Here are the WV Living reader-favorite restaurants, shops, travel destinations, lodging, towns, and people in 2023—the Best of West Virginia.

written by Elizabeth Howard, Pam Kasey, & Devin Lacyphotographed by Carla Witt Ford & Nikki Bowman Mills

Looking for tips on where to eat next time you’re in the Eastern Panhandle—fun places in the southern part of the state for a weekend getaway—best Mountain State shops for books, clothes, gifts, furniture, art? We have recommendations from the experts: West Virginians across the state. Here are the WV Living reader-favorite restaurants, shops, travel destinations, lodging, towns, and people in 2023—the Best of West Virginia.

BBQ JOINT

It’s a Tie!

DEM 2 BROTHERS AND A GRILL BBQ

“Follow the smoke,” Dem 2 Brothers’ website invites, “to the best BBQ on the planet.” This frequent BOWV winner’s mouth-watering pulled pork and fall-off-the-bone ribs draw rave reviews from customers and food critics alike. Go for the meat, but don’t skimp on the sides: collard greens, sweet potato casserole, mac ‘n’ cheese, and more—mmm mmm MMMMM!

423 Virginia Street West, Charleston, dem2brosgrill.com, @dem2brothers on FB

TEE DAWG’S BBQ

Texas-style dry rub seasoning and homemade sauces have earned a name for this BBQ joint in Charles Town. Tee Dawg’s BBQ serves up beef brisket, pulled pork, and pulled chicken by the sandwich and the platter as well as seasonal specials, plus occasional ribs, prime rib, and sausages—all that, with seven sauces and all the sides to complete your ideal BBQ meal.

307 West Washington Street, Charles Town, teedawgsbbq.com, @teedawgsbbq on FB

RUNNER-UP

TWISTED PIG

441 Keyser Avenue, Petersburg, twisted-pig.square.site, @twistedpigwv on FB

FINE DINING

1010 BRIDGE RESTAURANT AND CATERING

For the first time in this category, 1010 Bridge is taking home the win for fine dining. Chef Paul Smith, a 2023 James Beard Award finalist, works tirelessly at the helm to bring authentic Appalachian flavors and deliciously elevated meals—like the Cast Iron Seared “1010 Cut” with Lobster Mac & Cheese, Candied Onion Brussels Sprouts, Cabernet Glace, and Foie Gras–Shallot Truffle Butter—to your plate every time. 1010 Bridge Road, Charleston, 1010bridge.com, “1010 Bridge Restaurant & Catering” on FB

RUNNERS-UP

MURIALE’S ITALIAN KITCHEN

1742 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont, muriales.com, @muriales on FB

BAVARIAN INN, RESORT & BREWING COMPANY

164 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, bavarianinnwv.com, @thebavarianinn on FB

BURGER

FARMER’S DAUGHTER MARKET & BUTCHER

Quality pasture-raised meats, groceries, and dry goods are key components at Farmer’s Daughter Market & Butcher—but it’s the burger that steals the show. Farmer’s Daughter’s house burger, made with dry-aged beef cooked to perfection, is topped with classics like American cheese, lettuce, mayonnaise, and pickled red onions as a tangy change of pace. The quality products make this a burger like no other. Stop by in the morning to try out their unique breakfast line-up, too. 2908 Northwestern Pike, Capon Bridge, farmersdaughterwv.com, @farmersdaughterwv on FB

RUNNERS-UP

THE PITCH SPORTS BAR & GRILL

2947 Fairlawn Avenue, Dunbar, thepitchwv.com, @thepitchwv on FB

FAIRPLAIN YACHT CLUB

3869 Cedar Lakes Road, Ripley, fairplainyachtclub.com, @fairplainyachtclub on FB

WEST VIRGINIA–MADE FOOD PRODUCT

BLUE SMOKE SALSA

A West Virginia favorite for years, Blue Smoke Salsa has a signature flavor that comes from a commitment to high-quality ingredients, including sweet Roma tomatoes and Vidalia onions. After a decade of changes in ownership and ingredients, the Blue Smoke brand is once again produced in West Virginia from the familiar recipe. The beloved original five varieties—mild, medium, hot, triple X, and peach—are back, plus new gourmet flavors: Blueberry Jalapeno, Cherry Chipotle, and Pineapple Habanero. Charleston, bluesmokesalsa.com, @trybluesmokesalsa on FB

