Our New River Gorge Dining Picks

With the holiday season quickly approaching, give yourself a much-deserved break from cooking and enjoy a feast from one of our local restaurants in the New River Gorge. Whether you want to stay cozy in a cabin with your favorite takeout or explore the hip foodie towns scattered throughout the Gorge, there is an eatery for you and your tastebuds! 

From charming cafes to iconic chains, the local flavors of the New River Gorge are part of what makes our area so unique.

Coffee Cravings

Kick start your day of adventure in the Gorge with a warm cup of Joe! From the drip of the day to red chili tonic lattes, find your new favorite drink at Range Finder Coffee, located inside of Water Stone Outdoors. Get your coffee fix at Aurora Coffee & More — with dozens of flavor combinations available. Or warm up with a gourmet java drink at Coal Bucket Coffee Shop

Best Brunch Spots

Don’t worry about waking up early while on vacation in the Gorge! We’ve got plenty of brunch spots that are open well into the afternoon. Serving breakfast, lunch and baked goods with a full-service espresso bar, Wood Iron Eatery is a great place to start your day! Or enjoy seasonal and local fare at Cathedral Cafe with a menu full of salads, paninis, sandwiches and more. Sometimes appetizers are the main course. From loaded fries to decadent dips, Cafe One Ten offers mouth-watering dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Find soup, salad, sandwiches and more at The Bridge Cafe in Meadow Bridge. 

On The Go Lunch

Here in the Gorge, we understand what it means to be on the go. Don’t waste any time in-between adventures, grab quick and convenient grub from our favorite spots. Tom’s Carryout serves up some of the best hot dogs and hamburgers in West Virginia and is all homemade to order. For traditional American cuisine, visit The Burger Carte in Smithers and for a taste of Italian fare, try Frank’s Pizza! Craving classic chicken wings? With a wide variety of wing styles and flavors, The Cold Spot is the place for you! Lastly, while in Fayetteville, grab a bite to eat at The 304, featuring made-to-order sandwiches, burgers and more, or stop by The Handle Bar + Kitchen at Arrowhead Bike Farm for West Virginia-made beer bratwursts and a selection of specialty tacos. 

Worldly Cuisine

Self-proclaimed foodies and adventurous eaters can feast in the New River Gorge. Sample cuisine from around the world at Wanderlust Creative Foods in Fayetteville. With a menu that features dishes from Spain, New Zealand, Pakistan and Italy — there’s an entree for everyone! In the mood for Asian-inspired cuisine? Try Kobe Asian Fusion, which serves culinary delights like sushi, curry, hibachi and more. OK Chinese is another great option for delicious Chinese food. If you are looking for a classic Italian meal, stop by Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant in Mount Hope.  Finally, who can say no to complimentary chips and salsa? Indulge in your favorite Mexican dishes at El Jalisco or El Bandido Mexican restaurants. For a unique spin on traditional Mexican food, plan to visit The Burrito Bar at Breeze Hill next summer. (Note: The Burrito Bar is open May through October). 

West Virginia Classics 

West Virginia is known for many wonderful things — including food! Make sure you try a few of our classic spots on your next trip. Start your day at Tudor’s Biscuit World, a franchise favored by locals and visitors alike! For lunch, head to Gino’s Pizza for a signature pubwich, or end your day back at your cabin with a pizza. 

Homestyle Favorites

We’ve got some great restaurants that specialize in home-cooked meals. From fish dinners to chicken fritter entrees, The Corner Gas N’ Grill features a full menu of familiar classics. For sit-down fast food, try a daily special at Heart of Gold Diner in Oak Hill. Specials include pork chops, roast beef sandwiches and lasagna. Get a true taste of Appalachia at Ludoria’s Family Restaurant. The restaurant’s menu offers favorites like ham steak, meatloaf and barbecue ribs. 

Date Night Specials

Wine and dine your sweetheart in the New River Gorge! For a delicious dinner at a restaurant that offers phenomenal views, take your loved one to Hawks Nest Restaurant at Hawks Nest State Park. Adventures on the Gorge has two lovely spots for date night dining — Smokey’s Cast Iron Grill and Chetty’s Pub. In Fayetteville, dine at Firecreek BBQ & Steaks for fantastic steaks and mouth-watering barbecue. And it’s not a visit to Fayetteville without a dinner at the original Pies and Pints! Looking for dinner and an activity? Spend the evening bowling at Pinheads! Finally, if you are in the mood to create your own local dinner, stop by The Station for premium specialty ingredients from local farms. 

The Sweetest Treats 

​​Cure your sweet tooth cravings at Custom Creations Bakery. The bakery offers a wide variety of baked goods, including cupcakes, pies, cookies and cakes. You can also place pre-orders on holiday specials like bread loaves, dessert trays and casseroles. For an icy treat, visit The Frozen Barn in Oak Hill. The dessert shop offers custom milkshakes, sundaes floats, banana splits and classic ice cream cones. From ice cream and candy to toys and coffee, The Stache in Fayetteville makes everyone feel like a kid in a candy store! With a rotating menu of seasonal flavors, you’ll be sure to find the best scoop for you. 

Bars And Brews

End your evenings in the Gorge. The nightlife in our area is as unique as the outdoor adventures. Stop by our two local breweries — Bridge Brew Works and Freefolk Brewery — and sip on all of the flavors of the New River Gorge. Discover what West Virginia brew is on tap at Southside Junction Tap House. For late-night munchies, visit Elliot’s Whitewater Bar & Grill or Dory’s Grille. Or end your day with a specialty drink at Maggie’s Pub

While we have an extensive list of local spots, you can still find your favorite chain restaurants here as well. 

Nourish the people you love as well as the place you live, by gifting flavor this holiday season. Many of our local eateries offer gift cards that make the perfect gift.