The Best Little Restaurant in Lake City, CO: Southern Vittles

Tucked away in the heart of Lake City, Colorado, where the rugged San Juan Mountains tower above a picturesque alpine town, you’ll find a restaurant that feels like a warm embrace from the South—Southern Vittles. This charming eatery has quietly earned a reputation as the best little restaurant in town, offering Southern hospitality with every dish and a nostalgic atmosphere that invites locals and travelers alike to slow down and savor.

Southern Vittles may be small in size, but its soul is mighty.

The restaurant sits in a cozy, rustic cabin-style building that echoes the town’s rich mining history. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with the smell of fried catfish, sizzling burgers, and the buttery sweetness of cornbread fresh out of the oven. It’s an inviting space where the wood-paneled walls and checkered tablecloths transport you straight to a Southern grandma’s kitchen.

The menu at Southern Vittles is a delicious celebration of comfort food done right. Their fried chicken is the stuff of legend—crispy, golden, and seasoned with a secret house blend that’s been perfected over the years. Pair it with their creamy mashed potatoes and gravy or their slow-cooked green beans, and you’ll see why regulars keep coming back. The portions are generous, the ingredients fresh, and everything is made with care.

One of the standout items is their chicken fried steak, served with thick white gravy and a side of seasoned fries or sweet potato mash. The crust has just the right crunch, and the meat is tender and juicy. For those seeking a lighter option, their grilled chicken salad—served with housemade honey mustard—is equally flavorful and filling without being heavy. But let’s be honest—at Southern Vittles, indulgence is part of the charm.

Of course, no Southern meal would be complete without dessert, and this little restaurant knows how to end a meal on a high note. Their homemade peach cobbler, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, is heavenly. The crust is flaky and golden, the peaches perfectly spiced. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes with the first bite and silently thank whoever decided fruit and butter belonged together.

Beyond the food, it’s the atmosphere and service that make Southern Vittles a standout. The staff treats you like family—warm, chatty, and genuinely happy to see you. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning customer, they remember your name and ask about your day. It’s this personal touch that turns a simple meal into an experience worth remembering.

Southern Vittles also embodies the laid-back spirit of Lake City itself. During the summer months, their outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy a meal under blue skies, with views of the surrounding mountains. Hikers, bikers, and RV travelers all find a home here, sharing stories over sweet tea and pulled pork sandwiches.

In a town filled with natural beauty and small-town charm, Southern Vittles stands out as a culinary gem. It’s the kind of place that locals cherish and visitors talk about long after they’ve left. Every plate tells a story of Southern roots blended with Rocky Mountain hospitality, and it’s that balance that keeps the dining room buzzing year after year.

So if you ever find yourself in Lake City, Colorado, take a detour off the hiking trails and into Southern Vittles. You won’t find any pretense here—just great food, welcoming people, and a taste of the South that feels right at home in the Colorado high country.

200 Silver St, Lake City, CO 81235

(970) 944-2010

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