Best Burger
FARMER’S DAUGHTER
Two-Time Winner
At first glance, this dry-aged beef burger looks unassuming with its patty, melted American cheese, crunchy lettuce, and pickled red onion all packed between a bun. But one bite, and the difference that the ultra-fresh ingredients make is clear—and for good reason. Farmer’s Daughter is a whole animal butchery—winning Best Butcher this year too—in addition to a shop that serves locally and sustainably sourced meats, produce, dairy, and dry goods. Just don’t forget to add the House Burger to your grocery list. 2908 Northwestern Pike, Capon Bridge, 304.856.2550, farmersdaughterwv.com, @farmersdaughterwv on Facebook
RUNNERS-UP
SECRET SANDWICH SOCIETY
103 Keller Avenue, Fayetteville, 304.574.4777, secretsandwichsociety.com, @secretsandwichwv on Facebook
TAILPIPES
417 High Street, Morgantown, 304.225.2535, tailpipesburgers.com
Italian Restaurant
MURIALE’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
Seven-Time Winner
An evening at Muriale’s provides all the comfort of an Italian grandmother’s dining room with the delicious aromas and tastes to match. The menu features entrees like manicotti and gnocchi, but you also can’t go wrong with a plate of spaghetti and meatballs smothered in the signature red sauce. A fantastic wine list makes dinner complete. Mangiamo! 1742 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont, 304.363.3190, murialesrestaurant.com, @muriales on Facebook
RUNNERS-UP
OLIVERIO’S RISTORANTE
507 East Main Street, Bridgeport, 304.842.7388, oliveriosristorante.com, @oliverios on Facebook
FAZIO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
1008 Bullitt Street, Charleston, 304.344.3071, faziosrestaurante.com, “Fazios” on Facebook
BBQ Joint
TRAIL 12 BBQ
For more than three years, this barbecue joint has been filling the stomachs of hungry campers and hikers alike at the Twin Hollow Campground and Cabins. Sandwiches come piled high with hickory smoked pulled pork or mesquite smoked chicken. The restaurant’s “we stole the pig” motto certainly proves true since its tender ribs, juicy burgers, and even thick-cut bologna come slow smoked and seasoned with a super-secret, homemade dry rub. 703 Twin Hollow Branch Road, Gilbert, 304.664.5050, @trail12bbq on Facebook
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SMOKE ON THE WATER
1455 Allegheny Highway, Elkins, 304.636.9669, smokewaterbbq.com, @smokewaterbbq on Facebook
DEM 2 BROTHERS & A GRILL
423 Virginia Street West, Charleston, 304.400.4977, dem2brosgrill.com, @dem2brothers on Facebook
Appalachian Cuisine
FISH HAWK ACRES MARKET
This homegrown business dishes up madeto-order breakfasts, daily lunch and dinner specials, and decadent desserts in downtown Buckhannon. The menu is filled with hearty Appalachian favorites, including made-fromscratch biscuits with country sausage gravy and a ramp burger topped with crispy bacon and caramelized onions. Whether soup, stew, or sandwich, everything tastes like a 5-star meal but keeps the frills to a minimum—just how Appalachian cuisine is meant to be. 5 West Main Street, Buckhannon, 304.473.7741, fishhawkacreswv.com, @fishhawkacreswv on Facebook
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HILL & HOLLOW
709 Beechurst Avenue, Suite 10, Morgantown, 304.241.4551, hillandhollowwv.com, @hillandhollowwv on Facebook
WHISTLE PUNK GRILL AND TAPHOUSE
35 East Main Street, Richwood, 304.846.2020, whistlepunkwv.com, @whistle.punk.richwood on Facebook
Hot Dog
HILLBILLY HOT DOGS
Just call them top dog. Hillbilly Hot Dogs hits a home run once again. These aren’t your typical ballpark franks smashed between a bun and coated in ketchup. The Cabell County joint serves weenies topped with anything from habanero sauce to coleslaw and country ham to pineapple. Bite into the deep-fried Mothman Dog with 1,000 Island dressing and onion rings. Or, if you dare, order the Homewrecker: a 15-inch, one-pound weenie topped with, well, almost everything. 6951 Ohio River Road, Lesage, 304.762.2458, hillbillyhotdogs.com, @hillbillyhotdogs on Facebook
