Can something as simple (and here in Oklahoma, ubiquitous) as chicken fried steak be life changing? Indeed it can.

There's no shortage of chicken fried steak in Oklahoma, but not all of them have a cult following like the chicken fried steak from Clanton's Cafe in Vinita. This beloved eatery has been around since 1927 and is the oldest continually family-owned restaurant along Route 66. It's famous for its chicken fried steak and once you try it, you'll understand the hype.

Clanton's Cafe is located at 319 E Illinois Street in Vinita, Oklahoma. It's an Oklahoma staple that has been feeding hungry locals and travelers for almost a century; generations of Clantons have worked at this tiny-but-mighty little restaurant along the country's most famed highway, Route 66. Built in 1926 to connect the Midwest to the West Coast, from Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 was one of the United States' first continuous stretches of paved highway and attracted thousands of road trippers throughout the years, with motels, roadside attractions, and communities popping up along the route. Though the road was decommissioned in 1985 and is no longer considered a major roadway, Route 66 is still a bucket-list experience for many -- and many view Clanton's as a must-visit stop on this iconic route.

Clanton's Cafe the kind of place where everyone is family that enters the doors. The Clanton family is deeply involved in the community of Vinita and have given countless hours and dollars to support various school, community, and charitable organizations. A community cornerstone, Clanton's is a no-frills restaurant that makes everyone feel right at home. The locals know all about this place but also welcome visitors from afar.

Here, you'll find an unfussy menu of all-American comfort classics, with the most popular dish being the chicken fried steak. It has been featured in many national magazine publications for its amazing chicken fried steak, so don't just take our word for it!

So, what makes the chicken fried steak so special? For starters, it's an 80-year-old recipe that has stood the test of time. Clanton's chicken fried steak is made with tenderized beef that's breaded and cooked to perfection on a flat iron grill. Served with a hearty country gravy and biscuits, this is the kind of meal sure to fill you up for wherever you're headed!

As you're enjoying your meal, take notice of all the awards, accolades, and pictures that adorn the walls... it's all quite impressive. The restaurant has been featured in numerous publications and media outlets, including an appearance on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives."

Clanton's is the kind of restaurant that's truly a destination -- an experience. The pies are all made from scratch so don't try and get out of there without trying one of them. A trip along Route 66 in Oklahoma simply wouldn't be complete without a stop at Clanton's Cafe.

Have you ever been to Clanton's Cafe in Vinita, Oklahoma? Did you try the best chicken fried steak in Oklahoma? Let us know about your experience in the comments. And be sure to follow the Clanton's Cafe Facebook page to stay in-the-know about this Route 66 icon.

Of course, Clanton's Cafe is just one of many amazing businesses in Oklahoma that’s doing great things in the state. If you have another business you’d like to see profiled on Only In Oklahoma, please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Oklahoma on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know on the state’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.