Culinary Delights of West Virginia
Ready to chow down in West Virginia? This state is packed with mouthwatering dining spots and a culinary trail that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
Unique Dining Experiences
West Virginia’s got some seriously cool places to eat, each one showing off the region’s tasty traditions. Whether you’re into farm-fresh meals or Appalachian classics, there’s a spot for you.
1010 Bridge Restaurant is a must-visit. Their menu is a mix of Appalachian and Lowcountry flavors. Think fresh seafood and creative dishes like a steak dinner featuring teres major, a cut of beef that butchers used to keep for themselves. It’s a hidden gem (Travel + Leisure).
Over in Lewisburg, Hawk Knob Cider & Mead is where you can sip on barrel-fermented ciders. These drinks are as complex as aged wine or high-end whiskey. Made from old-school apple varieties, these ciders are slow-fermented and super refreshing (Travel + Leisure).
Then there’s Lost Creek Farm in Lost Creek. Their Farm & Forage Supper Club is all about family-style dinners with ingredients grown or foraged by hosts Mike Costello and Amy Dawson. It’s a true taste of Appalachian food preservation and heritage (Travel + Leisure).
Culinary Trail Exploration
Want to taste the best of West Virginia? Hit up the state’s culinary trail. This trail features top-notch restaurants picked by chef ambassadors, including James Beard Award finalist Chef Paul Smith. There are over two dozen spots on the trail, with more being added all the time (WCHS TV).
Following the culinary trail means diving into a mix of flavors that show off West Virginia’s food scene. From traditional Appalachian dishes to creative fusion cuisine, each stop offers something special.
As you munch your way through the trail, chat with the local chefs and restaurant owners. They’re passionate about sharing West Virginia’s flavors and traditions. They’ll take you on a food journey that highlights the best of the state’s cuisine.
So, whether you’re after unique dining spots or ready to tackle the culinary trail, West Virginia’s got the goods to satisfy your cravings. Get ready to dig in and make some tasty memories in the heart of the Mountain State.
Signature Dishes of West Virginia
West Virginia’s got some food that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Let’s dig into three iconic dishes: the pepperoni roll, the Mortgage Lifter tomato, and leather britches.
Pepperoni Roll History
The pepperoni roll is a big deal in West Virginia. Almost a century ago, the Country Club Bakery in Fairmont whipped up this tasty snack for coal miners. These miners, many of them Italian immigrants, needed something filling and easy to carry in their lunch buckets (Travel + Leisure).
The classic pepperoni roll has spicy pepperoni sticks baked inside a soft roll. Over time, folks have jazzed it up with sautéed onions, peppers, and marinara sauce. Today, it’s not just a snack; it’s the official food of West Virginia. Tomaro’s Bakery in Clarksburg is famous for its top-notch version (Food Network).
Mortgage Lifter Tomato Legacy
The Mortgage Lifter tomato is a big part of West Virginia’s food story. Back in the 1930s, M.C. Byles created this huge, tasty tomato to help pay off his debts. This heirloom tomato is still a favorite among gardeners.
A classic way to enjoy the Mortgage Lifter tomato is on salt-rising bread. This bread, sometimes called Appalachia’s sourdough, is dense, moist, and has a cheesy flavor. Home cooks usually make it, and it pairs perfectly with the juicy Mortgage Lifter tomato. This combo shows off West Virginia’s culinary creativity and resilience.
Leather Britches Tradition
Leather britches is a unique dish that shows West Virginia’s knack for preserving food. To make it, beans are strung up inside their pods and left to dry. This drying process lets the beans be stored for ages and cooked later. When rehydrated and slow-cooked, leather britches beans become tender and packed with umami flavor.
Heirloom beans like Fat Horse and Logan Giants are often used for leather britches, highlighting the importance of seed-saving traditions in West Virginia. This dish not only shows the resourcefulness of West Virginians but also brings out unique flavors through old-school preservation techniques.
These signature dishes, from the pepperoni roll to the Mortgage Lifter tomato and leather britches, are culinary gems that showcase West Virginia’s rich food heritage. Whether you’re diving into the state’s unique dining experiences or hitting up a culinary trail, make sure to try these iconic dishes to get a real taste of what makes West Virginia’s cuisine so special.
Famous Restaurants in West Virginia
Ready to chow down on some of West Virginia’s best eats? Let’s dive into three must-visit spots that are serving up the heart and soul of Appalachian cuisine.
1010 Bridge Restaurant
Nestled in West Virginia, 1010 Bridge Restaurant is where Appalachian flavors meet Lowcountry charm. Their menu changes with the seasons, ensuring every bite is fresh and local (Travel + Leisure). Imagine savoring a juicy steak dinner featuring teres major, a cut so good butchers used to keep it for themselves. Or maybe you’re in the mood for some fresh seafood? Either way, every dish here is a love letter to West Virginia’s rich culinary heritage.
