUGE! You might want to bring a friend or two to help you finish it off.

I also appreciated that the food felt honest and simple - no fancy frills or gimmicks, just good old-fashioned cooking done right. And if you're lucky enough to visit on a nice day, they have a lovely patio where you can enjoy your meal in the sun.

Overall, I highly recommend Feed for their amazing chicken fried steak and friendly atmosphere. It's a great spot for anyone looking for an authentic taste of Chicago without breaking the bank.

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Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Highlights
Quick and friendly
Delicious chicken
Unbelievable mac & cheese
Flavors with a kick
Extra crispy chicken

First off, let me just say that the service at Gus's is top-notch. The staff is quick and friendly, making you feel right at home. But let's talk about the real reason we're here: the chicken fried steak. Or in this case, chicken.

Gus's chicken is out of this world. It's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making every bite worth savoring. And if you're looking for a little heat, they've got flavors with a kick that will wake up your taste buds.

But what really blew me away was the mac & cheese. I know we're here to talk about chicken fried steaks, but this side dish deserves a shout-out of its own. It was unbelievable! Cheesy, creamy, and oh so satisfying.

Overall, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken has everything going for it - quick service, delicious chicken with extra crispiness (if that's your thing), and unforgettable sides like their mac & cheese that will keep you coming back for more.

In conclusion, if you're looking for some finger-lickin' good chicken in Chicago and want to try something different than a typical steak option, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken should be at the top of your list!

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Mother Cluckers Kitchen Chicago

Highlights
Excellent customer service.
Phenomenal food.
Southern-style menu items.

Firstly, I must say that the customer service at Mother Cluckers Kitchen Chicago is absolutely excellent. From the moment I walked in, the staff greeted me with a warm smile and made me feel right at home. They were incredibly attentive throughout my entire meal and ensured that everything was to my liking.

Now let's talk about the star of the show - their chicken fried steak. Oh my goodness, it was phenomenal! The breading was perfectly crispy while the steak itself was juicy and tender. It was served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and gravy that were also top-notch.

What sets Mother Cluckers Kitchen Chicago apart from other restaurants is their Southern-style menu items. You can really taste the authentic flavors in each and every dish they serve. From fried chicken to biscuits and gravy, they have it all.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Mother Cluckers Kitchen Chicago if you're on the hunt for the best chicken fried steak in Chicago. The food is outstanding, the customer service is excellent, and their Southern-style menu items will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.

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Big Jones

Highlights
Southern menu done right
Delicious Eggs Bayou
Fantastic Bloody Marys
Vegetarian options available

First off, let me just say that if you're looking for a true Southern dining experience, Big Jones is the place to be. From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat.

While there were plenty of delicious options on the menu, I couldn't resist trying their chicken fried steak. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The breading was perfectly crispy and the steak itself was cooked to perfection. It's no wonder this dish is one of their most popular items.

But what really set Big Jones apart for me were their Eggs Bayou. This dish combines poached eggs with andouille sausage and gumbo gravy on top of a biscuit - it was absolutely divine! And to top it all off, they serve fantastic Bloody Marys that complemented my meal perfectly.

One thing I appreciated about Big Jones was that they also had vegetarian options available. It's great to see restaurants catering to all dietary needs without compromising on taste.

Overall, my experience at Big Jones was exceptional - from the food to the service, everything was top-notch. If you're looking for a taste of the South in Chicago or just want some amazing chicken fried steak, make sure to pay them a visit.

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Lucy's

Highlights
Cute Restaurant
Great Service
Signature Sandwich
Delicious Fries
Mac and Cheese

First of all, the restaurant itself is absolutely adorable. It has a cute and cozy atmosphere that made me feel right at home. The service was also fantastic - friendly and attentive without being overbearing.

Now onto the star of the show - the chicken fried steak. While Lucy's isn't necessarily known for this dish, they definitely know how to do it justice. The breading was perfectly crispy and seasoned just right. The meat was tender and juicy, with just enough gravy to give it that extra kick of flavor. It wasn't too heavy or greasy either, which is always a plus.

But let's not forget about the sides - the fries were deliciously crispy and seasoned just right, while the mac and cheese was creamy and comforting.

I also have to mention their signature sandwich, which I couldn't resist trying. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! It was a perfect balance of savory and sweet with a nice crunch from the slaw.

Overall, Lucy's may not be known specifically for their chicken fried steak, but they definitely deserve recognition for it. The combination of great service, cute atmosphere, and delicious food make this place a must-visit in Chicago.

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White Palace Grill

Highlights
Scrumptious food
Friendly staff
Homemade biscuits
Huge menu
Open 24 hours

First of all, let me say that if you're looking for a place that serves scrumptious food, then White Palace Grill is definitely worth your time. I was greeted by the friendly staff who were more than happy to recommend their signature dishes. And boy was I in for a treat!

The chicken fried steak at White Palace Grill is simply amazing! It's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and it's served with homemade biscuits that are simply irresistible. The gravy is smooth and flavorful - just the way I like it.

Now, what really impressed me about this place is their huge menu. You name it, they have it. From breakfast to dinner, from burgers to salads - they have everything! And the best part? They're open 24 hours a day! So whether you're craving some chicken fried steak at midnight or want pancakes for breakfast, they've got you covered.

Overall, I had a great experience at White Palace Grill. It's definitely one of my top picks for the best chicken fried steak in Chicago. If you're ever in the area or just looking for some good ol' comfort food, then be sure to check them out!

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Eggy's Diner Chicago

Highlights
Fresh, original food
Kind and accommodating service
Reasonable prices for good portions
Well-loved off-the-beaten-path location

Upon walking in, I was greeted by a friendly staff who were more than eager to recommend their best dishes. I ordered their famous chicken fried steak with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy, and let me tell you, it was a taste of heaven in Chicago.

The chicken fried steak itself was crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside. The breading didn't overpower the meat but rather complimented it perfectly. And the gravy... oh my goodness, don't even get me started on the gravy. It was rich, creamy and savory all at once; a perfect match for the steak.

One thing I loved about Eggy's Diner Chicago is that they use fresh ingredients. You can really taste the difference in every bite. The portions were generous too, and priced reasonably for what you get.

The service was kind and accommodating - they made sure I had everything I needed throughout my meal. And even though it's off-the-beaten-path location, Eggy's Diner Chicago is well-loved by locals who know great food when they taste it.

Overall, if you're looking for an amazing chicken fried steak experience in Chicago, Eggy's Diner Chicago should be on your list. It's a must-try spot for any foodie out there!

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The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

Highlights
Outstanding service
Beautiful historic building
Delicious food, especially ricotta knots
Attentive and friendly waitstaff

First off, I have to say that the service at The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant is absolutely outstanding. From the moment I stepped into this beautiful historic building, I was greeted with warm smiles and friendly faces.

Now let's talk about the food. While their menu offers a variety of delicious options, I was there for one thing and one thing only - their chicken fried steak. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The breading was perfectly crispy and the steak itself was cooked to perfection.

But what really stood out to me were their ricotta knots - little bites of heaven that were packed with flavor and melted in my mouth. Even just thinking about them now is making my mouth water.

And of course, I can't forget to mention how attentive and friendly our waitstaff was throughout our meal. They made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed.

Overall, if you're looking for a great spot to enjoy some delicious food in a beautiful atmosphere with outstanding service, then make sure you check out The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant - not just for their chicken fried steak, but also for those amazing ricotta knots!