Chicken fried steak, a beloved dish from Texas, has found its way to Los Angeles. This crispy, breaded cutlet of tenderized beef, typically served with creamy gravy, has become a sought-after comfort food in the City of Angels. Los Angeles restaurants offer authentic Texas-style chicken fried steak, allowing diners to savor this iconic dish without leaving California.
Food enthusiasts in Los Angeles can now experience the flavors of the Lone Star State through this hearty meal. From diners to upscale eateries, various establishments across the city have embraced this Southern classic, adapting it to suit local tastes while maintaining its traditional essence. The popularity of chicken fried steak in Los Angeles demonstrates the city’s diverse culinary landscape and its appreciation for regional American cuisine.
1) Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles – Hollywood
Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles has been a Los Angeles institution since 1975. Located at 1514 N Gower St, this Hollywood establishment serves up soul food classics to locals and visitors alike.
The restaurant is renowned for its signature combination of fried chicken and waffles. Diners can enjoy moist, flavorful chicken paired with light, tasty waffles.
Roscoe’s menu extends beyond its namesake dish. Patrons can sample other Southern favorites like grits, biscuits, and fried cheese. The restaurant also offers a variety of beverages, including fresh juices and iced lemonade.
Open daily, Roscoe’s accommodates late-night cravings with extended hours on weekends. The casual atmosphere welcomes guests from morning until late evening.
While not a traditional Texas-style chicken fried steak destination, Roscoe’s has earned its place in Los Angeles culinary culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to the quality of its comfort food offerings.
2) Pann’s Restaurant – Iconic Coffee Shop
Pann’s Restaurant stands as a Los Angeles institution, serving the community since 1958. This iconic coffee shop captures the essence of mid-century Americana with its distinctive Googie architecture.
Founded by George and Rena Poulos, Pann’s remains family-operated, preserving its authentic charm. The restaurant’s enduring presence has made it a recognizable backdrop in numerous films.
While known for its classic diner fare, Pann’s offers a diverse menu that includes comfort food favorites. Their chicken fried steak, smothered in country gravy, exemplifies their commitment to hearty, satisfying meals.
Pann’s also garners praise for its fried chicken, particularly the wings. Patrons can enjoy these crispy delights alongside traditional sides like collard greens, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes.
The restaurant’s breakfast menu features Texas-style French toast, catering to those seeking a sweet start to their day. Pann’s combination of retro ambiance and time-honored recipes continues to draw both locals and visitors alike.
3) Fried Chicken Sandwich at Howlin’ Ray’s
Howlin’ Ray’s in Los Angeles has gained a reputation for its Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches. The restaurant offers these sandwiches in five heat levels, ranging from mild to howlin’ hot.
Located in Chinatown, Howlin’ Ray’s started as a food truck before opening its brick-and-mortar location. The counter-service joint has become a popular spot for spicy chicken enthusiasts.
The signature fried chicken sandwich features a crispy, spicy chicken fillet nestled between two buns. Customers can choose their preferred level of heat, with the howlin’ hot option delivering an intense cayenne pepper burn.
Howlin’ Ray’s also serves other chicken dishes, including fried chicken and waffles. The restaurant has outdoor seating available for those who prefer to dine al fresco.
While not a traditional Texas-style chicken fried steak, Howlin’ Ray’s fried chicken sandwich offers a different take on breaded and fried poultry. It has become a sought-after dish in Los Angeles’ diverse culinary landscape.
4) Blackberry Jalapeño Chicken Fry – Nighthawk AM
Nighthawk AM in Los Angeles puts a unique spin on the classic Texas chicken fried steak. Their Blackberry Jalapeño Chicken Fry combines traditional preparation with unexpected flavors.
The dish features a tender, breaded cutlet fried to a golden crisp. What sets it apart is the accompanying blackberry jalapeño sauce, which adds a sweet and spicy kick to the savory steak.
This creative twist on the Southern staple showcases the chef’s innovative approach to comfort food. The fruity notes of blackberry complement the heat from the jalapeños, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Nighthawk AM serves this dish as part of their breakfast and brunch menu. It comes with classic sides like eggs and hash browns, staying true to its diner roots while offering a gourmet touch.
