BIG VERN’S STEAKHOUSE

200 E 12th St
Shamrock, TX 79079

There are many steak houses all over this country: some are sophisticated, some are logs and smoke, and some are just down-home goodness restaurants. Big Vern’s is the latter. It also has “THE BEST CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK” I’ve ever eaten, and this comes from a guy who used to work and eat in Austin, Texas.

Chicken-fried steak is so “everywhere” in Texas I call it “the state bird of Texas.” Much of it is pretty good eating. But Big Vern’s has some attributes that go above and beyond any other chicken-fried steak I’ve ever eaten anywhere else: tenderness, lightness, and multiple flavors you can taste…actually taste. In other words the breading doesn’t override the rest of the dish.

You can find Big Vern’s just a couple of blocks off Interstate 40, then East. Turn at the historic Conoco gas station. You can’t miss the gas station and you shouldn’t miss Big Vern’s. Inside you’ll find a big dining room with table cloths and pretty little plastic flowers. The ever-present Texas restaurant bar is actually behind and off to the side of the dining room. This is a place to EAT. So try the “state bird of Texas” when in the Shamrock area. You can’t beat it.