Vallecito Lake Country Market — Restaurant in Durango

Lake County Market is one of a few restaurants in Lake Vallecito. Luckily it's quite good, though because there are very few restaurants it can get extremely busy, especially first thing in the morning. I went there two mornings in a row with a friend of mine, and had pretty good food both days.

It's a combination market and restaurant. When you walk in, you're in the main dining area and you order at the counter. They give you a number and you go sit down, either inside the dining area or in one of a few tables outside. The outside area is very pretty if the weather is nice, which is most of the time. The dining area is pretty cramped, but good for some interesting people watching. Because there aren't very many places, all sorts of characters come into this place!

Both days we were there, the service was kind of slow. There's weren't that many people working, and a lot of people waiting for food. The first day I had biscuits and gravy, which was so-so. The biscuits were rather tough, but the eggs and gravy were tasty. The second day I had a smothered breakfast burrito, and that was fantastic. I really like their red chili sauce, it was more of a sauce than in pure red chili. Very delicious, and the inside of the burrito was good as well, chorizo and eggs and other goodies.

Coffee is self-serve, and there's lots of interesting mugs from the area, which is kind of a fun experience to choose from. I tried several of the blends and they were all pretty good.

There's also a large market in the front, and you walk through that if you sit in the outside area. If you need some Staples for your cabin or camper, this is a great place to go. We bought some ice for our cabin, and the prices weren't horrible. It's definitely more expensive than the city, but they don't gouge you badly.

Anyway, this is a good spot for breakfast if you aren't in a hurry and don't mind trying out a few things before you find...

Writing as someone who ain’t a local. We’re camping nearby and really wanted to give this local joint the benefit of the doubt. Great reviews, local, what could go wrong. I got the biscuits and gravy my husband got the veggie burrito. It may say “homemade” but unfortunately I think that just means they bought the cheapest products and cooked it at home. The gravy, was terrible. Cheap and bland. The biscuits tasted like an off brand canned version and the sausage like a Jimmy dean product. I can’t believe how tasteless the gravy was. Everything there also just has a thin layer or filth. seemed like it all just need a real good wipe down.

I’m all for lil’ country restaurants like this but when the napkins come wrapped with old tickets used to prepare orders. I’m put a little out of my comfort zone. And trust me. I grew up in a small town of 300 and just felt like this place was musty and dusty.

To be fair, I did have a Chocolate chip pancake and that was pretty decent. Although, I’ve never had a restaurant serve me melted margarine in a cup instead of a scoop of butter. It was definitely an odd choice.

We will unfortunately not eat here again but if you’re looking to challenge your tastebuds (and your stomach) maybe try it out. However, if you’re near and are looking for an actual good meal, the country market is...

My husband and I are from Aztec New Mexico. We went to Bayfield to pick up a chair from a sweet couple from FB marketplace. They had recommended this place to eat. Vallecito lake was frozen with ice fishers fishing. Just a beautiful drive. We arrived at the Market not a very organized parking area, but it was 2pm so not a problem at that time. Everyone knows each other. A lil girl was selling her girl scout cookies in side. We seat our selves and when your ready you have to order at the counter in the back. Self serve drinks and coffee. The menu it quite large so a lot to choose from. My husband ordered a hot ham and cheese with fries and for my self chili cheese fries (with their homemade chili). Both very good. It didn't take long for our food to be ready either. If you are in the area I recommend you tograb you...