48 Donley is a modern American restaurant located in downtown Morgantown’s Wharf District, right along the rail trail and waterfront. Coincidentally, this is the same building I spent many years working in, so it was interesting to return to this space in a whole new way. The interior has clean lines and contemporary finishes that are softened by lighting and natural textures. The result is an upscale vibe that still feels comfortable. I enjoyed the Seabass - pan-seared seabass, truffle parmesan mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, balsamic tomato mint salad and beurre blanc. Each bite layered delicate, buttery fish with a luxurious, umami-rich creaminess from the truffle parmesan potatoes, lifted by the tangy-sweet balsamic tomatoes and fresh mint. The asparagus added a subtle char and crisp contrast. Grade: A

Escobar’s is a stylish bar and restaurant located in downtown Morgantown that blends an elevated dining experience with a lively nightlife atmosphere. Known for its craft cocktails, wood-fired pizzas, and shareable small plates, Escobar’s is popular spot for late-night gatherings. I ordered a crab fondue with lump crab meat, cream cheese and sherry wine, which had a nice presentation. The crab fondue had a rich, comforting base, but the execution fell a tiny bit short. I wanted just a cleaner flavor of each of the ingredients. Grade: B

Mountain State Brewing Co. is an established brewery that was first located in Thomas and has since expanded to pubs in the North Central West Virginia area. Most recently, MSBC opened its newest pub in Star City. This is their second location in Morgantown; the first of which is in the Wharf District. I worked in that area for years, so I was a regular at that location. And one of my absolute favorite dishes anywhere is their hummus. It is garlicky and bright - and literally the best hummus I've ever had. So I decided to get a sampler of dips. Spinach Dip - A cheesy blend of spinach and artichokes, topped with cheddar jack cheese. Served with tortilla chips. Pretty good. Pretty standard. Garlic Hummus - Our original garlicky hummus garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of black pepper. Add a side of house made tapenade. Served with pita. The best hummus to ever exist. The only hummus I will eat. Buffalo chicken dip - fine. The thick congealed layer of cheddar was not easy to eat, but you can't really go wrong with buffalo chicken dip. Beer cheese - Housemade Amber Ale Queso served with tortilla chips. This was a solid selection. Velvety smooth and cheesy. Grade: A

Kidz Funland is an indoor kids’ fun center in Morgantown with a wide variety of activities and games designed to entertain children of all ages. In addition to standard kid-friendly snacks, Kidz Funland offers a small menu that leans into Vietnamese-inspired items and specialty drinks. Think eggrolls, boba tea and BBQ pork baguettes. Not what you might expect! Those are the ones that were exciting for me, but there are plenty of other options, like pizza, hamburgers and smoothies. I ordered a Korean corn dog, which instead of a cornmeal-heavy batter, it had a rice-flour batter that fried up light, chewy, and slightly sweet. The hot dog inside was replaced by mozzarella cheese, so when you bite in, you get a dramatic cheese pull. It was rolled in panko for extra crunch. So indulgent. But a sauce is needed. I also had a brown sugar boba, which is a milk-based drink featuring tapioca pearls cooked in a rich brown sugar syrup with deep notes of molasses and caramel. The syrup is swirled inside the cup before milk is added, creating a striped look and layered sweetness. Grade: B

House of Shawarma is a food truck in Morgantown on Chestnut Ridge Road that serves Mediterranean favorites like falafel, chicken bowls, gyros and, of course, shawarma.

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from thin slices of marinated meat—most commonly chicken, beef, lamb, or a combination, stacked on a vertical rotisserie and slow-roasted. As the meat cooks, it’s shaved off in thin pieces and typically served wrapped in flatbread like pita or laffa, or plated with sides.

The flavor comes from a spice-forward marinade that often includes garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and sometimes cloves or allspice. Shawarma is usually paired with toppings and sauces such as tahini, garlic sauce (toum), pickles, onions, tomatoes, and sometimes fries, depending on regional tradition.

The cooking method is closely related to other vertical-spit dishes around the world, including Turkish döner kebab and Greek gyros, all of which share a common ancestry in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. I had to try the signature chicken shawarma sandwich with turmeric, paprika & garlic sauce. But, if I'm being honest, I'm mostly here for that garlic sauce. For me, this is really the star of this dish. It adds so much flavor and that creamy texture. I could have done with another serving of it. Or two. Everything was fresh and flavorful - but more sauce and filling would kick it up a notch. Grade: B