Nestled along the Ohio River in nearby Williamstown, River Town Grill has quickly become a go-to spot for Parkersburg-area diners seeking hearty comfort food with a touch of polish. The restaurant pairs a casual steakhouse atmosphere with a lively bar and patio overlooking the water, making it ideal for both laid-back lunches and special evenings out. The menu features everything from ribeyes that to creative appetizers like Monte Cristo bites. The Monte Cristo Bites are a fun mix of sweet and savory. Crispy fried tortillas are filled with ham, turkey, and melted cheese, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with melba sauce. The crunchy outside contrasts with the gooey, cheesy center, and the fruity dip adds a bright finish. They’re rich but addictive. My house salad was wonderful. Fresh greens and tomatoes and onions, served with a tangy French dressing. Simple but satisfying. The steak at River Town Grill is very good — tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The sear gives it a perfect crust while keeping the inside melt-in-your-mouth soft. Grade: A

I was passing through Williamstown around breakfast time, so I googled "breakfast restaurants" and up popped Tonya's Country Kitchen.



It's homestyle diner restaurant that serves breakfast all day: eggs, biscuits & sausage gravy, pancakes, cornbeef hash - none of those were resonating. 



But then I saw the breakfast burrito: two scrambled eggs, onions, peppers and choice of meat (sausage for me). I have a soft spot for McDonald's sausage burritos (at least when they were $1). 



And, this burrito was definitely better. It was much larger, full of fresher veggies and had some real girth to it. It would have been perfection if there was salsa and sour cream with it. And the ends weren't really tucked well, so it became a bit unwieldy. 



Homefries were so much better than I thought. A real nice crisp on one side. What have I been eating all my life? I just wish I had some ketchup or sauce with them. 



Next time, I'm saving room for pie, because it looked sooo good.



Have you been? Or been to their Marietta, Ohio, location?



Grade: B

Williamstown is home to a super cute coffeehouse that wasn't even on my radar until I passed it recently.



Williamstown can kinda fall in the bigger Parkersburg's shadow.



But The Bakery and Coffeehouse is worth bringing to light.



First off, the space is very sweet. White columns and fencing flank the front of the building. 



Inside, there's a country modern chic vibe with chalkboard signs and cute decor.



They serve coffee drinks, cupcakes, fudge, muffins, pepperoni rolls - plus made-to-order items for breakfast and lunch. 



I was in heaven. There are just so many things to choose from. 



So let's get into it. 



It wouldn't be me if I didn't try a pepperoni roll.



These were small and compact, but they packed a good bit of flavor in a little bite.



I much prefer that to a huge pepperoni roll that is full of dry bread. 



I also tried one of these cake pops - which were really kind of just like cake with icing on the outside. The inside was a bit dry.



Plus I ordered an iced coffee with caramel to chase it all down. I always love the idea of an iced coffee for the first 5 minutes, until my tummy reminds me that it may have been a poor decision. It still tasted good in the moment. 



A few more goodies to take home - a cookie, as well as an everything bagel with garlic and herb cream cheese. 



Everything here was tasty. And, sometimes I prefer my meals with just a little here and a little there. With them having so many options, I was able to pick and choose a bunch of different things.



Grade: A

There has been one authentic Filipino restaurant in West Virginia that has been an absolute dream! And now, there are two.



Phillippines Best Food, located in Parkersburg, just opened a second location in Williamstown down at the boat ramp on the river.



It's a walk-up counter and has some outdoor dining. The menu is more streamlined with 2 steps: pick a bowl or a burrito. Then, pick your protein. Plus there are sides and kid options.



For my entree, I went with a pork adobo bowl with pancit noodles. It is marinated pork with onions and potatoes served over rice noodles. It has a rich, slightly sweet flavor and is so tender that it's just *chef's kiss* perfection.



But, wait, there's more. If you're not getting lumpia while here, you're doing it wrong. I hate making statements like that - I just love these things. So crispy - but fresh. Just really good.



And I ordered some jalapeno poppers - mostly because I thought they might have a different twist, but they're pretty straight forward.



My favorite part, though ...



Was the halo-halo! This signature drink reminds me of my friends Kaitlynn and Josh, who had it at their wedding. So, this was only the second time I've ever had it. And I can't wait to have it again.



Halo-halo has crushed ice, evaporated milk, ube ice cream (like sweet potato or yam), sweetened beans and leche flan (thank you for this, Sam!). The flavors are different and layered and the texture is varied. Just loved it.



Grade: A

The Yellow Jacket - Sweets and Eats is home to what's known as "Freak Shakes."

This restaurant serves up sandwiches, pepperoni rolls, hot dogs - and their famous shakes in Williamstown.

They have homemade pepperoni rolls, so I had to try one. I ordered mine with marinara sauce and cheese.

They have thick, triangular sticks in the buns, split open and topped with sauce and cheese - very Fairmont-esque.

And, I had to get a s'more "Freak Shake." Not only is it a tall milkshake, but it's then topped with just a ball of ice cream and THEN all the toppings. Just to get to the milkshake is a feat.

But quite a tasty meal.

The Dutch Pantry Family Restaurant is located in Williamstown.

Featuring Dutch dishes, this restaurant also is home to a gift shop area.


I was passing through the area and starving, so I popped in for breakfast.

The menu features staples like omelettes, platters, french toast and more.

I went with blueberry pancakes which come with a side of bacon, sausage, kielbasa or scrapple.

I have to say - this is the first time I've seen scrapple in West Virginia.


Scrapple is "scraps of pork or other meat stewed with cornmeal and shaped into loaves for slicing and frying, especially characteristic of eastern Pennsylvania."

So, of course I had to go with that.

First, sweet pancakes doused in syrup.

Then the salty scrapple to go with.

And some more shots of the shop that has a little bit of everything!

Have you been here before?

You can even get whole pies to take home.