These winning eateries are full of bold flavors, tasteful innovation, and local hospitality.

written by Kaitlyn Eichelberger, Adrian Kiger & Devin Lacy
photographed by Carla Witt Ford & Nikki Bowman Mills
As hard as we try, no one knows our West Virginia communities better than the people living in them: our dedicated WV Living readers. That’s why, each year, we ask you to nominate and vote on your favorite people, places, businesses, and more! You’ve done the work—now see the results as we proudly announce the 2024 Best of West Virginia.
BBQ JOINT
GOLD
IT’S A TIE!
FAIRPLAIN YACHT CLUB
Although Fairplain Yacht Club has previously brought home the gold in categories like Best Wings and Local Watering Hole, this is the club’s first time taking home the Best BBQ Joint title. After nearly 20 years spent mastering the BBQ trademarks like burgers, pulled pork, wings, ribs, brisket, and more, this win is no surprise. Their attention to detail surely contributed—they know BBQ is best served with a side of draft beer and entertainment. 3869 Cedar Lakes Drive, Ripley, fairplainyachtclub.com, @fairplainyachtclub on FB
SOUTH TEXAS BARBECUE COMPANY
Don’t have a cow! This joint might have Texas in the name, but its brisket, ribs, turkey, sausage, and pulled pork are as West Virginian as it gets—with the extra bonus of Texan flavors and portion sizes. SoTex BBQ Co. delivers crowd favorites directly to the community and supports local events, an homage to the farmers market roots that made itsstorefront possible. 139 East 2nd Street, Weston, sotexbbqco.square.site, @sotexbbqco on FB
SILVER
TWISTED PIG
441 Keyser Avenue, Petersburg, twisted-pig.square.site, @twistedpigwv on FB
BRONZE
GIG’S SMOKEHOUSE & MERCANTILE
855 Bloomery Pike, Augusta, gigssmokehouse.com, @gigsbbq on FB
BAKERY
GOLD
BOLIVAR BREAD BAKERY
From humble beginnings as a one-woman business venture to a tasty hallmark of Harpers Ferry and beyond, Bolivar Bread has earned its golden status in just four short years. Emphasizing small batches of freshly baked goodies, Bolivar Bread invites you to witness the magic of baking at its open kitchen or find its treats at select locations. Cinnamon raisin sourdough bread, brown butter chocolate chip cookies, maple butter biscuits, and seasonal specialties—it’s impossible to choose just one. 914 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, bolivarbread.com, @bolivarbread on FB
SILVER
SPRING HILL PASTRY SHOP
600 Chestnut Street, South Charleston, springhillpastry.com, @shpbakery on FB
BRONZE
MACK’S BINGO BAKERY
155 West Main Street, Wardensville, farmsworkwonders.org/macks-bingo-bakery, @macksbingo on FB
APPALACHIAN CUISINE
GOLD
ALMA BEA
West Virginia natives and visitors alike ought to be well-acquainted with the flavors of Appalachia—and anyone who isn’t is sorely missing out. Whether you need a reminder of home or a crash course in Appalachian cuisine, Alma Bea is the place to go for the traditional and reimagined tastes of regional favorites, featuring duck, catfish, fried green ‘maters, cornbread, paw paw, and more. Don’t tell your nana, but her strawberry rhubarb pie might have competition. 202 East Washington Street, Shepherdstown, @almabeashepherdstown on FB
SILVER
1010 BRIDGE RESTAURANT AND CATERING
1010 Bridge Road, Charleston, 1010bridge.com, “1010 Bridge Restaurant & Catering” on FB
BRONZE
VAGABOND KITCHEN
1201 Market Street, Wheeling, thevagabondkitchen.com, @thevagabondkitchen on FB
BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
GOLD
WILD ROOTS CAFE & CO.
