I haven't posted this year's list of 101 Unique Places to Dine in WV. For some reason, it's only numbering to 97, so it's not copying over perfectly. But feel free to look at the list here. And you can download a copy of the brochure here.

1. 1863 Tavern at the Elkins Motor Lodge

   One of the longest-running food establishments in Elkins, the Tavern represents old-fashioned fine dining, right down to the wait staff...
   
   City: Elkins

2. Alexander's On 7th

   Enjoy the beauty of Old World Craftsmanship as you visit Moundsville’s Newest Eatery-“Alexander’s on 7th,” A National Register property. ...
   
   City: Moundsville

3. Aquarium Lounge

   This small, intimate restaurant specializes in seafood and steaks. Try the blackened tuna and filet mignon with crabmeat. Fabulous!
   
   City: Fairmont

4. Bake Shoppe of Beckley

   The Bake Shoppe has delicious cake and pastries, as well as fresh bread, soups, chicken salad and more. Try the fried green tomato panini...
   
   City: Beckley

5. Baristas Café and Pub

   Café serves quality drinks, freshly prepared soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts that will make you realize the importance of savoring...
   
   City: New Martinsville

6. Bavarian Inn

   Located on a bluff overlooking the Potomac River, the Bavarian Inn in historic Shepherdstown has 72 Hotel rooms with European furnishings,...
   
   City: Shepherdstown

7. Bella Casa

   Set in a beautiful home built in 1785, Bella Casa serves Italian cuisine: braccioli, pasta, red sauce, chops and more. Also features an ...
   
   City: Lewisburg

8. Betty Lou’s Diner

   Betty Lou’s famous West Virginia-style hot dogs, fries and rings are just a few of the favorites. Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through...
   
   City: Charleston

9. Black Bear Burritos

   Black Bear Burritos has variety for every food mood. Exotic and international cuisine are beside all-American classics on the menu, and ...
   
   City: Morgantown

10. Bluegrass Kitchen

    Comfort food with a twist, plus gourmet dishes and tappas served amidst eclectic clintele and the featured work of local artists. Great ...
    
    City: Charleston

11. Blues BBQ

    Blues is famous for its mouth-watering barbecue and ribs, smoked fresh daily right on the premises and served in a casual dining atmosphere....
    
    City: South Charleston

12. Bridge Road Bistro

    West Virginia food with an upscale twist. Great steaks and fish and chips. Casual but good food served by a friendly staff.
    
    City: Charleston

13. Burger Carte

    This favorite has been serving up homemade hot dog chili and slaw, hand-patted hamburgers, pretzel dogs, sea dogs, funnel fries and broccoli...
    
    City: Smithers

14. Café Acropolis

    Set in an old house on top of a hill in a residential section of Summersville. Greek and Italian food. Great hummus and the best eggplant...
    
    City: Summersville

15. Cafe Cimino Country Inn

    Cafe Cimino Country Inn is Casual elegance in the heart of West Virginia. A lovely historic mansion at the end of a quiet main street...
    
    City: Sutton

16. Carol’s Crossroads Best

    Stop by for the famous Deluxe Nancy Burger – two hamburger patties, three slices of bread and your favorite condiments. A homemade cream pie...
    
    City: Maysel

17. Castlerock Restaurant

    The pinto bean and cornbread dinner is absolutely fabulous. Castlerock represents true cuisine of southern West Virginia.
    
    City: Jesse

18. Cathedral Cafe

    This beautiful old church has been transformed into a great café. Every dish is served fresh and hot. The berry pancakes are so huge they...
    
    City: Fayetteville

19. Central City Café

    Café offers the best darn soup and sandwiches this side of the Mississippi!
    
    City: Huntington

20. Cheat River Inn and Pub

    Overlooks the Cheat River and has both inside and outside dining. A quaint little pub with a good variety of selections from sandwiches to...
    
    City: Elkins

21. Church Street Deli

    Features tasty wraps such as the mango chicken or Hawaiian chicken wrap, and salads, too. Deli has outside seating for warm-weather days.
    
    City: Spencer

22. CJ Maggie’s

    CJ Maggie’s has an eclectic mix of food that is worth indulging in. The amazing food in combination with the charming atmosphere and...
    
    City: Buckhannon

23. Colasante's Ristorante and Pub

    For more than 40 years, Colasante’s has been preparing homemade sauces and foods in this quaint town. A favorite among locals and WVU fans...
    
