El Pollon is a Peruvian style rotisserie chicken restaurant with a couple locations in Morgantown. "Pollo a la Brasa" is marinated with native Peruvian spices and cooked in the heat of the charcoal. It is a cultural icon of Peruvian cuisine and originated in the 1950s in the city of Lima. I ordered 1/4 white meat chicken with mashed potatoes and veggies. It was tender, juicy, and full of Peruvian-roasted flavor. The skin has a delicate char that gives a smoky edge without being overly greasy, and the meat underneath remains remarkably moist — something that’s often hard to nail with white meat. They have an ají verde, made with jalapeños, cilantro, garlic, and lime blended into a creamy base. The yellow sauce is the milder ají amarillo sauce. The mashed potatoes and vegetables lacked the same attention to seasoning as the chicken, landing squarely in ‘just fine’ territory. And while the two traditional sauces held their own, the plate begged for a third option with a touch of sweetness to round out the heat and acidity. Grade: B

Don Taco Mexican Taqueria & Birria House in Morgantown is a fast-casual spot known for its flavorful Mexican dishes with a strong focus on birria (the slow-cooked meat in broth).



They also offer street tacos, huge customizable burritos, sides like elote and ChoriQueso fries, and horchata made with a rice base.



I ordered two of the Mexican Street Tacos - Authentic Mexican street taco on double layer corn tortilla with your choice of freshly grilled meat or veggies, onions and cilantro. Served with salsa and limes on the side. I went for camaron (shrimp) and al pastor.



Both of these were good. Without the salsa, the flavors were not super powerful. But with, it made for a nice bite.



Grade: B

Griddle & Grind in Beaver was a locally owned breakfast and lunch café that opened in recent years in a former Hardee's location. I made a quick visit before they shuttered. The atmosphere was relaxed and café-style, designed for both quick counter-service visits and unhurried sit-down meals. Its menu featured traditional breakfast staples such as omelets, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and full breakfast platters, along with a selection of sandwiches, lighter options like an Avocado BLT, and coffee drinks. I enjoyed a fruity, popping boba peach mango refresher. The Bacon Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese was built on grilled sourdough bread filled with cream cheese, cheddar and jack cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and roasted jalapeños. Both were enjoyable - The refresher was bright and refreshing, with a sweet, tropical mix of peach and mango. The sandwich was a spicy, cheesy delight. Jalapeños add a punch of heat, while the melted cheese balances it with creamy richness. The sandwich is crunchy, flavorful and satisfyingly spicy. Have you been? Grade: B

The Grind in Point Pleasant is a cozy café located on Main Street that serves as a popular gathering spot. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, the shop offers a range of specialty coffees, pastries, and pepperoni rolls. The Grind's original location is actually in Ripley, and they expanded to Point Pleasant. At the time of this writing, though, unfortunately, it looks as though the Point Pleasant location may have shuttered. The drink & cookie I had were both quite tasty. Thw wildberry smoothie is vibrant purple and comes with whipped cream on top. It is is bright, fruity, and just sweet enough. You can really taste the mix of berries, and it’s blended smooth without being too icy. Simple & refreshing. The s'more sandwich cookie was solid, too, though some milk chocolate would have taken it up a notch in my book. Have you been? Grade: B

Located at 1242 Washington Ave in Huntington, West Virginia, Asian Express is a casual Asian fusion restaurant offering dine-in, take-out and delivery.



The menu spans familiar favorites—from hibachi and stir-fries to sushi rolls and curries — alongside burger and hot dog options.



I ordered a chicken katsu bento box, which comes with a California roll, dumplings and an orange. The chicken is crispy and golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with a tangy katsu sauce that adds some sweetness. The California roll is fresh and simple, while the dumplings bring a savory, steamed contrast, and the orange slice at the end offers a bright, refreshing finish.



The Dragon Ball roll is wrapped in fresh avocado, giving it a smooth, round texture. The avocado adds richness to each bite and pairs well with the shrimp and spicy crab inside. Finished with a light drizzle of eel sauce, it’s a flavorful.



It appears the restaurant may have since closed - but unclear. Have you been?



Grade: B

Located at 210 Logan Street in Williamson, West Virginia, Hurley Drug Company Inc serves the surrounding rural community of Mingo County. The independent pharmacy provides prescription fulfillment, over-the-counter medications, and home-medical equipment. The pharmacy drew national attention during congressional investigations into the opioid epidemic when data showed that between 2006 and 2016 the town of Williamson — including Hurley Drug — received more than 10.5 million opioid pills. Hurley Drug is more than just a pharmacy —it’s a local institution. But what truly sets Hurley Drug apart is its old-fashioned lunch counter, where locals line up for one of the area’s most beloved hot dogs. I got one hot dog with chili, slaw, mustard & onions: The slaw offered a creamy, slightly sweet contrast to the standard hot dog. The bun holds together well, keeping things from getting too messy. BLT: Thick, crispy bacon layered on fresh, lightly toasted bread with lettuce and tomato slices; the mayo adds a smooth richness and the tomato’s juiciness balances the salty bacon. Simple, clean, and full of classic flavor—no frills, just a solid sandwich done right. Grade: B

Elender’s in Thomas, West Virginia, was a distinctive restaurant located along the Appalachian Highway that specialized in “global street food” — blending Appalachian comfort with international flavors. I'm thankful I was able to check it out before its recent closure. Known for its creative menu featuring everything from fusion-style dishes to hearty burgers, the restaurant has earned a reputation for bringing some flair to the mountain town’s dining scene. The space offered a full bar, outdoor seating and a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for both locals and travelers exploring Tucker County. I ordered the bibimbap - Korean marinated steak over mushroom fried rice, topped with house kimchi, toasted sesame seared vegetables, slivered almonds, soft boiled egg and gochujang mayonnaise. The bibimbop had a nice mix of textures and plenty of flavor from the marinated steak and gochujang mayonnaise. The mushrooms and kimchi gave it a rich, earthy tang, and the vegetables added freshness and crunch. Overall, it was well-made, though a touch of sweetness would have helped balance the salt and spice. Grade: B

Otter Café, located upstairs inside Otter & Oak at 302 Second Avenue in downtown Hinton, West Virginia, is a cozy spot that pairs perfectly with the boutique outdoor and lifestyle shop below. Its warm, inviting space overlooks the historic streets of Hinton, offering a comfortable place for locals and visitors to relax with a drink after shopping or exploring the nearby New River Gorge area. The café serves a full range of coffee and tea drinks, including lattes, cold brew, frappes, smoothies, and seasonal specialties like flavored mochas and loaded teas. Their hand-picked selection of individual milk and dark chocolates, each with an assorted filling, adds a decadent touch to the menu. Sugar-free options are also available for those who prefer them. The café lists these treats separately (priced from about $1.49 to $4.99). I enjoyed a large peanut butter cup, which is like an artisanal Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. And for a drink, I went with a sea salt caramel toffee frappe. that is like all of my favorite flavors all in one syrup. Both of these were simple, but lovely. I think what sets this place apart is the ambience and space. Where else can you perch above a local business full of unique goods while enjoying a sweet treat? Not many, that's for sure. Plus, Hinton is a cute town with even more to explore after finishing up at this shop. Have you been? Grade: B