Sometimes, a classic, homestyle breakfast just hits the spot.

Mary B's Diner is Parkersburg's resident country breakfast diner. It has been credited with having great pie, being the best diner in the area, and embodying that classic diner culture. So, RL and I stopped by for breakfast while in the area.

Diners aren't as plentiful in the Mountain State as one would image. They harken back to a simpler time, so think big portions, great service and traditional foods. But, they haven't stood the test of time in the Mountain State, so I was pleased to try out Mary B's.

It's not a huge space, but the worn tables and chairs show the years of love. The menu features breakfast options like french toast, eggs, sausage gravy & biscuits, and more. That doesn't even include all the great sandwich and dessert options for lunch.

Wanting to go for a little something unique, I ordered the "Loaded Burrito," which had a flour tortilla filled with bacon, ham, sausage, scrambled eggs, green peppers, onions and cheese. I got it smother with salsa (though you can choose sausage gravy if you'd like). On the side, I got an order of hashbrowns.


This burrito is no joke. It's large and in charge - and tasty, as that. It was just packed full of everything breakfast food-related. It was so large, I was only able to eat maybe half of it. But with that salsa (and an additional side of sour cream I asked for), it was like a beautiful Mexican-inspired breakfast treat.

RL got a more traditional eggs & home fries and seemed to enjoy those as well. Overall, this is a classic diner with all the necessary fixins. If you're looking for a classic comforting meal, look no further.

Grade: A

We were inspired by the classic diners of the ’50s. A place for people to come meet, eat, drink and have fun. Only this is Austin — so we left out the standard cookie-cutter diner stuff. No fluorescent lights, chrome or a cheesy refurbished jukebox in the corner. We blended a mid-century modern design with a big helping of Austin eclectic. Just like our food, it’s a unique blend of ingredients that’s delightfully unexpected. 

Our crew is uniquely inspired as well. Chef and Texas native Andrew Curren was valedictorian of his class at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and worked alongside top chefs such as Danny Meyer and Jonathan Waxman. In fact, all our partners are Texans with discerning palates. We offer local, farm-to-table and organic produce whenever possible and quality food prepared immaculately. 

Come hungry any time of the day — or night. Our chef-inspired comfort food will make you happy whether you’re craving chicken and waffles, veggie hash, meatloaf with sweet onion gravy or a tasty bacon Gorgonzola burger (try it with a fried egg on top). You’ll get extra grins if you order one of our decadently rich milkshakes — or a pint of craft beer or glass of boutique wine — to top it off. 

Good atmosphere. Good people. Good food. Good drink. All in one convenient location at the corner of 6th and Lamar. The fact we’re neighbors with Austin icon Waterloo Records, well, that just makes it even cooler.

24 Diner is a very cool, very orange diner known for its chicken and waffles. It has been awarded time and time again for its classic - yet inspired - food, so I needed to make a trip here pronto.

When you hear the word diner, you probably think greasy spoon. 24 Diner is anything but. Essentially, we took all the elements of the concept we liked — classic American cuisine, good service, fun atmosphere — and turned it up about 10 notches. We offer chef-inspired comfort food, local & organic fare, a full bar and a killer beer & wine list. A finer diner, if you will. And you can stop in anytime. We’re open 24 hours a day and located downtown in the heart of Central Austin at 6th and Lamar.

The breakfast menu is always served, and there's where you'll find the dish: CHICKEN & WAFFLE Marinated, boneless, skinless fried chicken breast & thigh, brown sugar butter. Oh, and that Belgian Waffle? Made from yeast-risen dough with butter, Madagascar vanilla & raw sugar. Grade A light amber Michigan maple syrup.

This is just the small serving - and thankfully I did that - because it was more than enough. The chicken is perfectly crispy and moist and just delicious. That waffle is light and fluffy and once you top everything with maple syrup, and it's just a dream come true. Best chicken & waffles I've had. The perfect chicken - free of mess or chewy or fatty bits - just makes it. You won't regret it.

