Recently, I stopped through Wheeling for a cup of coffee on my way to Wellsburg. I had already been to Wheeling Coffee Shoppe, which seems to be the premier coffee shop in town (and it was good!), so I wanted to try a new one. When searching, Wheeling Coffee & Spice Co. came up.

I went a little out of my way downtown, found a street parking spot right outside and walked into this beautiful, historic building. Inside, there is a small walkway, with high-top tables on either side all done up for the holidays. Poinsettia placemats, flowers centerpieces and large nutcrackers decorated the shop. In the next room over, there was a bit more of a laidback, lounge vibe with couches and bookshelves.

More than 100 years have passed, but many of the traditions are still alive at Wheeling Coffee & Spice Co. The wholesale and retail company remains in the original buildings, graced with four iron columns marked "Sweeneys Co. 1858 Wheeling, Va.," predating the state itself. The Burns coffee roasters manufactured by the Blaw-Knox Company in 1884 are still operational and are used for single batch roasting most of our gourmet coffees.

The beans are slow roasted, hand-raked and air-cooled producing a unique distinctive taste. Paramount Coffee may be purchased in one-pound paper bags designed and copyrighted in 1931, and more important, we still deliver the excellent cup of coffee which Wheeling Coffee has offered to the public for more than a century. 

Paramount Coffee's Gourmet House Blend is a rich blend of choice Central and South American coffee beans roasted to perfection. Wheeling Coffee offers many delicious gourmet and flavored coffees as well as gift baskets and gift boxes for every need. When in the Wheeling area, please drop by and allow our staff to show you some of the interesting aspects of our company's history while you enjoy a cup of our great tasting coffees.

So, I walked up to the front, passing a few other patrons sitting at the tables and looked around. There was no one behind the counter. I figured they were in the back. Nope. After about 30 seconds, one of the women who was sitting at one of the tables talking to her friend got up and got behind the counter. She literally watched me walk past her, stand at the counter awkwardly while she continued to talk to her friend for a solid 30 seconds before she got up to address me.

Then, when I asked a few questions about the menu - like "What is a 'Milky Way'?" She seemed annoyed. I settled on a simple mocha. But, as she was making it, she stopped to address a person who came in after me to pick up a package. Then, she stopped again to talk to that same woman. This woman stood up and stood right beside me, and the two carried on a conversation while I stood there awkwardly just waiting for my single coffee. Finally, she handed it to me, I got a white chocolate chip macadamia nut biscotti and paid. I said thank you. The woman ignored me and kept talking to her friend.

Well, I was actually a little shocked at how poor this customer service was. Not only was my wait held up way longer than it should have been because she initially ignored me and then was tending to other people who came in after me ... but then even when I tried to say thank you for my coffee, she simply ignored me. The service here is some of the worst I've had in recent memory.

The good thing is that I enjoyed my coffee. I think it was tasty; definitely had my taste of the espresso, but the remainder - essentially hot chocolate - was smooth and had the distinctive milk froth. The biscotti, from Pittsburgh, is always tasty.

If you go in expecting a not-so-warm welcome and knowing that you may feel as though you're interrupting a private conversation, you may be better prepared than what I was. That may be the price you pay for a decent cup of coffee in downtown Wheeling. Until I find a better one.

Grade: B
 

Shinnston is home to this small, unassuming ice cream shop: Gibby's Ice Cream and Grill.

The restaurant is actually much more than that, though, as it also serves up hoagies, burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, wings and salads. It's not an expansive menu, but there is definitely enough to fill your belly and save room for dessert too.

The restaurant has space for dine in, outdoor tables and it even has a drive through. We went inside to check it out. I went for a cookie dough "avalanche," or their version of a blizzard. As I waited, I noticed all the Christian decorations and sort of primitive design. They're definitely gearing toward that family-friendly crowd.

But the ice cream is good! The ix-ins were a bit dry -- or maybe that's because I devoured it so fast, it didn't have a chance to get mixed in better. But, damn, I love me some ice cream and this was no exception. Smooth, silky sweet. Yum.

Grade: B

It's not every day you see an Irish restaurant in the middle of West Virginia, but Bridgeport made that possible.

Meagher's Irish Pub is as much of a social gathering place as it is a restaurant or bar. Located at Charles Pointe, the building is new with tons of parking. Inside, there are some Irish pennants and other memorabilia hanging on the walls.

