The best places for good drinks, good vibes, and good times.

photographed by Carla Witt Ford & Nikki Bowman Mills

No one knows the Mountain State better than the people who call it home. Each year, we ask our readers—our boots-on-the-ground taste-testers, personal shoppers, and connoisseurs of fun—which people and places are the best at doing what they do. Here are your favorite restaurants, shops, destinations, and more, the ones that bring us back time and time again—the 2025 Best of West Virginia.

COFFEE SHOP

GOLD

JOAN + JOE COFFEE

Joan + Joe Coffee isn’t just a caffeine stop—it’s a community hub where conversations flow as smoothly as the espresso. Its two cheerful locations pair locally roasted coffee with scratch-made pastries and friendly service that Best Of voters continue to love. The decor is charming, the playlists are perfect, and every latte is crafted with care. Come taste it for yourself! 14826 Charles Town Road, Charles Town, @joanjoecoffee on FB; 1481 University Avenue, Morgantown, @joanandjoecoffeemorgantown on FB; joanandjoecoffee.com

SILVER

APPALACHIAN COFFEE HOUSE

32 Bounds Lane, Mount Nebo, @appalachiancoffeehouse on FB

BRONZE

LOST RIVER GENERAL STORE & CAFÉ

7015 State Road 259, Lost River, innatlostriver.com/lost-river-general-store, @theinnatlostriverandgeneralstore on FB

BREWERY

GOLD

BIG TIMBER BREWING COMPANY

Born in the heart of Elkins, Big Timber Brewing Company captures the rugged spirit of its home in every pint. From crisp lagers to bold IPAs, every pour reflects a love for the outdoors and the community that surrounds it. With a cozy taproom and a loyal following, Big Timber has become more than a brewery. You can also check out their second location, Big Timber Logging Camp, in Davis. 2 Davis Avenue, Elkins, @bigtimberbrewing on FB; 737 William Avenue, Davis, “Big Timber Logging Camp” on FB; bigtimberbrewing.com

SILVER

GREENBRIER VALLEY BREWING COMPANY

862 Industrial Park Road, Maxwelton, gvbc.beer, @greenbriervalleybrewingcompany on FB

BRONZE

MOUNTAIN STATE BREWING CO.

740 Genesis Boulevard, Bridgeport, @msbcbridgeport on FB; 54 Clay Street, Morgantown, @msbcmorgantown on FB; 3505 Monongahela Boulevard, Morgantown; 1 Nelson Boulevard, Thomas, @mountainstatebrewing on FB; mountainstatebrewing.com

CIDERY OR MEADERY

GOLD

HAWK KNOB APPALACHIAN HARD CIDER

You can taste the mountains in every sip of Hawk Knob’s handcrafted cider. Made from heirloom apples and rooted in tradition, this Lewisburg cidery revives old Appalachian techniques with modern flair. Barrel-aged blends, dry finishes, and farm-to-glass authenticity make each bottle a celebration of local agriculture. Hawk Knob doesn’t just make cider—it tells the story of the land, the labor, and the legacy behind it. 2245 Blue Sulphur Pike, Lewisburg, hawkknob.com, @hawkknob on FB

SILVER

SWILLED DOG

28 Industrial Park Road, Upper Tract, swilleddog.com, @swilleddog on FB

BRONZE

HEALTHBERRY FARM

Dryfork, healthberryfarm.com, @healthberryfarm on FB

COFFEE ROASTER

GOLD

BLACK DOG COFFEE COMPANY

Before the sun rises over Shenandoah Junction, the roasters at Black Dog Coffee are already at work, coaxing rich aromas from beans sourced around the world. Their secret? A deep respect for craft and community. Every small-batch roast is smooth, balanced, and bold enough to start any adventure. Buy some to brew at home or pick up a cup at your favorite cafe so Black Dog can keep you caffeinated. 8001 Charles Town Road, Shenandoah Junction, blackdogcoffee.net, @blackdogcoffeewv FB

