Whether you're heading to Morgantown for a night game, or on your way back to Charleston following an afternoon game, Interstate 79 offers many dining options for the hungry Mountaineer fan.
It's game day in Morgantown, but you didn't get to the stadium in time to tailgate. Now you're hungry. You inch your way out of post-game traffic and start looking for a good place to eat not too far off Interstate 79 on the way back to Charleston.
To see a full-size version of the map above, click here.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- It's game day in Morgantown, but you didn't get to the stadium in time to tailgate. Now you're hungry. You inch your way out of post-game traffic and start looking for a good place to eat not too far off Interstate 79 on the way back to Charleston.
You're looking for the kind of place where the locals go. I did your homework for you and asked some current or former north central West Virginians for recommendations. I'm sure there are other good places, but here's what my sources said.
I hope you're in the mood for Italian food. The Fairmont/Bridgeport/Clarksburg area, which makes up the majority of the dining options, includes a significant Italian population. Many of them seem to be in the restaurant business.
First stop: Fairmont. Muriale's Restaurant comes immediately to mind as a perennial favorite for Italian cuisine, and with good reason -- namely Aunt Mary's lasagna and grandmother Isabelle's red sauce. A huge dining area accommodates a game-day crowd. Just off the interstate exit at the Middletown mall is Colasessano's, another popular place. They're famous for their oversized pepperoni buns, stuffed or not, with your choice meat sauce, cheese and/or Italian peppers, and then toasted.
Fair warning regarding pepperoni rolls: A sure way to stir up trouble with Fairmont or Clarksburg residents is to say you prefer the pepperoni rolls made elsewhere. Pepperoni roll loyalties run strong. In Fairmont, Country Club Bakers, takeout only, is rumored to be the originator of West Virginia pepperoni rolls. Clarksburg claims Tamaro's and D'Annunzios, both also takeout only.
Wherever you get them, wait for a fresh batch to emerge from the oven. There is nothing like a warm, soft 'roni roll. If you're picking them up on game day, it's worth your while to call ahead and reserve them. Mountaineer tailgaters tend to wipe out the supply.
Also in Fairmont, try McAteer's near Fairmont State University, Say-Boy's, Dutchman's Daughter and Mom's Place for country cooking. Grab a West Virginia hot dog at Woody's. Much of C.J. Maggie's food has a TexMex flavor, while The Poky Dot specializes in diner food.
Farther down the interstate are Clarksburg and Bridgeport. As in Fairmont, Italian restaurants reign, with names like Minard's, Oliverio's and Julio's, but don't overlook French and Mediterranean cuisine at the acclaimed Provence Market in Bridgeport.
If your rumbling stomach allows you as far the Roanoke exit, Stonewall Resort offers dining with a view of the lake or golf course. At the Weston exit, discover Thyme Bistro.
Drive a bit farther to the Sutton exit for a Southern Italian meal at Café Cimino or stop by P.J. Berry's for dinner only on Saturdays. Travel a few miles into Gassaway and try the Red Rooster's steaks or lasagna.
Restaurants below are listed by city in alphabetical, not preferential, order. Check the hours closely as some aren't open on Saturdays, but would work for the occasional weekday game.
Reach Julie Robinson at jul...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1230.
FAIRMONT
C.J. Maggie's
207 Jefferson St., Fairmont.
Wood-fired pizzas, salads, sandwiches and Tex Mex entrees. Also in Buckhannon and Elkins.
Hours: Lunch and dinner seven days a week
Call: 304-366-2000 or visit www.cj-maggies.com
Colasessano's
Middletown Mall or 506 Pennsylvania Ave., Fairmont
Another Fairmont favorite, Colasessano's serves its hoagies, burgers and sandwiches on their homemade buns. It also has salads and pizza, but the stuffed pepperoni rolls are a must-try. It also has a Morgantown location.
Hours: Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday at mall. Closed Sunday. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday at other location
Call 304-363-9713 or visit www.colasessanos.com
Dutchman's Daughter
2795 Whitehall Blvd., Fairmont
Home-style food in quaint, country setting. Country-fried steak, fried chicken and ham steak share menu space with hoagies, soups, salads and desserts.
Hours: Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday; Closed Sunday
Call 304-367-1064 or visit: www.dutchmansdaughter.com
McAteer's
1316 Locust Ave., Fairmont
Family restaurant serves hearty breakfasts, sandwiches and diner food. Open for breakfast and lunch only.
