This Chicken Fried Steak Is the Kind You Only Find in Texas

I had heard stories about Texas-sized chicken fried steak before, but I figured people were exaggerating. Then I walked into Hickory Hollow Restaurant and Catering in Houston and watched a server carry out what looked like an entire steak draped over a pizza pan.

The crispy golden breading hung over the edges, and I realized every single story had been true. This place serves the kind of chicken fried steak that makes you stop mid-bite and wonder how something so simple can taste so incredible.

The Old West decor, the smell of fresh gravy, and the sight of happy diners digging into massive portions told me I was about to experience something genuinely Texan. Some food just belongs to a place, and this chicken fried steak belongs right here in the Lone Star State.

A Plate That Defies All Expectations

Walking up to the counter at Hickory Hollow, I scanned the menu board and noticed three sizes listed for the chicken fried steak. Small, medium, and large.

I figured medium sounded reasonable until I saw one come out of the kitchen. The breading was so wide it practically needed its own zip code.

People at nearby tables were taking photos before they even picked up their forks.

The small turned out to be what most restaurants would call large, easily covering a standard dinner plate. One bite explained why this dish has nearly 700 mentions in customer reviews.

The breading stayed crispy all the way through, never getting soggy despite being smothered in that incredible gravy.

Every piece of the steak was tender and juicy inside. The coating had just enough seasoning to complement the gravy without overwhelming it.

Some folks ordered the medium and ended up with enough leftovers for lunch the next day.

The kitchen uses a cooking method that keeps the temperature perfect. You get that satisfying crunch on the outside while the meat stays moist and flavorful.

Pair it with their homemade mashed potatoes, and you have a meal that reminds you why Texas does comfort food better than anywhere else.

Gravy That Makes Everything Better

The gravy at Hickory Hollow deserves its own standing ovation. Made from pan drippings rather than the traditional brown variety, this chicken-based gravy has a lighter color but delivers serious flavor.

Some diners request it on the side because they want to control exactly how much goes on their steak. I tried it both ways and honestly preferred letting them smother the whole thing.

The gravy soaked into the breading just enough to add moisture without destroying that perfect crunch.

Little specks of black pepper dotted the surface, and each spoonful tasted rich without being heavy. The kitchen clearly knows the right balance of seasoning because the gravy enhanced every bite instead of masking the flavor of the meat.

Several reviews mentioned how the gravy made even underseasoned bites taste amazing.

They make it fresh throughout the day, so it never sits around getting thick or developing that weird skin on top. You can taste the difference between this and the jarred stuff some places use.

The consistency stays smooth and pourable from the first bite to the last.

Even the mashed potatoes benefit from an extra ladle of this stuff. One customer mentioned the gravy was so good they considered asking for a cup to go, and honestly, I understood the impulse completely.

Old West Atmosphere You Can Feel

Stepping into Hickory Hollow feels like walking onto a movie set. Wooden walls covered with vintage signs and antique odds and ends create an authentic country vibe that never feels forced or cheesy.

An old typewriter sits on a shelf near the entrance. A vintage cash register decorates another corner.

Every surface seems to have some piece of Western history attached to it, from weathered horseshoes to faded advertisements for long-gone products.

The lighting stays dim enough to feel cozy without making it hard to see your food. Families filled most of the tables when I visited, with kids pointing at decorations while parents relaxed into the comfortable, unpretentious environment.

Nobody felt overdressed or underdressed because the whole point is feeling at home.

Live bluegrass music plays on certain evenings, adding another layer to the experience. One grandfather celebrated his birthday there specifically because he loved the entertainment and atmosphere.

The acoustics in the two-level space let the music fill the room without overwhelming conversation.

This kind of decor could easily tip into tacky territory, but Hickory Hollow pulls it off with genuine charm. Everything feels curated rather than randomly thrown together.

You get the sense that someone really cared about creating a space that honors Texas tradition while keeping things fun and welcoming for everyone who walks through the door.

Sides That Hold Their Own

The chicken fried steak gets all the attention, but the sides at Hickory Hollow deserve recognition too. The fried okra comes out golden and crispy, with just enough cornmeal coating to add texture without overwhelming the vegetable itself.

Their mac and cheese gets made in-house, which you can taste immediately. Real cheese creates that creamy texture, and it never tastes artificial or powdery like the boxed versions.

Kids at nearby tables cleaned their plates, always a good sign when it comes to mac and cheese.

The mashed potatoes are real too, with just enough lumps to prove they started as actual potatoes rather than flakes from a box. They hold up well under gravy and taste buttery without being greasy.

One reviewer mentioned the corn as particularly good, sweet and properly seasoned.

Some folks mentioned the beans could use improvement, suggesting they needed more flavor or time in the smoker. Fair criticism, though adding some extra BBQ sauce and brisket pieces from your plate fixes that issue quickly enough.

