Shinnston is home to this small, unassuming ice cream shop: Gibby's Ice Cream and Grill.

The restaurant is actually much more than that, though, as it also serves up hoagies, burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, wings and salads. It's not an expansive menu, but there is definitely enough to fill your belly and save room for dessert too.

The restaurant has space for dine in, outdoor tables and it even has a drive through. We went inside to check it out. I went for a cookie dough "avalanche," or their version of a blizzard. As I waited, I noticed all the Christian decorations and sort of primitive design. They're definitely gearing toward that family-friendly crowd.

But the ice cream is good! The ix-ins were a bit dry -- or maybe that's because I devoured it so fast, it didn't have a chance to get mixed in better. But, damn, I love me some ice cream and this was no exception. Smooth, silky sweet. Yum.

Grade: B

It's not every day you see an Irish restaurant in the middle of West Virginia, but Bridgeport made that possible.

Meagher's Irish Pub is as much of a social gathering place as it is a restaurant or bar. Located at Charles Pointe, the building is new with tons of parking. Inside, there are some Irish pennants and other memorabilia hanging on the walls.

About Meagher's Irish Pub: Featuring traditional Irish fare, New Celtic cuisine and plenty of Irish ale and whiskey – Meaghers Irish Pub at Charles Pointe.

The pub – short for “public house” – a fundamental establishment in Irish culture and the focal point of many small towns – is owned by Tim and Jade Meagher.

“We felt there was a need for more dining options – a place where people can go out and enjoy great conversation, food and a drink with friends – and what better place than a Irish Pub” – Tim Meagher

“My fathers family (the Meaghers) immigrated to America in the mid-1800s from a town called Nenagh in County Tipperarey”. “My mothers side (the Gilroys) immigrated during the same period from the Northern part of Ireland.”

According to his ancestral culture, Irish pubs have traditionally been the gathering places for family and friends.

“And that’s what we are trying to create here in Bridgeport – ‘Your Social Gathering Place’,” “We definitely want people to feel comfortable bringing the whole family, kids included.”

An original idea and design by Tim and Jade Meagher, occupies 5,123 square feet located at Charles Pointe.

The menu features some takes on Irish food - like corned beef and cabbage egg rolls, Irish nachos, fish & chips, shepherd's pie, boxty, bangers & mash, and a "celtic knot" which is three large pretzel braids served with dressing, honey mustard, chipotle ketchup and beer cheese.

I totally appreciate them putting modern spins on some classic Irish dishes. I think it's pretty cool. For example, their "boxty": Our take on a classic Irish potato pancake. A thin crepe like pancake layered with with onions, peppers and cabbage wrapped and topped with a creamy cheese sauce. Choice of Salmon, Chicken, Steak or Vegetarian.

One thing that is a little different is their pepperoni roll: Thank you Mr. Argiro! Ground pepperoni rolled in an airy dough shaped like a donut and deep fried and served with creamy ranch dressing - 2 per order. We ordered this appetizer because I had to try it.

Si, it is essentially a fried donut that has little bits of pepperoni and cheese wrapped up inside. It comes with a side of ranch (idk why it's not marinara... but alas). These are greasy as all get out, but I can't deny that they're decent. I do wish the outside was maybe rolled in parmesan or something - that would've made it 1,000 times better. But, not bad.

Well I ordered Fish & Chips for my entree. "Flash fried, ale-battered cod served with sea salt and pepper chips with your choice of citrus herb tarter or malt vinegar aioli."

This fish wasn't bad. A little on the greasy end, especially for the ratio of fish to batter. And, the fries were a bit soggy. I feel like this is always a thing with fish & chips. I just want my chips to be crisper.

Still, I think there are some things here you can't get everywhere - even if they have a unique spin on them. Pretty cool.

Grade: B

Beertopia, your new go-to for everything craft beer in Morgantown, is located on Brockway Avenue right across from Pizza Hut.

Beertopia has lots of home brew equipment and accessories, as well as coolers full of craft beer and a large bar with local beer on tap.

We are a small family owned business.

Here at Beertopia, we love craft beer. We have a special appreciation for West Virginia breweries. We want to promote these hidden gems so that our fellow Mountaineers can enjoy them with us! 

