Morgantown, WV; what an interesting place to reside for four years. There are endless reasons why students flock to this town and this university. One thing is for certain, however, nobody is coming here for the food. I don’t mean this in a bad way, there are just a ton of underrated places in Morgantown to eat. I mean even as senior, I still don’t know all the good spots to get my grub on. Well, have no fear! I have surveyed the crowd and have compiled a list of 21 places you have to try before you leave WVU:
1. Chaang Thai Restaurant
I highly recommend the fried rice lunch special that is available Mon-Fri. It is about $7 for a huge plate of fried rice, your choice of protein, and you can get it as mild or as hot as you want.
2. Yama Japanese Restaurant
Unfortunately, I have yet to try this hidden gem but I have heard the noodles are to die for. Stay tuned and I’ll let you know.
3. Sushi Lunch Box Special
This is not a restaurant, don’t worry. There are two main options to receive the sushi lunch box special for the same price ($7.95) Mon-Fri until around 2:30pm.
Ogawa Japanese Restaurant or Volcano Japanese Restaurant. These two are a classic debate. In my opinion, one is not better than the other, it simply depends on what you want.
If you are looking for high quality, traditional sushi rolls and love salad with ginger dressing, OGAWA is going to be your best bet.
If you are seeking mediocre quality sushi, but a bunch of fun and interesting rolls as well as a love for dumplings, I’ll see you at VOLCANO.
4. Terra Café
This is another one I have not explored myself, but the plates are Instagram worthy and you can tell you getting fresh, quality food. This is the perfect place to go on a beautiful day if you don’t mind a little bit of a drive.
5. Mountain State Brewing Co.
Not to be confused with Morgantown Brewing Co. This is the better place to go! The draft selection is incredible and they specialize in flatbreads, but almost anything you order is going to be delicious.
6. Pies and Pints
One of my all-time favorites! The concept is in the name. They offer and endless amount of draft beers that are constantly changing. Don’t know what you want? Simply describe what you are craving to your server and they will happily bring out samples for you to try! Not to mention, their pizzas are everything you could ask for and have very unique yet delicious combinations.
7. Black Bear Burrito
My sophomore year I lived right next to the downtown location, we fell in love, and the rest is history. Almost all of their ingredients come from local farms so you know you are getting fresh food. The atmosphere is so eclectic, it just reels you in. Their unique twist on Mexican cuisine just leaves you craving it constantly. Also, they have live music on the weekends!
8. Boreman Bistro
Alright, before you grab you pitchforks, I am very aware that this a university dining hall. It made the list for symbolic and sentimental reasons. Let’s be honest, did you even go to WVU if you have never had Boreman Bistro hungover on a Saturday? Right.
9. Los Mariachis
This is certainly another Morgantown staple. If you are under 21 and celebrating a birthday, this is where you can find the best margaritas in town. At first, all I thought you were supposed to do was go there take a pitcher to face BUT the food is actually pretty good. I actually go there a lot just to eat.
10. Peace Love & Little Donuts
This past semester, Morgantown was hit with a new sensation! I mean Snapchat stories were going crazy with these little donuts. They come with any topping you could imagine on a hot, deep fried mini donut. How could you not take a picture and simultaneously kill a half dozen by yourself?
11. The Greeks
I have been told by many that this is where you can find the best Greek food in town. If you’re craving a gyro, this is the place you can go to get it.
12. Boston Beanery
Another Morgantown must-have is the well-known Boston Beanery. It is apparently called “The Bean” now, but it will always remain the classic “Boston Beanery” to me. They have amazing sandwiches and mouthwatering salads. A great place for a casual family meal or when you’re feeling hungover from the weekend.
13. Atomic Grill
Not a lot of people know about the magic of this establishment. I will admit that it is slightly off the beaten path but the food is incredible. Everything on the menu is farm to table and trust me when I say you can taste how fresh it is. I HIGHLY recommend the fried green tomatoes.
14. Backdoor (Happy Hour)
I wouldn’t say Backdoor is the most popular bar in Morgantown but their happy hour buffet is completely underrated. If you find yourself wanting something other than dino nuggets at Fat Daddy’s, head over to this place for the ultimate spread of pizza, meatballs, wings, pasta salad, burgers, hot dogs, etc.
15. High Street Diner
A newer addition to Morgantown, this place really is delicious. They serve breakfast all day and almost everything I have tried is good. Don’t forget to order a side of home fries!
16. Tailpipes
Honestly, you have to have tailpipes at least once! Not only are the milkshakes to die for but their burgers are out of this world, juicy. Sometimes I opt for chicken fingers and they are still equally as satisfying.
17. Mario’s Fishbowl
It is your choice whether you want to go to the OG Fishbowl or the new one on Evansdale; doesn’t matter, you’re going to enjoy your time. This place is known for their large fishbowl glasses of sangria, margaritas, or beer and they DO NOT disappoint. In addition, the wings are incredible. If you don’t choose to get the “cowboy ranch” sauce, you’re doing it wrong.
18. Blue Moose Café
If you consider yourself a hipster, you will thrive at this little place. If not, a still recommend stopping in. I believe they have small pastries and bagels, but the cappuccinos and lattes are the real star. Relax at a table, read a book, do some homework, and sip from your trendy coffee mug. I promise you’ll have a great time.
19. Dirty Bird
Great fried chicken. Need I say more?
20. Chico’s Fat
An interesting twist on Mexican food and makes for some great drunk food. Demolish a whole burrito while taking in the abstract artwork and stoner music (at least that is what they usually have on).
21. Iron Horse Tavern
Endless mimosas every Sunday, amazing Bloody Mary’s, fried eggs on burgers, eggs benedict, and so much more. You can consider this the go-to brunch spot in all of Morgantown. Just be prepared to wait because it is always packed on a Sunday.