    City: Morgantown

24. Colasessano's

    Visit Colasessano's Pizza & Pepperoni Rolls for our famous signature pizza and pepperoni rolls. Colasessano's has been in business for...
    
    City: Fairmont

25. Company’s Comin’

    Comin specializes in Preston County buttermilk pancakes, fresh homemade apple dumplings, tantalizing omelets and daily specials. In mid- ...
    
    City: Tunnelton

26. Country Inn at Berkeley Springs

    The Country Inn at Berkeley Springs is situated on 2.5 acres in the center of downtown Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Built in 1932, the...
    
    City: Berkeley Springs

27. Crabby Patti’s

    Specializing in Maryland jumbo lump crab cakes, shrimp salads and cream of crab soup.
    
    City: Ripley

28. Creperie Café

    Delicious crepes stuffed with fresh fruit and chocolate for the sweet tooth, or smoked salmon, ham and egg and other dinner favorites....
    
    City: Charleston

29. Custard Stand

    We opened The Custard Stand, LLC, as a take-out dairy bar in 1991 in Webster Springs, WV where we serve Custard Stand Hot Dog Chili. This...
    
    City: Webster Springs

30. Da Vinci's Restaurant

    Excellent Italian/American cuisine featuring chef prepared daily lunch and dinner specials. Hand-cut steaks, seafood specials. We are the...
    
    City: Williamstown

31. Diehl’s Restaurant

    The down-home atmosphere is a welcoming ingredient in this family-friendly, family-owned restaurant. Choose from a broad selection of foods...
    
    City: Nitro

32. Dirtbean Ohana, LLC

    Located on Main Street (8th Ave) in Marlinton, the Dirt Bean provided a healthy alternative to fast, casual dining. Specialty wraps,...
    
    City: Marlinton

33. Dirty Ernie’s Rib Pit

    New faces and old friends stop by Ernie’s for the famous ribs, hot wings, pastas, salads, soups and sandwiches. You definitely won’t leave...
    
    City: Fayetteville

34. Dish

    Dish relies heavily on produce, meats, craft beers, coffee, etc., from local farmers, growers, and ranchers. Its food is described as ...
    
    City: Charles Town

35. Dutch Haus Restaurant

    Located At The Greenbrier Valley Airport. Fine Food In A Casual Atmosphere. Serving Steaks, Seafood, Sandwiches, And Subs. We Offer...
    
    City: Lewisburg

36. Earth Dog Café

    This eco-friendly restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere, great food and great drinks! Café is in a funky old storefront that has been ...
    
    City: Berkeley Springs

37. Elk River Inn & Restaurant

    Elk River Inn & Restaurant located streamside on the headwaters of the Elk River 4.5 miles south of Snowshoe resort. Guests enjoy...
    
    City: Slatyfork

38. Fairplain Yacht Club

    In a huge pole barn in the middle of nowhere, the club serves prime rib on Friday night, hand-cut steaks any time. Casual atmosphere, ...
    
    City: Ripley

39. Fairview Diner

    Stop by for home-cooked meals and tasty desserts.
    
    City: West Union

40. Fat Patty’s

    Located across from Marshall University football stadium, Fat Patty’s boasts a wide selection of specialty burgers. The fries are amazing...
    
    City: Huntington

41. Flying Pigs

    Flying Pigs uses locally grown and homemade ingredients in their foods. Great breakfast menu, fresh fruit pies and salads.
    
    City: Thomas

42. Glen Ferris Inn

    The Glen Ferris Inn has been serving the public since 1839 when the original proprietor obtained a license to open a “common room.” ...
    
    City: Glen Ferris

43. Griffith and Feil Soda Fountain

    Hailing from the western gate of the Mountain State, Griffith and Feil Soda Fountain in Kenova serves a unique blend of fine food and West...
    
    City: Kenova

44. Guest House at Lost River

    Great food and an amazing wine list. A very cozy and friendly place. Before dinner, grab a cocktail by the fireside bar and enjoy an ...
    
    City: Lost River

45. Hellbender Burritos

    The restaurant is in an old house and has an upstairs “sitting room” with games. The burritos are unique takes on Tex-Mex cuisine, ...
    
    City: Davis

46. Hickory House

    Family-oriented establishment. Try the pork BBQ or the made-to-order fresh-cut ribeye.
    