Stop by and fill your growler, grab your favorite six pack, pick up a keg for your next gathering, or put together the brewing supplies for your own perfect brew.

We'd love to meet you and discuss your passion for craft beer.

I stopped by to check the place out and tried Big Timber's Frost Notch Winter Ale. This beer is pretty damn good. I could definitely see myself drinking a few more this winter. I also ended up having a Screech Owl Brewing Thrashing Wheat, which was also tasty. Love that they have a good variety of local beers on tap - and good taste in selection, too.

They also have a small selection of food available. Their standard bar fare includes a pepperoni roll, meat/cheese plate, hot sausage pepper dip & chips, hummus, baked cheese raviolis and sausage cheese balls.

So, we got an order of the sausage cheese balls - only because it was the strangest thing on the menu, and I was intrigued.

They weren't bad - not sure there's any cheese left, but it's little just a little ball of sausage. Pretty self explanatory here. But, I must say, these little greasy bites feel good on a belly full of beer.

This place is pretty sweet. If you haven't made your way out there yet, clear some time and take time to take it all in. Whether you're brewing or just enough a nice craft beverage, there's a little bit of something for everyone.

Grade: A

I have a friend (*ahem*Ann Ali Semenick*) who has sung the praises of Moundsville bakery Quality Bake Shoppe for quite some time.

This bakery, which is a hometown favorite, is small but has quite a selection. When I walked in - about an hour before closing time - they still had tons of donuts, cookies, cupcakes, pastries, Mad Dogs (which are long pastries that look like hot dogs filled with a cream), and their "World Famous" Butterscotch Seasonal Cookies.

We are a "baked fresh daily" bakery. This means that everyday we are putting out fresh baked goods. From our famous mad dogs, to our delicious glazed donuts we put out fresh donuts right up to closing! We also have some very talented cake decorators on staff who make all types of cakes, including wedding cakes and birthday cakes! And don't forget our bread, pies, cookies, and other pastries! Call ahead to place orders!

I had to get a butterscotch cookie, which was a pumpkin, and one of the Mad Dogs, which I got in peanut butter.

The butterscotch cookies are the real deal. Think of a sugar cookie - only better. Super sweet an rich but with some nice salty characteristics, too. So good.

The Mad Dog is very similar to Spring Hill Pastry's hot dog. A long pastry split and filled with cream. The peanut butter one was quite good - a nice fluffy, chewy pastry with peanut buttery filling. Delish.

This is quite the little bakery. Out-of-this-world pastries and goodies. I'll definitely be making another stop on my way through Moundsville in the future.

Grade: A

So, as I slowly eat my way through the Northern Panhandle, I'm trying to hit all the key places. TJ's Sports Garden in Wheeling is one of them.

While not necessarily revered for its culinary offerings, the environment of TJ's is unmatched. Calling it a "sports bar" would be putting it lightly - football field rugs, tons of giant TVs with every sport imaginable, neon beer lights, pool tables and scoreboard decorations. 

The menu has lots of fried appetizers, burgers, pasta, seafood, sandwiches, wraps and more. I had called in my order, so I actually went to toward the back counter to pick it up. It was quick and done actually much quicker than the time they quoted me. Even better. I got my box full of food and headed out back toward Morgantown.

I got the TJ's Par Three Cheeseburgers, which are three cheeseburger sliders with an onion ring. They're topped with mayo, mustard, ketchup, and a pickle on a toasted bun. Sides of "TJ's famous cole slaw and fries."

I'll tell you what, these sliders are pretty damn good. I wasn't expecting much, so maybe my bar was pretty low. But, they had big patties, and the abundance of condiments and seasoning of the beef made for a good flavor, and that onion ring added some nice texture.

The fries were also not bad. Could be crisper.

The biggest surprise, though, was the cole slaw. I didn't even know I liked cole slaw that much until I had it from here. Sweeter, more finely chopped. Really good. I'm glad I got this, too, because I almost subbed it out for something else.


Overall, definitely a cool place to hang out and catch the game. And, I would say the food is pretty good, too, if you are wanting some good, standard burgers and fries fare.



Grade: A