Papa Joe's Famous Meats is a small deli in Monongah known for their sausage recipe. Papa Joe’s Famous Meats, originally run by Papa Joe Manchin, debuted as a market back in 1969.



Though it looks as though they are not currently open, I was able to stop by to check it out. As an added bonus, they were a stop on the Pepperoni Roll Trail.



While I didn't get to try any of their hot prepared foods, I indulged in their pasta salad.



The classic Italian-style pasta salad featured various deli meats like salami and pepperoni, plus cheese and veggies (tomatoes, broccoli) in a simple but addictive dressing.



Grade: A

Sometimes, gas stations have some really good pepperoni rolls. The Point Convenience - Valley Point is one of those gas stations. Located in Albright, the gas station is maybe better known for its pepperoni rolls than its fuel. Why? It's a thick roll, which is moist and flavorful. There's nothing worse than getting a pepperoni roll that is all dry bread. Layers of pepperoni and hot pepper cheese. *chef's kiss* they're doing it right. Grade: A

Shake Your Boba is a bubble tea/boba shop located at 36 River Walk Mall in South Charleston.



They serve a variety of boba tea drinks — milk teas, fruit teas — and also some fun extras like bubble waffles.



I ordered a brown sugar boba milk tea, which was sweet and creamy with soft, chewy boba.



The bubble waffle is lightly golden and slightly soft, almost like a cross between a waffle and a soft pastry. The strawberries layer on a sweet-tart freshness that keeps every bite lively.



Grade: A

This & That Bakery in Morgantown (well, technically Granville) delivers delicious goodies like macarons and pepperoni rolls fresh from the oven. "Annie, Becky, and Molly are self-taught bakers who have a lifetime of experience baking and cooking for friends and family, and as cottage-law bakers in WV for almost 15 years," reads the website. Their signature pepperoni rolls, offered in regular, banana-pepper, jalapeño, and seasonal ramp flavors — are baked in garlic-herb bread with olive oil and deli pepperoni. More options include artisan loaves, assorted bagels, savory scones, focaccia, and even tomato-ricotta tarts. Sweet treats include cupcakes, cakes, brownies and more. I enjoyed a solid pepperoni roll and a variety of other traits that were all just as tasty. Have you been? Grade: A

Bricello’s Grilled Formaggio is a Berkeley Springs–based food truck known for taking the humble grilled cheese sandwich and turning it into something unforgettable. Originally launched as Bricello’s Caterers in Maryland, the business later moved to West Virginia and evolved into a mobile sandwich concept built around high-quality ingredients, creative toppings, and notable vegetarian and vegan options. The name “Bricello’s” comes from the owner’s children — Briana and Marcello. Some menu items include: A “Cheesy BLT” — with provolone, organic romaine, tomatoes, and vegan bacon; an “Eggplant Parmesan” sandwich — one reviewer called it “one of the all-time best eggplant parms I’ve ever had"; and a “Pesto, Pepperoncini & Parmesan” grilled-cheese variation. The Caprese featured mozzarella, organic arugula, pesto, sliced tomato & balsamic dressing. This was unreal. I think the buttery bread + pesto + balssmic combo made this sing. Grade: A

Wardensville Garden Market is an on-farm market + bakery + general store — part of a broader social-enterprise/ nonprofit project run by Farms Work Wonders. Through it you can buy produce from their organic farm, baked goods from their in-house bakery, pantry items, artisan crafts (including glass art from a glass-studio), meats/eggs from their farm, jams, sauces, and other locally or regionally made goods. The market sits on a historic 100-acre farm (originally the Frye Farm) in Wardensville, WV — land bordered by the Cacapon River. It launched in 2016 as a small farm stand — by responding to community interest, it grew into a full market in a restored farmhouse, with bakery and expansion over time. The Garden Market sells goods produced by Mack’s Bingo Bakery — like cinnamon rolls, breads, pies, cookies, pepperoni rolls — all of which I tried, and they were delicious. All profits from the market (and associated enterprises: bakery, farm, kitchen, glass studio) are reinvested into local youth programming, giving jobs, training, and scholarship opportunities to Appalachian youth. Grade: A

ISH Kitchen is the restaurant inside The Billy Motel & Bar in Davis, West Virginia. The “ISH” reflects its globally inspired, “-ish” approach to cuisine: small plates drawing influence from many different world traditions (Indian-ish, Asian-ish, etc.) The Billy Motel has a retro, mid‑century-meets-roadside aesthetic, with a very “Hillbilly Fabulous” design sensibility. The lounge and dining area feel intentionally eclectic — cozy, chic, with funky furniture and a warm, welcoming feel. We tried a few different items, beginning with: Naan (India): Garlic butter–served, simple and tasty. Pão de Queijo (Brazil): Gluten-free cheese puffs with a creamy herb sauce. Papas Bravas (Spain): Roasted potatoes with spicy bravas sauce + garlic‑lemon sour cream (“Sour Joy Sauce”). Creme Brulee (France): Light egg custard with orange zest and a crunchy broiled sugar topping.

Everything was a little unique, a little fun and a lot tasty.

Grade: A

Mack's Bingo Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant. It’s part of Farms Work Wonders, a nonprofit. The restaurant operates as a “living classroom” for local Appalachian youth (ages ~16-21), called the “Junior Crew,” giving them real work experience in hospitality: cooking, serving, hosting, etc. The restaurant interior highlights local materials: barnwood, local metalwork, and locally made glass pieces. There’s a warm, cozy feel: high ceilings (16 ft), a big wood-fired hearth, a bar, and a porch area. Their cuisine blends Appalachian inspiration with Italian and Greek influences. Style: They have a wood-fired hearth / grill, which gives a rustic, smoky quality to many dishes. We started with sourdough focaccia, which had winter squash, sage & sumac. The bread from Mack’s Bingo Bakery (the bakery associated with Mack’s Bingo Kitchen) is next level. The caramelized bits on top and then the soft, airy interior - delish. I ordered coal roasted beets with ricotta, sunflower seeds and black walnut vinaigrette. The black walnut vinaigrette leaned slightly sour, nudging the whole dish into sharper territory than expected. The ricotta helped soften that acidity, adding a cool, creamy counterweight, while the sunflower seeds brought a welcome nutty crunch. For dessert - the s'mores tart, which had smoked chocolate & sorghum marshmallow. A bit more bitter than I personally enjoy. A scoop of ice cream topped off the whole meal. Instead of tips, guests are encouraged to leave a donation to support their mission of youth training through Farms Work Wonders. Have you been? Grade: A