The pinnacle of comfort and small-town hospitality, Wild Roots Cafe’s century-old architecture welcomes you with open arms. After admiring the atmosphere so homey you might want to put down roots, check out their menu of classic sandwiches, salads, waffles, coffees, teas, and more, all crafted from top-quality, directly farm-sourced ingredients. There’s something for the earliest of birds or those of us who go searching for worms a bit later. 238 West Main Street, Romney, wildrootscafeco.com, @wildrootscafeco on FB
SILVER
THE FRENCH GOAT
290 Lafayette Street, Lewisburg, thefrenchgoat.com, @thefrenchgoat on FB
BRONZE
TUDOR’S BISCUIT WORLD
Statewide, tudorsbiscuitworld.com, @tudorsbiscuitworld on FB
CHEF
GOLD
MARY ELLEN DIAZ, ALMA BEA
Three years is all the time needed for Mary Ellen Diaz and her staff at Alma Bea to take home two first-time gold titles. Diaz’s passion for the heart and soul of cooking began in her Great-Aunt Gladys’ kitchen and was perfected in the culinary world of France before returning home to open Alma Bea. Her goal? To preserve and reimagine the food traditions of Appalachia—and according to voters, her efforts are golden. 202 East Washington Street, Shepherdstown, @almabeashepherdstown on FB
SILVER
PAUL SMITH, 1010 BRIDGE RESTAURANT AND CATERING
1010 Bridge Road, Charleston, 1010bridge.com, “1010 Bridge Restaurant & Catering” on FB
BRONZE
MATT WELSCH, VAGABOND KITCHEN
1201 Market Street, Wheeling, thevagabondkitchen.com, @thevagabondkitchen on FB
Alma Bea is full of thanks for our wonderfully supportive Jefferson County community and all our fabulous Alma Bea colleagues. And we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Appalachian mothers and grandmothers who came before, the women who created delicious food out of love, necessity, and tradition. Truly we stand on the shoulders of giants.
BURGER
GOLD
FARMER’S DAUGHTER MARKET & BUTCHER
Dry-aged beef, tangy pickled onions, and sweet Duke’s mayo—these quality ingredients combine to make one incredible burger. The crunchy romaine, smooth layer of cheese, and pillowy brioche bun are the proverbial icing on this cake. It’s West Virginia’s perfect burger for the seventh year in a row. Farmer’s Daughter, a whole-animal butchery, also offers sustainably sourced meats, produce, dairy, and dry goods. Go for the burger, leave with a full grocery bag. 2908 Northwestern Pike, Capon Bridge, farmersdaughterwv.com, @farmersdaughterwv on FB
SILVER
FAIRPLAIN YACHT CLUB
3869 Cedar Lakes Drive, Ripley, fairplainyachtclub.com, @fairplainyachtclub on FB
BRONZE
OSCAR’S BREAKFAST, BURGERS & BREWS
6007 U.S. Route 60 East, Barboursville, oscarsbbb.com, @oscarsbbb on FB
BUTCHER SHOP
GOLD
FARMER’S DAUGHTER MARKET & BUTCHER
Farmer’s Daughter is a frequent flier of the Best Burger and Best Butcher Shop categories, and the proof is in the pudding—or, rather, their locally sourced, pasture-raised meats. A supporter of its community’s taste buds and wellness, this whole-animal butchery uses only the most respectful and sustainable processes to bring “West Virginia’s finest finest” from its family business to your family’s table. 2908 Northwestern Pike, Capon Bridge, farmersdaughterwv.com, @farmersdaughterwv on FB
SILVER
CRESTVIEW MEAT MARKET
1948 Shepherdstown Road, Martinsburg, saintisidoremarket.com/product-category/crestview-meat-market
BRONZE
JOHNNIE’S FRESH MEAT MARKET
800 Smith Street, Charleston, johnniesmeats.com, @johnniesfreshmeatmarket on FB
SWIFT LEVEL FINE MEATS
836 Maplewood Avenue, Lewisburg, swiftlevelfinemeats.com, @swiftlevelfinemeats on FB
CHOCOLATIER
GOLD
HOLL’S HANDCRAFTED SWISS CHOCOLATES