RUNNERS-UP

MISTER BEE POTATO CHIPS

512 West Virginia Avenue, Parkersburg, misterbee.com

OLIVERIO ITALIAN STYLE PEPPERS

280 North Ohio Avenue, Clarksburg, oliveriopeppers.us, @oliveriopeppers on FB

PIZZA

PIES & PINTS

If the name of this place doesn’t sell it to you, its vast menu will. Pies & Pints stole West Virginians’ hearts from the moment its flagship location opened in Fayetteville in 2003. Its house pie can be customized with dozens of toppings. But where Pies & Pints really stands out is its specialty pies—like the sweet and savory Grape & Gorgonzola or the crowd-pleasing Sriracha Shrimp. Choose from the long list of craft beer options to wash it down. 222 Capitol Street, Charleston; 219 West Maple Avenue, Fayetteville; 1002 Suncrest Towne Centre, Morgantown; piesandpints.net, @piesandpints on FB

RUNNERS-UP

LOST & FOUND PIZZA & PROVISIONS

13357 WV-259, Mathias, lostandfoundlrv.com, @lostandfoundlrv on FB

THE PITCH SPORTS BAR & GRILL

2947 Fairlawn Avenue, Dunbar, thepitchwv.com, @thepitchwv on FB

APPALACHIAN CUISINE

VAGABOND KITCHEN

Taking home its first win in this category, Vagabond Kitchen tells the story of our region and its traditions through flavorful dishes “inspired by the places we’ve visited, the people we’ve met, and the food we’ve shared.” Chef Matt Welsch uses local produce and goods in his elevated menu items for a feel that’s both familiar and brand new—propelling Vagabond Kitchen right into the top spot. 1201 Market Street, Wheeling, thevagabondkitchen.com, @thevagabondkitchen on FB

RUNNERS-UP

1010 BRIDGE RESTAURANT AND CATERING

1010 Bridge Road, Charleston, 1010bridge.com, “1010 Bridge Restaurant & Catering” on FB

ALMA BEA

202 East Washington Street, Shepherdstown, @almabeashepherdstown on FB

NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED 2022–2023)

MACK’S BINGO KITCHEN

Opened in August 2023, Mack’s Bingo Kitchen bills itself as a fresh, authentic, approachable American restaurant. The restaurant emphasizes seasonal ingredients grown on-site and by local farms and, best of all, serves as a living classroom for its Junior Crew—Appalachian youth who get direct experience in all aspects of the restaurant’s operation. The warm space decorated with local artifacts complements the menu of wood-fired, regional flavors, and all profits return to youth programming. 155 West Main Street, Wardensville, farmsworkwonders.org/macks-bingo-kitchen, @macksbingo on FB

RUNNERS-UP

LOST & FOUND PIZZA & PROVISIONS

13357 WV-259, Mathias, lostandfoundlrv.com, @lostandfoundlrv on FB

STONEY’S WHISKEY, WINE & RAW BAR

119 East Martin Street, Martinsburg, stoneyswhiskeywinerawbar.com, “Stoney’s Whiskey, Wine & Raw Bar” on FB

HONEY

PERRY’S PEAK HONEY

This honey producer provides its customers with fresh, raw, and unprocessed honey at farmers markets in Fayette County. Perry’s Peak honey is never heated and is packaged in both conventional and creamed forms in a variety of sizes. Beautiful—and tasty—honeycomb shows up on occasion, too, as well as beeswax products. Check Facebook for photos and details. Robson, “Perry’s Peak Honey & The Busy Bee” on FB

RUNNERS-UP

APPALACHIAN BEEKEEPING COLLECTIVE

1046 Washington Street East, Lewisburg, abchoney.org, @appalbeecollective on FB

MOUNTAIN STATE HONEY CO.

