1010 BridgeAmerican restaurant · $$$ · South Hills, Charleston
Chef Paul Smith is West Virginia's first James Beard winner and this is his flagship. Getting grilled octopus and a proper lobster roll 300 miles from salt water is the whole point, and they are closed Sundays.
1010 Bridge Rd, Charleston, WV 25314
Shuckers Seafood & Italian Fare$$ · St. Albans, about 15 min west
Voted the Kanawha Valley's best seafood three years straight, which in a landlocked state is the endorsement that counts. Unfussy strip plaza room, closed Sunday and Monday, so plan around it.
Jewel City Seafood$$ · Huntington, about 50 min west
Half fish market, half restaurant, which is why the fish is actually fresh. Currently the number one rated restaurant in Huntington, and they are closed Sundays.
Jim's Steak & Spaghetti House$$ · Huntington, about 50 min west
Open since 1938 and a James Beard America's Classics honoree. Skip the name and order the haddock sandwich with the house tartar sauce, then a slice of the homemade pie.
BBQ in Charleston
Ridge View BBQ$ · Institute, about 15 min west
Hickory smoke, a drive-thru window, and no interest in being fancy. Brisket platter or the smoked turkey sandwich, but note it is lunch only Tuesday through Friday.
The SmokehouseMid-Atlantic restaurant (US) · $ · West Side, Charleston
A West Side institution for more than 65 years doing barbecue, burgers, and one of the better breakfasts in town. Closes at 6:45 and closed Sundays, so it is a daytime play.
1549 W Washington St, Charleston, WV 25387
Phat Daddy's on Da TracksAmerican restaurant · $$ · North Charleston / 6th Ave address; also West Side, Charleston
Black family owned, doing barbecue and soul food side by side. Get the brisket or the ribs, and go early because they close at 6 most days and are shut Sunday and Monday.
1634 6th Ave, Charleston, WV 25387
Bowlesboyz BBQ Up The Creek$$ · Campbells Creek, Charleston
Family run, low and slow, and far enough up the hollow that you know it is not a tourist play. Pulled pork sandwich and fries runs about twelve bucks, and hours are short so call first.