Life is like a box of Holl’s Swiss chocolates: sweet and full of opportunity. And like life, Holl’s is what you make it. From the sweetest of milk chocolate to the fiercest of dark chocolate, embellished with nuts, caramel, fruits, and more, this chocolatier’s handcrafted treats suit any occasion. Browse their boxed collections or customize your own, explore their seasonal specialties, or find the perfect gift—though you might be tempted to keep it. Capitol Market, 800 Smith Street, Charleston; 2001 Grand Central Avenue, Vienna; holls.com, @hollschocolate on FB
SILVER
DEFLURI’S FINE CHOCOLATES
130 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, defluris.com, @defluris on FB
BRONZE
KEVBOT CHOCOLATE
Alderson, kevbotchocolate.com, @kevbotchocolate on IG
DONUT SHOP
GOLD
SPRING HILL PASTRY SHOP
Now a 10-time winner of this category, it’s safe to say Spring Hill Pastry Shop donuts are, like, REALLY good. After serving up fresh, homemade baked goods since 1948, it’s no surprise this bakery has mastered the art of a tasty donut. From classic favorites like glazed and chocolate-iced to its famous hot dog donuts, this family-owned bakery promises to deliver creative, irresistible pastries handcrafted with wholesome ingredients. 600 Chestnut Street, South Charleston, springhillpastry.com, @shpbakery on FB
SILVER
THE DONUT SPOT
51 North Locust Street, Buckhannon, “The Donut Spot” on FB
BRONZE
JR’S DONUT CASTLE
3318 Emerson Avenue, Parkersburg, jrsdonutcastle.com, @jrsdonutcastle on FB
DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT
GOLD
JIM’S DRIVE IN
Sometimes, you really just need the tried and true classics—they’ve been around this long for a reason. For above-and-beyond familiar favorites, Jim’s Drive In offers American staples like burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, milkshakes, and more, plus some fun twists. Experience it all with a drive-in’s timeless charm. Can anything compare to the family cookout atmosphere of mingling at a picnic table with the taste of hamburgers and hot dogs fresh off the grill? 479 Washington Street West, Lewisburg, @jimsdrivein on FB
SILVER
FROSTOP DRIVE-IN
1449 Hal Greer Boulevard, Huntington, “Frostop Drive-In” on FB
BRONZE
SHAFFER’S DRIVE-IN
1226 South Main Street, Milton, @shaffersdriveinnmiltonwv on FB
MAPLE SYRUP
GOLD
GRANDPA TOM’S MAPLE FARM
Even if you don’t have a grandpa named Tom, you’ve still got a Grandpa Tom. And, according to voters, his veteran-owned, handcrafted maple syrup is delicious. Whether you’ve got a hankering for something sweet or savory, stock up at Grandpa Tom’s Maple Farm before those bottles of smooth, amber syrup sell out. Or try some of the farm’s specialty maple treats, like cotton candy, candy, sugar, nuts, and more. Rock Cave, @grandpatomsmaplefarm on FB
SILVER
CEDAR RUN FARM
3305 Clark Ridge Road, Sistersville, cedarrunfarm.com, @cedarrunfarm on FB
BRONZE
SPRUCE KNOB MAPLE
1135 Dry Fork Road, Harman, spruceknobmaple.com, @spruceknobmaple on FB
ICE CREAM SHOP
GOLD
HANGING ROCKS ICE CREAM
If you grew up in a small town, you might recall a magical, timeless ice cream shop that acted as a community hub after school, on weekends, and every sweltering summer’s day. Maybe it had a walk-up window, or picnic tables for children and adults alike to gather. Return to that nostalgia—or discover it for the first time—at Hanging Rocks Ice Cream. Classic treats include hand-dipped and soft serve ice cream, hand-spun milkshakes, sundaes, snow cones, and more. 3753 Cumberland Road, Romney, @hangingrocksicecream on FB
SILVER
ROCK HILL CREAMERY
111 West German Street, Shepherdstown, @rockhillicecream on FB
BRONZE
IT’S A TIE!
