True Grit Cafe
CFS triple stack and elk burger—big flavors, bigger portions.
Mon, Thu–Sun 11:00 am–8:30 pm; Tue-Wed closed (open Tuesdays after 11/18/2025). For quieter experience, visit after 2:00 pm on weekends.
Dining
The Chicken Fried Steak arrives with a bold crust and a heaping portion that fills the plate. Elk Burgers bring a rugged, beefy snap and generous bite, while the Hand-cut Ribeye offers a satisfying chew and rich fat balance. Expect a rustic, family-friendly scene with John Wayne memorabilia and a fireplace, all served with Southern hospitality. Bring your appetite and a willingness to share the table; potently comforting, unpretentious Americana.
Quick facts
- Meals Served
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Signature Dishes
- Chicken Fried Steak; Elk Burgers; Hand-cut Ribeyes; The Grit (Chicken Fried Steak Triple Stack)
- Local Specialties
- Elk burgers; Rocky Mountain Oysters; Seasoning Dirt blend
- Popular Items
- Chicken Fried Steak; Elk Burgers; Hand-cut Ribeyes; The Grit
What to order
- Meals Served
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Signature Dishes
- Chicken Fried Steak; Elk Burgers; Hand-cut Ribeyes; The Grit (Chicken Fried Steak Triple Stack)
- Local Specialties
- Elk burgers; Rocky Mountain Oysters; Seasoning Dirt blend
- Popular Items
- Chicken Fried Steak; Elk Burgers; Hand-cut Ribeyes; The Grit
- Menu Recommendations
- Chicken Fried Steak and Elk Burgers; The Grit when available; pickle soup on rotation
- Dietary Options
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Prices & reservations
- Price Specifics
- Burgers around $16.50; Kid's Meals $6.50-$9.50; Ribeye $38.00; The Grit $22.00
- Reservations Policy
- Reservations required for parties of 8 or more. For smaller parties, call ahead.
- Typical Wait Times
- Saturday mornings are busy; visit after 2:00 pm for a quieter experience.
- Cash Only
- No
Hours & seating
- Operating Hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Closed Days
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays (seasonal changes noted)
- Outdoor Seating
- Yes
- Parking Details
- Street parking; town setting; no dedicated lot noted.
Visit strategy
- Best For
- Families
- Casual diners
- Western comfort food lovers
- Not Ideal For
- Those seeking ultra-quiet dining
- Service Type
- Full table service
- Service Speed
- Moderate
- Vibe
- Family-friendly
- Rustic
- Old West charm
- Southern Hospitality
- Noise Level
- Moderate buzz
- View Type
- Balcony deck with views of the San Juan Mountains
- Busiest Times
- Saturday mornings
- Best Visit Times
- After 2 PM on weekends
- Tips Advice
- Get the Chicken Fried Steak or Elk Burger as anchors.
- If rotating, try the pickle soup when available.
- Call ahead for 8+ and consider visiting after 2 PM on weekends for a calmer table.
More details
- Park Area
- Ridgway, Colorado (Ouray County)
- Takeout Available
- Yes
- Delivery Available
- No
- Dress Code
- Casual
- Beverage Program
- Full bar with cocktails, beer, and wine
- House Made
- Seasoning Dirt blend used in some dishes and dressings
- Tasting Flights
- No
- Tours Available
- No
- Bottle Sales
- No
- Parking Available
- Yes
- Dog Friendly Patio
- Yes
- Wi-Fi Available
- No
- Family Friendly
- Yes
- Family Friendly Notes
- Kid-friendly menu; lively, but welcoming
- Bar Seating
- Yes
- Seasonal Rushes
- Summer weekends; ragtime piano five nights a week in summer
- Live Music
- Ragtime piano five nights a week in summer
- Special Events
- Ragtime piano evenings in summer
- Has Gift Shop
- No
- Unique Attractions
- Balcony deck with San Juan Mountains views; John Wayne memorabilia; Seasoning Dirt blend
- Unique Factor
- Chicken Fried Steak triple stack—'The Grit'—and mountain vibes
- Nearby Facilities
- Ridgway town center; San Juan Mountains viewpoints nearby; street parking
- Best Time To Visit
- Mon, Thu–Sun 11:00 am–8:30 pm; Tue-Wed closed (open Tuesdays after 11/18/2025). For quieter experience, visit after 2:00 pm on weekends.
- The Order Strategy
- Skip the ordinary burger, get the Elk Burger. For drinks, order a beer or wine from the full bar.
- The Vibe Check
- Family-friendly, rustic Western vibe with John Wayne memorabilia; welcoming and unpretentious.
- The Crowd Factor
- Line-up tends to build on Saturday mornings; target after 2 PM or call ahead to secure a table.
- Eat Here If Skip If
- EAT HERE IF: you want Western comfort food in a family-friendly setting. SKIP IF: you need a super quiet, low-key dining environment.
- Distance From Park
- approximately 29 miles from park entrance
- Review Summary
- Texture/Flavor notes emphasize hearty, home-cooked comfort food with substantial portions. Chicken Fried Steak stands out for size and richness; Elk Burgers and Ribeye satisfy beef cravings. Overall, a beloved family-friendly spot with consistent positives and few recurring complaints.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Is there gluten-free dining options available?
Yes. Gluten-free soups and chilis are offered, and a gluten-free bun is available for The Grit sandwich.
Is takeout available?
Yes, online ordering for takeout is offered.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are required for groups of 8 or more; smaller parties should call ahead.
Is the patio dog-friendly?
Yes, two dog-friendly tables are on the front porch.
What are the signature dishes to order?
Chicken Fried Steak, Elk Burgers, and Hand-cut Ribeyes are the crowd-pleasers; The Grit (Chicken Fried Steak Triple Stack) is a must-try when available.
Sources
- truegritcafe.com
- ourayridgwaydining.com
- coloradolifemagazine.com
- toasttab.com
- jwu.edu
- atly.com
- bringfido.com
- evendo.com
- Current time information in Ouray County, US.
- wikipedia.org
- thecourier.co.uk
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.