While the southern part of the state has Sam's Hot Dogs, the northern part has T&L Hot Dogs. These are both beloved, local hot dog chains that I've been working my way through.
T&L has 8 different locations in North Central WV, and this one was my last to visit: the Clarksburg Walmart. I'm not even sure how a local hot dog joint gets into an establishment like Walmart, but this express location still has all the favorites. I did two hotdogs with onion and ketchup, as well as a slushy. These onions were so finely cut, they were almost grated or minced. Aside from that, I enjoyed the standard hotdog and bonus points for the drink.
Grade: B
Crafts of Coal has expanded beyond their humble beginnings. The ice cream shop has opened up several locations, with the newest being in Sissonville.
The building has a walk-up window and lounge chairs on the porch - but no inside dining. The flavors are a fun combo of classics and unique. I ordered the Country Roads Cookie Jar, which had both m&ms and cookie dough. I enjoyed the cookie dough bits, but I think the m&ms were just a bit too much for my personal preference. But I'd gladly go back to try all the other flavors!
Grade: B
Vandall's is a gas station in Meadow Bridge that is also part convenient store, part grocery store and part restaurant.
The building has seen better days; it is the oldest building in Summers County, having bern built in 1854, according to its website.
They are known for their pizza, but when I tried to place an order for one, I was told they were on a 1.5+ hour wait. I pivotted and asked if I could just do a pepperoni roll instead.
The kind woman working at the counter took pity on me and asked the cook if they could find room in the oven for a single pepperoni roll since I was already there and waiting. I don't know that the cook was super happy to oblige, but after about just 20 minutes, I was on my way.
Their version of a pepperoni roll is more like a pepperoni and cheese sub. There wasn't any sauce, and it was only lightly baked. Just kinda basic. Next time, I will hold out for the pizza.
Grade: B
The Greenbrier Grille and Lodge in Marlinton is a family-friendly restaurant that offers three meals a day overlooking the Greenbrier River.
The piece de resistance of this restaurant is the large wooden deck that includes a duck feeding area, which is where I went to dine and duck watch.
On this particular day, they were offering a limited menu because of the high volume of guests.
there were some breakfast options, some lunch options, but I just wanted a quick snack. So, I ordered the stuffed cheese breadsticks. these aren't fried mozzarella sticks; they are wider breadsticks that have tons of gooey cheese inside.
I thought these were pretty tasty. It's hard to beat bread, cheese and sauce. I wouldn't hate some butter on top to help adhere that sprinkling of Parmesan.
Have you been?
Grade: B
"Y’allternative cuisine. Like momaw made it, but she has tattoos and drinks her whiskey straight," reads Black Circle Bistro's bio on Facebook. Honestly, that is enough to make me a fan of this Beckley restaurant.
But, I should also try the food. So while in the area, I placed a to go order and picked up a few items off the menu. A few notes: They don't do ice. They don't do lemon. Their specialty is burgers, but they also have other sandwiches, salads and sides.
I went with the Granny, which has cheddar cheese, pimento cheese, bacon and pepper jelly. I picked this one primarily because I love cheese and that salty sweet combo. But every burger was tempting – from adding fried bologna to blue cheese pimento to dippy eggs. I didn't do this burger justice because I didn't get a chance to eat it immediately. I had it later on that evening, and while it was good, I know it would be better hot and fresh.
What I did get to enjoy immediately was the deviled egg potato salad, which is perfect Appalachian twist on potato salad. A little kick, which I love. I also tried the pickled eggs, which I know can be divisive, but I love that zippy tang.
Finally, I need to give a shoutout to their sauces. I didn't even have fries, but I needed to try the Appalachian Goddess, Jana's Garlic & Onion, Pimento and Hillbilly Holy Trinity. Yes, yes and more yes.
Grade: A