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YANN’S HOT DOG STAND
300 Washington Street, Fairmont, 304.366.8660, “Yann’s Hot Dog Stand” on Facebook
MORRISON’S DRIVE-INN
126 Stollings Avenue, Logan, 304.752.9872, “Morrison’s Drive Inn Official Site” on Facebook
Brunch
IRON HORSE
Two-Time Winner
A Morgantown favorite, Iron Horse now has two locations and double the reasons to love brunch. Buckwheat donut holes with vanilla-kahlua creme and Capt’n Crunch French Toast Sticks dunked in bourbon-maple syrup make for one sweet Sunday morning. Fill up with any of the omelets that come stuffed with roasted veggies, melted cheese, or spicy andouille sausage. Wash it all down with a Bloody Mary with a bacon swizzle or a liter of mimosa to share. 140 High Street, Morgantown, 304.296.6230; 525 Granville Square, Granville, 304.451.1330; ironhorsetvrn.com, @ironhorsetvrn on Facebook
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THE FRENCH GOAT
290 Lafayette Street, Lewisburg, 304.647.1052, thefrenchgoat.com, @thefrenchgoat on Facebook
BLACK SHEEP BURRITOS AND BREWS
702 Quarrier Street, Charleston, 304.343.2739; 279 9th Street, Huntington, 304.523.1555; blacksheepwv.com, @blacksheepwv and @blacksheepcharleston on Facebook
Fine Dining
CAFE CIMINO COUNTRY INN
Seven-Time Winner
This Sutton treasure tops the fine dining category for the seventh time this year. Opened in 1999, Cafe Cimino started as a storefront where the Urbanics tested out Italian family recipes. Now, it’s nestled within a cozy inn by the banks of the Elk River. The white tablecloth dinners continue to be a favorite for high-scale eats in a comfortable atmosphere. 616 Main Street, Sutton, 304.765.2913, cafeciminocountryinn.com, @cafeciminocountryinn on Facebook
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THE FRENCH GOAT
290 Lafayette Street, Lewisburg, 304.647.1052, thefrenchgoat.com, @thefrenchgoat on Facebook
SARGASSO
215 Don Knotts Boulevard, Morgantown, 304.554.0100, sargassomorgantown.com, @sargassomorgantown on Facebook
Ice Cream
ELLEN’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
Seven-Time Winner
This Charleston hangout scoops up the rest of the competition for a seventh time. Go classic with a vanilla or chocolate cone, or get nutty with butter pecan or mocha almond. Ellen’s always has a robust menu of all-natural ice creams, gelatos, and sorbets. 225 Capitol Street, Charleston, 304.343.6488, ellensicecream.com, @ellenshomemadeicecream on Facebook
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DAIRY CREME CORNER
187 Homewood Avenue, Fairmont, 304.366.6809, “Dairy Creme Corner” on Facebook
AUSTIN’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
1103 C Street, Kenova, 304.453.2071, @austinsicecream on Facebook
Maple Syrup
MOONSTRUCK MAPLE
Pancakes, waffles, eggs, even spaghetti à la Buddy the Elf—whatever you pour syrup on, we won’t judge. Just make sure you get the good stuff. MoonStruck Maple is an upand-coming gem tucked in the mountains of Summers County. The Segars family taps local trees and churns out sweet flavors like bourbon barrel–aged and coffee-infused. You can find them at local markets and festivals across the state. 2470 Brooks Mountain Road, Brooks, 703.624.5757, @moonstruckwv on Facebook
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DANIEL’S MAPLE SYRUP
1747 Morris Branch Road, Dawson, 304.252.7770, danielsmaple.com, “Daniels Maple Syrup” on Facebook
FROSTMORE FARM
14141 Frost Road, Dunmore, 304.456.4331, @frostmorefarm on Facebook
Donut
THE DONUT SHOP
Two-Time Winner
Whether chocolate glazed or coated in rainbow sprinkles, filled with sweet cream or left pillowy plain, nothing beats a donut. The Donut Shop has offered fresh daily confections for four decades with flavors like peanut butter, strawberry shortcake, maple, and vanilla. This Buckhannon favorite upholds for a second year in a row its title as the readers-voted Best Donut, but perhaps the best way to judge for yourself is to pick up a dozen. 51 North Locust Street, Buckhannon, 304.472.9328, @thedonutshopbuckhannon on Facebook
