Worth the gorgeous ride and then some from Montrose, CO (35 min. S. on US 550). Actually visited by great John Wayne and co. during filming of "True Grit". Western casualness, great friendly service and steaks I just love to dig into. Cole slaw fresh, cold and delish. My lady was wanting a meatloaf dish and I found it on my "smart" phone at True Grit's on- line menu. Truly a hit with her!
(5)
Richard G.
How can you go wrong with a place that's named after the Duke?! John Wayne is everywhere here and the food matches the decor! Country friend streak is what I always order and it takes me back home where the cooking is good! The staff is super friendly and helpful as well!
(5)
Deanne J.
It was Sunday and six of us jeepers wanted a nice breakfast. True grit delivered! They didn't open until 9am, but worth the wait. Everyone really enjoyed the food. Huevos like you have never had before. Bisquits and gravy looked mighty tasty too! Mimosa ' s and Bloody Mary's topped it all off. Service was amazing! Next time we are 8n Colorado to jeep, we ate going to try dinner here.
(5)
Tom M.
Good food, good atmosphere and a great bar. They have a really good breakfast too. Gave it 5 stars even though the service was slow but in defense of the wait staff they were swamped and still delivered with a smile. To Ramsey A. who said "Actually visited by great John Wayne and co. during filming of "True Grit". Well maybe the Duke's ghost? He died in 1979 and the True Grit Cafe opened in 1985. ;)
(5)
Candace S.
It kills me to give a bad review to a place that used to be one of my favorites, but based on my last dining experience here, I have no choice. I have been coming to The True Grit for many, many years. The service is always good and the ambiance is great. My complaint is the food, which has gone downhill steadily over the years, but is now officially in the dreadful category. My husband and I both ordered the turkey sandwich. The "turkey" was cold pressed turkey, looking more like white bologna. It was not real turkey at all, but a cheap and tasteless substitute. The bread was not toasted and the bread itself looked like bargain bread purchased on the "day old" aisle. The fries used to be the best part of The True Grit, but the fries last week were soggy, undercooked and just plain bad. The sandwich was completely devoid of taste and was quite simply outrageously awful. I expect more from two horrific sandwiches which both cost $23. I want to stress again that the service remains excellent and the people have always been super. But the food has deteriorated to the point where I will never eat here again. I'll go in and have a couple beers because I love the place, but I wouldn't suffer through such a wretched meal again. And I almost forgot-- we both ordered avocado for the sandwiches, which was $2 extra. The sandwiches never came with the avocado, but they charged for it! I didn't notice this until after we had left the place.
(1)
J L.
Don't come here expecting real John Wayne memorabilia. It's just a bunch of posters of John Wayne. Very much a let down. Although parts of the movie True Grit was shot in this town, not much to see. Go to the courthouse in Ouray for that. As far as the food, it was hit-or-miss for us. The wife had the salmon and it was superb. I had the French Dip and it just plain sucked. Service was spectacular!!
(3)
Jarrett C.
Enjoyed our visit to True Grit. Just went in for coffee and desert and had a great time. Mud pie is awesome. Carol our waitress was so funny and very attentive. Overall love the atmosphere and hometown feel.
(4)
H B.
Meals are hit or miss here. Most of the time they are delicious. Once in a while they are just OK. Always enjoyable.
(4)
Miguel P.
Took over an hour and a half from the time we ordered until we got the food. The side of ocra was burnt and then the check showed I ordered a salad which they never fixed. The waitress was nice, but the kitchen was bad ... Real bad. Maybe it was an off night, but not recommended at all.
(1)
Lyn R.
Usually a 4 star is pretty good, but not this time. Don't get me wrong, it was okay. But not one member of our party really liked the food. The queso app was like Velveeta. My son loves chicken fried steak and he couldn't even eat it. Ranch dressing was a little weird, more like a dill? They asked how we wanted our burgers done than they weren't even close. The soup of day was good, though - cream chicken. The mac n cheese was superb. Wish I could have rated it higher. They really need to watch Triple D. It should be a good place to eat. It should!
(2)
Chuck S.
Had the best Chicken Fried Steak, Hash Browns, and Eggs ever! Great food, friendly atmosphere in a nice rustic setting. Love this place and the whole Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride area. Definitely deserves a repeat visit.
(5)
Arthur S.
Very friendly staff but seem overwhelmed. Go here to see all the John Wayne memorabilia & have a drink but eat somewhere where the food is Truly Good. Nachos not worth it. If you like Bleu cheese dressings, don't order theirs. Ribs over cooked and smothered with BBQ sauce. Cobb salad is one I would expect from a high school cooking class. On a good note, the chicken fried chicken wad good and appropriately covered in gravy. Save your money.
(1)
Kris D.
This place was so wonderful! Great atmosphere and very friendly staff. The homemade pumpkin fig and walnut bread pudding was to die for!!!
(4)
Glenn C.
