Sometimes you want a bustling hotspot where the energy is palpable – like when celebrating a promotion or introducing out-of-town friends to local flavor. But there are also evenings when you crave a proper meal where you can actually hear your dining companion discuss the merits of West Virginia pepperoni rolls versus the classic.
Whether you’re planning a special anniversary, convincing your parents this town has culinary chops, or simply need a reliable spot for Tuesday night, it helps to know where to find more than just basic fare. Here are 17 excellent options (some with surprisingly sophisticated wine lists).
Old Old Corrall Llc
$ | (304) 699-5033 | WEBSITE
When the friendly owner who clearly understands both business and customer satisfaction invites you to continue your conversation about the best crispy onion rings in town over a beer, suggest Old Old Corral. This charming riverside spot in Parkersburg is a good option whenever you’re looking for an affordable night out with tasty food and entertainment.
Take advantage of the affordable prices at the bar up front, and if it turns out you want to enjoy the river view and unique decor, move to a table by the window (which feels like a great little dive bar with a warm and inviting atmosphere).
Los Agaves Méxican Restaurant
$ | (304) 428-2002 | WEBSITE
There’s no shortage of solid Mexican spots in Parkersburg that work for a quick lunch, but most of them get slammed by the noon rush. That’s why you should know about Los Agaves. Even though this place serves great food and brings out dishes that’ll have you coming back for more, it never feels too hectic. Eat something satisfying like the sizzling shrimp fajitas at one of the well-spaced tables, or grab a seat with a larger group and share some birria tacos and lunch specials.
Texas Roadhouse
$ | (304) 422-7427 | WEBSITE
Other steakhouses with white tablecloths and $50 porterhouses have impressive menus, but if you want to avoid being surrounded by people whispering about wine pairings between bites of dry-aged beef, then you should probably head to Texas Roadhouse. What makes this place different is its lively atmosphere, which has plenty of TVs and music where you can actually have fun. There’s also consistently cold beer and those famous rolls, in case you want to stay there for a while.
Parkersburg Brewing Co.
$$ | (304) 916-1502 | WEBSITE
Parkersburg Brewing Co. is one of the best places to have some high-quality brews in the region. The atmosphere is laidback, and the beers – like the chocolate doughnut stout and Cell Block 304 – are all excellent, but this place still doesn’t feel stuffy. Come here with a date after dinner, or a couple friends when you want someplace (a lot) nicer than the typical sports bar a few blocks away.
Tubby Turtle
$ | (304) 863-9713 | WEBSITE
You dig into the pizza with a ton of enthusiasm, and everything seems great until the last slice leaves you feeling completely stuffed and needing a break. This is when you’ll be happy you decided to visit Tubby Turtle. The cozy dining area at this Parkersburg spot is filled with pool tables and a jukebox, where you can recover with a drink while enjoying the karaoke from (or silently judging) everyone still singing their hearts out on Friday nights.
Rubi’s Pizza & Grill
$ | (304) 485-2552 | WEBSITE
Your family wants to grab some pizza together, and even though they keep saying they’ll show you all “how it’s done,” you know your dad is going to want to settle in right around the end of his first slice. But you still want a reliable spot where you can branch off from the counter eventually, so try Rubi’s, which works for almost any casual dining situation.
Stoked Coffee
$ | (681) 229-3062 | WEBSITE
The cozy armchairs and window seats at Stoked Coffee are usually all taken, but this Parkersburg spot also has a spacious back area with a bunch of communal tables. Put your name in for some seats when you arrive, and get some exceptional coffee drinks, like the amazing ‘speedy turtle’ frozen beverage, at the counter while you wait. Once you’re settled in, try some standard food items, like a fresh bagel with your choice of spread.
Little Caesars Pizza
$ | (304) 917-3777 | WEBSITE
Plenty of pizza chains offer quick service and online ordering, but unless you get there right at lunchtime or call ahead for a large order, you’re probably going to have to wait. Little Caesars Pizza is an exception. This popular spot in Parkersburg is known for its friendly staff, but there’s almost always your order ready exactly on time thanks to their professional service.
Take advantage of the fact that they consistently deliver quality food, and come here for their new pizzas and stuffed crust options this week.
Gran Azteca Authentic Mexican Food
$ | (304) 699-1050 | WEBSITE
You could suggest cooking Mexican food at home, but you risk bland carnitas and a sad lack of peach margaritas, and your culinary skills are limited to opening jars of store-bought salsa and making tacos with that pre-seasoned ground beef from the grocery store. Recommend heading to Gran Azteca Authentic Mexican Food in Parkersburg instead.