Hours: 7a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Call 304-366-3158 or visit www.mcateersfairmont.com
Mom's Place
501 Hoult Road, Fairmont
Old-time neighborhood spot well known for home cooking, especially home fries, biscuits and gravy and filling daily specials.
Hours: Breakfast and lunch Sunday; Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday to Thursday; 24 hours Friday and Saturday
Call 304-368-9223
Muriale's Restaurant
1742 Fairmont Ave., Fairmont
The Muriale brothers founded this Fairmont institution more than 40 years ago. The lasagna, eggplant Parmesan and meatballs are especially noteworthy. Extensive menu also features pizzas, paninis, hoagies, salads, and chicken, seafood and beef entrees.
Hours: Lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Call 304-363-3190 or visit www.murialesrestaurant.com
The Poky Dot
1111 Fairmont Ave., Fairmont
Huge menu of bar food, sandwiches, wraps, salads and country cooking served in an oldies atmosphere. Save room for a banana split.
Hours: Breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Call 304-366-3271 or visit www.thepokydot.com
Say-Boy Steakhouse
905 Country Club Road, Fairmont
Specializing in steaks, seafood and roasted chicken with homemade pies and sticky buns.
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Call 304-366-7252 or visit www.sayboyrestaurant.com
Woody's Hot Dogs
801 Morgantown Ave., Fairmont
Woody's hot dog chili and slaw received an almost perfect rating on The West Virginia Hot Dog Blog. This classic hot dog joint serves all the fixings of a classic state hot dog: creamy slaw, chili-like sauce, chopped onions and mustard.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
304-366-4009
PEPPERONI ROLLS ONLY
Country Club Bakery
1211 Country Club Road, Fairmont
Bakery specializing in pepperoni rolls.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Closed Wednesday and Sunday.
304-363-5690
D'Annunzio's/Health Bread Co.
1909 Williams Ave., Clarksburg
Specializing in Italian bread, D'Annunzio's has been baking bread in its North View location for 85 years.
Hours: 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday. 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Closed Tuesday and Sunday
304-622-3492
Tomaro's
411 North 4th St., Clarksburg
They've been baking bread at this Glen Elk bakery since 1914.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. Closed Tuesday and Saturday.
304-622-0691
CLARKSBURG
Julio's
501 Baltimore Ave., Clarksburg
To see a full-size version of the map above, click here.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- It's game day in Morgantown, but you didn't get to the stadium in time to tailgate. Now you're hungry. You inch your way out of post-game traffic and start looking for a good place to eat not too far off Interstate 79 on the way back to Charleston.
You're looking for the kind of place where the locals go. I did your homework for you and asked some current or former north central West Virginians for recommendations. I'm sure there are other good places, but here's what my sources said.
I hope you're in the mood for Italian food. The Fairmont/Bridgeport/Clarksburg area, which makes up the majority of the dining options, includes a significant Italian population. Many of them seem to be in the restaurant business.
First stop: Fairmont. Muriale's Restaurant comes immediately to mind as a perennial favorite for Italian cuisine, and with good reason -- namely Aunt Mary's lasagna and grandmother Isabelle's red sauce. A huge dining area accommodates a game-day crowd. Just off the interstate exit at the Middletown mall is Colasessano's, another popular place. They're famous for their oversized pepperoni buns, stuffed or not, with your choice meat sauce, cheese and/or Italian peppers, and then toasted.
Fair warning regarding pepperoni rolls: A sure way to stir up trouble with Fairmont or Clarksburg residents is to say you prefer the pepperoni rolls made elsewhere. Pepperoni roll loyalties run strong. In Fairmont, Country Club Bakers, takeout only, is rumored to be the originator of West Virginia pepperoni rolls. Clarksburg claims Tamaro's and D'Annunzios, both also takeout only.
Wherever you get them, wait for a fresh batch to emerge from the oven. There is nothing like a warm, soft 'roni roll. If you're picking them up on game day, it's worth your while to call ahead and reserve them. Mountaineer tailgaters tend to wipe out the supply.
Also in Fairmont, try McAteer's near Fairmont State University, Say-Boy's, Dutchman's Daughter and Mom's Place for country cooking. Grab a West Virginia hot dog at Woody's. Much of C.J. Maggie's food has a TexMex flavor, while The Poky Dot specializes in diner food.
Farther down the interstate are Clarksburg and Bridgeport. As in Fairmont, Italian restaurants reign, with names like Minard's, Oliverio's and Julio's, but don't overlook French and Mediterranean cuisine at the acclaimed Provence Market in Bridgeport.
