Here are the seven best burger spots in West Virginia to add to your dining bucket list.
1. Oscar's Breakfast, Burgers & Brews (Barboursville)
- The Vibe: High-energy, family-friendly craft beer and burger bar just outside Huntington.
- Why It's Essential: Widely regarded as a contender for the best burger in West Virginia, Oscar's Breakfast, Burgers & Brews is a powerhouse. They hand-patty their custom beef blend daily and offer an extensive, customizable gourmet burger menu alongside dozens of rotating craft beers on tap.
- What to Order: The Bacon Jam Burger—topped with sweet and savory house-made bacon jam, melted cheddar, and crispy onion straws.
2. Secret Sandwich Society (Fayetteville)
- The Vibe: Hip, rustic-modern Appalachian eatery perfect for New River Gorge dining.
- Why It's Essential: While famous for its sandwiches, Secret Sandwich Society serves some of the most sought-after craft burgers in West Virginia. They prioritize locally sourced ingredients, premium beef, and house-made sauces that elevate comfort food to an art form.
- What to Order: The Dynamo—a brioche-bun masterpiece topped with bacon, blue cheese spread, marinated roasted red peppers, and crispy onions.
3. North End Tavern & Brewery (Parkersburg)
- The Vibe: Legendary neighborhood brewpub and historic West Virginia tavern (established in 1899).
- Why It's Essential: Known locally as "The NET," North End Tavern & Brewery is the oldest WV craft brewery in the state. Along with their flagship Roatan Ale, they are universally famous for serving the famous NET Burger—a thick, juicy, no-nonsense tavern patty that has been a local legend for decades.
- What to Order: The NET Burger with cheese, grilled onions, and a pint of their fresh house-brewed amber ale.
4. Iron Horse Tavern (Morgantown)
- The Vibe: Upbeat, modern Morgantown gastropub right on High Street.
- Why It's Essential: A staple for West Virginia University locals and foodies alike, Iron Horse Tavern brings a gourmet touch to pub classics. Their kitchen uses specialty beef blends and pairs their burgers with an incredible selection of West Virginia craft beer.
- What to Order: The Iron Horse Burger—loaded with smoked gouda, bacon, candied jalapeños, and house-made barbecue glaze.
5. Vagabond Kitchen (Wheeling)
- The Vibe: Chef-driven downtown dining spotlighting Appalachian comfort food.
- Why It's Essential: Located in the Northern Panhandle, Vagabond Kitchen is led by Chef Matt Welsch, who champions authentic mountain cuisine. His chef-crafted burgers use locally sourced West Virginia beef, fresh-baked brioche buns, and creative regional toppings that make every burger memorable.
- What to Order: The Appalachian Burger—topped with local cheese, thick-cut bacon, and tangy house sauces.
6. Jim's Drive In (Lewisburg)
- The Vibe: Nostalgic 1950s classic carhop drive-in in historic Lewisburg.
- Why It's Essential: Operating continuously since the 1950s, Jim's Drive-In is an essential slice of Americana. Turn your headlights on for carhop service and enjoy an old-school retro cheeseburger cooked on a well-seasoned flat top, just like they made them 70 years ago.
- What to Order: The Rancher Burger—a loaded double cheeseburger paired with onion rings and a classic peanut butter milkshake.
7. Frostop Drive-In (Huntington)
- The Vibe: Iconic retro roadside stop featuring a giant spinning root beer mug on the roof.
- Why It's Essential: A staple of Huntington's food history, Frostop Drive-In is a historic West Virginia drive-in that has been serving generations of burger lovers. They are famous for traditional, flame-broiled burgers served alongside frosted mugs of house-made root beer.
- What to Order: The Lot Boy Burger—their signature double cheeseburger—served with a frosty mug of root beer.
Quick West Virginia Burger Tips:
- Drive-In Culture: West Virginia has one of the best-preserved drive-in restaurant cultures in America. When visiting spots like Jim's Drive-In or Frostop Drive-In, bring cash and take advantage of the carhop service!
- Pair with Local Brews: When dining at gastropubs like Oscar's Breakfast, Burgers & Brews, or Iron Horse Tavern, ask for a regional West Virginia craft beer pairing to complement your burger.