About Meagher's Irish Pub: Featuring traditional Irish fare, New Celtic cuisine and plenty of Irish ale and whiskey – Meaghers Irish Pub at Charles Pointe.

The pub – short for “public house” – a fundamental establishment in Irish culture and the focal point of many small towns – is owned by Tim and Jade Meagher.

“We felt there was a need for more dining options – a place where people can go out and enjoy great conversation, food and a drink with friends – and what better place than a Irish Pub” – Tim Meagher

“My fathers family (the Meaghers) immigrated to America in the mid-1800s from a town called Nenagh in County Tipperarey”. “My mothers side (the Gilroys) immigrated during the same period from the Northern part of Ireland.”

According to his ancestral culture, Irish pubs have traditionally been the gathering places for family and friends.

“And that’s what we are trying to create here in Bridgeport – ‘Your Social Gathering Place’,” “We definitely want people to feel comfortable bringing the whole family, kids included.”

An original idea and design by Tim and Jade Meagher, occupies 5,123 square feet located at Charles Pointe.

The menu features some takes on Irish food - like corned beef and cabbage egg rolls, Irish nachos, fish & chips, shepherd's pie, boxty, bangers & mash, and a "celtic knot" which is three large pretzel braids served with dressing, honey mustard, chipotle ketchup and beer cheese.

I totally appreciate them putting modern spins on some classic Irish dishes. I think it's pretty cool. For example, their "boxty": Our take on a classic Irish potato pancake. A thin crepe like pancake layered with with onions, peppers and cabbage wrapped and topped with a creamy cheese sauce. Choice of Salmon, Chicken, Steak or Vegetarian.

One thing that is a little different is their pepperoni roll: Thank you Mr. Argiro! Ground pepperoni rolled in an airy dough shaped like a donut and deep fried and served with creamy ranch dressing - 2 per order. We ordered this appetizer because I had to try it.

Si, it is essentially a fried donut that has little bits of pepperoni and cheese wrapped up inside. It comes with a side of ranch (idk why it's not marinara... but alas). These are greasy as all get out, but I can't deny that they're decent. I do wish the outside was maybe rolled in parmesan or something - that would've made it 1,000 times better. But, not bad.

Well I ordered Fish & Chips for my entree. "Flash fried, ale-battered cod served with sea salt and pepper chips with your choice of citrus herb tarter or malt vinegar aioli."

This fish wasn't bad. A little on the greasy end, especially for the ratio of fish to batter. And, the fries were a bit soggy. I feel like this is always a thing with fish & chips. I just want my chips to be crisper.

Still, I think there are some things here you can't get everywhere - even if they have a unique spin on them. Pretty cool.

Grade: B

Beertopia, your new go-to for everything craft beer in Morgantown, is located on Brockway Avenue right across from Pizza Hut.

Beertopia has lots of home brew equipment and accessories, as well as coolers full of craft beer and a large bar with local beer on tap.

We are a small family owned business.

Here at Beertopia, we love craft beer. We have a special appreciation for West Virginia breweries. We want to promote these hidden gems so that our fellow Mountaineers can enjoy them with us! 

Stop by and fill your growler, grab your favorite six pack, pick up a keg for your next gathering, or put together the brewing supplies for your own perfect brew.

We'd love to meet you and discuss your passion for craft beer.

I stopped by to check the place out and tried Big Timber's Frost Notch Winter Ale. This beer is pretty damn good. I could definitely see myself drinking a few more this winter. I also ended up having a Screech Owl Brewing Thrashing Wheat, which was also tasty. Love that they have a good variety of local beers on tap - and good taste in selection, too.

They also have a small selection of food available. Their standard bar fare includes a pepperoni roll, meat/cheese plate, hot sausage pepper dip & chips, hummus, baked cheese raviolis and sausage cheese balls.

So, we got an order of the sausage cheese balls - only because it was the strangest thing on the menu, and I was intrigued.

They weren't bad - not sure there's any cheese left, but it's little just a little ball of sausage. Pretty self explanatory here. But, I must say, these little greasy bites feel good on a belly full of beer.

This place is pretty sweet. If you haven't made your way out there yet, clear some time and take time to take it all in. Whether you're brewing or just enough a nice craft beverage, there's a little bit of something for everyone.

Grade: A