AUSTIN’S HOMEMADEICE CREAM
1103 C Street, Ceredo; 809 3rd Avenue, Huntington; austinsicecream.com, @austinsicecream on FB
ELLEN’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
225 Capitol Street, Charleston, ellenshomemadeicecream.com, @ellenshomemadeicecream on FB
HOT DOG
GOLD
HILLBILLY HOT DOGS
If you love, weenies, and aneclectic dining experience, this is a must visit. Founded in the love story of a “hillbilly and city girl,” Hillbilly Hot Dogs opened its doors to the sound of wedding bells. Since then, this Lesage eatery has grown from a humble stall to an eight-time BOWV winner with its undeniably West Virginian hot dogs. Not to mention, where else will you find a hot dog stand complete with a theme song and wedding chapel? 7660 Ohio River Road, Lesage, hillbillyhotdogs.com, @hillbillyhotdogs on FB
SILVER
LOST RIVER GENERAL STORE & CAFÉ
7015 State Road 259, Lost River, innatlostriver.com/lost-river-general-store, @theinnatlostriverandgeneral-store on FB
BRONZE
JIM’S DRIVE IN
479 Washington Street West, Lewisburg, @jimsdrivein on FB
FOOD TRUCK
GOLD
ROLLIE POLLIE EGG ROLL FACTORY
When that iconic bulldog logo cruises into town, you know it’s time to “get your roll on.” A familiar face at events across Morgantown, Rollie Pollie Egg Roll Factory treats your taste buds to specialty fries, appetizers, desserts, and, of course, a rotating selection of more than 100 legendary egg roll varieties. From pepperoni roll to pierogi to mac ‘n’ cheese, this food truck offers a revolutionary approach to the once-ordinary egg roll. Morgantown, rolliepollieeggrollfactory.com, @rolliepollieeggrollfactory on FB
SILVER
JOJO’S TACO
820 Capitol Street, Spencer, jojostaco.com, “Jo Jo’s Taco” on FB
BRONZE
JOJO’S HIBACHI GRILL
“JoJo’s Hibachi Grill” on FB
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
GOLD
MURIALE’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
So loved is this Italian restaurant that people come from miles around to eat pasta, drink wine, and feel good. The cozy atmosphere and consistent quality make Muriale’s a standout year after year. The rigatoni, fettuccine, and linguine taste as good as they look. The Italian salad dressing is a standout, and tiramisu will always cheer you up—it’s right there in the name. 1742 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont, muriales.com, @murialesitaliankitchen on FB
SILVER
DAVINCI’S
215 Highland Avenue, Williamstown, villadavinci.com, @villadavinciwv on FB
BRONZE
THE HUMBLE TOMATO
855 Washington Street West, Lewisburg, thehumbletomato.net, “The Humble Tomato” on FB
FINE DINING
GOLD
IT’S A TIE!