Hawk Knob Cider & Mead
Over in Lewisburg, Hawk Knob Cider & Mead is the place to be for cider lovers. Their barrel-fermented ciders are as complex as aged wine and as smooth as high-end whiskey. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill sweet ciders; they’re crafted from apple varieties that have deep roots in West Virginia. Each sip is a taste of tradition, slow-fermented to perfection.
Lost Creek Farm Gatherings
Lost Creek Farm in Lost Creek, West Virginia, offers a dining experience that’s as much about the story as it is about the food. Hosts Mike Costello and Amy Dawson whip up family-style dinners using ingredients they’ve either grown or foraged themselves. At their Farm & Forage Supper Club, you’ll feast on dishes that celebrate Appalachian food preservation and culinary heritage. It’s like a history lesson you can eat.
These spots aren’t just restaurants; they’re gateways to the flavors and traditions that make West Virginia’s food scene so special. Whether you’re digging into Appalachian-inspired dishes at 1010 Bridge, sipping on artisanal ciders at Hawk Knob, or enjoying a farm-to-table feast at Lost Creek, you’re in for a culinary adventure that’ll leave you hungry for more.
Chef Ambassadors of West Virginia
West Virginia’s food scene is on fire, and it’s all thanks to the Chef Ambassadors chosen by the West Virginia Department of Tourism. These chefs are all about bringing the best local eats and true Appalachian flavors to the table. Let’s meet some of the stars putting West Virginia on the culinary map.
Chef Paul Smith
First up, we have Chef Paul Smith. This guy’s an Executive Chef right here in West Virginia and in 2023, he was a James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast. That’s a big deal in the food world! Chef Paul’s skills and passion make him a big name in the West Virginia food scene (West Virginia Tourism).
Chef Libby Nolle
Next, meet Chef Libby Nolle, the powerhouse behind The Vault on Main: Restaurant & Wine Bar in Summersville, WV. She’s the first woman to be voted Best Chef in Almost Heaven by WV Living Magazine. With over 20 years of experience, Chef Libby’s known for her creative cooking and love for local farmers. Every dish she makes is a love letter to West Virginia flavors (West Virginia Tourism).
Chef Jared Masters
Then there’s Chef Jared Masters, the genius at The French Goat in the New River-Greenbrier Valley. He’s got a background in classic French bistro dishes and sharpened his skills at The Greenbrier Resort. Now, he’s back at The Greenbrier Sporting Club as the Executive Chef. Chef Jared’s talent and passion for amazing dining experiences make him a standout in West Virginia’s food scene (West Virginia Tourism).
These Chef Ambassadors are the heart and soul of West Virginia’s rich food heritage. Their creativity and dedication to local flavors make the state’s food culture something special. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, tasting the dishes from these Chef Ambassadors is a must to get the full West Virginia experience.
Local Favorites in West Virginia
When you’re in West Virginia, you can’t miss out on some of the local food gems that make this state a culinary treasure. These spots offer dishes that are not just tasty but also tell a story about the region’s rich food culture. Let’s check out some of these must-visit places:
Black Sheep Burritos & Brews
If you’re in Huntington or Charleston, you gotta hit up Black Sheep Burritos & Brews. This place puts a funky spin on burritos and brews, bringing together flavors that scream West Virginia. Imagine biting into a Smoked Native Trout Taco or a Kung-Pao Chicken Burrito—yeah, it’s that good. Plus, their house-made pickles and sauces, paired with a killer selection of local craft beers, make the whole experience unforgettable.
For a dining adventure that mixes bold flavors with local vibes, Black Sheep Burritos & Brews is where it’s at. Dive into the lively food scene of West Virginia and let your taste buds party.
Bob’s Hotdogs
In Belington, Bob’s Hotdogs is the stuff of legends. This no-frills joint has a menu that will blow your mind—250 hotdogs, 35 burgers, and 30 sandwiches. Yep, you read that right. Bob’s is all about using local ingredients and adding a twist to classic favorites. Ever tried a ramp burger or ramp fries? If not, you’re in for a treat. Ramps are wild onions that grow like crazy in West Virginia, and they add a unique flavor you won’t forget.
Whether you’re a hotdog purist or an adventurous eater, Bob’s Hotdogs is a must-visit. It’s a spot that captures the heart and soul of West Virginia’s food scene.