We stopped in as a recommendation from some friends, on our way through Colorado. We ordered the cheeseburger soup, creamy cole slaw, the chicken fried steak and the vegi chili/half sandwich combo. The meals were of average taste but were disappointingly long and drug out in being served. We waited approx 45 minutes. The wait staff was friendly and constantly moving. Interior atmosphere ooozed everything John Wayne and was completely western mountain themed. The interior seating area was a little noisy, as it is open and a little distracting. Overall, this was a neat little place to say weve been to but we remain skeptical on any return visits. Pro: John Wayne related Ample portions John Wayne related Waitresses always hustling Did I say John Wayne related? Negative: slow in preparing the meals Slow in seating new customers - need a busboy! Overall: it's John Wayne related
(3)
Brendan A.
Been coming to the Grit for around 30 years. It has changed in many ways but remains a sincere shrine to John Wayne. The walls are thoroughly decorated with John Wayne posters and the atmosphere really tries to capture an Old West style atmosphere. The staff are friendly and have really tried to support the Gritty atmosphere. If you're from out of town, it's a well-known secret among us locals that the staff spend lots of time practicing scenes from that film. They have authentic costumes and toy guns and like to put on a show for people who ask - with a real live horse inside the Grit!!! Scotty the chef has that famous Wayne drawl down pat, and Donnis is good at it too. Dani does a pretty good Mattie Ross and Shonda likes to play "Lucky" Ned Pepper. If you ask them to put on a show in the middle of the Grit, they might be hesitant at first, but that is just because they are humble. Oh, I guess a restaurant review should mention the food. Pretty good!
(5)
Carolyn B.
Visiting family in Ouray led us to stop at True Grit Cafe for a quick lunch. They had great service, good food options - I had the turkey sandwich with potato salad. The atmosphere was also very cozy. A must for any John Wayne fan!
(5)
Miranda B.
True Grit is a good place to get a good, greasy burger. The portions are plentiful and it hits the spot when you're looking for just a hamburger for dinner. The staff was very friendly and were very accommodating to our desire to call in our order for pick up. They have an outdoor patio you can sit on and drink a cold brew while watching the sunset over the mountains. It's a great place to feel like a local and to get some good grub. No complaints here!
(4)
Douglas L.
A disgrace to John Wayne. It took over an hour for our food to arrive, which was not any good when it did. I went downstairs away from my table to speak with the manager, who told me, when they are busy things move slower. Wow. Then she came up to my table to tell me our ticket time wasn't an hour but only 45 minutes, with an attitude and in an attempt to embrass me infront of family and friends. Only eat here if the Subway across the street is close. PS: Found a hair in our food.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Ramsey A.
Worth the gorgeous ride and then some from Montrose, CO (35 min. S. on US 550). Actually visited by great John Wayne and co. during filming of "True Grit". Western casualness, great friendly service and steaks I just love to dig into. Cole slaw fresh, cold and delish. My lady was wanting a meatloaf dish and I found it on my "smart" phone at True Grit's on- line menu. Truly a hit with her!
(5)Richard G.
How can you go wrong with a place that's named after the Duke?! John Wayne is everywhere here and the food matches the decor! Country friend streak is what I always order and it takes me back home where the cooking is good! The staff is super friendly and helpful as well!
(5)Deanne J.
It was Sunday and six of us jeepers wanted a nice breakfast. True grit delivered! They didn't open until 9am, but worth the wait. Everyone really enjoyed the food. Huevos like you have never had before. Bisquits and gravy looked mighty tasty too! Mimosa ' s and Bloody Mary's topped it all off. Service was amazing! Next time we are 8n Colorado to jeep, we ate going to try dinner here.
(5)Tom M.
Good food, good atmosphere and a great bar. They have a really good breakfast too. Gave it 5 stars even though the service was slow but in defense of the wait staff they were swamped and still delivered with a smile. To Ramsey A. who said "Actually visited by great John Wayne and co. during filming of "True Grit". Well maybe the Duke's ghost? He died in 1979 and the True Grit Cafe opened in 1985. ;)
(5)Candace S.
It kills me to give a bad review to a place that used to be one of my favorites, but based on my last dining experience here, I have no choice. I have been coming to The True Grit for many, many years. The service is always good and the ambiance is great. My complaint is the food, which has gone downhill steadily over the years, but is now officially in the dreadful category. My husband and I both ordered the turkey sandwich. The "turkey" was cold pressed turkey, looking more like white bologna. It was not real turkey at all, but a cheap and tasteless substitute. The bread was not toasted and the bread itself looked like bargain bread purchased on the "day old" aisle. The fries used to be the best part of The True Grit, but the fries last week were soggy, undercooked and just plain bad. The sandwich was completely devoid of taste and was quite simply outrageously awful. I expect more from two horrific sandwiches which both cost $23. I want to stress again that the service remains excellent and the people have always been super. But the food has deteriorated to the point where I will never eat here again. I'll go in and have a couple beers because I love the place, but I wouldn't suffer through such a wretched meal again. And I almost forgot-- we both ordered avocado for the sandwiches, which was $2 extra. The sandwiches never came with the avocado, but they charged for it! I didn't notice this until after we had left the place.