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JOLLY PIRATE DONUTS
4526 East US Highway 60, Huntington, 304.736.6885, @jollypiratewv on Facebook
JR’s DONUT CASTLE
3318 Emerson Avenue, Parkersburg, 304.428.9097, jrsdonutcastle.com, @jrsdonutcastle on Facebook
Butcher Shop
FARMER’S DAUGHTER MARKET & BUTCHER
Two-Time Winner
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Pete and Kate Pacelli, this little Capon Bridge store and butcher shop is taking home two big titles this year—Best Butcher and Best Burger. Tuesday through Sunday, the shop slices and dices up local, pasture-raised meats. Fill a cart with tasty ground sausages, cured bacon, and freshly cut steaks to bring this farm-fresh flavor to your dinner table. 2908 Northwestern Pike, Capon Bridge, 304.856.2550, farmersdaughterwv.com, @farmersdaughterwv on Facebook
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SWIFT LEVEL FINE MEATS
836 Maplewood Avenue, Lewisburg, 304.645.1020, swiftlevelfinemeats.com, @swiftlevelfinemeats on Facebook
WORKING H MEATS AND MARKET
200 Fort Pierpont Road, Morgantown, 304.241.1222, workinghmeats.com
Farm-To-Table
STARDUST CAFE
Dining at the Stardust Cafe is heavenly. Sandwiches, salads, soups, and seafood are all dished up with stellar service. The quality ingredients that go into these simply elegant meals are sustainably and locally sourced whenever possible, all leading to some of the best farm-to-table eating in the state. 1023 Washington Street East, Lewisburg, 304.647.3663, stardustcafewv.com, @stardustcafewv on Facebook
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WHISTLE PUNK GRILL AND TAPHOUSE
35 East Main Street, Richwood, 304.846.2020, whistlepunkwv.com, @whistle.punk.richwood on Facebook
TIN 202
202 High Street, Morgantown, 304.212.5863, tin202.com, @tin202wv on Facebook
Pizza
PIES & PINTS
Seven-Time Winner
Originally founded as a hip pizza joint in Fayetteville, Pints & Pints now boasts 15 locations across six states that all serve a wide selection of craft beers and specialty pies. Unique options include Thai with shrimp and toasted coconut or Cuban Pork with slow-roasted pulled pork and caramelized onions. One of our favorites is the Grape & Gorgonzola, which features sliced red grapes, salty gorgonzola cheese, and fresh rosemary. But no matter whether you go classic or creative, you can be sure it will be one good pizza. 219 West Maple Avenue, Fayetteville, 304.574.2200, piesandpints.net, @piesandpints on Facebook
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PIZZAS & CREAM
133 Nebo Walker Road, Nebo, 304.286.2985, pizzasandcream.com, “Pizzas & Cream” on Facebook
PIZZA AL’S
Morgantown: 2952 University Avenue, Morgantown, 304.599.4040; 1407 Earl Core Road, 304.225.2222; University Town Centre, 304.599.9555; pizzaals.com
Sandwich
SECRET SANDWICH SOCIETY
Three-Time Winner
It’s no secret that sandwich-aficionados love this Fayetteville eatery. History buffs will appreciate it, too, since the toasted sandwiches feature former presidents’ names. The Roosevelt is a baguette loaded with pastrami, bacon, and horseradish mayo. The Kennedy tosses slow-roasted pork shoulder, ham, and pickles on a buttery brioche bun. The Lincoln? That appropriately gives you the freedom to choose your own spread. 103 Keller Avenue, Fayetteville, 304.574.4777, secretsandwichsociety.com, @secretsandwichwv on Facebook
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FARMER’S DAUGHTER
2908 Northwestern Pike, Capon Bridge, 304.856.2550, farmersdaughterwv.com, @farmersdaughterwv on Facebook
THE MARKET ON COURTHOUSE SQUARE
200 Ballengee Street, Hinton, 304.466.6626, themarketwv.com, @themarketwv on Facebook
Chef
OSCAR AGUILAR, Cafe Cimino Country Inn
Two-Time Winner