    City: Jane Lew

47. Hillbilly Hotdogs

    Hillbilly Hotdogs is famous for its “Homewrecker” and “The Doublewide.” The unique décor and friendly wait staff make your experience at...
    
    City: Huntington

48. Holly River Restaurant

    Homemade bread, blackberry cobbler, lasagna, rhubarb pie and roast beef sandwiches are just a sampling of the Holly River Restaurant.
    
    City: Hacker Valley

49. Hometown Market

    Reviewers rave about the apple-cinnamon pancakes, moist cornbread, stuffed pepper soup, goat’s milk peanut butter fudge and carrot cake...
    
    City: Buckhannon

50. Ichiban

    With a sushi bar built on a stage, Ichiban is definitely unique! The intimate atmosphere makes guests feel like it’s a special night out....
    
    City: Charleston

51. Jimmy’s Diner

    Feel like one of the family when you stop at Jimmy’s. Specialties include all the Italian favorites and the Rosi—a homemade sausage ...
    
    City: Shinnston

52. Jug

    Menu features hot dogs, hamburgers, and the best fries around. Good food and good company.
    
    City: Middlebourne

53. Kalico Kitchen

    Saturday nights are “rib nights” at Kalico Kitchen. Enjoy your ribs with all the fixings, and while you’re there be sure to try the homemade...
    
    City: Union

54. Key Ingredients

    Located in a historic house in Bluefield, healthy, great-tasting food is the focus at Key Ingredients. Grilled salmon, organic burgers, ...
    
    City: Bluefield

55. Kissel Stop Café

    A pleasant staff and inviting atmosphere are just two reasons the Kissel Stop Café is a great gathering place. The third is the delicious...
    
    City: Elkins

56. La Trattoria

    Excellent italian fare. All of the pasta dishes are excellent, but their meat lasagna using WV locally raised and processed beef is...
    
    City: Martinsburg

57. Later Alligator

    Atmosphere and great food can be found at Wheeling’s Later Alligator. This former saloon is located in city’s Centre Market Historic...
    
    City: Wheeling

58. Lira

    Set in a refurbished Wesbanco, you’ll actually dine in a bank vault! Features individual and family-style servings. Try the Tuscan mussels...
    
    City: Morgantown

59. Log Cabin Grille

    The lunch specials change monthly but the menu remains full of good, stick-to-your-ribs, hometown food. Daily specials may range from...
    
    City: Ellenboro

60. Lost River General Store and Café

    Find fantastic food at Lost River and ice cream that’s out of this world. For breakfast, enjoy muffins, sticky buns, bagels or scones and...
    
    City: Lost River

61. Lot 12 Public House - A Dining Destination

    A Dining Destination in the heart of downtown Berkeley Springs, serving upscale, seasonal, comfort cuisine by local Chef Damian Heath....
    
    City: Berkeley Springs

62. Mama Anne’s

    Great steak hoagies. You have to try Mama Anne’s Big Boy!
    
    City: Beckley

63. Market Vines

    Taking a trip to Wheeling? Stop by The Market Vines and enjoy the “JoCo Burger” - a halfpound Black Angus burger cooked and fixed the way...
    
    City: Wheeling

64. Mason Jar

    Located in the heart of White Sulphur Springs, this quaint restaurant offers delicious food and friendly service. The Mason Jar is known for...
    
    City: White Sulphur Springs

65. Mayberry’s Restaurant

    Step back in time at Mayberry’s Restaurant where you can have the “best Coke floats in town.”  The clean, friendly staff will make your...
    
    City: St. Albans

66. Minard's Spaghetti Inn

    Spaghetti is in the name and it’s what they’re famous for! The homemade salad dressing is also a must. The perfect place for homecooked ...
    
    City: Clarksburg

67. Monroe’s Deli Style Eatery

    Healthy and tasty food is on the menu at Monroe’s, as well as good music and an eclectic atmosphere.   The Laurel Mountain Coffeehouse is...
    
    City: Kingwood

68. Muriale’s Restaurant

    At Muriale’s, “their sauce is their signature.” Serving southern Italian cuisine since 1969, this Fairmont institution is a must-dine-at...
    
    City: Fairmont

69. O’Neills

    Eating at O’Neills is more like eating at home than in a restaurant, except at O’Neills you’ll get the best prime rib in West Virginia. The...
    
