The Classic New Mexico Café Still Serving An All-You-Can-Eat Lineup Straight From The Past
Tucked away on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, Vick’s Vittles Country Kitchen has been dishing out hearty, home-style meals that make you feel like you’ve stepped into your grandmother’s dining room.
This beloved spot offers an all-you-can-eat buffet that’s packed with classic comfort foods, from crispy fried chicken to fluffy biscuits that practically melt in your mouth.
For anyone craving a nostalgic dining experience that won’t break the bank, this place delivers generous portions and warm hospitality that keep locals coming back week after week.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Vick’s Vittles promises a taste of the past served with a smile.
The All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Experience
Walking up to that buffet line feels like Christmas morning for anyone who loves traditional home cooking.
Vick’s Vittles has mastered the art of the all-you-can-eat experience, offering a rotating selection of comfort foods that change daily but always hit the spot.
The setup is straightforward and inviting, with steaming trays of everything from savory meats to fresh vegetables laid out cafeteria-style.
You grab a plate and start piling on whatever catches your eye, knowing you can always go back for seconds, thirds, or even fourths.
The best part is the freedom to sample a little bit of everything without committing to just one dish.
I remember my first visit when I loaded up my plate with chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans, only to realize I’d left no room for the mac and cheese.
Lesson learned: always scope out the entire buffet before filling your plate.
The value here is unbeatable, especially for big eaters or families looking to stretch their dollars.
Golden Fried Chicken That Brings Back Memories
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, the fried chicken at Vick’s Vittles is the kind that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.
The coating has that perfect crunch that shatters when you bite into it, revealing tender, flavorful meat that’s been seasoned just right.
This is not the greasy, heavy fried chicken you might find at a fast-food joint.
Instead, it’s the real deal, cooked with care and attention to detail.
The chicken stays hot and fresh throughout the lunch service, so you’re always getting a quality piece whether you arrive early or closer to closing time.
Many regulars consider this the star of the buffet, and it’s easy to see why once you taste it.
The recipe feels timeless, like something passed down through generations of Southern cooks.
Pair it with some mashed potatoes and gravy, and you’ve got yourself a meal that tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.
Mashed Potatoes And Gravy Done Right
Smooth, creamy, and generously topped with rich brown gravy, the mashed potatoes here are exactly what comfort food should be.
These are not the instant kind from a box.
You can tell right away that real potatoes went into making this dish, with just the right amount of butter and cream to make them velvety without being too heavy.
The gravy is equally impressive, with a savory depth that complements the potatoes perfectly.
It’s the kind of side dish that could easily become the main event on your plate.
Some folks even use the mashed potatoes as a base for piling on other buffet items, creating their own unique combinations.
The consistency is always spot-on, never watery or gluey, which shows the kitchen knows what they’re doing.
This is the ultimate comfort side dish that pairs well with just about everything else on the buffet line.
Fresh Baked Rolls That Disappear Fast
Soft, warm, and slightly sweet, the homemade rolls at Vick’s Vittles are dangerous in the best possible way.
You tell yourself you’ll only have one, but before you know it, you’ve eaten three and you’re eyeing a fourth.
These rolls have that perfect pillowy texture that practically melts in your mouth, especially when you slather them with butter while they’re still warm.
The kitchen bakes them fresh throughout the service, so there’s almost always a hot batch coming out.
The smell alone is enough to make your stomach growl even if you just ate.
Many diners grab a couple of rolls right away, knowing they might not last long on the buffet.
They’re simple but executed flawlessly, which is often the mark of a kitchen that cares about the details.
Pro tip: save a little room for dessert, because these rolls are filling despite their innocent appearance.
Green Beans Cooked The Old-Fashioned Way
Forget those crisp, barely cooked green beans you find at fancy restaurants.
Vick’s Vittles serves them the traditional Southern way, slow-cooked until tender with just a hint of bacon or ham for flavor.
These beans have been simmering long enough to develop a rich, savory taste that makes eating your vegetables feel like a treat rather than a chore.
The texture is soft but not mushy, and they soak up the seasoning beautifully.