334 Pennsylvania Avenue, Parsons, mtnstatehoney.com

ICE CREAM SHOP

ELLEN’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

For the ninth time, Ellen’s has been named the No. 1 frozen treat for the kid in all of us. Fourteen of its classic flavors are always on hand, and its rotating list of specialty flavors is sure to wow. But straight-up scoops aren’t the only option on the menu—try a sundae, float, malt, or milkshake made with your favorite flavor. 225 Capitol Street, Charleston, ellensicecream.com, @ellenshomemadeicecream on FB

RUNNERS-UP

HANGING ROCKS ICE CREAM

3753 Cumberland Road, Romney, @hangingrocksIcecream on FB

ROCK HILL CREAMERY

111 West German Street, Shepherdstown, @rockhillIcecream on FB

FOOD TRUCK

ROLLIE POLLIE EGG ROLL FACTORY

Favorite foods wrapped in an egg roll wrapper and fried—of course it’s a good idea! With a continually rotating menu from its eclectic stock of more than 100 combinations, Rollie Pollie Egg Roll Factory is a new experience every time. The food truck also offers other small plates, fresh-cut fries, and desserts and, from its base in Morgantown, roams the Maryland–Pennsylvania–West Virginia tri-state area—check the socials for a date near you. Morgantown, rolliepollieeggrollfactory.com, @rolliepollieeggrollfactory on FB

RUNNERS-UP

STRAY CAT CHIMMI SHACK

Morgantown, straycatchimmishack.com, @chimmishack on FB

CURBSIDE CONCOCTIONS

Morgantown, curbsideconcoction.wixsite.com, @curbsideconcoctionsllc on FB

PEPPERONI ROLLS

MT TOP CONVENIENCE

As improbable as it may seem, a gas station convenience store takes Best Pepperoni Roll for the second year running. This hidden gem bakes its pepperoni rolls fresh every day and serves up varieties that include cheese and sauce as well as jalapeño peppers, banana peppers, and even bacon. Fans drive a distance and line up to buy them in quantity — try them yourself and you’ll know why. 16105 Appalachian Highway, Thomas, @mttopconvenience on FB

RUNNERS-UP

BOLIVAR BREAD BAKERY

914 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, bolivarbread.com, @bolivarbread on FB

ALMOST HEAVEN PEPPERONI ROLLS

Mount Nebo, almostheavenpepperonirolls.com, @almostheavenpepperonirolls on FB

DONUT SHOP

THE DONUT SPOT

The donuts that fly out of the kitchen at Buckhannon’s favorite donut shop are mouthwatering in their creativity. To walk into the quaint shop is to be struck by a wall of donuts and the impossible decision of which to choose. Whether you prefer a classic glazed or something a bit more decadent, you are sure to leave with an assorted baker’s dozen—you’ll want one in-hand as you go. 51 North Locust Street, Buckhannon, “The Donut Spot” on FB

RUNNERS-UP

BEN-ELLEN DONUTS

Available for one period each year—at the State Fair of West Virginia, Lewisburg

JR’S DONUT CASTLE

3318 Emerson Avenue, Parkersburg, jrsdonutcastle.com, @jrsdonutcastle on FB

DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT

JIM’S DRIVE IN

Four-time Best Drive-In Restaurant winner Jim’s Drive In knows how to keep the good times—and good food—coming. Since the 1950s, patrons have enjoyed the upbeat atmosphere almost as much as the menu. From the stacked specialty burgers to the spicy pickle chips, this community staple brings all your favorite American classics right to your car door. 479 Washington Street West, Lewisburg, @jimsdrivein on FB

RUNNERS-UP

FROSTOP DRIVE-IN

1449 Hal Greer Boulevard, Huntington, frostop.com, “Frostop Drive-In” on FB

MORRISON’S DRIVE INN

126 Stollings Avenue, Logan, “Morrison’s Drive Inn Official Site” on FB

SANDWICH

COLEMAN’S FISH MARKET

It’s the iconic West Virginia sandwich, the must-have meal on any trip to Wheeling for decades—since 1914, actually. The Fish Sandwich from Coleman’s Fish Market is fresh, hand-fileted fish, deep-fried to a perfect crisp and heaped onto your choice of white bread or a whole-wheat bun. Order with fresh tartar sauce, clam chowder, and coleslaw—a perfect seafood meal in our landlocked state. 2226 Market Street, Wheeling, colemansfishmkt.com, “Coleman’s Fish Market” on FB