The restaurant’s take on chicken fried steak demonstrates how regional dishes can evolve and adapt in new culinary environments. It appeals to both traditionalists and those seeking novel flavor combinations.
5) Republic Kitchen + Bar’s Chicken Fried Steak
Republic Kitchen + Bar brings a taste of Texas to Los Angeles with its authentic chicken fried steak. This establishment prides itself on partnering with local purveyors to deliver fresh, flavorful Texas-inspired dishes.
The chicken fried steak at Republic Kitchen + Bar is a standout menu item. It exemplifies the bold influences of Texas cuisine that the restaurant is known for. The dish likely features a tenderized beef cutlet, breaded and fried to golden perfection.
Accompanying the chicken fried steak is presumably a rich cream gravy, a staple of this classic Texas dish. The gravy adds a creamy, savory element that complements the crispy exterior of the steak.
To round out the Texas experience, diners can pair their meal with one of the 20 beers on draft. The selection includes Texas classics and local craft brews, enhancing the authentic Lone Star State dining experience.
6) The Original Texas Chicken Fry at Boneyard Bistro
Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks offers a standout version of Texas-style chicken fried steak. This Los Angeles eatery combines upscale dining with traditional Southern comfort food.
The restaurant’s take on the classic dish stays true to its Texan roots. They start with a tender cube steak, pounded thin and coated in a crispy, well-seasoned breading.
The chef fries the steak to golden perfection, achieving a satisfying crunch on the outside while maintaining juicy meat inside. A generous ladleful of creamy pepper gravy tops the steak, adding rich flavor and moisture.
Boneyard Bistro serves this Texas favorite alongside classic Southern sides. Diners can expect options like fried mac and cheese, baked beans, or coleslaw to complement their meal.
The restaurant’s atmosphere enhances the dining experience. It blends modern bistro elements with a touch of rustic charm, creating an inviting space to enjoy this iconic dish.
7) Truffled Chicken Fried Steak – The Hart and the Hunter
The Hart and the Hunter, a boutique hotel restaurant in Los Angeles, offers a unique twist on the classic Texas dish. Their Truffled Chicken Fried Steak elevates the traditional recipe with luxurious ingredients.
The chefs at The Hart and the Hunter start with high-quality beef, pounded thin and breaded to perfection. They fry the steak until it achieves a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
What sets this version apart is the addition of truffle. The restaurant incorporates truffle oil into the breading mixture, infusing the dish with an earthy, aromatic flavor. They also sprinkle finely shaved black truffle over the finished steak.
The cream gravy receives an upgrade as well. The chefs incorporate truffle into the sauce, creating a rich and decadent accompaniment to the crispy steak. This elevated take on chicken fried steak appeals to both traditionalists and those seeking a more gourmet experience.
Diners can enjoy this upscale interpretation of chicken fried steak in The Hart and the Hunter’s stylish, modern dining room. The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and innovative preparation techniques shines through in this signature dish.
8) Cajun Chicken Fried Steak – Orleans & York Deli
Orleans & York Deli brings a Cajun twist to the classic chicken fried steak. This Los Angeles eatery combines Southern comfort food with New Orleans flair.
The deli offers a unique take on chicken fried steak, infusing it with Cajun spices for an extra kick. The dish features a tenderized steak coated in seasoned breading and fried to golden perfection.
Served alongside Cajun fries, the meal provides a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. The crispy exterior of the steak contrasts nicely with its juicy interior.
Orleans & York Deli also includes homemade coleslaw as a side, adding a cool, crunchy element to balance the rich main dish. This combination of flavors and textures creates a memorable dining experience.
While not a traditional Texas-style chicken fried steak, this Cajun version offers a spicy alternative for those seeking a different take on the classic dish. It showcases the deli’s ability to blend culinary influences from various regions.
9) Mac & Cheese Waffle Fried Chicken – Bruxie
Bruxie offers a unique twist on the classic chicken and waffles with their Mac & Cheese Waffle Fried Chicken. This indulgent dish combines several comfort food favorites into one satisfying meal.