This is how green beans were meant to be enjoyed, at least according to generations of home cooks who knew a thing or two about making vegetables taste good.
They provide a nice balance to some of the heavier items on the buffet, offering a lighter option that still packs plenty of flavor.
Even kids who normally turn their noses up at vegetables might find themselves reaching for seconds.
The cooking method may be old-school, but the results speak for themselves.
Mac And Cheese That Sticks To Your Ribs
Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheese, this is not the neon-orange stuff from a box.
The mac and cheese at Vick’s Vittles is the real deal, with a velvety cheese sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
The top gets slightly crispy from baking, adding a nice textural contrast to the creamy interior.
This is serious comfort food that fills you up fast, so pace yourself if you’re planning to try multiple dishes.
The cheese blend creates a flavor that’s both sharp and mild, satisfying without being overwhelming.
Kids absolutely love this dish, but so do plenty of adults who appreciate a well-made mac and cheese.
It’s the kind of side that could easily be a main course if you wanted it to be.
On my third visit, I made the mistake of loading up on mac and cheese first, leaving little room for anything else. Worth it, though.
The portion sizes are generous, so a single scoop goes a long way.
Country-Style Breakfast Options
Starting your day at Vick’s Vittles means waking up to a breakfast buffet that covers all the classics.
Fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, savory sausage links, and those famous biscuits all make appearances on the morning spread.
The breakfast service runs from early morning until early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to sleep in and still catch a hot meal.
Everything tastes fresh and homemade, not like it came from a freezer bag.
The eggs are cooked just right, neither rubbery nor runny, and the bacon has that perfect balance of crispy and chewy.
For folks who work early shifts or just love a good breakfast, this place has become a morning ritual.
The atmosphere is casual and friendly, with regulars chatting over coffee and plates piled high with food.
It’s the kind of breakfast that fuels you through a long day without weighing you down too much.
Sweet Desserts To Finish Your Meal
Just when you think you couldn’t possibly eat another bite, the dessert section calls your name.
Vick’s Vittles offers a rotating selection of sweet treats that change based on what the kitchen feels like making that day.
You might find fruit cobblers, puddings, cookies, or slices of homemade cake waiting to cap off your meal.
These desserts have that homemade quality that you just can’t fake, with flavors that remind you of church potlucks and family gatherings.
The portions are reasonable, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without sending you into a food coma.
Most diners save a little corner of their stomach specifically for dessert, knowing that skipping it would be a mistake.
The variety keeps things interesting, so repeat visitors always have something new to try.
Even if you’re completely full from the main courses, somehow there’s always room for a little something sweet at the end.
The Friendly, No-Frills Atmosphere
Vick’s Vittles does not try to be fancy, and that’s exactly why people love it.
The decor is simple and functional, focusing on comfort rather than Instagram-worthy aesthetics.
You’ll find straightforward tables and chairs, nothing pretentious, just a clean and welcoming space where you can relax and enjoy your meal.
The staff treats everyone like family, greeting regulars by name and making newcomers feel right at home.
There’s no dress code, no attitude, just good food and genuine hospitality.
Families with kids fit right in, as do solo diners looking for a quick, satisfying meal.
The noise level is moderate, with the pleasant hum of conversation and clinking silverware creating a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere.
This is the kind of place where you can show up in your work clothes or your weekend casual and feel perfectly comfortable.
The focus stays squarely on the food and the experience, not on impressing anyone.
Unbeatable Value For Your Money
In a world where restaurant prices seem to climb higher every month, Vick’s Vittles remains refreshingly affordable.
The all-you-can-eat format means you’re getting incredible value, especially if you arrive hungry and ready to sample multiple dishes.
The single price covers everything on the buffet, including dessert, so there are no surprise charges or hidden fees.
For families trying to feed multiple people without spending a fortune, this place is a lifesaver.
The quality of the food far exceeds what you’d expect at this price point, making it feel like you’re getting away with something.
Regulars know that eating here once or twice a week is budget-friendly compared to cooking at home when you factor in grocery costs and prep time.
The generous portions and unlimited refills mean you’ll leave completely satisfied without any regrets about the money spent.
This is honest, straightforward value that respects your wallet while filling your stomach.