    City: Moorefield

70. P.J. Berrys

    A restored historic building offering a great menu and piano music while you dine. The crab cakes are a must-try!
    
    City: Sutton

71. Panorama at the Peak

    Fresh from the farm to your table is what you can expect at Panorama at the Peak. The restaurant features locally grown organic foods and a...
    
    City: Berkeley Springs

72. Pasquale Mira

    Eggplant parmesan and pizza are the picks at Pasquale’s in Beckley. Perfect for dinner after a day of rafting on the New River. Bread and ...
    
    City: Beckley

73. Pies and Pints - Charleston

    This West Virginia treasure in Fayetteville now has another location in Charleston. The pizza crust is hand-stretched and baked on a stone...
    
    City: Charleston

74. Pizza Station

    Positioned along the railroad tracks that run through the center of town, The Pizza Station’s newly remodeled facility continues the train...
    
    City: St. Marys

75. Poky Dot

    This 1950s-themed diner has the perfect retro atmosphere right down to the Formica tables and 1950s music.  The Poky Dot is best known for...
    
    City: Fairmont

76. Press Room

    One of Shepherdstown’s most popular restaurants, the Press Room offers excellent food and service in a pleasant atmosphere. Soft-shell...
    
    City: Shepherdstown

77. Quinets Court Restaurant

    New Martinsville’s oldest restaurant and best buffet around. Specializes in home-cooked recipes and desserts. Something for everyone in...
    
    City: New Martinsville

78. Red Rooster Café

    Besides its ambience, The Red Rooster Café is known for many things: great steaks, delicious house vinaigrette salad dressing, homemade...
    
    City: Gassaway

79. Rocco’s Ristorante

    The gold standard for Italian food, it’s a slice of the Old Country in the Mountain State. People come back again and again for...
    
    City: Ceredo

80. Savannah's

    Located in a restored Victorian mansion that was built in 1902, Savannah’s offers a varied menu of the finest steaks and fresh seafood....
    
    City: Huntington

81. Second and Center Café

    The quaint town of Weston is home to the Second and Center Café.  Locals and first-time visitors alike enjoy the homemade soups and...
    
    City: Weston

82. Second Street Station

    The Second Street Station is known for its excellent service, good value and, of course, its great food.  Don’t leave without trying the...
    
    City: Mullens

83. Smokey’s on the Gorge

    Started in 1978 as part of Class VI Rafting, Smokey’s on the Gorge was the first true restaurant in the whitewater industry. Today, the...
    
    City: Lansing

84. Soho's Italian Restaurant

    Don’t pass up fabulous Italian food in a great location—the heart of Capitol Market in downtown Charleston. Spaghetti and meatballs,...
    
    City: Charleston

85. South Hills Market and Café

    Whether you go for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you won’t be disappointed. Brioche French toast is served with your choice of bananas and...
    
    City: Charleston

86. Stardust Café

    Go there for lunch, and you’ll want to stay for dinner! Locally grown ingredients, great service and relaxing atmosphere. Must try the Trust...
    
    City: Lewisburg

87. Sunset Grill

    The Sunset Grill in Craigsville offers a varied menu with something sure to please everyone in your party.  Choose from clam chowder, chili,...
    
    City: Craigsville

88. Surrey House

    Located in one of the oldest homes in Chapmanville, The Surrey House was converted into a cozy restaurant in 2007. Enjoy locally grown...
    
    City: Chapmanville

89. Thyme Bistro

    Extraordinary food at this hidden jewel in Weston. Crab-stuffed shrimp, pasta, baconwrapped meat loaf, potato-encrusted salmon and a...
    
    City: Weston

90. Top Spot Country Cookin

    If country cooking is what you’re looking for, then head to Top Spot in Sissonville. Award-winning chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, baked...
    
    City: Sissonville

91. Tricky Fish

    Diverse and delicious—that’s the menu at Tricky Fish. Enjoy fish tacos, gumbo, hot bologna, hush puppies and fried onion rings in a ...
    
    City: Charleston

92. Undo’s

    Undo’s has three West Virginia locations to choose from for great Italian food: Benwood, Wheeling and Weirton. In business since 1953, Undo...
    
    City: Benwood

93. Vandalian

    A new hotspot in Fayetteville for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Excellent omelets and pancakes with berries or pecans. Fresh sushi, salads...
    
