A little night music, with your meal? Get both in the Gorge!

No West Virginia outing should go without some tunes, particularly when dinner is involved. Add awe-inspiring landscapes and that weekend is looking pretty darn good.
Here’s where to go for local color, sound and flavor:

The Burrito Bar | Lansing

Dine where the views are as vibrant as the fajita veggie quesadilla on your plate.
Mexican fusion is the order of the day at The Burrito Bar. True to its name, burritos are the spotlight. Most are named after local rapids, and each one has Class V punch. Consider “Lost Paddle,” a festive concoction with steak strips, coffeed black beans, seasoned rice, pepper jack cheese, red crema and shredded cabbage. Vegetarian and vegan creations are available, too. You can even ditch the tortilla in favor of a disassembled “pile.”
The Burrito Bar also makes tacos, quesadillas and Mexican-inspired appetizers. Craft brews and bottled beers help with cooling those tastebuds, too.
Now for the music. Appalachian “stompgrass” and folk singers arrive on Taco Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays and most Saturdays by 8 p.m. No cover, either! The laidback atmosphere is great for families. Everybody is welcome to catch some tunes.
Best of all, the deck overlooks acres of sky. Come in the evening; those New River Gorge sunsets fill the horizon!

Adventures on the Gorge Resort | Lansing

For sound as big as the venue, look no further than the East Coast’s biggest mountain getaway.
Adventures on the Gorge fully embraces whatever the New River Gorge has to offer: huge whitewater, towering mountains, you name it. That gung-ho approach also applies to dining. You can always count on a good time at the resort’s many restaurants.
Rendezvous Lodge, AOTG’s premier music venue, is the most casual of the bunch. Expect relaxed vibes and drinks aplenty. Things get even merrier on Friday and Saturday nights, when regional or local musicians arrive. Bluegrass dominates the lineup, although you might hear its edgier cousin, stompgrass, on occasion. Rendezvous is open May-October.
Chetty’s Pub claims to have the “best view in West Virginia.” It’s definitely a contender for the title; the rim of the New River Gorge is right outside the deck. From there, you can enjoy large burgers, sandwiches, seafood platters or appetizers. Musicians stop by every Monday throughout the summer as well. Paul Nelson— a noteworthy mandolin bluegrass and punk rock musician— has performed here. So has PALEFACE, an indie duo. How’s that for ending your work on a high note?
Chetty’s is open all year, though days vary with the season. Check Chetty’s Facebook page for music acts and current hours.
AOTG also has a seasonal cafe, pizzeria and steakhouse. These sometimes have live music, too, so it’s always worth following the resort on Facebook.

The Grove | Fayetteville

After that artisan burger at Secret Sandwich Society, head upstairs. A sleek taproom with local brews, art and photography awaits your pleasure. It’s spiffy enough on its own. But live performances make The Grove even better! Bands from across the country play here virtually every week, particularly Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
So order a frosty pint, pull up a chair and join the locals for anything from classic tunes to indie blues!
Tip: follow The Grove on Facebook for upcoming performances.

More local favorites

ACE Adventure Resort in Oak Hill is another top outfitter. It also attracts quite a following come dinner time.
One of ACE’s best restaurants is The Lost Paddle, an airy, modern joint with exposed beams. A full bar offers cocktails and beer on tap, while a full menu boasts classic entrees like burgers and pizza.
For live music, stop by on Saturdays. The Lost Paddle keeps things interesting with changing genres. Funk, string bands, country … expect anything! Or, for a sneak peek, follow the Paddle’s Facebook page.
Note: hours change with the seasons, so check the Paddle’s website for current times. And don’t forget to visit ACE’s other restaurants; there’s a grill with wood-fired pizzas and lakeside dining, too.
Arrowhead Bike Farm isn’t a full-fledged restaurant. Instead, it’s a eccentric biergarten with a surprisingly sophisticated menu. Try a West Virginia-made bratwurst or taco, paired with local craft beer!
Local bands like to hang out, too. Check out the Farm’s music schedule on Facebook for the latest events. You never know who might show up: a local gig, a traveling band with a huge following or anything in between!

Closing act

The Gorge region sure likes its music. Where do you like to hear folks play? Share your thoughts!