Morgantown is more than just a college town; it’s a culinary hub brimming with diverse flavors and experiences. Home to West Virginia University, Morgantown boasts a vibrant atmosphere, driven by students, faculty, and a growing community of residents. While the university is undoubtedly a cornerstone, the city’s food scene is surprisingly diverse, catering to a wide range of tastes, budgets, and occasions. From quick bites to upscale dining, Morgantown offers a gastronomic adventure waiting to be explored. This guide serves as your roadmap to the best food places in Morgantown, ensuring you don’t miss out on the culinary delights this energetic city has to offer. Whether you’re a student craving comfort food, a local seeking a new favorite spot, or a visitor eager to experience the town’s unique flavors, there’s a dish and a dining experience waiting to be discovered.
Casual Eats and Quick Bites: Fueling Your Morgantown Adventures
Sometimes, you need a delicious meal that’s quick, affordable, and satisfying. Morgantown is packed with fantastic casual eateries perfect for a grab-and-go lunch, a late-night snack, or a laid-back dinner with friends.
Classic Morgantown Staples
Pizza Al’s: No guide to Morgantown’s food places would be complete without mentioning Pizza Al’s. This beloved institution has been serving up classic New York-style pizza for years, and its popularity is a testament to its quality. Known for its generous slices, crispy crust, and flavorful sauce, Pizza Al’s is a must-try for any pizza enthusiast. The pepperoni pizza is a local favorite, but don’t hesitate to explore their specialty pies as well. The atmosphere is casual and bustling, making it the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
Black Bear Burritos: A Morgantown original, Black Bear Burritos is known for its creative and flavorful burrito creations. Their menu goes far beyond the typical burrito fillings, featuring unique combinations of meats, vegetables, sauces, and spices. The atmosphere is quirky and eclectic, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to originality. If you’re looking for a unique and delicious burrito experience, Black Bear Burritos is a must-visit.
Hill Fire Grill: Craving barbecue? Hill Fire Grill is the place to go. They offer mouthwatering smoked meats, from ribs and brisket to pulled pork and chicken. Their sides are equally impressive, including coleslaw, mac and cheese, and baked beans. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, making it the perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or family.
Budget-Friendly Options
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe: For a healthy and affordable option, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe is a great choice. They offer a variety of fresh and flavorful Mediterranean dishes, including gyros, salads, and grilled meats. Their menu features plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a great choice for diners with dietary restrictions. The atmosphere is bright and airy, making it a pleasant place to enjoy a meal.
Chick-fil-A: Sometimes, you just need a classic chicken sandwich. Chick-fil-A is a popular choice for its quick service, friendly staff, and delicious chicken sandwiches. Their waffle fries and milkshakes are also a fan favorite. The Morgantown location is always busy, but the service is efficient, making it a convenient option for a quick lunch or dinner.
Subway: A familiar and affordable option, Subway is a convenient choice for a quick lunch or a sandwich on the go. With a wide variety of breads, meats, cheeses, and toppings, you can customize your sandwich to your liking. It’s a reliable and budget-friendly option for a quick and easy meal.
Coffee Shops and Bakeries: The Perfect Pick-Me-Up
The Grind: More than just a coffee shop, The Grind is a local gathering place known for its excellent coffee, delicious pastries, and comfortable atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for students to study, professionals to meet, and friends to catch up. Their coffee is ethically sourced and expertly brewed, and their pastries are made fresh daily. Whether you’re looking for a caffeine fix or a sweet treat, The Grind is a great choice.
Blue Moose Cafe: This cozy cafe is known for its delicious breakfast and lunch options, as well as its friendly atmosphere. Their menu features classic breakfast fare, such as pancakes, waffles, and omelets, as well as sandwiches, salads, and soups for lunch. Their coffee is also excellent, and they offer a variety of specialty drinks. The Blue Moose Cafe is a great place to start your day or enjoy a relaxing lunch.
Restaurants with Atmosphere: Dining Experiences to Remember
For those occasions when you’re looking for a more upscale or memorable dining experience, Morgantown has a range of restaurants that offer excellent food in a unique and inviting atmosphere.
Upscale Dining
Sargasso: This fine-dining restaurant is known for its elegant atmosphere, impeccable service, and innovative cuisine. Sargasso features a seasonal menu that showcases the freshest local ingredients. It’s the perfect spot for a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or a business lunch.
International Cuisine
Muriale’s Italian Kitchen: This family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic Italian food for generations. Muriale’s is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, its generous portions, and its classic Italian dishes. From pasta and pizza to seafood and meat dishes, Muriale’s offers a wide variety of options to satisfy any craving. It’s the perfect spot for a family dinner or a special celebration.
Iron Wok: When you’re craving Asian flavors, Iron Wok is a great choice for fresh and delicious sushi. Their menu features a wide variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. The atmosphere is modern and stylish, making it a great spot for a date night or a meal with friends.
Pubs and Sports Bars: Game Day and Beyond
Kegler’s Sports Bar & Grille: A Morgantown institution, Kegler’s is the go-to spot for sports fans. With a large selection of beers on tap, plenty of TVs, and a lively atmosphere, Kegler’s is the perfect place to catch a game with friends. Their menu features classic pub fare, such as burgers, wings, and fries.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites: Discovering Morgantown’s Culinary Secrets
Beyond the well-known restaurants and chains, Morgantown is also home to a number of hidden gems and local favorites that offer unique and authentic dining experiences.
Mom-and-Pop Shops
Oliverios Peppers and Pasta: This small, family-owned shop is a Morgantown treasure. They are known for their homemade pasta, sauces, and stuffed peppers. It’s a perfect spot for a quick and delicious meal, or to pick up ingredients to make your own Italian feast at home.
Ethnic foods
Mountain State Brewing Company: While primarily a brewery, Mountain State Brewing Company also serves delicious pizzas that are perfect for pairing with their craft beers. It’s a relaxed and casual atmosphere, making it a great place to hang out with friends.
Ice cream and sweets
Terra Cafe: This charming cafe offers a variety of homemade ice cream, pastries, and other sweet treats. It’s the perfect spot to indulge your sweet tooth or enjoy a relaxing afternoon with a book.
Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Morgantown’s food scene is a reflection of its vibrant and diverse community. From classic American fare to international flavors, there’s something to satisfy every palate and budget. Whether you’re a student looking for a quick bite, a local seeking a new favorite spot, or a visitor eager to experience the town’s unique culinary offerings, Morgantown has a food place waiting to be discovered. The food places in Morgantown offer an interesting glimpse into the city’s unique and welcoming culture.
So, don’t hesitate to explore the many food places Morgantown has to offer. Venture beyond the familiar chains and discover the hidden gems that make this city a culinary destination. Get out there and start exploring! You might just find your new favorite restaurant or dish. Your culinary adventure in Morgantown is just beginning. Enjoy! This small town has a lot to offer when it comes to food. You can find any type of food in this town. So, start exploring and find your new favorite dish. The diversity of food options available sets this city apart from other small towns. Morgantown’s food scene is constantly evolving, so there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, you’re sure to find it in this vibrant city.