THE FRENCH GOAT
When you visit The French Goat, you’re not just an appreciator of French cuisine—you’re family. Begin your experience with a basket of freshly baked bread and a glass of fine wine, followed by any of the elegant entrees. Don’t fight the urge to wrap up your experience at The French Goat with Chocolate Mousse or Crème Brûlée. After all, this Lewisburg bistro is the G.O.A.T. of fine dining in West Virginia. 290 Lafayette Street, Lewisburg, thefrenchgoat.com, @thefrenchgoat on FB
1010 BRIDGE RESTAURANT & CATERING
Appalachian cuisine is more than just pepperoni rolls and cornbread—although, those are great, too. At 1010 Bridge, the art of Appalachian culinary tradition is staged in an elegant, mellow atmosphere. From charcuterie to salmon to peach bread pudding to chocolate martinis, this Charleston restaurant brings the spirit of fine dining in West Virginia to life. It wouldn’t be possible without strong roots, though; inspiration is drawn from both Appalachian recipes and the farmers who make it all imaginable. 1010 Bridge Road, Charleston, 1010bridge.com, “1010 Bridge Restaurant & Catering” on FB
SILVER
THE WONDER BAR STEAKHOUSE
1012 Wonderbar Road, Clarksburg, wonderbarsteakhouse.com, @wonderbarsteakhouse on FB
BRONZE
BAVARIAN INN, RESORT AND BREWING COMPANY
164 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, bavarianinnwv.com, @thebavarianinn on FB
PIZZA
GOLD
PIES & PINTS
One can never go wrong indulging in some craft pizza and beer, that’s why Pies & Pints is a statewide favorite. Its menu is full of unique specialty pies served on fresh, house-made dough tossed by hand—like the grape and gorgonzola, the sriracha shrimp, and the street corn. Classic house pies can satisfy those with simpler taste buds, customizable to your preference with options for cauliflower or gluten-free crust. 222 Capitol Street, Charleston; 219 West Maple Avenue, Fayetteville; 1002 Suncrest Towne Centre, Morgantown; piesandpints.net, @piesandpints on FB
SILVER
LOST + FOUND PIZZA AND PROVISIONS
13357 WV-259, Mathias, lostandfoundlrv.com, @lostandfoundlrv on FB
BRONZE
SIRIANNI’S PIZZA CAFE
474 William Avenue, Davis, @thesiriannispizzacafe on FB
PEPPERONI ROLLS
GOLD
MT TOP CONVENIENCE
It’s rare to find both convenience and top-quality taste, and a gas station might not be the first place you search for the best pepperoni roll in all of West Virginia. But voters know this high honor has been rightfully earned by Mt Top Convenience for the third consecutive year. Baked fresh every day, this store’s pepperoni roll varieties feature cheese, sauce, peppers, ramps, bacon, and more and fly off the shelves by the dozen. 16105 Appalachian Highway, Thomas, @mttopconvenience on FB
SILVER
WILD N’ WONDERFUL ROLLS
wildnwonderfulrolls.com, @wildnwonderfulrolls on FB
BRONZE
ALMOST HEAVEN PEPPERONI ROLLS
Mount Nebo, almostheavenpepperonirolls.com, @almostheavenpepperonirolls on FB
HONEY
GOLD
STOUT’S BEE FARM
Family-owned since 1990, Stout’s Bee Farm has fans across the state buzzing for its pure West Virginia honey. But this father-and-son duo do more than sell good honey—they also aim to pass along their skills and the tradition of honey bee farming to support prospective beekeepers. The farm’s fresh honey can be found at select locations in Lost Creek, Weston, Stonewood, Nutter Fort, and White Oaks. Lost Creek, “Stout Cattle and Bee Farms” on FB
SILVER
HIVE HOUSE APIARIES
108 South Princess Street, Shepherdstown, @thehivehouse on FB
BRONZE
APPALACHIAN BEEKEEPING COLLECTIVE
1046 Washington Street East, Lewisburg, abchoney.org, @appalbeecollective on FB
NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED 2023-2024)
GOLD
LOST + FOUND PIZZA AND PROVISIONS
Since its opening in 2023, Lost + Found Pizza and Provisions has aspired to become a familiar, friendly face for the community of Mathias. As the only hand-tossed, wood-fired pizza joint in the Lost River Valley, this restaurant’s blend of classic and specialty pies and small-town charm has quickly become a crowd favorite. And what is Lost & Found Pizza without its Provisions? An attached beer, wine, and snack shop makes this shop a serious find. 13357 WV-259, Mathias, lostandfoundlrv.com, @lostandfoundlrv on FB
SILVER
WILD ROOTS CAFE & CO.