This casual Mexican restaurant feels like a welcoming neighborhood spot, with simple wooden tables, colorful papel picado decorations, and warm lighting from pendant lamps. It’s a comfortable place to gather with friends, the food is excellent and reasonably priced (especially the carnitas, which are crispy and well-seasoned), and there’s friendly, attentive staff who ensure everyone has a pleasant visit.
North End Tavern & Brewery
$ | (304) 428-5854 | WEBSITE
While a lot of taverns in Parkersburg tend to get really packed for no clear reason, North End Tavern & Brewery is exactly the opposite. Despite having their own brewed beer, generous portions like the huge wedges perfect for sharing, and a long-standing local spot since 1899, this place is way more relaxed than nearby spots, and you can pretty much always find a seat to enjoy the great bar/pub eats.
The friendly waitstaff helps navigate the menu with many different options, and the reasonable prices make it a memorable experience without the usual crowd.
Tim Hortons
$ | (304) 428-4104 | WEBSITE
You’re picking the place to meet for breakfast, and you really don’t want the first thing your friend says to be something pessimistic about how long it’s going to take to find decent coffee. Rather than risking driving around for an hour before finding a good spot to get a morning meal, head straight to Tim Hortons in Parkersburg.
The coffee drinks are delicious, and the clean, well-maintained space, with bright lighting, comfortable seating, and friendly employees, is ideal for starting your day without feeling like you’re overcomplicating things.
Moose Lodge #1118
$ | (304) 422-3506 | WEBSITE
Moose Lodge #1118 is a clean, fun, safe, and friendly spot in Parkersburg that’s a great option for date nights with your partner, or really just anytime you want to enjoy excellent food in a welcoming environment. It’s a fantastic place for adults to hang out, and there are poker tournaments on Tuesdays and Saturdays where you can sit and play with the friendly staff who treat everyone like their own.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (304) 428-4400 | WEBSITE
Papa Johns Pizza is a pizza spot in Parkersburg that’s a good place to grab a quick meal for the family after a long day. But if you’re not in the mood for pizza, or you’re ordering a bit later in the evening, stick with the classic cheese or pepperoni pizza that comes out hot and fresh.
This pizza joint feels like a reliable neighborhood place from a time when pizza places were just called pizza places, and along with counter service, the clean, well-lit space also has a few tables that work for small groups.
Captain D’s
$ | (304) 428-4824 | WEBSITE
Captain D’s is a popular spot for a quick meal in Parkersburg that feels like the reliable neighborhood seafood joint you wish you had in your own town. There’s a drive-thru where you can grab your order without leaving your car, but if that seems impersonal or at least a little too fast for you, there are also clean tables inside where you can sit down and eat. You can order any seafood you like – or just go with the classic okra and hush puppies that everyone seems to love.
That might sound kind of basic, but this is actually a tasty spot that feels different from all the other fast-food options in Parkersburg, especially given the lack of competition for seafood around here.
Domino’s Pizza
$ | (304) 485-7501 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving a reliable pizza in Parkersburg but don’t want to wait forever or break the bank, you should check out Domino’s Pizza. This familiar chain has both in-store seating and delivery options, and you can order ahead online for quick pickup. Go during a busy evening and share a classic pepperoni pizza with some gluten-sensitive options, or grab it on the go after work – they’re open late with quick and polite service from their cooks and drivers.
Flowers Baking Co
$ | (304) 485-5441 | WEBSITE
Flowers Baking Co is a no-brainer if you’re meeting someone who has opinions about different types of bread flour – this bakery in Parkersburg has a friendly staff who bake very fresh loaves of classic, affordable baked goods for everyday life.
But it’s also a great place to stop by if you just want to treat yourself after errands, as the straightforward space has lots of shelf and counter seating, reasonable prices, and a reliable selection every day with $1.39 loaves of Wonder Bread and $1.50 boxes of lunch cakes.
China Fun
$ | (740) 376-0233 | WEBSITE
A lot of Chinese restaurants have tables where you can eat, but most are either casual spots where you get greasy takeout while watching sports on TV, or fancy places where you pay $30 for tiny portions while surrounded by silk lanterns.
China Fun is a local restaurant in a shopping plaza in Parkersburg, and while there’s convenient parking around the accessible walkway, you can also just enjoy their wide range of menu options (which includes a variety of vegetarian dishes) at one of the many tables where the attentive staff serves you promptly.
The sweet and sour chicken and shrimp fried rice are solid choices, and despite the occasional minor issue like bland rice or sparse sauce on crab rangoon, the overall food quality and helpful service make for a satisfying meal.
