Romney, WV restaurants might conjure images of predictable, chain-heavy dining. Yet, tucked along its historic streets are genuine gems where reservations are optional, the dress code is ‘come as you are,’ and the focus stays squarely on remarkable, unpretentious food. Here are 16 local favorites that deliver exactly that.
Fox’s Pizza Den
$ | (304) 822-3831 | WEBSITE
A small-town pizza institution in a sea of chain restaurants, Fox’s Pizza Den still retains its old-school charm (it’s been around for decades). On any given day, it’s filled with families grabbing dinner, travelers stopping for a quick meal, and locals enjoying a satisfying slice. The pizza-focused menu is straightforward, but also has plenty of beloved options like the classic pepperoni, unique specialty pies, and the popular pizzaroni. The food is amazing and the wings are delicious.
The staff, including kind servers like Mike Tyson, is doing their absolute best and service is phenomenal. It’s a go-to spot for a quick and satisfying meal, definitely worth the stop if heading through Romney.
The Brass Rail Sports Bar
$ | (304) 822-5300 | WEBSITE
The Brass Rail Sports Bar is a fun, lively, refreshingly unpretentious spot where you can drink IPA’s, watch sports on the TVs, and enjoy some really good, affordable bar food. The Eastern Shore Wings are one of the better moves here. They cost $14 and come with more than enough crispy, saucy goodness for two to share while catching the game.
Lost Mountain BBQ Company
$ | (304) 359-2570 | WEBSITE
Although it’s situated right off the main road through Romney, this unassuming BBQ joint is a genuinely welcoming spot, filled with rustic charm (including a big smoker right out front you can see from the parking lot). They have a menu that reads like a classic barbecue checklist – ribs, pulled pork, loaded potatoes – but it’s all remarkably well-executed. Go for the tender, moist ribs slathered in their homemade sweet BBQ sauce and pair it with a side of their flavorful baked beans.
Hong kong Chinese restaurant
$ | (304) 822-8188 | WEBSITE
Everyone loves Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant, the Romney institution that has been around for years, before the town even had many dining options. However, not everyone loves waiting for a table at Hong Kong, which can take a while during busy evenings. But here’s the trick: You can pretty much get the same delicious menu to-go, including perfectly cooked vegetables and flavorful tofu dishes for around $10-12 per entrée.
There is absolutely no dress code and you can either eat there at the simple, brightly lit tables or take your meal home for a cozy dinner that’s way better than your average takeout from a chain restaurant.
Bakery Barn LLC
$ | (304) 359-2584 | WEBSITE
So it might not be your most formal dining experience, but the bright, cheerful bakery atmosphere is downright charming in this comfortable Romney spot. The made-to-order sandwiches are fresh and satisfying with quality ingredients and vegetarian options, along with the pepperoni rolls. This is a good bet for a reasonably priced lunch with family before you blow your cash on way too many fancy desserts elsewhere.
Sprinkles on Top
$ | WEBSITE
There is debate as to whether or not Sprinkles on Top is as good as the New Orleans snowballs it emulates, but there is no debate as to whether or not it’s a much easier spot to find. But it’s still some of the best ice cream in Romney, and the stand mimics its Southern inspiration’s feel with a warm and welcoming space. Sprinkles doesn’t take reservations, so you may have to wait for a cone, but don’t expect crazy long lines like its New Orleans counterparts.
The soft serve here is smooth and creamy, with a pleasant balance of sweet flavors and tangy toppings. The simple menu also includes shaved ice options, various toppings, and a very good value served inside or among plentiful seating in the parking lot.
Hanging Rocks Ice Cream LLC
$ | (304) 813-1866 | WEBSITE
Hanging Rocks Ice Cream LLC is a sweet spot just off the main road perfect for an afternoon treat or a family outing where you won’t need to plan ahead. They serve generous cones and loaded “frosty” like shakes with creative flavors and combinations to choose from. If you’re not trying to have ice cream for dinner, get one of their classic cones, some toppings on the side, or just order one of those shakes with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Main Street Grill
$ | (304) 822-4745 | WEBSITE
I am usually wary of small-town restaurants located right on the main drag, but even though Main Street Grill looks like your classic family diner cliche, it actually has a satisfying selection of comfort food disguised as home cooking. The sit-down service spot includes filling lunch and dinner options, such as chicken tenders with gravy and pasta, with well-decorated party rooms good for hosting a special evening.
Also, I have yet to find another plate of chicken tenders under $12 in all of Romney.