SILVER

MOUNTAIN FOLK COFFEE

Lewisburg, mountainfolkcoffee.com, @mountainfolkcoffee on FB

BRONZE

COAL RIVER COFFEE COMPANY

64 Olde Main Plaza, St. Albans, coalrivercoffee.com, @coalrivercoffee on FB

DISTILLERY

GOLD

THE BULLOCK DISTILLERY

In the heart of Charleston, The Bullock Distillery is redefining West Virginia spirits. Using local grains and pure Appalachian spring water, its small-batch bourbon, whiskey, vodka, gin, and moonshine reflect old tradition and modern innovation. Visitors can tour the distillery to chat with the passionate makers and sample their craftsmanship firsthand. It’s a story of revival and pride, a toast to the state’s growing craft spirit scene. 121 Washington Street West, Charleston, bullockdistillery.com, “The Bullock Distillery” on FB

SILVER

THE SWEETER SIDE OF THE FEUD WINERY & HATFIELD FAMILY DISTILLERY

224 Haines Branch Road, Charleston, hatfieldfamilydistillery.com, @sweetersidedistillery on FB

BRONZE

DEVIL’S DUE DISTILLERY

315 James Burr Boulevard, Kearneysville, devilsduedistillery.com, @devilsduedistillery on FB

LOCAL WATERING HOLE

GOLD

IT’S A TIE!

THE TRACTOR BAR

If you’ve ever spent an evening at The Tractor Bar, you know why locals call it legendary. This quirky, welcoming spot in Mount Nebo offers cold drinks, live music, and the kind of laughter that echoes long after last call. A mix of locals, adventurers, and travelers fill the space, creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts honky-tonk and hometown. 546 Wilderness Highway, Mount Nebo, @thetractorbar on FB

FAIRPLAIN YACHT CLUB

Fairplain Yacht Club is where laid-back vibes meet lively nights, something our voters love year after year. It’s the kind of place where friends gather for live music, good beer, and the best wings in town. Twinkling lights and outdoor seating help this neighborhood favorite keep the summer vibes flowing all year long. 3869 Cedar Lakes Drive, Ripley, @fairplainyachtclub on FB

SILVER

MARIO’S FISHBOWL

704 Richwood Avenue, Morgantown, @mariosfishbowl on FB; 3117 University Avenue, Morgantown, @fishbowlsuncrest on FB; 688 Fairmont Road, Westover, @mariosfishbowlwestover on FB; mariosfishbowl.com

BRONZE

BARISTAS CAFE AND PUB

326 North Main Street, New Martinsville, @baristascafepub on FB

TEA SHOP

GOLD

THE TEA SHOPPE

Tucked inside Morgantown’s Seneca Center, The Tea Shoppe offers a calm escape from the rush of daily life. Shelves lined with loose-leaf teas invite guests to slow down, sip deeply, and savor the moment. Afternoon tea service—with tiered trays, fine china, and delicate pastries—feels like a timeless ritual. It doesn’t matter if you’re a casual tea drinker or a devoted connoisseur, The Tea Shoppe pours serenity by the cup for everyone. 709 Beechurst Avenue, Morgantown, theteashoppewv.com, @teashoppewv on FB

SILVER

TONIC THERAPEUTIC HERB SHOP & ELIXIR BAR

140 East German Street, Shepherdstown, tonicherbshop.com, @tonicherbshop on FB

BRONZE

BERTEAS

105 Clarksburg Street, Mannington, berteas.com, @berteas01 on FB

WINERY

GOLD

CHESTNUT RIDGE WINERY

Chestnut Ridge Winery captures the romance of rural West Virginia with its rolling hills, crisp mountain air, and handcrafted wines. The team is producing small-batch wines that highlight the region’s unique character, from sweet fruit blends to complex reds, and visitors are welcome to sample and sip while overlooking peaceful vineyard views. Each pour proves that great wine can thrive right here in the heart of Appalachia. 15 Chestnut Ridge, Spencer, chestnutridgewinery.com, @chestnutridgewinery on FB

SILVER

MONVALLEY VINEYARDS

3118 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont, monvalleyvineyards.com, @monvalleyvineyards on FB

BRONZE

KIRKWOOD WINERY

45 Winery Lane, Summersville, kirkwoodwinery.com, @kirkwoodwinerywv on FB