RUNNERS-UP

FARMER’S DAUGHTER MARKET & BUTCHER

2908 Northwestern Pike, Capon Bridge, farmersdaughterwv.com, @farmersdaughterwv on FB

BATTLE GROUNDS BAKERY & COFFEE

180 High Street, Harpers Ferry, battlegroundsbakery.com, @battlegroundsbakery on FB

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

MURIALE’S ITALIAN KITCHEN

Muriale’s Italian Kitchen is passionate about food. Rooted in Old World tradition, its recipes date back to the early days of the half-century-old business—like Aunt Mary’s Meat Lasagna. Enjoy a traditional favorite like manicotti, ravioli, rigatoni, or linguine, pair it with a house wine or another selection, and experience the tradition and value these walls hold. Don’t skip the tiramisu! 1742 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont, muriales.com, @muriales on FB

RUNNERS-UP

THE HUMBLE TOMATO

855 Washington Street West, Lewisburg, thehumbletomato.net, “The Humble Tomato” on FB

OLIVERIO’S RISTORANTE ON THE WHARF

52 Clay Street, Morgantown, oliveriosristorante.com, @oliveriosonthewharf on FB

BRUNCH

VAGABOND KITCHEN

Fresh, local ingredients and a creative spin on the classics makes Vagabond Kitchen’s brunch menu a West Virginia go-to. The menu changes seasonally, but that doesn’t mean the out-of-this-world flavors do. Apple Cinnamon Pancakes with locally tapped syrup are a fall favorite, and Chef Matt’s Appalachian take on chilaquiles is sure to delight. And what is brunch without bottomless mimosas? 1201 Market Street, Wheeling, thevagabondkitchen.com, @thevagabondkitchen on FB

RUNNERS-UP

THE HUMBLE TOMATO

855 Washington Street West, Lewisburg, thehumbletomato.net, “The Humble Tomato” on FB

CATHEDRAL CAFE & BOOK STORE

134 South Court Street, Fayetteville, thecathedralcafe.com, @cathedralcafe on FB

BAKERY

SPRING HILL PASTRY SHOP

Breads and Danish and cakes, oh my! Voters worked hard to help Spring Hill Pastry Shop reclaim the title of Best Bakery for its ninth win, and we see why. Spring Hill’s menu is extensive and fresh, with a little something for everyone. The line of eager returning customers making its way down the block says a lot—just as much as their happy faces do on the way out. 600 Chestnut Street, South Charleston, springhillpastry.com, @shpbakery on FB

RUNNERS-UP

BOLIVAR BREAD BAKERY

914 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, bolivarbread.com, @bolivarbread on FB

SWEET TEMPTATIONS PASTRY SHOP

3666 Lindberg Way, Weirton, @vanessasweettemptations24 on FB

BUTCHER SHOP

FARMER’S DAUGHTER MARKET & BUTCHER

Farmer’s Daughter is no stranger to the win for Best Butcher Shop, and the reasons are sitting right in their meat case. This family-owned, whole animal butchery provides the Capon Bridge community and beyond with a selection of pasture-raised meats. It also offers a variety of groceries and goods, like a house-made potato salad and fresh, local produce. 2908 Northwestern Pike, Capon Bridge, farmersdaughterwv.com, @farmersdaughterwv on FB

RUNNERS-UP

MOUNTAIN STEER MEAT COMPANY

169 Pocahontas Trail, White Sulphur Springs, mountainsteer.com, @mountainsteerwv on FB

WAYNE’S COUNTRY FRESH MEATS

102 Presidents Street, Fort Ashby; 670 Armstrong Street, Keyser; 20653 Northwestern Turnpike, Romney; waynesfreshmeats.com, “Wayne’s Country Fresh Meats” on FB

HOT DOG

HILLBILLY HOT DOGS

Hillbilly Hot Dogs celebrates 21 years of gourmet service and another Best of West Virginia win under its belt. Its selection of uniquely flavored dogs includes something for everyone. Thinking of a particular topping mix? Hillbilly Hot Dogs probably has it already created for you. And if you feel like trying something wild, get your favorite hot dog as a “homewrecker”—a one-pound weenie and two pounds of toppings. Why get a normal dog when you could get a 15-inch dog at West Virginia’s best hot dog establishment? 6951 Ohio River Road, Lesage, hillbillyhotdogs.com, @hillbillyhotdogs on FB