The original Cafe Cimino kitchen, opened by Melody and Tim Urbanic two decades ago, may have added a charming bed & breakfast over the years, but the cuisine has continued to shine in its own right. Chef Oscar Aguilar transforms local, farmraised ingredients into flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dinners. From decadent pastas to savory seafood, every meal is a memorable one. 616 Main Street, Sutton, 304.765.2913, cafeciminocountryinn.com, @cafeciminocountryinn on Facebook
RUNNERS-UP
KARIE ELLIS, Trail 12 BBQ
703 Twin Hollow Branch Road, Gilbert, 304.664.5050, @trail12bbq on Facebook
STEPHAN GUSTARD, The French Goat
290 Lafayette Street, Lewisburg, 304.647.1052, thefrenchgoat.com, @thefrenchgoat on Facebook
Pepperoni Roll
COUNTRY CLUB BAKERY
The pepperoni roll is a revered West Virginia fare with humble beginnings harkening back to when coal miners took the one-hand meals down into the mines. In the 1920s, Italian immigrant and coal minor Giuseppe Argiro decided to make his own. His soft Italian bread and spicy pepperoni were such a hit, he left the mines to open Country Club Bakery in 1927. We’ve been feasting on his pepperoni rolls by the handful ever since. 1211 Country Club Road, Fairmont, 304.363.5690, countryclubbakery.net, @countryclubbakery on Facebook
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THE DONUT SHOP
51 North Locust Street, Buckhannon, 304.472.9328,
@thedonutshopbuckhannon on Facebook
A STEP IN TIME BAKE SHOP
432 West 2nd Avenue, Ranson, 877.949.7655,
wvpepperonirolls.com, @astepintimebakeshop on
Facebook
Drive-In
JIM’S DRIVE-IN
This retro drive-in has brought lunch curbside since the 1950s. So relax in your car, wait for one of the friendly folks to greet you, and order from a menu filled with traditional American fare: burgers, hotdogs, barbecue, chili, fried green tomatoes, onion rings, and French fries. Don’t forget to polish it all off with a milkshake or softserve cone. 479 West Washington Street, Lewisburg, 304.645.2590, @jimsdrivein on Facebook
RUNNERS-UP
KING TUT DRIVE-IN
301 North Eisenhower Drive, Beckley, 304.252.6353, kingtutdrivein.com, “King Tut Drive-In” on Facebook
FROSTOP DRIVE-IN
1449 Hal Greer Boulevard, Huntington, 304.523.6851, frostopdriveinn.mapforfood.com, “Frostop Drive-In” on Facebook
Brewery
SCREECH OWL BREWING
Our readers did not make this category an easy one. Voting results were almost too close to call, but ultimately this Preston County small batch brewery took the title. Try the full-bodied Bold Blonde Ale, the German-style Threshing Floor Wheat beer with notes of orange and coriander seed, or the rich Buckwheat Honey Porter. If you visit, sip on a pint with a burger at The Spent Grain Cafe, which is located on the same property. 2323 Ralph Livengood Road, Bruceton Mills, 304.379.4777, screechowlbrewing.com, “Screech Owl Brewing” on Facebook
RUNNERS-UP
GREENBRIER VALLEY BREWING COMPANY
862 Industrial Park Road, Suite A, Maxwelton, 304.520.4669, gvbc.beer,
@greenbriervalleybrewingcompany on Facebook
BIG TIMBER BREWING COMPANY
1210 South Davis Avenue, Elkins, 304.637.5008, bigtimberbrewing.com,
@bigtimberbrewing on Facebook
Coffee House
THE WILD BEAN
The freshly brewed coffee at The Wild Bean is as warm as its friendly atmosphere. Since 2006, this hip community hangout has poured cappuccinos, espressos, and lattes alongside its baked goods and breakfast sandwiches. Hunker down in one of the cozy seats with your caffeinated beverage of choice, and check out the occasional live music for even more good vibes. 119 East Washington Street, Lewisburg, 304.645.3738, thewildbrew.com, @wildbean on Facebook
RUNNERS-UP
TIPTOP
216 East Avenue, Thomas, 304.463.4455, @tiptopthomas on Facebook
THE RIVER HOUSE
24 Rickie Davy Lane, Capon Bridge, 304.856.2440, theriverhousewv.org, @theriverhousewv on Facebook
Distillery
SMOOTH AMBLER SPIRITS
Three-Time Winner