238 West Main Street, Romney, wildrootscafeco.com, @wildrootscafeco on FB
BRONZE
BISTRO 112
112 West German Street, Shepherdstown, bistro112.com, @bistro112 on FB
SANDWICH
GOLD
SECRET SANDWICH SOCIETY
This society might be secret, but its mission is anything but a mystery. Premium, responsibly sourced meats join a passion for tasty, satisfying food to craft the gastropub’s sandwich menu. From chicken to pork to beef to fish, jam and mayo and vinaigrette, all topped with cheeses and pickles and lettuce, there’s truly a sandwich for everyone. And for those who love a theme, each sandwich is named for a president or first lady. 103 Keller Avenue, Fayetteville, secretsandwichsociety.com, @secretsandwichWV on FB
SILVER
LOST RIVER GENERAL STORE & CAFÉ
7015 State Road 259, Lost River, innatlostriver.com/lost-river-general-store, @theinnatlostriverandgeneralstore on FB
BRONZE
THE TRAIL KITCHEN
1194 Cold Springs Road, Clendenin, thetrailkitchen.com, @thetrailkitchen on FB
WEST VIRGINIA-MADE FOOD PRODUCT
GOLD
J.Q. DICKINSON SALT-WORKS
After seven generations, the Dickinson family has deep-seated roots in salt-making—perhaps even as deep as the source of their all-natural brine: an ancient ocean lurking beneath the Appalachian mountains. Working to revive the Kanawha Valley’s rich history in West Virginia salt production, J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works aims to provide pure, sustainably-harvested salt to the surrounding region. Whether you’re preparing meat, bread, or vegetables, J.Q. Dickinson offers a flavor for every dish. 4797 Midland Drive, Malden, jqdsalt.com, @jqdsalt on FB
SILVER
MISTER BEE POTATO CHIPS
512 West Virginia Avenue, Parkersburg
BRONZE
MOUNTAINEER POPCORN COMPANY
102 East German Street, Shepherdstown, mountaineerpopcorn.com, @mountaineerpopcorncompany on FB
WINGS
GOLD
FAIRPLAIN YACHT CLUB
Chicken wings—boneless or bone-in, barbecue or buffalo or sweet. No matter how this all-American staple is prepared, it’s undeniably the backbone of every sports event and social hour. And no one in West Virginia does wings better than Fairplain Yacht Club. As the club brought home the gold in this category last year, it announced a whopping total of 44 tons of wings smoked by its culinary team—it’s no wonder they’re the experts. 3869 Cedar Lakes Road, Ripley, fairplainyachtclub.com, @fairplainyachtclub on FB
SILVER
MARIO’S FISHBOWL
704 Richwood Avenue, Morgantown; 3117 University Avenue, Morgantown; 688 Fairmont Road, Westover; mariosfishbowl.com; @mariosfishbowl, @fishbowlsuncrest, @mariosfishbowlwestover on FB
BRONZE
WHISTLE STOP BAR & GRILL
23 North Spring Street, Buckhannon, @whistlestopbarandgrill on FB
SPECIALTY FOOD MARKETPLACE
GOLD
CAPITOL MARKET
Was there ever a scene more picture- perfect than Charleston’s Capitol Market? Considering the indoor-outdoor market has dominated this category since its creation, voters think not. In 1997, Capitol Market sprouted from an old railyard, bringing the ruins to life with local goods. Since then, Charleston locals and travelers alike spend every season exploring the market’s vibrant selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, premium meats, and unparalleled specialty treats. 800 Smith Street, Charleston, capitolmarket.net, @capitolmarket on FB
SILVER
WARDENSVILLE GARDEN MARKET
28813 SR 55, Wardensville, farmsworkwonders.org/wardensville-garden-market, @wardensvillegardenmarket on FB
BRONZE
ORR’S FARM MARKET
682 Orr Drive, Martinsburg, orrsfarmmarket.com, “Orr’s Farm Market” on FB
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S WINTER 2024 ISSUE
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