Grade: A

Morgantown has a few key restaurants missing: a good noodle shop, some homemade soul food, a nice deli and until recently - a diner.

Morgan's High St. Diner held a soft opening on Thursday and will continue until their grand opening next Thursday. Hours currently are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. I do wish it was 24 hours because the only other 24-hour establishment is Eat'n Park. I imagine that would be difficult, though.

The diner's front is yellow and gray with corrugated metal behind the sign. Definitely a change from the former Fondue Factory space. The same owner of the Fondue Factory (and Coach's Crab Shack) opened this diner - different feel from the upscale fondue place and seafood restaurant.

The restaurant has a checkered ceiling, photos from the town's past and waiters in tuxedo T-shirts. There are old license plates and signs of street names in town. It's very Morgantown, and it's filling a void in town.

Menu items were crowdsourced from restaurants of the past. Check out their menu here and here. The whole front is breakfast - eggs, omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, combo plates, cereal, waffles and pancakes. The back is for the lunch and dinner crowd: chicken and waffle sandwich, meatloaf, deep-fried turkey, fish and chips, roast beef, chicken-fried steak, burgers and desserts - milkshakes, pies, banana split.

And their Morgan's Challenge: 15 scoops of chocolate, vanilla or strawberry ice cream, topped with chocolate, caramel and strawberry syrup, whipped cream, fruits and cherries for $16.50. If you finish in 15 minutes, you get to keep the bowl and it's free. But you might have a killer brain freeze.

I had a taste of their meatloaf and loved it, so I wanted a full bite. I ordered their meatloaf sandwich, which is topped with a slice of American cheese and sandwiched between two pieces of Texas toast. This just reminds me of growing up. I loved a meatloaf sandwich. And this meatloaf is so good. I like the smokey/tangy glaze. The toast is buttered and adds a nice crunch to the super moist and just a tad bit of heat meatloaf. Loved this.

It comes with a side of fries, but I opted out and went for a side of macaroni and cheese instead. My macaroni was a little bit cold, but it was OK overall.


Tony had the chicken and waffles sandwich, which comes with so much: fried chicken, waffles, cheese, bacon, sausage gravy and maple syrup. He was a fan, but it's definitely not something you can do often.

To top it off, I went with a milkshake. Tasty. I'm not sure you can mess up a milkshake too much. But it was not super thick, but that's okay. All around, I'm pretty impressed with the food.

Service was also great. Our waiter was accommodating and helpful. The manager was also walking around and asked how things were. And it wasn't the typical "Everything OK?" where they just want you to agree with them. She actually asked what they could improve upon - they genuinely want feedback on how to be better, and that's not something you see often. Simply phrasing it that way is welcoming feedback.

Grade: A

After our adventure at Copper House Grill, Afton and I drove down the road to DJ's 50s and 60s Diner for dessert.

This place is essentially a tin trailer and tries to give off this genuine, old character feel which is completely manufactured. Records from bands in the 50s and 60s line the wall along with pictures. I imagine 50 other of these same restaurants having the exact same decor.

And THE MUSIC. Was SO LOUD I could barely hear Afton across from me. Sigh. The ambiance needs helpp. OK. Dessert.

I ordered the banana split at $6. I do love the idea of this old diner (ie I dig a good banana split or burger), but I just wish it wasn't as generic. When the banana split came out, it was a sight. Three giant scoops of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup, caramel, sprinkles, nuts and cherries. It was a mess. A beautiful mess.

So, I don't think you can really mess up a banana split. It's gonna taste good no matter. But, I can think of a dozen or so other places I'd rather have one.

Grade: C

Kayla took me to Choo Choo's back before I started blogging. It's one of a handful of local restaurants in Wetzel County, and I've been wanting to go back ever since so I could have some more Wetzel County places represented in my blog. 

Diehl's is a place that I've heard about for a long time. It's had a secure place on my "to try" list for - I think - before I even moved to Charleston. It fell to the wayside after I moved back to Morgantown, but recently my editor at the magazine I freelance for asked me if I had heard of it. Of course, I responded. He then asked me to do a story on it. Perfect.


