Foodies, there’s something going on in West Virginia you need to know about. Our eclectic, eccentric chefs are whipping up far out foodie-licious creations faster than you can say, “Country Roads, take me home… to eat.”
Here’s where to uncover the most unique, tasty dishes:
1. Black Sheep Burritos & Brews, Huntington & Charleston
Black Sheep does burritos and tacos like no one else. Their eclectic Asian/South-of-the-Border style is fun and tasty, with creative dishes like the Smoked Native Trout Taco with bourbon bacon marmalade, ancho yogurt sauce and shaved red cabbage, or the spicy Kung-Pao Chicken Burrito with honey-nut breaded chicken, house-made Kung-Pao sauce, daikon-carrot relish, roasted cashews & spring mix. Featuring house-made pickles, sauces and West Virginia craft brews to wash it all down.
2. Christopher’s Eats, Barboursville
Featuring a coal-fired 900-degree oven, Christopher’s Eats makes roasted chicken, wings and flat breads unlike anywhere else. Using all housemade sauces for the wings and flatbreads, the food is tasty, savory and undeniably West Virginian.
3. Helvetia Hutte, Helvetia
European comfort food is served in an Alpine-like setting at the Hutte. This scratch kitchen serves unique foods for sure: everything from the bread to the goat cheese and all dressings and desserts are house-made. Even the iced tea is one-of-a-kind, made with fresh Helvetia spring water.
4. Gumbo’s, Fayetteville
The Creole and Cajun-inspired menu at Gumbo’s gives this cozy restaurant a Big Easy vibe. Featuring Cajun classics such as cottage pie, shrimp etoufee, gumbo, crab cakes and po’boys, you can enjoy a spicy feast.
5. Secret Sandwich Society, Fayetteville
Too late to keep this Society Secret! SSS makes sandwiches, burgers and fries delicious— and exciting. The sandwiches are named after presidents, and you will have a tasty tour through history with specialties like the Truman with turkey, peach jam, blue cheese spread, and crispy onions, or the McKinley, which has spiced homemade meatloaf, chipotle-bacon jam, 1,000 island dressing and crispy onions. Make sure to save room for the house-made Key Lime Pie.
6. The Pizza Station, St. Mary’s
For pizzas, subs and sandwiches featuring traditional and eclectic flavors, The Pizza Station has a diverse menu. The Cordon Bleu pie has honey mustard sauce, grilled chicken and ham, mozzarella and provolone cheeses, red onions and parmesan on hand-tossed dough. For a spicier south-of-the-border flavor, try the vegetarian Mexican pizza featuring a spicy sauce, house 3-cheese blend, lettuce, tomatoes and black olives.
7. The Press Room, Shepherdstown
Housed in an old dry goods store, this historic restaurant creates a tasty and imaginative menu. Featuring hearth-stone oven-baked breads, house-made cheeses, sauces and desserts, The Press Room is a foodie’s dream come true. Specialties from the seasonal menu include the Beet Salad or Pomegranate-Molasses Grilled Lamb, while desserts have an Italian flair, with treats like Cannoli, Chocolate Amaretti Torte and Zabaglione.
8. Spats, Parkersburg
Spats at the Blennerhassett Hotel features a lounge or a patio for your fine dining experience, depending on what appeals to you. Shared plates include Duck Confit Naan Pizza, Baked Lobster Mac and Cheese and Pan-Seared Portabello wrapped in phyllo, complemented by innovative desserts like the green tea Matcha Genoise Cake.
9. DaVinci’s, Williamstown
Featuring amazing pasta, salads, sandwiches and pizza, DaVincis is sure to wow— especially with their signature German Pizza. A true original, the German pizza has tender corned beef, cheese, sauerkraut and horseradish sauce.
10. Bamboo Garden, Sissonville
The Bamboo Garden has an extensive menu offering excellent Asian food and flavors. Chef’s favorites include the Sizzling Rice Soup, Green Onion pancake, Egg Flower Tomato Soup, Hand-Shaven Noodle Dishes, Stir Fry and Seafood.
11. 88 Restaurant and Lounge, Buckhannon
Known for their rustic, home-cooked cuisine, 88 serves up some interesting plates alongside homestyle country classics (sometimes with their own spin). For something unique, try their Shrimp Asian Wrap with seaweed salad and spicy sesame mayo. Or the Stinky Fries— which taste way better than they sound!
So, foodies: what’s your favorite crafty West Virginia dish?