If your rumbling stomach allows you as far the Roanoke exit, Stonewall Resort offers dining with a view of the lake or golf course. At the Weston exit, discover Thyme Bistro.
Drive a bit farther to the Sutton exit for a Southern Italian meal at Café Cimino or stop by P.J. Berry's for dinner only on Saturdays. Travel a few miles into Gassaway and try the Red Rooster's steaks or lasagna.
Restaurants below are listed by city in alphabetical, not preferential, order. Check the hours closely as some aren't open on Saturdays, but would work for the occasional weekday game.
Reach Julie Robinson at jul...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1230.
FAIRMONT
C.J. Maggie's207 Jefferson St., Fairmont.
Wood-fired pizzas, salads, sandwiches and Tex Mex entrees. Also in Buckhannon and Elkins.
Hours: Lunch and dinner seven days a week
Call: 304-366-2000 or visit www.cj-maggies.com
Colasessano'sMiddletown Mall or 506 Pennsylvania Ave., Fairmont
Another Fairmont favorite, Colasessano's serves its hoagies, burgers and sandwiches on their homemade buns. It also has salads and pizza, but the stuffed pepperoni rolls are a must-try. It also has a Morgantown location.
Hours: Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday at mall. Closed Sunday. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday at other location
Call 304-363-9713 or visit www.colasessanos.com
Dutchman's Daughter2795 Whitehall Blvd., Fairmont
Home-style food in quaint, country setting. Country-fried steak, fried chicken and ham steak share menu space with hoagies, soups, salads and desserts.
Hours: Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday; Closed Sunday
Call 304-367-1064 or visit: www.dutchmansdaughter.com
McAteer's1316 Locust Ave., Fairmont
Family restaurant serves hearty breakfasts, sandwiches and diner food. Open for breakfast and lunch only.
Hours: 7a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Call 304-366-3158 or visit www.mcateersfairmont.com
Mom's Place501 Hoult Road, Fairmont
Old-time neighborhood spot well known for home cooking, especially home fries, biscuits and gravy and filling daily specials.
Hours: Breakfast and lunch Sunday; Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday to Thursday; 24 hours Friday and Saturday
Call 304-368-9223
Muriale's Restaurant1742 Fairmont Ave., Fairmont
The Muriale brothers founded this Fairmont institution more than 40 years ago. The lasagna, eggplant Parmesan and meatballs are especially noteworthy. Extensive menu also features pizzas, paninis, hoagies, salads, and chicken, seafood and beef entrees.
Hours: Lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Call 304-363-3190 or visit www.murialesrestaurant.com
The Poky Dot1111 Fairmont Ave., Fairmont
Huge menu of bar food, sandwiches, wraps, salads and country cooking served in an oldies atmosphere. Save room for a banana split.
Hours: Breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Call 304-366-3271 or visit www.thepokydot.com
Say-Boy Steakhouse905 Country Club Road, Fairmont
Specializing in steaks, seafood and roasted chicken with homemade pies and sticky buns.
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Call 304-366-7252 or visit www.sayboyrestaurant.com
Woody's Hot Dogs801 Morgantown Ave., Fairmont
Woody's hot dog chili and slaw received an almost perfect rating on The West Virginia Hot Dog Blog. This classic hot dog joint serves all the fixings of a classic state hot dog: creamy slaw, chili-like sauce, chopped onions and mustard.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
304-366-4009
PEPPERONI ROLLS ONLY
Country Club Bakery1211 Country Club Road, Fairmont
Bakery specializing in pepperoni rolls.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Closed Wednesday and Sunday.
304-363-5690
D'Annunzio's/Health Bread Co.1909 Williams Ave., Clarksburg
Specializing in Italian bread, D'Annunzio's has been baking bread in its North View location for 85 years.
Hours: 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday. 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Closed Tuesday and Sunday
304-622-3492
Tomaro's411 North 4th St., Clarksburg
They've been baking bread at this Glen Elk bakery since 1914.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. Closed Tuesday and Saturday.
304-622-0691
CLARKSBURG
Julio's501 Baltimore Ave., Clarksburg
Italian restaurant historic Glen Elk area.
Hours: Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday. Dinner only on Saturday and Monday. Closed Sunday.
Call 304-622-2592
Minard's Spaghetti Inn813 E Pike St., Clarksburg
Longtime favorite for spaghetti, red sauce, eggplant parmigiana and its famous homemade Italian salad dressing. White linen tablecloths and reasonably priced food.
