This riverfront city pulls in a range of iconic and innovative dining
Huntington, West Virginia, nestled into Appalachia is full of culinary gems. The home of Marshall University, “Jewel City” is an hour from the capital city of Charleston, and as part of a tri-state area only minutes from Kentucky and Ohio, its culinary landscape is making waves far beyond its borders.
The local restaurant scene offers a mix of classic eateries that have been in business for decades (Jim’s, Stewart’s, Frostop) and newer spots with trendy menus and international fusion (Schooner’s, Gumbo Stop, LaFontaine’s), while prices range from very affordable to pricy. You’ll have no trouble finding a mom-and-pop comfort food spot or an impressive dining date- night prospect.
Here, menu creations tell a story, served in places that feel like home, while the craft beer and wine scenes are buzzing. Huntington is thriving—and it’s one to watch as an up-and-coming culinary destination.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
Best Drive-In Experience: Frostop Drive-In
Pause your manners at this nostalgic 1926 drive-in to honk your horn for a menu or service. Burgers, barbecue, and hot dogs are the menu stars, but Frostop’s award-winning root beer served in a frosty mug is a must.
Best Restaurant Overall: Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House
Besides steaks and spaghetti (with three plate sizes), this Huntington icon’s fried haddock fish sandwich with homemade tartar sauce is a crowd-pleaser. Jim’s has operated since 1938 and was awarded the 2019 American Classics Award from the James Beard Foundation.
Best Hot Dogs: Stewart’s Original Hot Dogs
Famous West Virginia hot dogs are served on steamed buns at Stewart’s (a fourth-generation business, circa 1932). Order one topped with delicious homemade chili, coleslaw, mustard, and onions, and pair it with an orange cream soda for an authentic taste of Huntington.
Best All-Around Breakfast: Tudor’s Biscuit World
Tudor’s, known for their fluffy, buttery biscuits with tempting toppings, is hands down Huntington’s best breakfast. The Peppi (melted cheese and pepperoni) and Mountaineer (recently named “The South’s Best Biscuit” by Garden & Gun) are particularly popular.
Best Brunch: Black Sheep Burritos and Brews
Get the perfect Sunday brunch here: the OG honey-nut fried chicken and waffle with candied pecans, jalapeño, fried onion straws, and sage-infused maple syrup. If that doesn’t tempt you, other creations like the Blanche Devereaux or Julia Sugarbaker surely will.
Best International Eats: Bahnhof WVrsthaus + Biergarten
Celebrate German fare here with 30+ craft beers and tasty bites like schnitzels, goulash, and creative sausages. Start with the giant barley malt pretzel (add Bad Shepherd beer cheese!) and finish with a giant cream puff—flavors change daily.
Best Sweet Treats: Nomada Bakery
Nomada Bakery at Heritage Station offers an array of pastries, empanadas, and croissants. Their baby cakes, made with high-quality organic ingredients, are sinfully delicious. Alfacake, a unique yellow cake with Swiss buttercream and dulce de leche, is a must.
Best Resurrected Dish: Calamity J Grill & Bar
Two now-defunct eateries, Chili Willi’s (closed in 2011 after nearly 30 years) and Calamity Cafe (1992-2005), are sorely missed. Thanks to Calamity J, we can still enjoy creamy cheese soup with bacon and toasty croutons. Trust us on this one.
Claim to Fame
Marshall University
Marshall University is a significant part of Huntington’s identity. Home to the Thundering Herd, Marshall is known for its strong athletic programs; visitors come to support Marshall’s teams and love seeing the pregame walk through the tailgates to Joan C. Edwards Stadium, one of only two NCAA stadiums named after a woman. Famous athletes like NFL star Randy Moss and NBA standout Hal Greer are alumni. The team’s tragic plane crash (75 people, 37 football players) in 1970 is immortalized in the film We Are Marshall, which pays tributes at the Memorial Fountain on campus. Stop by The Marshall Hall of Fame Café at 857 3rd Avenue, where you can enjoy tailgate classics like wings and nachos, watch sporting events, and browse Marshall University memorabilia. herdzone.com
Where to Shop
Cicada Books & Coffee
Part of the excellent antique shopping in the Central City Antiques District, this independent bookseller offers a community feel with locally roasted coffee and a range of events like book signings, monthly book buybacks, and board game nights.
The Wild Ramp
Head to this indoor, year-round nonprofit farmers market (a favorite in West Virginia) for gourmet treats, heat-and-eat meals, and even live music.
The Red Caboose
The Red Caboose at Heritage Station showcases locally sourced food, handcrafted products, T-shirts, and art, with most items made in West Virginia.
Where to Stay
`Delta Hotels Huntington Downtown
While Huntington awaits a recently announced boutique hotel in the historic Coal Exchange Building, visitors can stay at the lovely Delta Hotels Huntington Downtown. This modern full- service property offers amenities like free parking, Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, in-site restaurant The Mountain Cafe, and a fitness center with Life Fitness equipment. Pets are welcome with a nonrefundable fee. It’s perfect for concert nights at the nearby Marshall Health Network Arena.