Otter Café, located upstairs inside Otter & Oak at 302 Second Avenue in downtown Hinton, West Virginia, is a cozy spot that pairs perfectly with the boutique outdoor and lifestyle shop below. Its warm, inviting space overlooks the historic streets of Hinton, offering a comfortable place for locals and visitors to relax with a drink after shopping or exploring the nearby New River Gorge area. The café serves a full range of coffee and tea drinks, including lattes, cold brew, frappes, smoothies, and seasonal specialties like flavored mochas and loaded teas. Their hand-picked selection of individual milk and dark chocolates, each with an assorted filling, adds a decadent touch to the menu. Sugar-free options are also available for those who prefer them. The café lists these treats separately (priced from about $1.49 to $4.99). I enjoyed a large peanut butter cup, which is like an artisanal Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. And for a drink, I went with a sea salt caramel toffee frappe. that is like all of my favorite flavors all in one syrup. Both of these were simple, but lovely. I think what sets this place apart is the ambience and space. Where else can you perch above a local business full of unique goods while enjoying a sweet treat? Not many, that's for sure. Plus, Hinton is a cute town with even more to explore after finishing up at this shop. Have you been? Grade: B

Cliffside Restaurant & Carryout in Man, West Virginia, is a simple diner, convenience store and video lottery spot located along State Highway 10.



The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with ample parking that accommodates larger vehicles and trailers—making it especially popular among visitors heading to nearby outdoor areas.



The menu features items like burgers, hoagies, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches.



I ordered a cheeseburger and picked up a candy bar I had never seen before while waiting.



The cheeseburger served on toast is simple, with the crisp edges of the bread adding a nostalgic diner-style crunch. The beef patty is thin, creating that classic melt-together bite. While it lacks the fluffiness of a traditional bun and a healthy dose of seasoning, the burger was straightforward and filling enough.



Grade: C

Southern Craft Restaurant & Bar in Parkersburg, West Virginia, offers a refined take on Southern and Cajun cuisine inspired by the owners’ years spent living in Louisiana The menu highlights made-from-scratch dishes such as gumbo, shrimp and grits, Cajun red snapper, and lobster mac and cheese, alongside decadent desserts like bread pudding with homemade rum sauce. The fettuccine arrives in a glossy, rich cream-sauce base, lush with lobster-bisque-like warmth but grounded by a subtle Cajun heat that lingers on the tongue. Generous lumps of crab meat are interspersed through the wide ribbons of pasta, offering pockets of sweet shellfish that contrast nicely with the velvety sauce. The texture hits well: the pasta is al dente, the crab firm but tender, and the sauce coats everything without feeling too heavy—just enough richness to satisfy without overwhelming. The jambalaya has a bold Cajun heat that lingers just enough to remind you it’s Southern-Creole, but it never overwhelms the other elements. The sausage adds a savory, slightly spicy punch, while the tender proteins and vegetables contribute mellow warmth and color. The dish is hearty and comforting — think home-style with a refined twist. Have you been? Grade: A

Gustard’s Bistro, located at 759 E Main Street in White Sulphur Springs, is a locally owned restaurant led by chef Stephen Gustard and partner Delphine Houssin. Gustard, a Johnson & Wales University graduate and former Greenbrier Resort chef, opened the restaurant as part of the town’s growing downtown dining scene. The bistro features a menu influenced by French cuisine and built around locally sourced ingredients from farms such as Arbaugh Farm and Mountain Steer. Menu offerings include dishes such as steak frites, chicken pot pie, fish and chips, and house-made fettuccine with meatballs. I ordered the Grilled Coulotte Steak, which comes with brown butter gnocchi, smoked gouda, baby arugula and red pepper relish. The grilled Coulotte steak was well-cooked, tender, and full of flavor, pairing nicely with the nutty brown butter gnocchi. However, the gnocchi could have benefited from more sauce to bring the elements together. The smoked gouda, served in large chunks, added strong flavor but overpowered the balance at times. The baby arugula and red pepper relish provided a fresh contrast, helping to lighten the richness of the dish.

Grade: B

Mountain Charm in Alum Creek is a boutique-style vendor marketplace that features more than 45 local vendors under one roof. They offer a mix of handmade and upscale goods, including jewelry, candles, sweets, home décor and artisan crafts. Some of the food ones include: Pauley's Homemade Creative Queen Boutique Heaven View Farms Erin’s Magic Mountain Blissful Bites Kara’s Treats & Sweets Heaven View Bakery Sunrise Bakery Sugar Maple Buddies