RUNNERS-UP

JIM’S DRIVE IN

479 Washington Street West, Lewisburg, @jimsdrivein on FB

YANN’S HOT DOG STAND

300 Washington Street, Fairmont

SPECIALTY FOOD MARKETPLACE

CAPITOL MARKET

As the reigning winner for this category, Capitol Market is setting the bar for product and community action. This year-round marketplace is a haven for foodies all across the area. Find fresh seasonal produce and quality meat selections right next door to what could possibly be your new favorite eatery. Multiple-time Best Chef winner Paul Smith lends his expertise to the market, too, serving as the market’s first-ever Culinary Ambassador. 800 Smith Street, Charleston, capitolmarket.net, @capitolmarket on FB

RUNNERS-UP

WARDENSVILLE GARDEN MARKET

28813 SR 55, Wardensville, @wardensvillegardenmarket on FB

FISH HAWK ACRES

5 West Main Street, Buckhannon, fishhawkacreswv.com, @fishhawkacreswv on FB

MAPLE SYRUP

CEDAR RUN FARM

Our readers have made a wonderful discovery: pure West Virginia maple syrup is just superior. And Cedar Run Farm seems to be doing it best! The Cedar Run team taps its own maple trees each year to collect the sap that will soon become your pancakes’ best friend. There are no “maple-flavored” products here! Just pure maple goodness straight from our own hills and hollers. 3305 Clark Ridge Road, Sistersville, cedarrunfarm.com, @cedarrunfarm on FB

RUNNERS-UP

FAMILY ROOTS FARM

245 Hervey Lane, Wellsburg, familyrootsfarmwv.com, @familyrootsfarm on FB

SPRUCE KNOB MAPLE

1135 Dry Fork Road, Harman, spruceknobmaple.com, @spruceknobmaple on FB

CHEF

PAUL SMITH, 1010 BRIDGE RESTAURANT AND CATERING

In 2023, the nation learned what our readers already knew: Chef Paul Smith is truly one of the best. As the first West Virginian to be named a finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef of the Southeast Award, Smith is known for his Appalachian flavors and unmatched creativity. Stop by state-favorite 1010 Bridge in Charleston to get a taste of what the hype is all about. 1010 Bridge Road, Charleston, 1010bridge.com, “1010 Bridge Restaurant & Catering” on FB

RUNNERS-UP

MATT WELSCH, VAGABOND KITCHEN

1201 Market Street, Wheeling, thevagabondkitchen.com, @thevagabondkitchen on FB

DALE HAWKINS, FISH HAWK ACRES

5 West Main Street, Buckhannon, fishhawkacreswv.com, @fishhawkacreswv on FB

WINGS

FAIRPLAIN YACHT CLUB

Taking over the title of Best Wings this year is Fairplain Yacht Club. In July, the restaurant announced it has smoked more than 88,000 pounds of house-seasoned and smoked wings—and, knowing how much readers love them, we’re surprised it’s not higher. Voters love the range of signature sauce options, like the 24 K and BBQ Gold, but the dry rub is not to be overlooked. 3869 Cedar Lakes Drive, Ripley, fairplainyachtclub.com, @fairplainyachtclub on FB

RUNNERS-UP

THE PITCH SPORTS BAR & GRILL

2947 Fairlawn Avenue, Dunbar, thepitchwv.com, @thepitchwv on FB

THE COLD SPOT

4005 Washington Street West, Charleston; 4955 Legends Highway, Glen Jean; 710 Cross Lanes Drive, Nitro; thecoldspot.com, @thecoldspot on FB

CHOCOLATIER

HOLL’S HANDCRAFTED SWISS CHOCOLATE

There are few greater pleasures than delicious, handcrafted chocolate, and Holl’s has it down to a science. This family-owned business has been bringing traditional Swiss chocolate creations to West Virginia since 1986. Voters love the rich and creamy morsels—woven with the classics, like caramel and hazelnuts, or enjoyed in their original delicious glory. 2001 Grand Central Avenue, Vienna; 800 Smith Street, Charleston; holls.com, @hollschocolate on FB

RUNNERS-UP

DEFLURI’S FINE CHOCOLATES

130 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, defluris.com

KEVBOT CHOCOLATE

Alderson, kevbotchocolate.com, @kevbotchocolate on IG