Helvetia Hutte
Tucked away in the charming town of Helvetia, Helvetia Hutte offers a slice of Europe in West Virginia. This cozy eatery serves up European comfort food in a setting that feels like a Swiss chalet. Everything here is made from scratch—bread, goat cheese, dressings, desserts, you name it. And the secret ingredient? Fresh Helvetia spring water, which adds a special touch to every dish.
If you’re craving hearty, homemade meals that celebrate West Virginia’s culinary roots, Helvetia Hutte is your go-to. With its warm hospitality and commitment to quality, this place promises a dining experience that’s both comforting and unforgettable.
These local favorites in West Virginia are just a glimpse into the state’s vibrant food scene. From creative burritos and hotdogs with a twist to European comfort food in a picturesque setting, West Virginia has something for every palate. Make sure to visit Black Sheep Burritos & Brews, Bob’s Hotdogs, and Helvetia Hutte for a culinary adventure that showcases the unique flavors of this beautiful state.
Specialty Foods in West Virginia
West Virginia’s got some seriously tasty eats that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s dig into a few of the standout dishes that put this state on the culinary map.
Grape & Gorgonzola Pizza
Ever tried pizza with grapes? Sounds wild, right? But trust me, it’s a game-changer. The Grape & Gorgonzola Pizza is a local favorite. Imagine sweet red grapes, creamy Gorgonzola cheese, and fresh rosemary all hanging out on a crispy, thin crust. It’s a flavor party in your mouth. Pies & Pints, a popular pizza-and-craft beer joint, has folks raving about this unique pie. It’s even made it onto some national best-of lists. If you’re in West Virginia, you gotta hit up Pies & Pints for a slice of this magic. Want more info on this and other tasty treats in West Virginia? Check out our article on famous food West Virginia.
Biscuits and Gravy Love
Biscuits and gravy—it’s the ultimate comfort food in West Virginia. We’re talking about fluffy, homemade buttermilk biscuits drenched in thick, savory sausage gravy. The gravy, made with fresh-ground pork, is the perfect match for those tender biscuits. One spot you can’t miss is Stonewall Resort near Weston. Picture this: you’re sitting in a cozy lodge by Stonewall Lake, enjoying a plate of biscuits and gravy. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel right at home.
Salt Trout Preservation
Salt trout is an old-school way of preserving trout that used to be a big deal in West Virginia’s highland communities. They’d coat fresh trout fillets with coarse salt, drawing out the moisture and firming up the flesh. This method let folks enjoy trout even when it wasn’t in season. Sadly, the tradition has faded, thanks to environmental issues like reckless logging that messed with native trout habitats. But the salt trout preservation method is still a cool part of West Virginia’s food history.
West Virginia’s specialty foods are a tasty trip through the state’s unique flavors and culinary traditions. From the surprising Grape & Gorgonzola Pizza to the heartwarming Biscuits and Gravy, and the historic salt trout preservation, each dish has its own story. If you’re a foodie on the hunt for something special, these West Virginia eats are a must-try. For more on famous foods across the USA, check out our articles on famous food USA.
Culinary Heritage of West Virginia
West Virginia’s food scene is a tasty mix of unique influences and traditions that have shaped the state’s culinary culture. Let’s dig into three standout aspects: the chorizo influence, the chow chow tradition, and the West Virginia pizza twist.
Chorizo Influence
Back in the early 1900s, Spanish immigrants brought chorizo to West Virginia. This spicy sausage, often cured in backyard smokehouses, has a distinctive smoky flavor. While fewer folks are making it the old-school way, chorizo is still a hit, thanks to Mexican and Central American immigrants who’ve added their own spin to Appalachian food.
Chow Chow Tradition
Chow chow is a tangy relish that’s a big deal in West Virginia. Made with cabbage, onions, peppers, green tomatoes, turnips, radishes, maple syrup, turmeric, mustard seeds, and garlic, this lactofermented or vinegar-pickled treat varies from recipe to recipe. Canning and storing chow chow is a tradition tied to farmsteads, big backyard gardens, and coal camps, reflecting West Virginia’s labor history.
West Virginia Pizza Twist
West Virginia has its own quirky take on pizza: Grape & Gorgonzola Pizza. This pie, topped with sweet red grapes, creamy Gorgonzola cheese, and fresh rosemary on a thin, crispy crust, is a local favorite. Pies & Pints, a regional pizza-and-craft beer chain, has made this pizza famous, earning spots on national best-of lists.
By savoring the chorizo influence, loving the chow chow tradition, and enjoying the unique West Virginia pizza twist, the state’s culinary heritage keeps evolving and delighting both locals and visitors. These dishes highlight the rich history, cultural diversity, and regional flavors that make West Virginia’s food scene something special.
Hungry for more? Check out our articles on famous food USA, including famous food Alabama, famous food Alaska, famous food Arizona, and many more.