TAG Galyean and John Little started making artisan spirits with Appalachian craftsmanship in 2009. Since then, Smooth Ambler has earned worldwide recognition for its bourbon. The whiskeys come from fine grains, clean natural water, and time-trusted barrels for a smooth sip every time. You can find bottles on shelves across the country or visit their tasting room in Greenbrier County. 745 Industrial Park Road, Maxwelton, 304.497.3123, smoothambler.com, @smoothambler on Facebook
RUNNERS-UP
HATFIELD & McCOY MOONSHINE
297 James Avenue, Gilbert, 304.664.2821, drinkofthedevilmoonshine.com, @hatfieldmccoymoonshine on Facebook
STILL HOLLOW SPIRITS
128 Stink Run Road, Harman, 304.227.4692, stillhollowspirits.com,
@stillhollowspirits on Facebook
Cidery
HAWK KNOB APPALACHIAN HARD CIDER AND MEAD
Seven-Time Winner
Josh Bennett and Will Lewis brought authentic, old-school cider to the Greenbrier Valley. West Virginia–grown apples give the traditional ciders a crisp finish, and regionally produced wildflower honey makes three beautiful mead flavors. Look for Hawk Knob at your favorite wine store and watering hole, or swing by the Lewisburg tasting room to make it a whole afternoon experience. 2245 Blue Sulphur Pike, Lewisburg, 304.651.4413, hawkknob.com, @hawkknob on Facebook
RUNNER-UP
SWILLED DOG HARD CIDER
639 Elm Street, Franklin, 304.358.0604, swilleddog.com, @swilleddog on Facebook
Winery
Chesnut Ridge Winery
Escape to the flavors of Italy without leaving West Virginia. Spend an afternoon relaxing and unwinding with a glass of wine that’s red or white, semi-sweet or dry at the Chestnut Ridge Winery. There are also fruity flavors like apple, black cherry, peach, and pomegranate—all served on the winery’s deck overlooking the woods. Guests can also snack on complimentary cheese, crackers, and fruit. 15 Chestnut Ridge, Spencer, 304.377.5721, chestnutridgewinery.com, @chestnutridgewinery on Facebook
RUNNERS-UP
KIRKWOOD WINERY
45 Winery Lane, Summersville, 888.498.9463, kirkwood-wine.com, @kirkwoodwinerywv on Facebook
FORKS OF CHEAT WINERY
2811 Stewartstown Road, Morgantown, 304.598.2019, wvwines.com, @forksofcheatwinery on Facebook
BAKERY
SPRING HILL PASTRY SHOP
Five-Time Winner
This family-owned bakery has been making mouths water for more than 70
years—and regularly winning the votes of WV Living readers. Satisfy any sweet tooth with a flaky Danish, coconut-dusted snowball, silky cream pie, or the original “hot dog,” a donut-like pastry filled with rich buttercream and drizzled in chocolate. Talented bakers also craft stunning, edible masterpieces for custom-ordered birthday or wedding cakes.
600 Chestnut Street, South Charleston, 304.768.7397, springhillpastry.com, @shpbakery on Facebook
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WARDENSVILLE GARDEN MARKET
28813 State Route 55, Wardensville, 304.897.2083, wardensvillegardenmarket.org, @wardensvillegardenmarket on Facebook
APPLE ANNIE’S
6120 Mid-Atlantic Drive, Morgantown, 304.322.2859, apple-annies.com, @appleanniescafe on Facebook
LOCAL WATERING HOLE
Two Way Tie
GENE’S BEER GARDEN
When Morgantown locals want to kick back with a beer, they go to Gene’s Beer Garden. The Perilli family opened this neighborhood hangout in 1944, and it’s been serving up frothy glasses and tasty hotdogs ever since. Regulars and first-time visitors alike flock to live music nights and game day watches, and they keep coming back for the friendly service. 461 Wilson Avenue, Morgantown, 304.292.1147, genesbeergarden.com, @genes1944 on Facebook
THE RED CARPET LOUNGE
Come fall, Charleston folks cheer on their favorite football teams on The Red Carpet Lounge’s outdoor patio with game-day favorites like burgers, chili dogs, wings, and tacos. Thursday nights feature dinners of ever-changing specials, so no need to heat up the oven after a long day at work. And let’s not forget to mention the beers on tap that make this Capital City pub a tie for best in the state. 308 Elizabeth Street, Charleston, 304.342.9977, @redcarpetloungewv on Facebook
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