Try the Texaz Bar & Grill (Texaz with a ‘Z’) in central Phoenix (6003 16th St.- better call for directions – I’m an out-of-towner, 248-STAR). Best chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes in the whole country, bar none (my friend who used to manage the kitchen at the 5 star Vincents in Phoenix agrees, so you’re getting endorsements from both sides of the spectrum). This is not to be missed! I have driven from LA to Phoenix JUST to have this meal.

(Word of advice though, go for the lunch portion. The dinner portion is way too much for anyone and the doubling of the steak portion throws off the steak to mashed potatoes ratio, which is key to this dish.) Hope you seek this one out, it’s worth the effort! (P.S. – great juke box!)