When traveling through Texas, certain foods stand out. It is a birthright for residents to be adept at enjoying Mexican food (it is actually called Tex-Mex throughout the state). Steaks are held in high esteem. However, a variation called chicken fried steak is one of the most beloved dishes.
Finding a good chicken fried steak in a Texas restaurant is common, but the meal must be fresh to taste great. Not all steaks are equal. The crust must be crispy and golden, and the meat must be tender.
How chicken fried steak is cooked
I can remember my grandmother preparing chicken fried steak in my earliest memories. If you are not familiar, it starts with cube steak, which is extra tenderized round steak. The steak is coated with flour and then a mixture of milk, eggs and other seasonings. Then the steak is coated once again with flour before it is heated in a large skillet. The frying creates a golden, crispy crust on the meat. The crispier, the better. When serving, do not forget to cover the steak cream gravy (a combination of flour, milk, salt and pepper). When prepared correctly, chicken fried steak is a simple meal that has a heavenly rush of taste.
Locating the best chicken fried steak
Many of the best chicken fried steaks are served at local cafes that are not advertised. You just hear about them from friends, family and tips from acquaintances. Although a few cafes have become renowned for their “best” chicken fried steaks, a few especially standout.
Visiting Mary’s Cafe in Strawn, Tx
On the way through West Texas recently, I stopped by Mary’s Café in Strawn. The café is a bit out of the way. When driving down Interstate 20 between Eastland and Weatherford, exit on State High 16 and travel almost 4 miles north. When reaching Strawn, you will see the Mary’s Café sign and restaurant to the right. Strawn is about 30 miles south of Possum Kingdom Lake, which is a major local attraction.
When visiting a local rural café in West Texas, do not expect fancy furnishings and have some time to spend. When in a hurry, you will not enjoy the experience as well. The food should be savored anyway.
Home of World Famous Chicken Fried Steak
The Mary’s Café sign says, “Home of the World Famous Chicken Fried Steak”. Many restaurants can make a claim, but Mary’s has the clout to back it up.Restaurant reviews from Texas Monthly magazine, American Airlines’ American Way magazine and local newspapers adorn the walls near the bathroom. In addition, the weekly state travel television show, “Texas Country Reporter,” declared Mary’s Café as Texas Best – Chicken Fried Steak in 2012 after viewers cast votes in a poll. See the Texas Country Reporter video below.
Photo of Texas Monthly article about Mary’s. 
Local cafés in communities
To show how local cafés are a fixture in communities, the 2017 six-man football championship of the Strawn Greyhounds is displayed even more prominently than the restaurant reviews on a local newspaper front page.
Mary’s actually serves many types of food. Regular steaks, burgers, sandwiches, salads and other dishes are displayed on the menu. Other dishes should be reserved for local residents who frequently visit the restaurant. We were visitors who want to sample the most prominent attraction that is displayed as “Mary’s FAMOUS Chicken Fried Steak” in a white box on the menu.
Ordering a Mary’s world famous chicken fried steak depends on your appetite. There are three sizes: small, medium and large, and all are reasonably priced. A small portion is the typical size that most of us are familiar. A medium chicken fried steak should only be ordered when you are especially hungry. Then there is the large portion that covers an entire plate. Let the eater beware.
Cream Gravy from Mary’s in Texas.
Because I have lost almost 60 pounds over the past year, I am especially aware of how much I eat. So, I chose the small portion. I have always heard over the years how chicken fried steak is fattening, but it always depends how much you eat. A chicken fried steak does not have many more calories than a regular steak. Just add a bit of gravy, and it will fit into a sensible meal plan, especially if you want to add protein.
Mary’s Chicken Fried Steak
The crust is golden brown on Mary’s chicken fried steak, and it is relatively thin. That makes it easier to eat because most tenderized meat is thin. The steak is especially tasty. I also had a baked potato and garden salad. My son had french fries with his steak and an appetizer of broccoli cheese bites that were tasty.
It is hard for me to judge the best chicken steak because I have had so many over the years. However, I do proclaim that Mary’s is in the Top 10 of the best chicken fried steaks that I have ever tried.
Of course, restaurant preferences are often a personal choice. Just because a restaurant is beloved does not mean others will have different opinions, especially for chicken fried steak. If you have a favorite local restaurant, let us know. Although chain restaurants serve the same food in many locations, some become regional icons. However, it is hard to beat a good, local “hole-in-the-wall” café or restaurant.
Let us know
Let us know if you have a favorite restaurant that serves a local or regional cuisine. And keep an eye on our cuisine blogs for more southern foods. Comment to let us know if you have had Mary’s chicken fried steak or where your favorite chicken fried steak is served.