The foundation is Bruxie’s signature waffle, crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Atop the waffle sits a generous portion of boneless fried chicken, perfectly seasoned and cooked to a golden brown.
What sets this dish apart is the addition of mac and cheese. Bruxie’s version features a spiced cheese sauce that adds a rich, creamy element to the plate. The combination of textures and flavors creates a memorable dining experience.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, Bruxie offers an “Angry” version of their mac and cheese. This spicier variation kicks things up a notch for adventurous eaters.
Bruxie has multiple locations in Los Angeles, including USC Village and Long Beach. The restaurant’s menu showcases a variety of waffle sandwiches and creative takes on classic American fare.
10) Heritage’s Savory Chicken Fry with Gravy
Heritage’s Savory Chicken Fry with Gravy brings a taste of Texas to Los Angeles. This restaurant offers a classic rendition of the beloved dish, staying true to its Lone Star State roots.
The chefs at Heritage take pride in their preparation method. They start with carefully selected cuts of beef, tenderized to perfection. The meat is then coated in a seasoned flour mixture before being dipped in a milk and egg wash.
The breaded cutlet is fried until golden brown, achieving a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. The result is a satisfying crunch with every bite, complemented by the tender meat within.
No chicken fried steak is complete without gravy, and Heritage delivers on this front. Their cream gravy is rich and flavorful, made from pan drippings and seasoned to perfection. It’s ladled generously over the steak, adding moisture and enhancing the overall taste.
Heritage serves their chicken fried steak with traditional sides, often including mashed potatoes and green beans. This combination creates a hearty meal that transports diners to a Texas diner, right in the heart of Los Angeles.
History Of Texas Style Chicken Fried Steak
Texas-style chicken fried steak traces its roots back to German and Austrian immigrants who settled in Texas. The dish evolved from European schnitzel recipes and became a beloved staple of Texan cuisine.
Origins And Evolution
Chicken fried steak originated in the 19th century when German and Austrian settlers brought schnitzel recipes to Texas. They adapted their traditional breaded cutlets to use locally available beef instead of veal or pork. The name “chicken fried steak” came from its preparation method, similar to fried chicken.
Early versions used bread crumbs for coating, resembling Wiener schnitzel. Over time, regional variations emerged across Texas. Central Texas maintained the schnitzel-style preparation. East Texas developed a thicker, richer breading. West Texas created a simpler “cowboy style” without egg wash.
Cultural Significance
Chicken fried steak became an iconic dish in Texas, representing the state’s culinary heritage. It symbolizes the blending of European and Texan influences. The dish gained popularity beyond Texas borders in the early 20th century.
An early printed American recipe appeared in the Los Angeles Times in 1924. By the mid-20th century, chicken fried steak recipes were found in cookbooks across the United States. The dish’s widespread adoption cemented its status as a comfort food classic.
Today, chicken fried steak remains a beloved menu item in Texas and beyond. It continues to evolve while maintaining its core identity as a hearty, satisfying meal.
Where To Find The Best Texas Style Chicken Fried Steak In Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers several excellent spots to savor authentic Texas-style chicken fried steak. From diners to upscale restaurants, the city serves up this iconic dish with crispy breading and creamy gravy.
Neighborhoods Known For This Dish
Downtown LA and Hollywood boast some of the best chicken fried steak options. Fixins Soul Kitchen in Downtown brings Southern comfort to the West Coast with their crispy, flavorful version.
In Hollywood, Yardbird serves a elevated take on the classic dish. Their chicken fried steak comes with a perfectly seasoned crust and rich, peppery gravy.
For a more casual experience, head to Cafe 50’s in West LA. This retro diner delivers a hearty portion of chicken fried steak that hits all the right notes.
Chef’s Recommendations
Local chefs recommend trying the chicken fried steak at Teddy’s Cafe. Known for their generous portions and homestyle cooking, Teddy’s doesn’t disappoint.
Nick’s Cafe, a long-standing Los Angeles institution, is another top pick. Their chicken fried steak is consistently praised for its crispy exterior and tender meat.
For those seeking a gourmet twist, GRANVILLE offers a upscale version of the dish. Their take features high-quality beef and a delicate breading, paired with sophisticated sides.