    City: Fayetteville

94. Wally’s Restaurant

    You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but Wally’s is known for ribs! Worth the drive to Gilbert in the southern part of the state...
    
    City: Gilbert

95. White Grass

    Out of a tiny kitchen in the heart of West Virginia snow country comes some of the best food in the land. Homemade soups, sandwiches and...
    
    City: Canaan Valley

96. White Grass Ski Touring Center

    Cross Country skiing and snowshoeing are fun, easy to learn, inexpensive, and healthy ways to spend some of your free winter time. Since '79...
    
    City: Davis

97. Ye Olde Alpha

    Established in 1932, Ye Olde Alpha is a famed Wheeling landmark and watering hole. The restaurant specializes in cold beer and classic ...
    
    City: Wheeling

Venerable Bean

Venerable Bean is an all-vegan baking company in town. He also provides special orders, gluten-free items, birthday cakes, etc. These goodies are sold at the Mountain People's Co-op, which I mentioned previously.

Venerable Bean

I've had my eye on this blog for a while now, but I haven't had the time to give it a proper space in this little virtual world I've created. The Venerable Bean produces cakes, cookies, muffins, scones, and more. If you have any sort of food allergy, this seems to be the place to go. He can specialize for gluten allergies, dairy, nut, etc.

I've done a little digging on this company because, well, it's super cool! Aaron Behnke had a love for desserts, and finding vegan versions was a chore. And that led him to create the Venerable Bean. What a nice little present to the rest of the community.

Check out this blog. You wouldn't believe these beauties aren't exactly what you'd pick up in the store. And many of them are better, actually.

Located in Sabraton, this Mexican restaurant is often in competition with Los Mariachis for the best food in town. A good friend of mine just came back from Mexico, and she was wanting to head to her favorite local restaurant: Rio Grande III.

This is the third location. Others are in Beckly and Nitro, I believe. Tons of parking, a few different dining areas and strong margaritas are some features of this restaurant. The food is also mighty tasty. It's tex-mex, really. It's not truly authentic Mexican food, but nowhere in Morgantown is. But it sure is delicious.


Our waiter was extremely nice, and my friend even spoke Spanish with him for a few minutes. I don't, so I was left out of that conversation and used the time to look over my menu. I already knew a margarita was necessary - one glass, frozen, strawberry. That'll cost you $5.95, but it won't be lacking in the tequila area. I also order a water to help balance out. While we looked over the menu, we were brought a basket of chips and salsa. This salsa has some bite to it. My mouth was on fire after a few bites, nothing the margarita couldn't put out, but I held off.

I ordered the quesadilla relleno chicken, which is a flour tortilla stuffed with chicken, cheese, beans, grilled peppers and served with a side of lettuce, sour cream, tomato and guacamole. It came out, it seems, within minutes. This thing was so big, it took up most of my plate. The chicken was tender, the veggies grilled soft with a slight bite and the cheese combined everything into one cohesive delicious taste of Mexico.

In the fight for top Mexican restaurant in town, I think Rio Grande can put up a tough argument.

Grade: A

It's one of the biggest scams in food. Forbes has reported that people are shelling out cash for this unique beef. But Larry Olmsted states simply, "You cannot buy Japanese Kobe beef in this country." It's really interesting because most of us are thinking, "He doesn't know what he's talking about. I have bought Kobe beef." But you really haven't. Check it out, it's a great article: http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2012/04/12/foods-biggest-scam-the-great-kobe-beef-lie/

Team Trivia is a nice way to do something fun, without getting too crazy. And, hey, who doesn't love winning some gift certificates or free dinner?

Sundays: Brew Pub @ 7:30 p.m.
Mondays: Applebees @ 9 p.m. and Gibbie’s @ 7 p.m.
Tuesdays: Mountain State Brewing Company @ 7 p.m. & both Boston Beaneries @ 8 p.m.
Wednesdays: Chic-n-Bones @ 7 p.m. & Archies @ 7 p.m. & Kegler's @ 7 p.m. & 4th and Goal @ 10 p.m.
Thursdays: Gibbie’s @ 7:30 p.m. & Ledo's @ 7 p.m.
Fridays: Damon’s Grill @ 8 p.m.
Saturdays: Fat Daddy’s @ 7 p.m.