The fries come out hot and crispy, perfect for anyone who wants something simple alongside their steak. Even the salad bar offers fresh options for people looking to balance out all that fried goodness.

Everything gets prepared with the same attention to quality that goes into the main dishes.

Counter Service Done Right

Hickory Hollow operates on a counter-service model that actually improves the whole experience. You walk in, study the menu board on the wall, place your order, and grab a number.

No waiting for servers to notice you or flagging someone down for refills. You control your own pace.

Grab your utensils and condiments from the station, find a seat wherever you like, and wait for your number to get called at the pickup window.

The staff working the counter and kitchen are genuinely friendly, helping newcomers figure out the system without making anyone feel rushed or confused.

One reviewer specifically praised how accommodating they were with a large group, making sure everyone got their orders straight and felt welcome.

This setup means your food arrives faster than traditional table service. No waiting around wondering when your meal will appear.

When your number gets called, you walk up and grab your tray, still hot from the kitchen.

Some people prefer having servers, but this old-fashioned approach works perfectly for the casual, no-pressure atmosphere Hickory Hollow cultivates. You never feel obligated to tip for basic service, though there is a tip jar for anyone who wants to show appreciation.

The whole system feels efficient and honest, letting the food speak for itself without any pretense getting in the way of a good meal.

Portions That Challenge Your Appetite

Texas has a reputation for doing everything big, and Hickory Hollow takes that philosophy seriously. Even ordering the small chicken fried steak means committing to a substantial meal.

Multiple reviewers wished they had gone smaller after seeing their plates arrive. The medium version is genuinely enormous, often leaving people with enough leftovers for another full meal.

One customer joked about wanting to bring friends just to see their faces when the large arrived.

This generous approach extends to everything on the menu. The half burger one reviewer ordered was too much to finish.

The four-meat sampler feeds two or three people easily, assuming normal appetites rather than competitive eating ambitions.

Honestly, this feels refreshing in an era when restaurants keep shrinking portions while raising prices. You get serious value for your money here, with prices staying reasonable despite the massive servings.

That twenty-dollar chicken fried steak includes two sides and enough food to satisfy even serious appetites.

First-timers should definitely check the website menu before ordering to understand what they are getting into. The names small, medium, and large do not mean what they mean at most restaurants.

Come hungry, or come prepared to take home a container. Either way, you will not leave feeling like you got shortchanged on quantity or quality.

BBQ That Shares the Spotlight

While the chicken fried steak dominates the conversation, Hickory Hollow also serves respectable barbecue. The brisket comes out tender with good flavor, though some reviewers noted it could be a touch dry or benefit from a hint of mesquite smoke.

The hot BBQ sauce available at the serving window fixes any dryness issues quickly. Several customers praised that sauce specifically, mentioning its perfect heat level and rich flavor.

Keep an eye out for it because it sits off to the side where newcomers might miss it.

The restaurant has been serving barbecue alongside their famous chicken fried steak for decades, maintaining consistent quality even as Houston has seen an explosion of BBQ joints.

They may not compete with the specialty smokehouses that do nothing but barbecue, but they deliver solid, satisfying smoked meat at reasonable prices.

One reviewer suggested adding brisket pieces to the beans to improve them, which shows how good the meat itself tastes. The chicken sandwich turned out to be two massive chicken tenders on a bun, crispy and hot enough to make the lukewarm fries seem like an oversight rather than the standard.

Folks who want authentic Texas BBQ alongside that legendary chicken fried steak can get both here. The four-meat sampler lets you try multiple options, though the chicken fried steak with sauce remains the clear star of every meal.

A Houston Legend Worth Finding

Hickory Hollow sits on Fallbrook Drive in northwest Houston, a bit off the beaten path but worth the drive. With over 4,300 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, this place has earned its reputation through decades of consistent quality and generous portions.

The large parking lot means finding a spot is never an issue, even during peak lunch and dinner hours. The restaurant opens at eleven most days and stays open until eight or nine depending on the day of the week.

Calling ahead or checking their website helps if you want to confirm hours.

Families have been coming here for generations, with some reviewers mentioning they had not visited in 25 years but found the food just as good as they remembered. That kind of consistency is rare, especially for a restaurant that has grown into a small chain while maintaining quality.

The location might not look like much from the outside, but inside you find a Houston institution that understands what Texas comfort food should taste and feel like. Whether you are a local looking for a reliable spot or a visitor wanting authentic Lone Star State cooking, this place delivers.

You leave with a full stomach, maybe some leftovers, and the satisfaction of experiencing food that genuinely represents its place. That chicken fried steak really is the kind you only find in Texas, and Hickory Hollow serves it better than just about anywhere else.

Address: 8038 Fallbrook Dr, Houston, TX 77064