Diehl's embodies everything Nitro. It has photos and memorabilia from local heroes and athletes hung on the walls. Cap guns, pieces of history and others decorate each wall here. It feels like home. But I'll save that for my article.

I ordered the roast beef and gravy. It came with two sides - I went with mashed potatoes and sage dressing. Plus rolls. Keith Diehl, and his son Aaron, brought us out some cole slaw and green beans, too. Nice fellows.

This isn't my typical dish, but when in Rome. The roast beef was killer. Super tender and moist and flavorful with the gravy. The sage - IS FRIED STUFFING. I MEAN. C'MON. So tasty. And mashed potatoes - homemade and thick and creamy.

If you want to get a good feel for this area in terms of the culture and history, while also getting a full belly of homecooked food, look no further.


Oh god. And graham cracker pie. It was like this pudding, with graham cracker, whipped cream. So good. I can't wait to try go again.


Grade: A

Any pancakes Obama likes have got to be good, right? I mean, he's probably had a lot of pancakes. But his very favorite ones? Located right in Pittsburgh - at Pamela's P&G Diner in the Strip District.

First things first, Pamela's is CASH ONLY. And they're only open until 3 p.m. We hit up an ATM, and we luckily found a spot on the street nearby to the Strip District location and simply walked over. We had to put in our license plate for the meter. Weird.

We stood at the front for a few awkward moments as diners watched us fidget. It gets packed in here, but I think we hit it at a good time.

For just two people, we were seated in a row of two-person tables where I felt as thought I was closer to the people to my sides than to Afton, who was in front of me.

I ordered Pamela's Famous Crepe Hotcakes with sausage links for $7.35. While you do need cash here, at least it's pretty cheap. And if you're not feeling breakfast, they have salads and sandwiches.

But, really, get the pancakes. They're huge and slightly crispy on the edges. Very flat and served three at a time, eclipsing my plate.



I like the little bits of crisp at the end. Make sure to get some protein, though, to help sop up the massive discs of syrup and butter and carbs. Tasty. If you have the chance, check it out.

Grade: A

After being gone for nearly three months, I couldn't wait to return to Charleston. In addition to seeing some of my favorite people, I got to check out two new (or new to me) restaurants.

Happy Days Cafe is one that was new to me.

My boyfriend Carl (!) and I devoted our Saturday to shopping. First, we went to Stray Dog Antiques then Taylor Books. We then hit up a lots of antique stores around Charleston. And in the midst of this, I felt like my stomach was going to eat itself.

Happy Days Cafe, in South Charleston, had a steady stream of customers that afternoon, and it was one of the few on that block that I hadn't tried, so we took a chance.

 It's probably exactly what you'd imagine. The inside is a decent size, and they have a hodgepodge of furniture. Waitresses have probably been there for years and know the regulars' orders. We had arrived just after the Christmas parade had finished, so there were some families inside. And sitting right beside us was Bob Anderson, the executive director for the South Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, who I interviewed for a parade story a while back.

Since it was busy - or maybe not - service was a little slow. It took a bit to even get our drinks. Or I could've been even more impatient than usual. One of those.

I ordered their Big Bopper, which was their quintessential burger. Your choice of cheese (provolone for me), lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, ketchup, mustard and mayo. Carl went for two WV-style hotdogs. I think. In addition to burgers and hotdogs, they have some sandwiches, hoagies and salads. So, diner food, but lunch style. Apparently they also have popcorn and an ice cream bar. Neither one of which I got.

The burger was okay. I devoured it, so it couldn't have been too bad. The patty itself was nothing to write home about - not a whole lot of spices or flavor (aka probs frozen), but since it was covered in veggies and condiments, it was fine. Pretty average.

Carl was a little less enthused about his hotdogs because they were cold. That's kind of one of the few ways to ruin a hotdog. I'm not totally sure what the price came out to, but I'm guessing it was a little bit more than I would've liked. Pretty average, but if you're in the area, an okay diner option.

Grade: C