M & M Pizza
$ | (304) 822-3176 | WEBSITE
M & M Pizza is a classic Romney spot and a great place to grab a bite early or late with some wings and drinks while you appreciate the clean, no-fuss atmosphere. Chicken takes up the bulk of the menu – just don’t forget to put in an order for the Friday all-you-can-eat deal, which is really just an efficient delivery system for the best chicken in the area.
Dairy Queen
$ | (304) 822-3111 | WEBSITE
Dairy Queen is a fast-food spot in a part of Romney where your dining options are pretty basic. Thankfully this place isn’t like the generic chains you’ll find along the highway. It’s actually solid, especially their burgers and chicken tenders. They don’t overcomplicate things here: the service is friendly, the orders are accurate, and you’d never expect to have such a reliable meal so close to a gas station.
Burger King
$ | (304) 822-7395 | WEBSITE
The food at Burger King—mostly burgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches—is all various levels of good. But it’s also not the biggest reason to come here. We really like this place because it’s quick yet consistent, convenient but not just another generic fast food joint, and (for what you get) reasonably priced. That kind of fast food restaurant is an exceedingly rare breed in Romney.
So you should definitely have this place on your radar for a lunch break, a quick dinner with the family, or grabbing a satisfying Whopper and having a few refreshing sodas before heading home. The restaurant is located in a convenient spot, and has a clean dining area that feels reliably maintained. The space has bright lighting that’ll hide the fact you’re eating fast food, and tidy tables, so you won’t get distracted by the usual rush of a quick-service spot.
Subway
$ | (304) 822-8558 | WEBSITE
Subway is a reliable Romney spot with a straightforward but satisfying selection of sandwiches. The options include classics like turkey, ham, and the standout Flatbread teriyaki chicken—and the teriyaki chicken is our go-to. The chicken comes with tender grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and a savory teriyaki glaze, all on warm, soft flatbread.
The turkey—their version of a simple, fresh sub—uses thinly sliced turkey breast, which pairs nicely with crunchy cucumbers and a hint of mustard. They’re both a perfect quick lunch for a group or a solo bite, or a solid choice if Romney has you craving something consistent and unpretentious. Plus, the cookies are fresh by the register and you can walk out of here with chips and a drink to round out the meal.
McDonald’s
$ | (304) 822-7348 | WEBSITE
There is an 87% chance you will whisper ‘This is decent’ to yourself while eating at McDonald’s. The fast-food spot does actually feel more like you’re at a reliable neighborhood joint than a typical chain restaurant, thanks to the ample parking with convenient handicap spots, and a wheelchair-accessible ramp right near the entrance. The kid-friendly, family-filled atmosphere also doesn’t hurt.
For breakfast, choose from fast-food staples such as the affordable, but satisfying hot sausage biscuits or the crispy, golden fries (get them during early lunch for the best quality). They also handle busy events well, with reports from the Romney Peach Festival of helpful, friendly staff serving great food. Some inconsistencies exist, like occasional stale tea or kiosk order mix-ups, but overall it’s a solid spot for fast food that seems to be improving over time.
El Centro Pizzeria Family Restaurant
$ | (304) 496-8111 | WEBSITE
If you’re not paying attention, you might overlook this unassuming family restaurant tucked away in Romney. But you’d also be missing out on the incredible variety of dishes that span American, Italian, and Mexican cuisines. The food here is consistently delicious, from hearty pizzas to flavorful tacos, all served with great care by the friendly staff. The restaurant also features a game area that keeps everyone entertained, making it perfect for families looking for a fun night out.
With reasonable prices—most entrees hover around $15—and a welcoming atmosphere, El Centro Pizzeria is the kind of place where you can relax and enjoy a satisfying meal without any fuss.
Italian Touch
$ | (304) 822-5800 | WEBSITE
Even though Romney offers plenty of dining options, there are surprisingly few restaurants with truly authentic Italian flavors to savor (or rave about to friends). Or, at least, very few where you can get a perfectly cooked $12 cheese pizza.
At Italian Touch, you can enjoy family-friendly meals (it’s right there in the atmosphere) and not break the bank in this lively, welcoming spot with consistently excellent food, delicious vegetarian choices, and a Greek dish section we’ve never actually seen anyone skip for the pizza.
Romney Brew Station
$ | (304) 359-2589 | WEBSITE
Why do spots tucked away in small towns tend to be so comforting? Maybe the quiet charm makes things feel cozier – but at Romney Brew Station, it’s definitely just because this is one of the best coffee shops in the area. Romney Brew Station does a very popular salted caramel treat, but it’s worth it to branch out to some of the simpler ones, like the breakfast sandwiches, which are delicious and will make your entire morning feel brighter if you grab one early.
This place is certainly family-friendly, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have to wait for a seat in the toy corner if you come at peak morning or afternoon hours.
