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| Tanya Ishikawa | News

Visit True Grit Cafe – the November 2022 RACC Member of the Month

November is a great time to visit the True Grit Cafe as the Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes the iconic Ridgway restaurant and film history museum as Member of the Month. An ongoing effort to introduce Ridgway-area businesses and organizations, the chamber’s Member of the Month program aims to promote patronage of independent, local companies and nonprofits.

Who are the owners of the True Grit Cafe? 

The business owner since 1996 has been Tammee Tuttle. At the beginning of 2023, the current general manager, Stephanie Kissner, will be purchasing the business. Tammee will continue to do caterings and private cheffing under the True Grit Cafe name.

Will the restaurant stay the same under new ownership?

Nothing will change at the True Grit Cafe. We will still serve quality comfort food in a friendly atmosphere. The décor will stay the same. The local community support will stay the same.

What is new or upcoming at the True Grit Cafe?

We have a new winter menu we are working on. Locally sourced beef and elk are still very important to us. We are planning to start up Karaoke and/or Open Mic night after the first of the year. We are reworking our Happy Hour to include appetizer specials as well. 

What are the most popular True Grit memorabilia items with your customers?

The tasteful collection of John Wayne pictures and movie posters stands out the most. Folks love the list of all of the John Wayne films, and stand and read to see how many of those they have actually seen.

What menu items are your customers' favorites?

Chicken Fried Steak – the best in Colorado and many Texans say it beats those in Texas. 

Meatloaf – just like Grandma made if Grandma could cook well.

Chicken Fried Chicken – perfectly crisp and brings up memories of Sunday dinners.

Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce – customers are excited about the variety of flavors and how warm and filling it is with delicious Rum Sauce.

Why is winter and the holiday season a great time to dine and drink at True Grit Cafe?

We offer a warm, friendly environment with consistency in our meals. We have a great place to hang out with family and friends, enjoying one of our 12 drafts or our house-made margarita and Bloody Mary. We can accommodate and love to take care of large groups and parties. (We are open Thursday through Monday weekly this winter and spring, except for Thanksgiving day and Christmas day.)

What else do you recommend to customers visiting Ridgway November to March?

Definitely, a visit to the Railroad Museum and Ranch History Museum (call to make a reservation). Walking the river trail, cross country skiing on our designated trails, and enjoying the peacefulness of the beautiful wintry days.

What do you value from being a Ridgway Chamber member?

Bringing awareness via the visitor center, visitor's guide, and website to the many businesses available in our community so it is a destination stop for folks traveling this direction.

Visit the True Grit Café at 123 N. Lena Street, Ridgway. To learn more about the restaurant, go online to http://truegritcafe.com/ or call 970-626-5739, and to get information about catering, call 970-626-4343 ( For information about restaurants in Ridgway, go to https://ridgwaycolorado.com/businesses/dining.

For information about dining, bars and coffee shops in the Ridgway area, go to https://ridgwaycolorado.com/businesses/dining.

True Grit Cafe house-made margaritas
True Grit Cafe catering
True Grit Cafe catering
True Grit Cafe catfish
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