Hours vary day to day, but they open at 11 a.m. for both lunch and dinner Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
304-623-1711
PJ Kelly's221 S. Third St., Clarksburg
Bar food, sandwiches, wraps and salads with good assortment of beers served in Irish pub atmosphere. Lots of live music in this downtown location.
Hours: 11 a. m. to 3 a.m. Monday to Friday; noon to 3 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Call 304-326-0121 or visit www.pjkellys.com
The Bluebird Store342 West Main St., Clarksburg
Walk through the convenience store to the restaurant behind it for Italian and American food. Pasta with sausage, baked steak and daily home-cooked specials.
Open: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday.
304-624-7429
Wonder Bar Steak HouseWonderbar Road, Clarksburg
Built in 1943, the Wonder Bar resembles a mid-century supper club and serves steaks, seafood, chops and a few Italian specialties. Hilltop location offers sweeping views of Clarksburg.
Hours: Dinner only
Call 304-622-1451 or visit www.wonderbarsteakhouse.com
BRIDGEPORT
Oliverio's Ristorante507 E. Main St., Bridgeport
The three-generation restaurant features a large menu of Italian soups, seafood, veal, pasta dishes, steaks, chicken, pizzas and hoagies in an old-world style restaurant. You'll find Marsala, Picatta, Venetian and Milenese dishes on the menu. Also located in Morgantown.
Hours: Lunch and dinner Monday through Friday. Dinner only on Saturday and Sunday.
Call 304-842-7388 or visit oliveriosristorante.com
Phillip's Pasta Cucina128 Thompson Drive, Bridgeport
The Italian restaurant recently relocated to Bridgeport Hill, where it serves, you guessed it, Italian food.
Hours: Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Call 304-848-2405 or visit
Provence Market Café and Marketplace603 S. Virginia Ave., Bridgeport
Award-winning wine list and French and Mediterranean menu featuring innovative salads and sandwiches for lunch and elegant dinner entrees.
Hours: Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Call: 304-848-0911 or visit www.provencemarketcafe
Twin Oaks818 W Main St, Bridgeport
Another restaurant that's been around forever, Twin Oaks serves American/Italian food, especially pizza and hoagies.
Hours: Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Dinner only Monday and Sunday.
304-842-3567
WESTON
Thyme Bistro5 1/2 E. 2nd St., Weston
Reminiscent of a French bistro in downtown Weston, Thyme features creative entrees like potato-encrusted salmon and spinach, tomato and fontina gratin. Not your average daily specials.
Hours: Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Closed from 3 to 5 p.m. daily.
304-269-7177
ROANOKE
Stonewall ResortThe resort has several dining options. Stillwater's on the bottom level of the lodge offers lakeside views and a menu of pastas, beef, chicken and seafood prepared with seasonal, local ingredients. Lightburn's, open April through October, serves a casual menu of salads, sandwiches, hoagies, pasta, entrees and desserts with a view of the golf course.
Hours: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Stillwater's. Lunch and dinner at Lightburn's. Reservations required.
Call 888-278-8150 or visit: www.stonewallresort.com
SUTTON
Café Cimino Country Inn616 Main St., Sutton
This 103-year-old historic mansion features a menu of Southern Italian cuisine and Mediterranean dishes with an emphasis on local, organic foods.
For a more casual meal, Cimino's Little Dishes, a small riverside bistro behind the main house, offers a tapas menu.
Hours: Café Cimino open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday; Little Dishes open 4 p.m. to closing Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
Call 304-765-2913 or visit www.cafeciminocountryinn.com
P.J. Berry's226 Main St., Sutton
Dinner menu of chicken, steaks, pasta and seafood, including crab cakes that inspire rave reviews in a historic restored department store.
Hours: Lunch Tuesday; Lunch and dinner Wednesday through Friday, Dinner only Saturday.
Call 304-402-2105 or visit www.pjberrys.com
Visions at Days Inn2000 Sutton Lane, Sutton
Located atop the hill above Flatwoods, Visions restaurant is a full-service restaurant.
Hours: Breakfast everyday. Dinner Monday through Saturday.
Call 304-765-5055 or visit www.daysinn.com
GASSAWAY
The Red Rooster Café602 Elk Street, Gassaway
Delicious food in a unique, relaxed, beautiful atmosphere. Great steaks, homemade lasagna and crab cakes that will melt in your mouth.
Hours: Lunch Tuesday to Friday, Dinner Friday and Saturday, Brunch Sunday. Closed Monday.
Call 304-364-6023 or visit www.redroostercafegassaway.com
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