(1)J L.
Don't come here expecting real John Wayne memorabilia. It's just a bunch of posters of John Wayne. Very much a let down. Although parts of the movie True Grit was shot in this town, not much to see. Go to the courthouse in Ouray for that. As far as the food, it was hit-or-miss for us. The wife had the salmon and it was superb. I had the French Dip and it just plain sucked. Service was spectacular!!
(3)Jarrett C.
Enjoyed our visit to True Grit. Just went in for coffee and desert and had a great time. Mud pie is awesome. Carol our waitress was so funny and very attentive. Overall love the atmosphere and hometown feel.
(4)H B.
Meals are hit or miss here. Most of the time they are delicious. Once in a while they are just OK. Always enjoyable.
(4)Miguel P.
Took over an hour and a half from the time we ordered until we got the food. The side of ocra was burnt and then the check showed I ordered a salad which they never fixed. The waitress was nice, but the kitchen was bad ... Real bad. Maybe it was an off night, but not recommended at all.
(1)Lyn R.
Usually a 4 star is pretty good, but not this time. Don't get me wrong, it was okay. But not one member of our party really liked the food. The queso app was like Velveeta. My son loves chicken fried steak and he couldn't even eat it. Ranch dressing was a little weird, more like a dill? They asked how we wanted our burgers done than they weren't even close. The soup of day was good, though - cream chicken. The mac n cheese was superb. Wish I could have rated it higher. They really need to watch Triple D. It should be a good place to eat. It should!
(2)Chuck S.
Had the best Chicken Fried Steak, Hash Browns, and Eggs ever! Great food, friendly atmosphere in a nice rustic setting. Love this place and the whole Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride area. Definitely deserves a repeat visit.
(5)Arthur S.
Very friendly staff but seem overwhelmed. Go here to see all the John Wayne memorabilia & have a drink but eat somewhere where the food is Truly Good. Nachos not worth it. If you like Bleu cheese dressings, don't order theirs. Ribs over cooked and smothered with BBQ sauce. Cobb salad is one I would expect from a high school cooking class. On a good note, the chicken fried chicken wad good and appropriately covered in gravy. Save your money.
(1)Kris D.
This place was so wonderful! Great atmosphere and very friendly staff. The homemade pumpkin fig and walnut bread pudding was to die for!!!
(4)Glenn C.
We stopped in as a recommendation from some friends, on our way through Colorado. We ordered the cheeseburger soup, creamy cole slaw, the chicken fried steak and the vegi chili/half sandwich combo. The meals were of average taste but were disappointingly long and drug out in being served. We waited approx 45 minutes. The wait staff was friendly and constantly moving. Interior atmosphere ooozed everything John Wayne and was completely western mountain themed. The interior seating area was a little noisy, as it is open and a little distracting. Overall, this was a neat little place to say weve been to but we remain skeptical on any return visits. Pro: John Wayne related Ample portions John Wayne related Waitresses always hustling Did I say John Wayne related? Negative: slow in preparing the meals Slow in seating new customers - need a busboy! Overall: it's John Wayne related
(3)Brendan A.
Been coming to the Grit for around 30 years. It has changed in many ways but remains a sincere shrine to John Wayne. The walls are thoroughly decorated with John Wayne posters and the atmosphere really tries to capture an Old West style atmosphere. The staff are friendly and have really tried to support the Gritty atmosphere. If you're from out of town, it's a well-known secret among us locals that the staff spend lots of time practicing scenes from that film. They have authentic costumes and toy guns and like to put on a show for people who ask - with a real live horse inside the Grit!!! Scotty the chef has that famous Wayne drawl down pat, and Donnis is good at it too. Dani does a pretty good Mattie Ross and Shonda likes to play "Lucky" Ned Pepper. If you ask them to put on a show in the middle of the Grit, they might be hesitant at first, but that is just because they are humble. Oh, I guess a restaurant review should mention the food. Pretty good!
(5)Carolyn B.
Visiting family in Ouray led us to stop at True Grit Cafe for a quick lunch. They had great service, good food options - I had the turkey sandwich with potato salad. The atmosphere was also very cozy. A must for any John Wayne fan!
(5)Miranda B.
True Grit is a good place to get a good, greasy burger. The portions are plentiful and it hits the spot when you're looking for just a hamburger for dinner. The staff was very friendly and were very accommodating to our desire to call in our order for pick up. They have an outdoor patio you can sit on and drink a cold brew while watching the sunset over the mountains. It's a great place to feel like a local and to get some good grub. No complaints here!
(4)Douglas L.
A disgrace to John Wayne. It took over an hour for our food to arrive, which was not any good when it did. I went downstairs away from my table to speak with the manager, who told me, when they are busy things move slower. Wow. Then she came up to my table to tell me our ticket time wasn't an hour but only 45 minutes, with an attitude and in an attempt to embrass me infront of family and friends. Only eat here if the Subway across the street is close. PS: Found a hair in our food.
(1)