Ye Olde Alpha is an landmark bar and restaurant in Wheeling that dons deer, moose and other wildlife on the walls and has done so for more than 80 years. The tradition apparently dates back to 1932 when the owner and his hunting friends wanted to adorn the walls with their prized trophies.
"We pride ourselves on our dead animals, cold beer, and classic American food served in a casual family setting." (via Ye Olde Alpha website)
The building is half bar, half dining room and was filled with a regular crowd - noticeable by the fact that few needed to look at the menu. Meanwhile, I pored over the menu, eliminating options I could get elsewhere. They dish out fried appetizers like cheese sticks and zucchini planks. Sandwiches, steaks, burgers, pasta, fajitas, wings - there's a little bit of everything here. But one thing folks kept commenting on was the greek wings.
I ordered one pound of greek wings - wings that they claim are the best in the Ohio Valley. But before our entrees, we were presented with a basket of tortilla chips and homemade salsa. Odd. BUT, I surprisingly liked the salsa. Not loved, but I liked it.
Tony had a side of fries, which were OK. They could've been cooked a bit longer to get crispier. I think the food was good, but I think some small things could've made it even better. I do appreciate the local culture of the place.
Grade: B
